Wasilla teen honored by Summer of Heroes program

PALMER — A Mat-Su Valley teen was one of six Alaska youths honored as part of Alaska Communications’ 2012 Summer of Heroes program.

No stranger to Frontiersman readers, Keefer Brown, 14, of Wasilla received a $1,500 scholarship and was honored at a welcome banquet Saturday followed by a day at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on Sunday.

The six recipients of this year’s Summer of Heroes scholarships, ranging from ages 12 to 18, were selected from more than 60 nominations received from communities across the state.

Brown was one of six young heroes honored after he raised more than $2,300 selling shell-decorated candles in Seldovia as a fundraiser for the Alaska SeaLife Center. For his donation, SeaLife staff let Brown name the center’s first new seal pup, Kordelia, meaning “jewel of the sea.”

“Alaska Communications is committed to helping youth in Alaska succeed and we are proud to recognize those who are giving back,” said Heather Cavanaugh, director of corporate communications at Alaska Communications. “We launched the Summer of Heroes program with Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska to build awareness for programs that provide positive environments and experiences for young people, but we had no idea how many inspiring stories we would hear along the way. We are proud to be part of a community with so many outstanding individuals.”

Alaska Communications also pledged to donate $25 to Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska for every phone sold during the nomination period, up to $15,000. The final tally and donation announcement is planned at the club’s 30th annual Auction Gala on Sept. 15.