Alaska Mother of the Year, 2012
The eight of eleven children, the Sublimity, Oregon native attended the University of Portland and studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria. After returning from Salzburg, Gretchen attended the Academy of Hair Design and became a licensed hair dresser. A product of strong marriages, Gretchen and her husband, Dwyane, have been happily married for 27 years. They have four children and adopted seven family members. Actively involved in her community, Gretchen has been a teacher in her church for the past 18 years. She also juggles busy roles as the high school volleyball booster president, treasurer and a volunteer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Gretchen reports that “love, consistency, respect and faithfulness are all qualities I use to parent my children.” When asked how being a mother has impacted her life, she says, “I look at my children and realize that they have completed my life and the pleasure to my heart is immeasurable.”
Alaska Young Mother of the Year, 2012
Cheryl grew up in Kenai, Alaska. She received a Bachelor of Science in Physiology. Cheryl married Greg Wika over twenty years ago, and they reside in Anchorage. They have three amazing daughters. Cheryl has had the great honor and privilege of being a stay-a-home mother throughout her children’s lives. She has helped teach Sunday school, mentored Girl Scout troops, orchestrated community service projects, lead multiple fundraisers to benefit others, as well as volunteered and coached many children’s teams through Boys and Girls Club and YMCA. Cheryl’s quest and commitment to building a strong foundation for her children spiritually, ethically, morally, as well as promoting honesty, integrity, and respect, play a crucial role within Cheryl and Greg’s home. Her life is guided by unconditional love, continual encouragement and support, gentle nurturing and guidance, and developing a lifelong practice of prayer to help face their everyday challenges. Motherhood is an amazing gift and a blessing that Cheryl treasures dearly.
Alaska Mother of the Year, 2011
Being the youngest of eight children and the mother of eight, Lynda Light has gained some valuable insight into family life.
Lynda served as a High School Student Body
Officer, Senior Class President, and president of her church youth classes.
Lynda excelled in athletics, lettering twelve times in High School Varsity
sports.
After
receiving her Associates Degree in Home Economics Education from Ricks College,
she transferred to Brigham Young University where she met her husband, Martin.
They were married the following summer.
As an adult, her leadership skills
proved helpful in running a “Readasaurous” reading incentive program, managing
a City League basketball program, chairing a Halloween carnival, and organizing
a Bi-Stake Youth conference. She served as President of the Young Women’s and Primary
organizations of her church.
As a featured speaker at multiple
functions, Lynda has inspired many listeners with her experiences of faith,
optimism, love, and service.
Alaska Young Mother of the Year, 2011
Maria Alessandra Anderson was born in Taranto, Italy. Alessandra attended the University of Bari for two years. At the age of 20 she moved to Provo, Utah where she attended Brigham Young University. In 1992 she met her husband Darin, and they were married in May 1993. After getting married, Alessandra transferred to the University of Utah where she earned her B.S. in Medical Technology. Six months after her graduation, Alessandra and Darin welcomed their first baby, Spencer. Spencer was followed by Jessica, Matthew and Alexis. Alessandra has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since the summer of 2008. She enjoys the outdoors, cooking, gardening, reading, cross-country skiing, biking, running. Her favorite hobby is spending time with her family doing fun activities together.
Alaska Mother of the Year, 2010
Laurel Pfanmiller-Azegami was born to Betty and Reid Pfanmiller in Alaska on October 31, 1956. After graduating from BYU with a degree in Zoology and Secondary Education she was a missionary in Germany. Laurel married Greg and started her family of three daughters and two sons. In 2000 she married Takashi and added a “bonus” son to the family. She is an activist for children within her community and state. She helped bring about legislative changes, which allow children with special needs to remain in their homes and receive Medicaid and other valuable supports.
Laurel works part-time as a dental hygienist. She feels deeply about religion, and states that the Lord is the source of her courage and strength. Laurel loves being a mom and is committed to the philosophy that every child is of infinite worth, is capable of learning and has a gift to give.
Alaska Young Mother of the Year, 2010
Born in Utah, Brenda Noble is a longtime resident of Anchorage, Alaska. Brenda earned a BA at Brigham Young University in Communications and was working towards a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Alaska Pacific University when she and husband, Steve, welcomed their 3 surviving quads. Over the next four years another single birth as well as a set of twins, completed their family. She has made a hobby out of cooking and is an avid reader. She also spends her time volunteering in her kids’ school, occasionally working as a substitute teacher, and serving in her church. Brenda enjoys hiking, distance running, and playing basketball and volleyball. She someday hopes to publish a novel, run a marathon and see her children grown into responsible, kind people of integrity.
