CIRI descendant recognized for dedication and work in the Tyonek community
[lightbox link=”https://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSC-2082.jpg” thumb=”https://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSC-2082-300×200.jpg” width=”400″ align=”right” title=”CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich presented the 2014 CIRI Youth Recognition Award to Trinity Standifer, pictured with her cousin, Rico Villalpando.” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich presented the 2014 CIRI Youth Recognition Award to Trinity Standifer, pictured with her cousin, Rico Villalpando.”]The CIRI Youth Recognition Award is meant to honor the accomplishments of CIRI’s future leaders, and few young people exemplify leadership like this year’s recipient, Trinity Standifer, of Tyonek.
Trinity was selected for her active involvement in the Tyonek community. As young as age 7, Standifer was offering a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Trinity’s days staying after school as a second-grader to help the janitor complete her evening work, soon blossomed into a young life dedicated to service. While attending school in Tyonek, Standifer volunteered for Project GRAD, a nonprofit school improvement program, in addition to lending her time and talents to the local Boys and Girls Club, Native Youth Drum and Dance and Native Youth Olympics.
Even more than her volunteerism, though, Standifer’s concern for her fellow community members is what makes her a role model and a leader. Until her recent move to Nevada for the academic year, she tutored younger students at the Tebughna School and offered free babysitting for parents in her village.
Nominated for this award by the Tyonek Native Corporation Director of Corporate Administration Debra Call, Standifer has also received a Spirit of Youth Award, the 2014 Tyonek Native Corporation Youth of the Year Award and the 2014 Alaska Federation of Natives Lu Young Youth Leadership Award. At this year’s Spirit of Youth ceremony, she was also honored with the Presidential Service Award, issued by the President of the United States.
Project GRAD Campus Family Support Manager Bonnie Pierce said in an article written for CIRI’s Raven’s Circle newsletter, “Trinity is one who has always asked, ‘How can I positively improve my situation in a way that will also benefit my world?’”
CIRI’s Youth Recognition Award acknowledges young people who are ages 12 to 17 for superior academic achievements, demonstrated leadership qualities, dedication to Alaska Native culture and heritage, outstanding contributions to community and family and exceptional determination and stamina in overcoming significant life challenges.
