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 April through August 2019, Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.
During the Summer of Heroes, April - July 2019, 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 Unlimited Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total.
Meet the 2019 Hero Honorees
In 2019, Alaska Communications received numerous nominations for outstanding youth that are making a difference in their local communities. Each winner received a $1,500 scholarship and a recognition celebration in his or her community.
The 2019 honorees are Ethan Ahkvaluk of Nome, Anna DeVolld of Soldotna, Sasha Ferguson of Healy, Zachary Halstead of Kenai, Carlee Rizzo of Nikiski and Claire Schimmack of Eagle River.
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 hero 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 $1,500 scholarship and special recognition in their local community.
Cause-Related Sales Promotion
During the Summer of Heroes 2019, Alaska Communications contributed $25 to Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska, for every new Unlimited Internet or Business Internet sign up between May 1 and July 20, 2019, 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 2019, 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 2019 Logo
The Summer of Heroes' 2019 logo was inspired by 2018 hero, Jenelle Brook.
Jenelle volunteers her time to the Fairbanks Police Department by providing office support, volunteer coordination and researching various crime prevention programs. Each Halloween, you’ll find her participating in Operation Glow, which helps young children be more visible in the dark. This year’s logo acknowledges Jenelle’s volunteer work by featuring children in Halloween costumes safely traveling their neighborhood.
What defines a hero? Help Find Heroes
The next nomination window for the Summer of Heroes program will be in Spring 2020.
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 criteria for nominating a youth for the Summer of Heroes program?
Any youth who meet the above criteria can self-nominate or be nominated by someone they know. This 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 and when will the heroes be recognized?
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 heroes will receive:
- a $1,500 scholarship through the UA College Savings Plan, and
- special recognition in his or her local community.
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
Heather.Marron@acsalaska.com
(907) 564-1326
For questions on Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, please contact:
Rebecca Duerre
Program and Resource Coordinator
Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska
rduerre@bgcalaska.org
(907) 770-7329