Looking for 2019’s Heroes! Alaska Communication’s Summer of Heroes Program Honors Alaskan Youth by Sam Jordan at ASDN

Now in its ninth year, Alaska Communication’s ‘Summer of Heroes’ program honors outstanding youth from across Alaska. The program’s aim is to promote awareness and support for youth development programs throughout the state.

For those unfamiliar with this program, Alaska Communications, together with Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska, recognizes five young heroes, between the ages of 6 and 18, who are making a difference in their local communities. A hero can be any youth who has:

  • Volunteered or raised significant funds for a cause

  • Made a difference in school through education or sports

  • Inspired others to take action

  • Made a significant contribution to his or her community

  • Considered others’ needs before their own

In 2018, youth heroes were chosen from Fairbanks, North Pole, Juneau, Palmer and Anchorage.

2018 Summer of Heroes Recipients

Olivia Skelton from Anchorage was nominated because of her volunteer work for Special Olympic and at an assisted living center, and for a grassroots rural reading program. Jenelle Brooke from Fairbanks was nominated for her work with Volunteers in Policing and for her leadership as an assistant soccer coach. Bergen Davis of Juneau was nominated for his work with Juneau’s homeless population. Aubrey Virgin of Palmer was nominated for her work to raise awareness about Kawasaki Disease. Ashley Perry of Anchorage was nominated for her work coordinating donations of food and basic hygiene supplies, creating an animal shelter reading program and for a program to bring celebrities to hospitals when they visit Alaska. Finally, Allison Cline was nominated for her work as a leader in the High school Air Force JROTC and her work with the Fairbanks Rescue Mission.

In 2019 five new heroes, plus one from the Employee Program, will each receive a $1,500 scholarship and special recognition in their local community. The program is very interested in statewide representation, so you are encouraged to nominate a youth in your local area. Nominate your hero via the online form at www.AlaskaCommunications.com/SummerofHeroes or at Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska clubhouse. Nominations are due June 28. 2019.