About the Program
Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Running from May through September 2023, Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.
During the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications accepted nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities and donated a portion of proceeds from every new Residential Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total.
Meet the 2023 Hero Honorees
In 2023, Alaska Communications received dozens of nominations for outstanding youth that are making a difference in their local communities. A committee had the difficult task of narrowing that down to five heroes from the community at large and one hero from the Alaska Communications’ Employee Program. Each winner received a $2,000 scholarship and recognition in his or her community.
The 2023 youth heroes are Dalton Ante of Anchorage, Shawn Carter of Kotzebue, Elizabeth Djajalie of Juneau, Aaron Harkley of Anchorage, Josephine Herbert of Palmer, and Noah Victoriano-Cruceta of Anchorage.
Youth Recognition Program
Studies show that youth who are engaged in community service tend to do better in school, avoid risky behaviors, and maintain positive relationships with adults and peers.
As part of the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications works with Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska to recognize five outstanding young heroes, plus one heroes from the Employee Program, who are making a difference in their local communities. Based on their nomination forms and short answer responses, selected heroes receive a $2,000 scholarship and special recognition in their local community.
Making a Difference $15,000 Donation
During the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications will contribute $25 to Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska, for every new Home Internet or Business Internet sign up between May 1 and June 18, 2023, up to $15,000 total.
Alaska Communications recognizes that youth education and development programs, such as the programs provided by Boys & Girls Clubs, are critical to helping children succeed in life.
In 2023, Alaska Communications donated $15,000 to help support Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska’s programs and expand the organization’s capacity to positively impact the lives of young people in Alaska.
The Story of Our 2023 Logo
Our logo for the 13th annual search for heroes features Kenny Iyatunguk. Through his work, he has inspired many young people in his village to practice traditional Iñupiaq dancing. The scene depicted in the logo showcases a celebration of the Iñupiaq people who carry on their tradition of song and dance from generation to generation. Learn more about Kenny and other 2022 heroes’ efforts to make their communities better.
What defines a hero? Help Find Heroes
Please note that the Summer of Heroes nomination window is now closed.
The next nomination window for the Summer of Heroes program will be in Spring 2024.
A hero can be any Alaska resident between the ages of 6 and 18 who is making a positive difference in his or her community. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following types of efforts:
- volunteering or raising funds for a cause,
- making a difference in school through education or sports,
- making a significant contribution to his or her community,
- considering others’ needs before their own, or
- inspiring others to take action.
What are the nomination criteria?
Any youth who meet the above criteria can self-nominate or be nominated by someone they know. The nominator could be a parent, guardian, sibling, teacher, coach, mentor, friend or anyone who has a relationship with the child and believes he or she should be recognized as a local hero.
How will the heroes be selected?
Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska will select five outstanding youth heroes based on their nomination forms and short answer questions. A sixth hero will be selected as part of the Alaska Communications Employee program. The winners will not be selected based on school grades, but rather the positive impact the youth makes on the community and those around them. The heroes will receive:
- a $2,000 scholarship through Alaska 529, and
- special recognition in his or her local community.
The Alaska 529 Education Savings Plan scholarship can be used at nearly any accredited college, university, trade or technical post-secondary institution in the country.
Be Involved Contact Us
To stay up-to-date with the Summer of Heroes program, connect with Alaska Communications on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.
For questions on the Summer of Heroes program, please contact:
Heather Marron
Manager, Corporate Communications
Alaska Communications
[email protected]
(907) 564-1326
For questions on Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, please contact:
Paul Kirk
Chief Program Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska
[email protected]
(971) 222-8597
