Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska Announce 2019 Summer of Heroes Honorees
From helping educate the public about autism, advancing STEM efforts, supporting rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, serving veterans, caring for classmates in need and aiding those who suffer from disabilities, Alaska youth are doing remarkable work to improve lives in our local communities.
As part of its Summer of Heroes program, Alaska Communications is proud to celebrate six youth for their outstanding community service across Alaska. Five youth heroes at large and one youth hero from the company’s employee program will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship for their efforts. Additionally, as part of the program, Alaska Communications donated $15,000 to Boys & Girls Club – Alaska to further support youth development in the state.
Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska to support youth development programs and honor young Alaskans who are making positive contributions in their communities.
Congratulations to the following youth heroes:
- Ethan Ahkvaluk, age 18, Nome
- Anna DeVolld, age 14, Soldotna
- Sasha Ferguson, age 17, Healy
- Zachary Halstead, age 15, Kenai
- Carlee Rizzo, age 18, Nikiski
- Claire Schimmack, age 18, Eagle River
This year’s youth heroes will be recognized at local leadership meetings in their respective communities, allowing their families and friends to celebrate with them. Read their inspiring stories.
“We are honored to be a part of our local community and proudly invest in our state’s future,” said Interim President & CEO William H. Bishop. “We believe the scholarships will empower these young heroes to continue making a positive difference in their communities, and allow Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska to continue providing safe, positive environments for youth.”
“Youth are capable of wonderful things and it’s inspiring to see the work of these young heroes,” said Alana Humphrey, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska. “We are delighted to have the ongoing support of Alaska Communications to reinforce the outstanding efforts of our clubs and these six youth. They truly are having a positive impact on the lives of those around them.”
On Saturday, Sept. 7, Alaska Communications will present a $15,000 check to Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska. This donation will help support the clubs’ programs and expand the organization’s capacity to positively impact the lives of young people in Alaska.
Learn more about Alaska Communications’ work in the community and the Summer of Heroes program at www.alaskacommunciations.com/summerofheroes.
An Eagle River youth will be recognized as a youth hero at Wednesday’s Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Claire Schimmack, along with five other youth from across Alaska, are being honored for their good work in the community. It’s part of the Summer of Heroes program – a partnership between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs Alaska. As a hero, Claire will be presented a $1,500 UA College Savings Plan Scholarship.
Claire Schimmack
Claire Schimmack always pushes herself to be the best she can be, but she also manages to find time to help others in need. She was highly involved in high school, signing in the choir, excelling in academics and earning a Seal of Biliteracy, playing two varsity sports, and serving on her school’s activity council and student government.
Claire gives back to her Eagle River community in a variety of ways. She has made blankets for a teen recover center, assisted at the library, served her church community, led afterschool sports clinics for younger children and assembled feminine hygiene kits for young women in need.
Claire will attend Western Washington University where she plans to double major in Communication Disorders and Spanish. She hopes to become a speech and language pathologist to help young Alaskans who are suffering from disabilities caused by traumatic injury, autism, or fetal alcohol syndrome.
Claire is a 2019 youth hero selected from the Alaska Communications’ Employee Program. Her father, Barry, is a network technician foreman with the company.
About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.alaskacommunications.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska
Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska has 26 sites statewide, which offer programs before and after school and during school breaks for youth and teens, 7‐18 years old, as well as athletics and licensed childcare programs. Mission is fulfilled through guidance‐oriented character development activities conducted in safe, warm and fun environments by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize academic success, good character & leadership, healthy lifestyles, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys & Girls Clubs ‐ Alaska at www.bgcalaska.org or 907‐248‐5437.
