Juneau Composts claimed the award in the business category. The Club recognized Juneau Composts for aiding the Lemon Creek Correctional Center’s Greenhouse, along with holding low-cost classes on composting for the general public.
Sealaska Heritage Institute launched the Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy (TCLL) program in 2000. It weaves Tlingit language and culture into the standard elementary school curriculum. In 2013, a study found by integrating traditional tribal values into learning contributes to student success and aides in developing leadership skills, self-confidence and creativity. The Club honored TCLL in the government category.
The Mudrooms Story Board became only the second organization to earn a VSA in the collaboration category. Mudrooms, which is currently in its ninth season, produces evenings of storytelling to benefit local non-profit groups. To date, Mudrooms has raised more than $125,000 for local non-profit groups.
Speaking of non-profits, the Association for the Education of Young Children, Southeast Alaska (SEA-AYEC) earned the VSA in that category. SEA-AYEC provides more than 150 hours of child development training to area educators. This training has a positive effect on the education of more than 700 children in Juneau’s child cares, preschools and Head Start programs. Additionally, SEA-AYEC supports the Parents as Teachers, Family Nights at the Fieldhouse and Circles of Security programs, along with the Imagination Library.
Kevin Ritchie received the individual VSA. Following a career as a public servant — including work as the City and Borough of Juneau’s city manager — Ritchie dedicated himself as a volunteer for all of the Capital City. Some of his efforts include serving as Big Brothers Big Sisters’ first president in Juneau, helping form the Thunder Mountain High School boys’ basketball booster club and developing the BAM after-school program at the Zach Gordon Youth Center. In addition, Ritchie is also involved with the Juneau After-School Coalition, the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition, Juneau Best Starts and ROCK Juneau.