Krista S., Kodiak – While working as a Student Conservation
Association (SCA) volunteer Krista saw firsthand the effect of trash
and marine debris on Kodiak beaches. Her experience inspired her to
better educate students in her community about the impact of marine
debris. Krista partnered with NOAA, Island Trails Network, and local
schools to organize beach clean ups and to develop lesson plans,
virtual field trips, and marine debris art kits.
Amara S., Juneau - After a health emergency, Amara's family to
switched from the Standard American Diet to a Plant Based Diet and
found they were healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. Amara
noticed that many of her peers did not know what a plant based diet is
or how their eating habits affected their health, so she worked with
the Contemporary Cuisine teacher at her high school to developed a
plant based diet unit. Students learned the benefits and how to plan,
prepare, and cook plant based meals. Her unit has been added into the
curriculum and will continue to be taught to future students.
Kasey Z., Anchorage - Kasey noticed a lack of engagement
between elders and teenagers, so she created a partnership between the
Anchorage Senior Center and the King Tech High School cosmetology
program. Students provided manicures which allowed them to practice
their nail technician skills, talk with the senior citizens, and help
them with self-care. Kasey saw that the senior citizens were very
excited to get their nails done and enjoyed interacting with the high
schoolers. Many were interested in going to the school to have
services done when they are able.
Daisy K., Homer – Daisy rallied youth and adults in her
community to become more aware of the urgent issues related to the
environment and climate change. She established a local chapter of
Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, educated students and voters on
the Homer bag ban ordnance and plastic spork ban at Homer High School,
testified at Kenai Borough assembly meetings in favor of establishing
a Climate Commission, and organized a climate rally as part of the
Global Youth Climate Strike.