The format of this episode is different than the first seven episodes of the series. We sit down in an interview style format with this 15-year-old to discuss some of the ways she has stayed involved in her school and community. Nellie discusses the leadership role she had to step into in order to help make an event being held at Shishmaref School a success and talks about her future plans. Where does Nellie see herself in 10 years? How does she see herself getting there? These questions are answered in this episode. Also, Nellie discusses her role model, and the connection she feels to her deceased grandmother who still influences her today.

CDSG highlights the good things going on with youth in Western Alaska.

Hear the latest episode of CDSG

Tory Sagoonick of Shaktoolik, Alaska - the featured youth for the June 2012 episode of Caught Doing Something Good.

For the first time since CDSG began, we’ve caught a student from Shaktoolik doing something good.

Tory Sagoonick graduated last month from Shaktoolik School and will venture off to UAF this fall in hopes of beginning his quest to become a pilot.  Throughout his time in high school, Tory kept busy by helping out with everything from tutoring other students to assisting with construction projects around the building.

Tory’s involvement stretched beyond even his local community; he remained involved with sports all year round in an effort to stay connected with the entire region. A sports fanatic, Tory kept himself busy throughout the dark winter days with cross country, volleyball, basketball, and Native Youth Olympics.

In this episode, Tory also discusses the three years of his life that he spent living in Kotzebue and reveals the reasons behind his return to Shaktoolik.

Brevig Mission's James Olanna.

In Brevig Mission, a recent high school graduate has taken the transition out of school and into the community in stride.

Since receiving his diploma, James Olanna has been hired by the school as a para-educator and spends much of his free time coaching basketball and organizing community events in an effort to give incentive for students to attend school. James’ job as an assistant to Brevig’s educators gives him the opportunity to work alongside students, and the time that he spends coaching allows him to work with a variety of other students.

In this episode, James discusses the individuals in his life who have helped him get to where he is now; he offers advice to students in the Bering Strait School District who may be struggling to get through school.

This episode also features Brevig Mission teacher Jennifer Diana.

A sign in the St. Lawrence Island community of Savoonga, where John Boy Kulowiyi lives.

John Boy Kulowiyi is a fourth grader growing up on Saint Lawrence Island in the native community of Savoonga. Selected by his principal as a stand out student, John Boy has been making a positive impact at his school for many years, despite the fact that he’s only nine years old.

In this episode of CDSG, John Boy discusses some of his favorite parts of living in Savoonga and why being a role model at such a young age is important to the community. He discusses his favorite teacher, favorite subject, and reveals what he hopes to be when he grows up.

John Boy offers a world of inspiration through the telling of his story as he touches on the hardships he’s had to endure during his short time on this earth. Perhaps the most impressive thing John Boy had to share was his vision of what Savoonga would look like if it were drug and alcohol free.

This episode also features Savoonga principal Bobby Bowland.

Savoonga's Ida Kava.

In this episode of Caught Doing Something Good we hear from Ida Kava, a seventeen-year-old living in Savoonga.

This standout student was nominated by one of her teachers for a Spirit of Youth Award. Ida’s achievements go well beyond the classroom. A youth leader in her community, Ida strives on a daily basis to bridge the gap between Savoonga’s youth and elders.

Ida is currently learning her native language of Siberian Yupik and, as a youth leader, works to prevent bullying from occurring in her school. She recognizes the importance of students having other youth to look up to, as opposed to just adults; for this reason, she makes herself available to the other students if they ever need someone to talk to.

This episode also features science teacher Kristina Sieff.

Helena Oxereok of Wales, Alaska.

This month, we travel to the western edge of the Seward Peninsula to the village of Wales, where 19-year-old Helena Oxereokshares her story. Helena is a single mom working to finish high school and to raise her son at the same time. In between caring for her child and finishing her final classes, Helena works at the school’s store and fundraises for the senior trip, which is to be taken at the end of the year.

The principal of Wales School, Roxie Quick, hopes that Helena’s story will encourage other single parents to return to school and work toward their high school diplomas.

In this episode, Helena also talks about the importance of raising her child in the village of Wales and the support system that exists there and keeps her going. She also delves into why avoiding drugs and alcohol was so vital in getting her to where she is in her life now.

This episode also features Wales School principal Roxie Quick.

In this episode, Mamie discusses some of the things she does that make her a standout student; she shares some of her role models and offers some advice for other students in rural Alaskan communities. Mamie hopes in the future she will be able to assist in bringing running water to the community of Shishmaref.