Tag: #ClassOf2016

Snapshot: Kenai Peninsula graduate inspirations #ClassOf2016

One school district: 43 diverse schools: Kenai Peninsula graduate inspirations

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District encompasses 25,600 miles, with 43 diverse schools including neighborhood schools, a K-12 school house, Russian Old Believer schools, a performance based school, four charter schools, Connections Homeschool, and four schools only accessible by boat or plane. Meet #ClassOf2016 graduate inspirations
Class of 2016
 
 

Three years ago, these young people were beginning their last few months of K-12 education in Kenai Peninsula schools.

These student graduate snapshots demonstrate Kenai Peninsula school success.
A full story is online for each graduate—click their name to read on.

Valedictorian, his academic achievements, including a 4.069 GPA, graduating with 32.5 credits, and scoring a 35 on his ACT, only begin to describe Jayce’s successes. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Jayce has a passion for music…
 

When she enrolled, she was behind on credits and questioning the role education would play in her life. Jenna’s transformation from reluctant learner to head of her class came with a lot of hard work and determination, but with the support of her family, she persevered…
 

Apart from earning straight A’s in the most rigorous classes Homer High School offers, including seven Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Nolan managed to build a résumé that looks more like a list of volunteer opportunities rather than anything anyone could have actually done, and done so well: Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician, multiple state champion and team captain in both Drama Debate and Forensics (DDF) as well as in Skills USA, volunteer-extraordinaire for various local non-profits in the fields of marine biology, ornithology, and veterinary…
 

Melissa will be joining the United States Army on July 18, 2016, when she heads to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following basic training, PFC Bower will then go to San Antonio, Texas, where she will begin her formal training and studies to become a nurse in the military…
 

A three sport athlete, Alli has held the position of captain and been recognized on various levels for her athletic ability and leadership strengths. Due to her personal experience with a sports accident that had her frequenting the dentist office throughout her junior and senior year of high school, Alli hopes to, “help others and give people confidence” while pursuing her goal of owning her dentistry practice…
 

Through the 13 years we’ve had these students in our school, we’ve seen these students work through personal and academic risk factors that some might say were insurmountable or impossible for any student to overcome. But, our nine overcame all the risk factors, grew in their academic performance and critical thinking, and have made achievable dreams for their future…
 

Valedictorian, Cade is a champion for his community, and takes pride in serving his community through mentoring youth in sports and recreational activities at the North Peninsula Recreation Center. The impacts are clear that the children mentored by Cade exemplify the highest levels of sportsmanship, teamwork, compassion for others. Cade’s credibility as an emotionally intelligent leader solidified through his years at Nikiski Middle-High by being chosen as the team captain on the football team that earned state berths to the championship game and was awarded academic state champions four straight years, being a member of the National Honor Society that led NMHS in service learning opportunities…
 

She graduates with a 4.0 GPA and 21 college credits through Kenai Peninsula College utilizing the KPB Jump Start program. Krista earned the UA Scholar Scholarship, the Alaska Performance Scholarship and was awarded the first year tuition waiver at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). Her plans are to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice…
 

In her senior year, Kelsey volunteered in the Headstart classroom and would often report about how positive her experiences were in the classroom. Her natural caregiving instincts will serve her well as she goes on to pursue post-secondary education in veterinary science…
 

Haley participated in the United National Indian Tribal Youth Conference her sophomore year and was chosen to attend the Youth Leader Conference at the White House in the summer of 2015. She has been recognized as an honoree in the UNITY “25 under 25” program of young leaders. A member of the Nondalton tribe, she participates in local activities with the Kenaitze tribe…
 

Maddy set a goal early in her high school career to travel abroad and volunteer to work with animals. Her research landed her in Yungas, Bolivia, at La Senda Verde (which means The Green Path). Maddy secured a position for two and a half months. She saved the money from her summer job to buy her tickets, visa, and pay for her volunteer position…
 

Kayla, class valedictorian, said, “With my advanced degree, I can not only become a rare female engineer, but also a female leader, inspiring similar young women to challenge occupational stereotypes and enter the field of engineering to pursue their passion for math and science. This state has taught me that being a part of a community, whether it’s a large town or small village, not only requires participation, but also contribution and dedication.” …
 

Salutatorian, Aiden attended school at SBE from K-12th grade and exemplified what all students should strive to be. He worked hard in school, out of school, and on the basketball court. Aiden will be attending Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa, where he received an academic and basketball scholarship, and will pursue a degree in Sports Physical Therapy. He has challenged himself by taking college classes, AP classes, and being very involved with community service…
 

Alexey, who will be attending Job Corps for Facilities Maintenance this fall, after commercial fishing this summer, demonstrated excellent initiative and follow through every step of the way, and is a prime example of the success and confidence that can be gained when young people invest themselves into the academic, career and technical education, and athletic opportunities available…
#AKlearns #KenaiLearns #results
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Do you have a story tip about a KPBSD graduate to profile in our Wednesday Inspiration? Kindly email Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications liaison, Pegge@KPBSD.org.
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Alexey Ivanov | Voznesenka School #Classof2016

