KATIE FREEMAN
KAYLA YOUNGS
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
THE BLUE FOX Born and raised in Alaska, I’ ve been in the restaurant and bar
HOTEL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR SEWARD WINDSONG LODGE
I grew up in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina and lived in Kona, Hawaii for 5 years before coming to Seward, Alaska in 2023. I have always worked in hospitality and enjoy sharing my love of Kenai Fjords National Park with my guests and teammates! I am happiest when I am out whale watching. industry for nearly my entire life. My love for bartending started at just eight years old, when I would bartend for my dad at our family cabin. At 14, I entered the restaurant and bar industry, and at 21, I began working professionally behind the bar. Over the years, bartending has become much more than just a job to me. It’ s about the people, the conversations, the laughs, and creating an experience that keeps guests coming back. I love the organized chaos that comes with a busy bar, and I’ ve met some incredible people along the way and heard enough stories to fill a book that will absolutely never be published. I’ m proud to call Alaska home and incredibly honored to be recognized as Alaska’ s Best Bartender
LENORA MAYS LIQUOR STORE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR BROWN JUG
Hello my name is miss cookie I’ ve been at Brown Jug for over 14 years my mom was a bartender i was a bartender and my daughter is a bartender so i guess it runs in the blood I enjoy my job thank you so much for the award.