Proud of Alaska teens

Saturday evening I was fortunate to be invited to Spirit of Youth annual awards ceremony by one of the SOY’s board members, Ley Schleich. It was quite a gala event with teens from all regions of our state present. The winners from the Government and Business category were from the Valley. These young women were mentored by “retired” Valley teachers, Gini King-Taylor and Judy Youngquist, and sustained with food donated by Leny Cullup, owner of the Pandemonium Cafe. The teens have a very active group. Briana Murphy, a Colony High School junior and Lily Coyle are the teens who organized this political forum. The group meets at Pandemonium on Tuesdays, thus the title “Tuesday Talk with Teens.” They were busy discussing the political process prior to the election and did a great job of researching. Although they expected the meetings to end with the election, the enthusiasm is still strong. They have now moved on to statewide issues.

These young people are truly doing a great job. Seeing the youth from all over Alaska at this presentation, I know we are fortunate to have such future leaders among us. Check out their website at http://www.spiritofyouth.org. Their program is supported by donations. I know when you check it out you will agree we need to support them toward their goals.

Mary Kvalheim

Wasilla