Spirit of Youth continues to grow

Now in its seventh year, the Spirit of Youth continues to grow and become a major statewide organization that accentuates the positives Alaska youth are doing.

The annual Spirit of Youth awards are a highlight of the year for the organization, but honoring teens isn't the only function.

During past election years 2000 and 2002, the Spirit of Youth organized the Youth Vote project to get students involved in the political debate.

The Spirit of Youth Teen Action Council is also heavily involved with the Alaska Teen Media Institute, which provides journalism training and has a teen newsroom.

"We have been continuing to grow every year," executive directory Cher Easley said. "We're getting more and more exposure every year."

In the past, two finalists have been chosen in each of 10 Spirit of Youth Award categories, which one winner announced in each category.

That's changing this year, however.

"Our council had a hard time picking one finalist over the other because all of the finalists are so deserving," Easley said. "So this year, we decided they are all winners."

In the past, the winner in each category received $500 in addition to a trophy and certificate, while the other finalist received $100. This year, Easley said both finalists will receive $300.

This year, the organization received about 20 more nominees than last year, and the number of nominees is now over 150. Nominees come from around the state.

Nominations are already being accepted by the council for next year's awards.

Those interested in nominating teens can check out the organization's Web site at www.spiritofyouth.org.