Olivia “Ollie” Okeahialam

December 31, 2025

Ollie is a highly motivated student in a rigorous dual-enrollment program who balances college-level coursework with a strong commitment to community service. She serves as Alaska’s youth ambassador for STEM Next’s Youth Voices in STEM Flight Crew, tutors math at a community center to address inequities in STEM education, and participates in the Anchorage Museum’s […]

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Betsy Jo Boeskool

Betsy Jo Boeskool is an engaged youth leader who demonstrates cultural pride, initiative, and service through her involvement with the Filipino American Society of Fairbanks. She has led youth-centered cultural and fundraising efforts, including delivering a Filipino American History Month speech, helping run a youth-led Sari-Sari store to support Fil-Am programming, and organizing fundraisers to […]

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Ella Wheeles

Ella is a senior at Dimond High School and an exceptional student leader with a strong record of academic achievement, athletics, and civic engagement. Through her roles in Student Government, Model UN, and as Secretary of the Anchorage School District Student Advisory Board, she independently led youth advocacy efforts around education funding and student opportunities […]

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Miley Kakaruk

Miley is a friendly, thoughtful young leader who is deeply involved in Native Youth Olympics at her school and through year-round events, where she actively promotes NYO as one of Alaska’s most important sporting traditions. She regularly invites new students to participate, educates others about the games, and inspires sportsmanship while helping organize events and […]

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Rebel McGrath

Rebel is a compassionate and joyful 14-year-old youth leader whose energy, kindness, and empathy make others feel welcomed and valued. She is deeply committed to service, volunteering across her community through cultural programs, food drives, school events, fundraising efforts, and support for organizations such as Rotary Exchange, Parks and Rec, and the Humane Association. Rebel […]

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Emmanuel Edwards

Emmanuel is a compassionate and thoughtful youth leader who demonstrates maturity, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion within his rural community. As a member of the Tide Turners youth leadership team, he was selected to attend the 2025 Lead On youth conference and has taken an active role in addressing bullying, promoting […]

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Emi Anderson

Emi is a dedicated student, athlete, and youth leader who consistently demonstrates compassion, responsibility, and initiative through her involvement in school, athletics, and community service. She serves as a positive role model by mentoring younger students through Norwegian dancing, supporting cultural traditions, and volunteering her time with fundraisers, her dance studio, and as a lifeguard. […]

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Yedidia Diboue

Yedidia is a highly driven, thoughtful, and kind youth leader who combines entrepreneurship, innovation, and service to create meaningful community impact. At just 11 years old, she founded YY Sweets, independently managing all aspects of the business while donating 10% of her profits to causes such as St. Jude’s, Sandy Hook Promise, and Women LISTEN, […]

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Brayden-Kai Tucker

December 30, 2025

Brayden-Kai demonstrates exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to service as a senior at Petersburg High School. A National Honor Society member and state-level athlete in basketball and track, he balances academic excellence with teamwork and a strong interest in marine biology. Despite the loss of his father, Brayden-Kai has remained a pillar of strength, giving […]

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Miley Kakaruck

Miley has served as president of the Indigenous Leadership and Culture Club at West High School for the past three years, demonstrating sustained and impactful student leadership. In this role, she leads club meetings, facilitates discussions around issues important to students, and creates a supportive environment where Indigenous students are encouraged to embrace their identities […]

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Janissa Noongwook

Janissa is a committed and values-driven student whose leadership is rooted in cultural pride, perseverance, and civic responsibility. She worked alongside journalists from Alaska Public Media and KNOM to produce a radio story celebrating the Siberian Yupik drum and dance tradition, Atuq, which was later featured on National Native News. Janissa actively engages in academics, […]

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Josephine Ungott

Josephine exemplifies youth leadership through her dedication to cultural preservation, academic engagement, and service to her community. She collaborated with journalists from Alaska Public Media and KNOM to help produce a radio story amplifying the Siberian Yupik drum and dance tradition, Atuq, which was later shared nationally through National Native News. Josephine is deeply involved […]

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Tehani Samoa Taugofie

December 29, 2025

Tehani Samoa Taugofie is a highly involved youth contributing her time and energy to Color Your Mine: Art Youth Activity, Youth Court Summit, Multicultural Youth Educational Summit, and Community Cricket Culture. Tehani was a leader in the Color Your Mine: Art Youth project, which is a project that focuses on helping youth with mental disabilities […]

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Mazelle Joseph

December 22, 2025

Mazelle is a youth organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA). She is someone who cares deeply about her community and her culture, and she is a role model to other youth, especially Alaska Native youth, when it comes to learning her traditional language and being proud of her identity. This year as part […]

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Wesley Hewson-Lastimosa

December 16, 2025

Wesley has been an active member of Ketchikan Youth for Change for three years, contributing to youth-led advocacy focused on substance use prevention and homelessness awareness. He has helped develop and implement multiple school- and community-based programs, including Red Ribbon Week, Your Choice Carnival, Ghost Out, and Sleep-Out, reaching elementary, middle, and high school students […]

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Veronica (Ronnie) Garrett

Ronnie is a dedicated youth leader who dedicates her time to Partners Club, an inclusive high school club that celebrates people with and without disabilities. Ronnie supports students in life skills classes as a peer mentor by offering guidance, encouragement, and positive interaction. She also serves as a peer partner in Unified Track and volunteers […]

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Sean Middleton

December 11, 2025

Sean Middleton demonstrates exceptional youth leadership in Fairbanks by organizing hockey training sessions, mentoring younger athletes, and promoting healthy living through fitness programs he designs at the Hockey Club Fairbanks (HCF) gym. He fosters teamwork, discipline, and positive community culture while also volunteering for events like the HCF Christmas party to bring joy to younger […]

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Jillian A. Dolph

December 8, 2025

Jillian has been committed to community service since childhood, contributing to a wide range of efforts, from supporting Anchorage Firefighters to volunteering with Special Olympics and Dimond High’s Partners Club. She has led major philanthropic projects, including organizing a blood drive that collected 30 units of blood, enough to save up to 66 lives, and […]

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Sofia Jordan

Sofia is a highly engaged student leader who holds elected positions in multiple organizations, including PR Officer for Student Government and National Technical Honor Society and President of HOSA. She revitalized her school’s Holiday Craft Fair after years of unsuccessful attempts, coordinating student groups and community outreach to bring more than 20 activities to life. […]

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Isabelle Machos

Isabelle has been a dedicated volunteer since early childhood, playing a key role in low-cost spay/neuter clinics and offering calm, compassionate support to both animals and stressed pet owners. She helps rehabilitate cats and kittens in need, assists with humane trapping efforts, and is involved daily in caring for rescued animals, even in harsh weather. […]

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