The annual awards are open to any Alaska resident doing volunteer work. They're motivated by the joy of helping others and helping their communities. This award is Alaska's way of saying thank you for all your hard work. Nominations are independently reviewed and scored by five judges from different locations in the state. Their picks are tabulated to produce the top 29 volunteers.
Winners receive a plaque and a specially-made pin.
Susan's projects serve as examples of what can be accomplished by one ordinary individual who still believes in America's greatness and in the potential of its citizens to find solutions to what appears to be, insurmountable barriers. Wherever fishing is being conducted, I believe a small part of their safety is due, in part, to the efforts of Barbara Burch. She jumped in with both feet when she arrived in Dillingham in 1995. She always goes above and beyond to help anyone in need. She is always there with a listening ear to those who need someone to share and care.