Spirit of Youth nominations open

Greg Lincoln

by Greg Lincoln

The folks at the Spirit of Youth have been working to promote and empower our young people by helping to recognize and celebrate their volunteerism and accomplishments. Do you know of a youth group or a teen that is doing something positive for your community? Nominations are being accepted for Spirit of Youth recognition for Alaskan youth age 12-19. By nominating them you will let them know their contributions matter and make a difference.

Spirit of Youth is dedicated to empowering Alaska’s teens through positive media recognition and the annual awards program. All nominees in each of the eight categories are publicly recognized in their communities, and award winners have the opportunity to receive a scholarship.

The eight categories are:

•The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government. Previous nominees have managed political campaigns, served on school boards and youth courts, built and hosted campaign websites, or have organized fundraisers, designed play grounds, repaired houses, helped elders and others in need.

•The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math and science through research, study, or improvement in their community. Previous nominees include youth who studied humpback whale DNA, created a community planet walk, participated in robotics programs, and conducted earthquake research.

•The Live-Saver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives. Previous nominees have shown courage by pulling hypothermic tourists out of a raging river, taught life-saving skills, conducted seat belt programs and served as volunteer firefighters or first responders.

•The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who rise with new life like a phoenix and display exceptional determination and stamina as they overcome significant life challenges. Previous nominees have raised funds to help others with an illness, have succeeded despite disability, or helped their families or community address difficult circumstances.

•The Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an economic venture. Previous nominees have built and hosted websites and have even started their own movie theatres, coffee shops and delivery services.

•The Dreamer Award recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms. Previous nominees include students who have worked on radio programs and local newspapers, organized musical ensembles, and taught native arts and dance.

•Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community. These teens can be outstanding leaders, peer counselors, or a positive assistant in the classroom. Previous nominees have included tutors, mentors, or instructors in a variety of fields. These teens build assets in themselves and their friends.

•The Discovery Award highlights accomplishments made by youth in environmental advocacy projects and technology ventures. Previous nominees include youth who mapped the Kenai floodplain and worked to restore the Kenai River banks, as well as those who created relevant websites and taught computer skills in their communities.

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Nominations can come from anyone who wishes to recognize a hard-working Alaska teenager. Anyone can make a nomination including school staff and board members, youth clubs and organizations, the business community, or other teenagers. If you are a community member inspired by a teen’s efforts you can submit a nomination.

Research demonstrates that youth who are recognized for their accomplishments by the people around them are better able to build confidence for their future endeavors. You have the power to make such a difference in the life of an Alaska teen!

Spirit of Youth relies upon community members who have been inspired by a young person that they know are making positive contributions to Alaska as our state’s future stewards. Nominations are quick, easy, and may be done directly through the Spirit of Youth website.

Eight nominees are chosen by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council to receive the award and be featured on our Spirit of Youth radio series, which broadcasts to nearly 100 Alaska communities. Individual award recipients will receive a scholarship from Alaska 529 of up to $2,000 and eight runners-up will each receive a $500 scholarship. Group recipients receive a grant to support their efforts.

Nominations are open through December 31, 2022. Youth and/or youth group award winners will be selected early in 2023.