‘Alaska Youth Lead the Way: Six Honored for Positive Community Impact’ by Alaska Communications

Across Alaska, young people are tackling real issues, like fighting food insecurity, advocating for mental health, expanding access to youth sports and the arts, and creating more inclusive communities.

This summer, through a program called Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska are recognizing six exceptional young Alaskans.

From North Pole to Seward, these teens are showing up, standing up and lifting up their communities with one act of kindness, leadership or creativity at a time. They’re coaches, mentors, artists, first responders and changemakers. And they’re just getting started.

Congratulations to the 2025 Summer of Heroes recipients:

• Ella Boerger, age 18 from AnchorageBy comforting newborns, serving meals to families and encouraging kids in remote villages, Ella helps others feel safe, supported and seen.

• Grace Kahn, age 18 from KenaiFrom tutoring math and refereeing youth sports to stocking food pantry shelves, Grace leads with heart and lifts up her Kenai community.

• Shelby Rider, age 18 from North PoleWhether answering EMT calls, raising funds for mental health or leading service projects, Shelby supports her North Pole community with dedication and heart.

• Lola Swanson, age 17 from SewardLola built a youth dance program in Seward that gives kids a place to belong and ensures no one misses out through scholarships and school residencies.

• Xiling Tanner, age 16 from KenaiAs a civic leader, STEM mentor and agricultural advocate, Xiling creates opportunities and builds stronger systems for his Kenai Peninsula community.

• Makai Warren-Dowl, age 18 from ChugiakFrom mentoring Special Olympics athletes to delivering clothes to classmates in need, Makai is quietly building a more inclusive and compassionate community.

“Our young people are driving real change in their communities,” said Paul Fenaroli, president and CEO of Alaska Communications. “They lead with compassion, courage and creativity. We’re proud to shine a light on their achievements. Congratulations to this year’s honorees. Your actions inspire all of us to serve more boldly.”

Through the Summer of Heroes program, each honoree will receive a $2,000 scholarship for their outstanding service to their local Alaska communities. Additionally, as part of its ongoing commitment to youth, Alaska Communications donates $15,000 annually to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska to support youth development programs.

In response to the immediate needs facing youth programs and clubhouses statewide, Fenaroli launched a special challenge to double the contribution and raise an additional $15,000 this year. Employees collectively donated $5,000, which was matched by the company, and matched again through a personal gift from Fenaroli. In total, $30,000 will go toward supporting programs that uplift, empower and create opportunity for Alaska’s youth.

The Summer of Heroes program reminds us that young people have the power to shape our future, and they’re already doing it.

Now in its 15th year, Summer of Heroes is a long-standing partnership between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska to support youth and celebrate the positive impact young people are having in their communities. Since the program began, 94 youth from 27 Alaska communities have been recognized with scholarships. The company has also contributed more than $225,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska to strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve Alaska’s next generation of leaders.

“The Summer of Heroes program reminds us that young people have the power to shape our future, and they’re already doing it,” said Susan A. Anderson, M. Ed., CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska. “Their work uplifts others, strengthens their communities and addresses challenges that matter deeply to Alaskans. Through their service, they are building a stronger, more connected future for our state.”

Read more about the inspiring stories of this year’s youth heroes.