KPBSD inspiration: Monique Cook, Port Graham School #ClassOf2019

Port Graham Monique Cook

Port Graham School
Monique Cook, Class of 2019

Monique Cook represents the Port Graham School Class of 2019. Miss Cook is a life-long resident of Port Graham, and attended Port Graham School from kindergarten through graduation. “Monique is often recognized for her patience and caring demeanor when interacting and working with other students, especially younger students, when she volunteered to work with teachers and students in the elementary classrooms,” said Principal Hinds. “Monique is a talented and hard-working athlete who competed as a member of the Port Graham Native Youth Olympics Team where she demonstrated a strong mental attitude and commitment to the sport, as well as being an encouraging and supportive team-member for others.
She demonstrates a sincere and profound sense of introspection and reflective qualities, and uses these traits to make wise choices and intentionally chart her future course. Monique looks to the future and will be pursuing positions through the Job Core Program. She has expressed interest in pursuing multiple career paths, including careers in the education or health services sectors. Monique’s warm-smile and quiet, caring demeanor will be missed, but Port Graham School is proud of Miss Cook and eager to see where her future takes her!

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Garrett Koch, Ninilchik School #ClassOf2019

Ninilchik Garrett Koch 2

Ninilchik School
Garrett Koch, Class of 2019

Garrett Koch came to Ninilchik in the sixth grade. “He immediately fell into the routine that a lot of Wolverines fall into, and that was spending all of his time in the gym,” said Principal Ambrosier. “He ended up playing for three different varsity coaches in Ninilchik and during that span, and was part of two 1A state championships. Garrett continues to spend a lot of time practicing his game as he has dreams to eventually play professional basketball. However, in the meantime, he will be moving to Oregon to pursue a degree in business. He already has a jump on college due to his hard work here at Ninilchik participating in jumpstart classes through Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). During his salutatorian speech, he commended his coach, Nick Finley, for assisting him to develop into the person and player that he is. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Ninilchik Garrett Koch

KPBSD inspiration: Michael Trail, Nikolaevsk School #ClassOf2019

Nikolaevsk Michael Train

Nikolaevsk School
Michael Trail, Class of 2019

“Nikolaevsk School is one of the best things that ever happened to me,” said Michael Trail, Nikolaevsk School Class of 2019. “The students and faculty are all extended family. There is no one that feels out of place, and that is one of the most important elements in a child’s life at school. In my case, it was the home of the warriors; Nikolaevsk. I was fortunate to have so many people to help me with my development as a student, and as a member of society.
I plan to attend AVTEC in the fall, where I will be learning plumbing and refrigeration. Since I got a full tuition scholarship for AVTEC, I can pursue this goal. Once I am done in learning my trade I plan on coming back to the peninsula. There is such a high demand for tradesmen nowadays, and no one is taking advantage of it. There is also the fact that there is only a handful of refrigeration experts on the peninsula. If I can come back and establish myself, and a business, then I will be able to make a difference here.
If I were to be asked what school I would recommend, I would not hesitate to say that parents should send their kids to Nikolaevsk.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

 

KPBSD inspiration: Uriah Joseph Huntsman, Nanwalek School, #ClassOf2019

Nanwalek 2019 (1)

Nanwalek School
Uriah Joseph Huntsman, Class of 2019

“Uriah Joselh Huntsman is an exceptional young man; well respected by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and community,” said Principal Crain. He attended grades K-12 at Nanwalek School and ended his last quarter with a 4.0 GPA, and cumulative 3.11. He was the class president for student council and in hi sjunior year, the student council treasurer. In the fall of 2019 he will be attending the University of Alaska-Anchorage, College of Arts & Sciences, Bachelor of Arts Program vis-a-vis various academic scholarships. Besides Uriah’s academic abilities, he lettered in varsity basketball for five years (grades 8-12), and participated in the Senior All State Classic. He also has participated in the Native Youth Olympics for six years (grades 7-12). Uriah Joseph Huntsman exemplifies the meaning of a student-athlete!

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Nanwalek Uriah Huntsman

KPBSD inspiration: Maria Salzetti, Kenai Central High School, #ClassOf2019

Kenai Central Maria Salzetti

Kenai Central High School
Maria Salzetti, Class of 2019

Maria Salzetti set herself apart from the beginning of her high school career. She worked hard to prepare for college by taking all of the Advanced Placement (AP) classes available at Kenai Central High School (KCHS) and an additional AP Biology class on her own. She set high standards for herself in all academic areas and has taken a wide variety of classes. She does not take classes to simply satisfy a requirement; she takes classes with the intent of learning as much as possible from the teacher and using that knowledge to do something productive. Maria was part of the school community in Cross Country Running, Choir, and Nordic Skiing. She competed at the varsity level in skiing throughout high school, and was elected team captain in her senior year. She has a passion for mentoring younger athletes, and had a chance to connect with each of her teammates as captain. Maria is a positive role model and is known for her kindness toward others.
Maria will be attending the University of Utah in the fall, and will study mechanical engineering. Her drive for excellence will make her an outstanding engineer. She has practical skills, a kind heart and an exceptional GPA at the top of her class.
Maria has left big shoes for others to fill! She will be missed at KCHS.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Michael Metz, Kenai Alternative School, #ClassOf2019

Kenai Alternative School Michael Metz

Kenai Alternative School
Michael Metz, Class of 2019

Michael Metz has been with the Kenai Alternative School since he was a sophomore. Principal Loren Reese said, “From the time he entered the Kenai Alternative program, Michael excelled as a student, both in his academics and his school leadership. Michael has earned the UAA regents scholarship, which pays for a good portion of tuition over a four-year period. He plans to attend Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) this coming year and then will head to Anchorage where he will complete his studies. Michael has shown great leadership within our building. He often speaks during our school-wide morning meetings and can be heard encouraging his fellow students to do their best as students and citizens.”
Michael also signed up with the Marine Corps Reserves, and he will leave for boot camp in October. He hopes that his experience with the Marine Corps will help him with experiences that will lead to a better future.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Felesata Fefelov, Kachemak-Selo School #ClassOf2019

