2026 Grand Marshals

For their community unity, hard work, and keeping Juneau clean and beautiful for us and future generations. 

 Cade’s journey is a testament to what a community can accomplish when it comes together with purpose and heart. In Juneau, Alaska, friends, neighbors, small businesses, and even strangers rallied in an extraordinary way, raising over $1.5 million to help make treatment possible.

On April 1, 2026, Cade received gene therapy, something that, not long ago, many believed was out of reach, even impossible. What once felt like an overwhelming uphill battle became a reality through persistence, advocacy, and the unwavering support of this community.

This milestone belongs not just to Cade and his family, but to all of Juneau. 

It is a powerful reminder that when people come together, they can change the course of a child’s life and create hope where there once was none.

 My name is Leticia McRae and I came to Juneau in the late 80s from California. The vast beauty and wilderness caused me to stay.  I reared a child and married. In 2002 my husband passed and eventually my child grew up and flew the nest. I found myself in need of something to fill that emptiness and my loss of purpose.  I hike often and photography is a part of that. On my journeys I would come across dumped trash and just started picking it up. I was astonished at how much there actually was so after a couple years I  created a page on Facebook and named it Community Clean Up In Progress so I could bring awareness to the issue and hopefully inspire others.  The page is on its 10th year , has over 1700 followers that are the best support group one could hope for.  In the last 10 years I have met other awesome litter volunteers in our community, brought light to the issue and have others say I have inspired them , so I think the page is a success.  And social media is a great tool for connecting with others from all over the world and sharing ideas and solutions.  We live in the Last Frontier and its beauty is magical and we should give it the very best care.  

 Alexis Juergens is a prestigious and dedicated student, graduating from Raven Homeschool a year early with many honors, scholarships, and a high GPA. She currently serves as the Cadet Commander of the local Civil Air Patrol Squadron, which is leading the color guard for the parades. A state champion in Drama, Debate, and Forensics, Alexis excels in communication and teamwork. She's also an active member of the National Honor Society and was a dedicated cross-country team member during her first two years of high school. Alexis will pursue a Bachelor's in Communications at Bethany Lutheran College in Minnesota, with plans to pursue a career in the public affairs field. Currently, she enjoys exploring Alaska's beauty through paddle boarding and hiking, while working as a guide for Harv and Marv’s Whale Watching. 

 My name is Kyra Wood and I have called the wonderful community of Juneau, Alaska home for my whole life.

 I began acting at seven years old in a community theater production of “Anne of Green Gables” and have since then performed in more shows than I can count. I most recently performed as the Tinman in JDHS’s production of “The Wizard of Oz”. In freshman year, I accidentally joined an Academic Decathlon zoom meeting, which kick-started my four-year career as a Decathlete. Additionally, I was a member of the JDHS tennis team, parliamentarian for NHS, and the president of the JDHS Crimson Chronicle Newspaper my senior year. 

In the future, I plan to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and my Master’s in Education with the end goal of becoming an elementary school teacher