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.
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
2026
Destiney Bulley
DESTINEY BULLEY
Destiney is a YLAT member, Ambassador, and all-around leader for the entire YLAT community. A strong and dedicated advocate for youth rights and needs, Destiney has participated in local, regional, and national conferences, and spoken on many panels for a range of audiences. Destiney has attended key YLAT advocacy events, such as the Policy Summit, and attended a national Think Tank conference on Adoption in Colorado this fall. Through this experience, Destiney connected with other alumni of foster care and had the opportunity to advocate for fellow youth in care in regards to the Heart Gallery program. Destiney has brought this experience back to both Maine and New England as a whole, participating in conversations with OCFS leadership as well as leading the conversation at the New England Youth Coalition. Destiney is a role model for youth in care, using her voice to create the changes she wants to see in the system, all while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. She is currently working towards using these skills in her professional life and is becoming a BHP to continue supporting youth and those in need. Throughout challenging times, Destiney has continued to persevere with determination and kindness, and the YLAT community is all the better for it.
2026
Lexi Morningstar
LEXI MORNINGSTAR
Alexandria (Lexi) has been a thoughtful, authentic, and generous leader in YLAT since she became involved in High School, attending Aroostook County monthly YLAT meetings. She was an instant leader, leaning into conversations and activities, and encouraging the participation of other members, acting as an informal mentor for those younger than her or just entering care. When Lexi graduated High School and moved to Southern Maine for college, she continued her YLAT involvement and was invited to join the Ambassador group. As an Ambassador with YLAT, Lexi has sat on numerous panels training new Caseworkers, CASA volunteers, and resource parents through sharing her lived experiences in care. As one of the oldest in a large sibling group adopted together, Lexi has continued to emphasize the importance of sibling placements and continued connection while in care. Lexi has also created many YLAT YouTube videos, speaking on topics like advocacy, the YLAT program as a whole, and preserving sibling connections. Lexi leads with warmth, kindness, and a welcoming presence for all, making her an invaluable member of the YLAT community.
Foster Care Alumni Award Recipients:
2025: Elijah Morningstar & Jayden Jenkins · 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