Valley students earn Spirit of Youth nominations

The Burchell High School dancers are a finalist for the Spirit of Youth awards, which are being presented tonight in Anchorage at the 4th Avenue Theatre.

The purpose of the Spirit of Youth awards is to showcase the positive things teens are doing around the state. Students ages 12-19 are eligible to be nominated in one of 10 categories -- service to children, community and peers; cultural pursuits; overcoming challenges; science, technology and media; participation in government or business; lifesaver, environmental activism and fine arts.

The Burchell High School dancers are the only finalists from the Valley. If they are selected as the winner in the fine arts division, they will receive $500. Just for being named as one of the two finalists, the group will receive $100.

In addition to the Burchell High School dancers, a number of Valley individuals and groups were nominated for the awards. They are:

Brian Long, Wasilla, fine arts. He is a student musician and active in youth symphony, pit orchestra, choir and band.

Wasilla High School Peer Helpers, service to peers. Peer mediators and peer counselors who have made a difference at their school.

Barianne Perkins, Wasilla, cultural pursuits. She has provided cultural enrichment to her community through performances in major musical productions.

Tasha Justice, Wasilla, service to peers. She has organized food drives and Toys for Tots drives, as well as being active in peer helper groups.

Vanessa Arno, Palmer, service to peers. She volunteers her time as a youth court judge and attorney.

Palmer High School Peer Helpers, service to peers. They serve as student mediators at their school to help resolve conflicts.

Natalie Beach, Palmer, service to children. She tutors second- and third-grade students four times a week to improve their reading skills, as well as providing child care while parents are taking parenting classes.

Palmer High School hockey team, service to community. Team members helped clean the Central Peninsula Sports Center in Soldotna on a road trip.

"Hilfiger Teens," media. Jesse Thompson, James Klauder and Sean Holland won $25,000 from the Tommy Hilfiger Co. for their patriotic, inspirational Americana video.

All of the nominees received a certificate from the Spirit of Youth Foundation.