Will Sandidge
December 18, 2015Will is a youth board member of Radio Free Palmer as well as a volunteer. He fills in for the morning show, produces news pieces and interviews and assists with a student-run monthly radio show.
Read MoreAnnie Connelly
This is the third year Annie has organized and implemented the Ski-for-Aid, a 5k race to honor her middle school teacher. All the proceeds from the race are donated to Brother Francis Shelter. She has worked with Olympians Holly Brooks and Kikkan Randall on the Fast and Female events, which encourages young girls to be athletic and healthy. […]
Read MoreHooper Bay Native Survivors
The Hooper Bay Native Survivors Dance Group perform traditional and modern dances and songs. Through teamwork they create lifelong friendships and encourage one another to face life’s challenges with positivity.
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Tatiana Ticknor
Tatiana is passionate about learning her Alaska Native culture. She is involved in a Yupik dance group, works as a cultural ambassador at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and is on the Youth Leadership Council at East High School. She is committed to making a difference by changing community norms for her peers.
Read MoreKerri Deitz
Kerri volunteers at the Anchorage Moose Lodge and uses the skills she gains there to teach young children. She is also involved in fundraising for the Scotty Gomez Foundation and has a passion for helping others.
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Garrett Nickle
December 17, 2015Garrett is helping improve the quality of life for many people in the Tanana Valley through his giving and advocacy on behalf of United Way. He participates in all of his workplace United Way events such as the chili cook off and department competitions. He is an inspiration to all with his leadership and giving.
Read MoreCasey Marsh
As part of a senior project Casey organized and participated in a campout event in Homer to bring awareness about youth homelessness to her community.
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Kiana LeBel Wood
December 16, 2015Kiana is passionate about her community and caring for children. She volunteers with youth in her church and mentors foster children. Her family adopted two children from the Philippines in 2011 and she has been committed to their being healthy and loved.
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Elias Vargas
Elias is a member of the Fairbanks Curling Club where he teaches youth and adults curling techniques. His ability to recruit new members and his enthusiasm for curling is what helps keep his club thriving.
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Rest in Fleece
Middle schoolers at Northern Lights ABC School created the company Rest in Fleece, which sells student-made fleece blankets. The students pay wages to their employees, commission to their sales team, and made a 10% donation to Beans Cafe this year. They are empowered to run their own company, make their own decisions and experience the full life cycle of a business.
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Joie Jackson
December 11, 2015Joie led the “Treats for Troops” project at her school where students put together care packages for troops serving overseas. Joie was involved in every step of the project up to and including loading up the packages for shipment. She helped create a sense of community, togetherness and camaraderie among the student body.
Read MoreJocelyn Waggoner
December 10, 2015Jocelyn volunteers for Junior Nordic Ski Club where she helps elementary school students learn to ski. She also leads Socially Active Youth Vocalizing Empowerment, a group that helps young people be heard.
Read MoreRowan Folds
Rowan was the only Alaskan chosen to be a part of the U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team’s Fly Girls camp. She is now sharing her experience with other girls and encouraging them to get involved in sports. She inspires girls to be confident and courageous.
Read MoreLacayah Engebertson
December 9, 2015Lacayah is passionate about becoming an educator and has plans to help change the education system to benefit Alaska Native youth. When she was keynote speaker at the 2015 First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference she spoke about how Native youth need to learn resilience. She shared that she has suffered during her short life, but faith and […]
Read MoreKinani Halvorsen
Kinani is enthusiastic about music. From bass trombone to piano, music fills her with a feeling beyond words. She got a digeridoo when she was in elementary school and has taught herself to play the indigenous Aboriginal instrument.
Read MoreSydney Zuyus
November 24, 2015Sydney started a group called the Bella Campaign where they reach out to girls who don’t see their own beauty and provide them with a makeover and a photo shoot. Through this transformation, the girls feel beautiful, happy and are confident in themselves.
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Fairbanks Youth for Habitat Program
November 20, 2015Fairbanks Youth for Habitat organized a streambank restoration and rain garden project. Their creation improves the water quality and natural habitats along the Chena River and makes it a better place for salmon and other wildlife.
Read MoreAbigail Lampley
Abigail has had many struggles in life. Due to brain surgery she can no longer use the left side of her body. She started her first job at Steamdriven Boutique where she manages the social media account. She is an inspiration to those who have undergone the same type of surgery and spoke at the Hemispherectomy Conference when she […]
Read MoreShannyn Bird
Shannyn Bird has led statewide youth campaigns to fight climate change, protect wild salmon, and advocate for local food. She is a Youth Organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action and has galvanized youth in the interior to stand up for a sustainable future for Alaska.
Read MoreChristiane “Bunno” Chayalkun
Bunno is the President of the Cup’ik Qissunamiut Youth Group in Chevak, which helps out the community and focuses on bullying and suicide prevention. She is also an active member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action and attended the 2015 Youth Organizer Summit.
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