Foster Care Alumni Award
Each year, we recognize and honor the important contributions of the child welfare system alumni in Maine with the Foster Care Alumni Award. We will strive to award to a male and female alumni each year.
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The recipient must be a former youth in care, 22 years old or older, who has demonstrated that he or she has:
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Made a strong commitment to helping youth currently in care.
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Advocated on behalf of youth in care.
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Practiced effective leadership within change efforts (such as youth leadership meetings, work groups, committee work, projects, etc.).
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Acted as a positive role model for youth in care.
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May have participated in outdoor adventure programs
Alumni Award Recipients
2018: Tia Knowlton-Basford and Huyanna Clearwater
2025
Elijah Morningstar
Elijah Morningstar
Elijah has been a strong advocate for youth in care as an alumnus of foster care. He is passionate about sharing his story with CASA volunteers and new case managers and has shared this passion during in-person events and virtually on panels. In panel presentations, Elijah shares his experiences and perspectives of being in care and gives advice on best practices for supporting and communicating with young people. Elijah has also created videos for the YLAT YouTube page, speaking to the importance of youth knowing about the Youth in Care Bill of Rights. This broadens the reach of youth voice to a wide community and is a gift to all who visit the site. Elijah speaks frequently about the importance of keeping siblings connected and maintaining connections with families in seeking lifelong connections and permanency for youth in care. Elijah attends the Bangor and Aroostook YLAT district meetings and supports younger youth through their journey in Foster Care.
2025
Jayden Jenkins
Jayden Jenkins
Jayden is a longtime and active participant in the YLAT community, jumping into events and opportunities as her schedule allows. She has been an exceptional participant in events such as the Policy Summit and YLAT Teen Conference where she fills a need for educating adult partners and change-makers on what support services and resources youth in care need. In YLAT spaces Jayden models respect and openness for other members, while always referencing and reminding the group of Group Agreements and expectations. Jayden attended the New England Youth Coalition Summer conference in Massachusetts, helped to prepare a presentation to OCFS Directors and Associate Directors about key issues for youth in care in Maine, and continues to hone her public speaking skills. This past year, Jayden has prioritized school, modeling to other YLAT youth that stepping up to pursue personal goals is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit.
Foster Care Alumni Award Recipients:
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2024 Alicia Bissonette & Sean Webb · 2023: Monique Brown & Noah Patnaude · 2022: Chance Isazu & Leah Cleland · 2021: Tiffani Melia & Jacob Hills · 2020: Mariah Knight & Edward Schnopp · 2019: William Bradford & Amber Munson · 2018: Tia Knowlton-Basford & Huyanna Clearwater · 2017: Kyle Snyder & Stephanie Gerard · 2016: Jessica Harris & Sierra Reed · 2015: Cheri Crossman & Carleigh Lynn Boston · 2014: Josh Magaw & Jill Esty · 2013: Denise Altvater & BJ Kitchin · 2012: Michael Augustine & Kesha Shelton
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