K-Selo Felesata Fefelov

Kachemak-Selo School
Felesata Fefelov, Class of 2019

Felesata Fefelov was deemed the senior most deserving of the Class of 2019 Kachemak Selo School spotlight recognition. “My first remembered encounter with this student is when she peeked her head onto a bus to say, ‘Hi, you probably don’t know me, but I’m a senior at Kachemak Selo,’” said Principal Wojciak. “She was right, her face was new to me and I don’t recall seeing her again until the day of graduation. She was well ahead of where she needed to be with credits and not very visible in school. Her introduction was to inquire about my contributions to the yearbook.” Her tenacity is what prompted her teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Sorensen, to write, “I would spotlight Felesata for her exceptional work on the yearbook this year. Her desktop publishing skills are fantastic. It is probably the best student-made yearbook I have ever seen. She researched old files of pictures and created something really memorable and special.”
Felesata is one of ten siblings, with only one older than she is. “With the many needs that are an inherent part of a big family, she was never deterred from always completing her assignments and doing an exceptional job,” said Principal Wojciak.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD Inspiration: Dexter Lowe, Homer High School #ClassOf2019

Homer High School Dexter Lowe Class of 2019
Homer High School
Dexter Lowe, Class of 2019

When you ask any of his teachers at Homer High School (HHS) to describe Dexter Lowe, their first comment is that that he is one of the most internally motivated students they have known. His many successful family members have provided powerful role models but he forged his own path, developing into a focused and driven young man who never gives up or ever settles for his own second best.

Dexter is lucky to have been born in Homer—he thrived in the protected, nurturing environment as a young child, but as kids grow and mature, it can be hard to channel natural competitive energies in such a small town. He was fortunate to discover that sports—particularly soccer and distance running—provided that outlet. He proved to be an excellent athlete and won numerous competitions for HHS. Although he has given up the idea of being a professional soccer player, outdoor sporting activities will always be an important part of his life.
Competition has also been a part of Dexter’s school life. Although it is a small number, his graduating class challenged, pushed and encouraged one another. Academic competition will come as no surprise to him—he will not fold under pressure. He and his peers have continued the HHS tradition of excellence. Another piece of good news is that he will stay in Alaska to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and his skills and talents will benefit all of us in this great state.
“There is no question that Dexter represents all the finest qualities Homer High hopes its graduates will display: integrity, curiosity and a fine work ethic,” said Principal Waclawski. “We wish him well in all his future endeavors.”
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The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

Homer Flex School graduate inspiration: Nicholas Reutov #Classof2019

Homer FLEX Nicholas Reutov Class of 2019 (3)

Homer Flex School
Nicholas Reutov, Class of 2019

Nicholas Reutov is a Russian Old Believer and migrant education student who fishes with his family, spent his four years of high school quietly amassing college credits and creating a formidable academic resume. Nicholas’s love of learning allowed him to qualify for both the Alaska Performance Scholarship as well as the UA Scholar Award, among other scholarships. He hopes to continue his education in Fisheries Management while continuing to reside on the Southern Kenai Peninsula.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

Homer FLEX Nicholas Reutov Class of 2019 (1)

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The Honorable Mike Chenault awarded Golden Apple

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | July 1, 2019
The Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives

2019-07 mike chenault golden apple

Golden Apple nominator Sean Dusek said, “It is with great pleasure that I nominate Mike Chenault for a KPBSD Golden Apple Award for his tireless support of public education in Alaska.” The Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives, is a graduate of Kenai Central High School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, a successful businessman, and public servant. He served on the KPBSD Board of Education before becoming a State Representative. His time in the State House of Representatives culminated in his election as Speaker of the House where he led Alaska in its strong support of public education.

Speaker Chenault proved his mettle during tough debate on equitable funding for education early in his legislative career. His leadership allowed our district to implement innovative staffing practices that truly meet the needs of every student in the district. He led the legislature to provide forward funding for education, which our district translated into excellent results, particularly in the area of graduation rate. Speaker Chenault also held education accountable by asking the tough questions.
Assistant Superintendent Dave Jones added, “When Mike Chenault was elected to the House of Representatives for the State of Alaska, he took it upon himself to become highly informed and aware of the details involved with funding K-12 schools in Alaska. He learned about the intricacies of SB 36 (K-12 funding formula in place at that time) and the shortcomings and inequities it created.
As co-chair of the House Finance Committee, Mike Chenault was primarily responsible for the establishment of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force (JLEFTF) that met during the months of June, July, and August 2007. The JLEFTF was established for the purpose of examining school district cost differentials and the existing formula for distributing state aid for education. As a result of the JLEFTF’s report to the Governor and Legislature, HB 273 was passed in March of 2008. The bill increased KPBSD’s District Cost Factor from 1.004 to 1.171 to help correct the underfunding inequities that KPBSD had been facing. HB 273 also increased the Intensive Multiplier and Base Student Allocation for much needed additional funding. KPBSD’s consistent growth in graduation rate since the passage of HB 273 can be directly linked to the additional funding made available by Mike Chenault.”
Speaker Chenault has always been a strong partner in building the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Superintendent Dusek said, “Through this partnership, he should share in our successes, knowing that he has made a profound difference in thousands of students’ lives. Speaker Chenault helped make the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District a high quality institution that is considered one of the best districts in the State of Alaska. I thank him for all he has done and hope he will continue to be fully engaged with KPBSD in the future.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize the Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives, for his dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

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