Fayth Gaw
February 6, 2017Fayth Gaw stands up against bullying and harassment, and is always willing to support, or be present for her peers.
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Johnnie Avakumoff
December 31, 2016Johnnie Avakumoff is an excellent role model for his peers. He works hard at school, holds a job at Sam’s club, and is a talented jewelry-maker. Johnnie also enjoys writing essays that he can share with his peers and community. He has written about the importance of staying away from drugs and alcohol, healthy relationships, his faith in […]
Read MoreIvory Gerhardt-Cyrus
In 2014, Ivory Gerhardt-Cyrus started a youth group called OPT IN Kiana with money she obtained through a Stand Up Speak Up grant. OPT IN Kiana recognizes that everyone has value and seeks to engage youth who are often excluded from school activities.
Read MoreLucas Dinsmore
December 28, 2016Lucas Dinsmore has overcome immense health challenges, and continues to fight for his life. He exhibits great strength and kindness in the face of adversity. The Colony Middle School community is rooting for him.
Read MoreElsa O’Neil
December 20, 2016Elsa O’Neil is an openminded student who is always willing to stand up for those who need a friend, and speak her mind.
Read MoreMakenzie Wikheim
Makenzie Wikheim has begun advocating for herself and standing up to bullying, which sends a positive message to her peers.
Read MoreKenny Stiebritz
Kenny Stiebritz has had to overcome many challenges in life, but always maintains an upbeat and positive attitude. Kenny enjoys taking on leadership roles and is always willing to help his peers.
Read MoreMilagro Darby
December 13, 2016Milagro Darby has started her own tutoring business, which offers services to youth, as well as students taking lower-level college courses. Milagro has overcome personal health challenges with Lyme Disease, and is working to raise awareness of Lyme Disease and counsel others who are also impacted by this health issue.
Read MoreDixie George
December 12, 2016Dixie George is a dedicated student at Angoon High School. This year, she has overcome personal strife and helped her family through a period of struggle, all while keeping up with her school work.
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Yuting (Tina) Kang
Yuting (Tina) Kang is an involved member of her community, and is committed to academic excellence. Upon arriving at Cook Inlet Academy, she worked hard to overcome language barriers and achieve a high level of success.
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Denali Schultz
October 19, 2016During her time in high school, Denali Schultz became an involved member of the community. She volunteered often, and joined the Native Youth Leadership team in Kenai. While acting as a leader in her community, Denali was also working two jobs to help pay the bills for her family. Denali overcame a number of personal […]
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Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch
October 3, 2016Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch is devoted to combating suicide in her community. Kaisa is a member of the TECK Youth Leader’s Program, a school district program in which youth are trained in bullying and suicide prevention. She also serves as a youth representative with the Maniilaq Behavioral Health Program, which works to identify and combat primary […]
Read MoreSamir Akal
September 6, 2016Samir Akal came to Anchorage two years ago after leaving a refugee camp in Egypt. Going above and beyond what was required of him, Samir has achieved a high level of academic success. But his hard work has not stopped there. Living with diabetes himself, Samir hopes to help others combat the disease by working […]
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Bailey Lesslie
December 31, 2015Bailey has overcome many challenges in her life. She uses her experiences to mentor other teens who suffer from depression and anxiety. She doesn’t let her health problems get in the way of her extensive community service with HOPE worldwide.
Read MoreNaasha Tallman
Naasha is a leader in helping others reach their potential in STEM programs. She is a member of a robotics team that provides outreach to the community. She loves to dance and participates weekly in the Unangan Dance Group.
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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 MoreRowan Folds
December 10, 2015Rowan 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 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.
Read MoreAbigail Lampley
November 20, 2015Abigail 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 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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