Meet the Heroes

Ella Boerger serves some of Alaska’s most vulnerable with quiet compassion and unwavering dedication. At an Anchorage hospital, she comforts premature infants as a Cuddle Corps volunteer, offering the healing power of human touch. At a community shelter, she prepares meals for women and children facing homelessness. She also brings joy and encouragement to rural youth through mission work in remote Alaska villages.

Her strength lies in the steady, calm presence she brings to every space, on the basketball court, in student government and especially in service to others. Ella’s leadership style centers on empathy and encouragement, building people up with grace rather than spotlight. This fall, she’ll begin nursing studies at Dordt University with the long-term goal of specializing in pediatric or neonatal care. After college, she plans to return to Alaska to serve children and families in need.

Grace Kahn is a steady and inspiring force in the lives of young people across the Kenai Peninsula. For the past three years, she has mentored youth through the Boys and Girls Clubs, serving as a referee, coach, role model and cheerleader for elementary children. On the field and court, Grace promotes teamwork, perseverance and confidence, creating a safe space where every child feels valued and included.

Beyond youth sports, Grace supports her community through one-on-one math tutoring, food bank volunteering and active involvement in local charity events. She balances service with academics and a job. Through it all, she’s developed a reputation for integrity and kindness. As she looks ahead to college, Grace plans to continue her lifelong commitment to mentorship and service, returning often to the community that raised her while working toward a future centered on helping others thrive.

Grace is recognized as part of the Summer of Heroes Employee Program. Her father, Jeff, is a data/circuit technician on the Kenai Peninsula.

Shelby Rider’s service is rooted in action and lifting others through every season of life. She leads local efforts to support mental health in the North Pole and Fairbanks areas, raising tens of thousands of dollars for National Alliance on Mental Illness and organizing awareness walks to connect those struggling with help and hope. She gives her time to support seniors in her hometown, decorates public spaces to lift spirits during the holidays and brings dignity to those in need through park food pantries and village book drives and more. Shelby also contributes to global service by supporting eyeglass recycling for people in developing countries.

She’s the kind of person who quietly rallies others to take part, building a culture of service among her peers. Shelby recently became one of the first local youth to ascend into full Lions Club membership, where she will continue her commitment to “one act of kindness at a time.” Now certified as an EMT and apprentice with the local fire department, she’s taking her heart for service into emergency response, providing direct care to the community she loves.

In a town with limited access to the arts, Lola Swanson has become a powerful advocate for self-expression and inclusion. Through the dance program she created in Seward, Lola teaches children of all ages how to move, connect and grow in confidence. Her classes aren’t just about dance—they’re about belonging. She works with schools to bring the arts into classrooms and launched a scholarship effort in partnership with the local Youth360 program to make dance lessons financially accessible for all families.

What began as a few summer camps has grown into a thriving program that serves dozens of youth year-round. Lola choreographs school performances, mentors young dancers and organizes recitals that bring the entire community together. She plans to continue her own training at the CLI Dance Conservatory, with a long-term dream of returning home to build a permanent dance studio which will serve as a creative hub where other youth can thrive.

Xiling Tanner is a young leader committed to building a more connected, resilient Kenai. As a student representative to the Kenai City Council, he ensures youth voices are included in decisions that shape local education and community life. Through 4-H and the Kenai Local Food Connection, he supports food access and sustainability by raising funds, advocating at public events and mentoring other youth in agriculture. As a volunteer math coach, he gives his time to help middle schoolers build confidence and succeed in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Xiling’s service is grounded in thoughtful leadership and long-term vision. He’s designing a local food directory app to connect families with healthy resources and is helping plan a new 4-H center to expand youth development opportunities. With aspirations in engineering and applied math, he hopes to develop sustainable systems that address food security through both innovation and service.

Makai Warren-Dowl is a steady source of support for students with disabilities and their families in his Chugiak community. As a peer mentor, he connects with students who often feel left out, building genuine friendships and creating space for everyone to belong. He’s a trusted presence in his school’s special education classroom—showing up daily with patience, encouragement and understanding. Makai participates in the Special Olympics Partners Club, and quietly helps others behind the scenes, from delivering clothing to families in need to staying in touch with students during school breaks.

Makai doesn’t just include others, he lifts them up. Teachers and peers describe him as someone who leads without seeking attention, inspiring others by example. Whether it’s cheering on a teammate or simply sitting with someone who needs a friend, Makai brings kindness and community wherever he goes. He plans to continue his advocacy for inclusion through college and beyond.