Alexey Ivanov
Voznesenka School

Alexey Ivanov [Voznesenka School] #Classof2016
Alexey Ivanov [Voznesenka School] #Classof2016
While some twelfth graders across the country were suffering the burnout and underachievement symptomatic of the spring-time ailment commonly known as senioritis, Alexey Ivanov from Voznesenka School has made the year of his graduation his best one yet. Not only has his GPA improved dramatically while taking a rigorous program that meets the Alaska Performance Scholarship curriculum requirements, he has been a model of responsibility and persistence in making arrangements for his post-secondary education at Alaska Job Corps. Job Corps offers free career and technical training to eligible young people ages 16-24. Their admission procedure, however, can be difficult to navigate. It demands patience and persistence for a candidate to advance through the multiple-step application and interview process, as well as to comply with all the documentation requirements. Alexey, who will be attending Job Corps for Facilities Maintenance this fall, after commercial fishing this summer, demonstrated excellent initiative and follow through every step of the way.
Alexey is a prime example of the success and confidence that can be gained when young people invest themselves into the academic, career and technical education, and athletic opportunities available. Although he may not have realized it at the time, the choices Alexey made to fully engage in his coursework, as well as to participate on his school’s football and wrestling teams, and in after school CTE academies, have had the summative effect of molding him into a well-rounded, enthusiastic graduate who is ready to tackle the broader world that awaits him after graduation. Cougar Nation is proud of Alexey Ivanov!
Voznesenka School

Aidan Philpot | Susan B. English School #Classof2016

Aidan Philpot
Susan B. English School

Aidan Philpot [Susan B. English School] #Classof2016
Aidan Philpot [Susan B. English School] #Classof2016
Class of 2016 salutatorian, Aidan attended school at SBE from K-12th grade and exemplified what all students should strive to be. He worked hard in school, out of school and on the basketball court. Aidan will be attending Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa, where he received an academic and basketball scholarship, and will pursue a degree in Sports Physical Therapy. He has challenged himself by taking college classes, AP classes, and being very involved with community service.
Aidan’s work ethic in the classroom was a true model to all the students at Susan B. English, his work ethic during basketball season and the off season is inspirational to all students.
Susan B. English School

Kayla Haeg | Soldotna High School #Classof2016

Soldotna High School
Kayla Haeg

Kayla Haeg [Soldotna High School] #Classof2016
Kayla Haeg [Soldotna High School] #Classof2016
Soldotna High School’s valedictorian Kayla Haeg holds deep pride in her choice to take full advantage of the many opportunities and courses offered at Soldotna High School. She often found that the knowledge she gained in diverse courses extended across multiple academic disciplines and well beyond the classroom. “After spending four years in Soldotna High School’s drama department, I’ve learned that having a small part in something doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. In this way, my experiences in drama have prepared me for success in the community. Through drama, I learned that community is truly enhanced through small acts.” Aside from being a standout student and role model to her peers, many of Kayla’s small acts at Soldotna High School and in the larger Soldotna community came through her countless hours spent volunteering—whether with National Honor Society, blood drives, for events at local elementary schools, or the local little league.
Kayla’s ability to excel in multiple fields of study and her driven goal of taking a wide-breadth of challenging courses ultimately resulted in her long-term aspirations to synthesize academic knowledge in the working world in order to make Alaska an even better place to live. She is proud of her choice to remain in Alaska, where her father taught her how to properly catch a trout, and attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) next year, seeking a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree with the long-term goal of a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. “With my advanced degree, I can not only become a rare female engineer, but also a female leader, inspiring similar young women to challenge occupational stereotypes and enter the field of engineering to pursue their passion for math and science.” Kayla aspires to eventually apply her skills in solving the unique engineering problems of Alaska, whether they are on the North Slope or through her own firm here at home. “This state has taught me that being a part of a community, whether it’s a large town or small village, not only requires participation, but also contribution and dedication.”
Soldotna High School

Haley Trefon, River City Academy #Classof2016

River City Academy
Haley Trefon

Haley Trefon [River City Academy] #Classof2016
Haley Trefon [River City Academy] #Classof2016

Haley is an outstanding, exceptional student in the Class of 2016. She began her high school career at Skyview High School, then Soldotna High School, and transferred to RCA her senior year, where Haley fit in beautifully and worked very hard to complete her standards.
She earned the Alaska Performance Scholarship and was awarded the first year tuition waiver at Kenai Peninsula College. For her service to the community she also received the Soldotna Rotary Scholarship. Haley participated in the United National Indian Tribal Youth conference her sophomore year and was chosen to attend the Youth Leader Conference at the White House in the summer of 2015. She has been recognized as an honoree in the UNITY “25 under 25” program of young leaders. A member of the Nondalton tribe, she participates in local activities with the Kenaitze tribe. Haley has been chosen t by the Student Conservation Association to be an intern at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Skagway in the summer of 2016. Her plans are to attend Kenai Peninsula College in the fall and purse a degree program in radiology. In addition to her education next year, she will be a youth intern at the Dena’ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska.
River City Academy

Krista Sinclair | Ninilchik School #Classof2016

Krista Sinclair, Ninilchik School

Krista Sinclair, Ninilchik School #Classof2016
Krista Sinclair, Ninilchik School #Classof2016


Class of 2016 valedictorian, Krista has been active in both volleyball and basketball all four years as well as being recognized on the all-academic teams each year. She graduates with a 4.0 GPA and 21 college credits through Kenai Peninsula College utilizing the KPB Jump Start program. Krista earned the UA Scholar Scholarship, the Alaska Performance Scholarship and was awarded the first year tuition waiver at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC).
She also participated in student council, honor choir, and the Close-Up program. In the community she has participated in 4-H, the Native Youth Olympics, and has volunteered in several activities at the Kenai Peninsula Fair Grounds. Krista will attend KPC next year and plans to major in Psychology. Her plans are to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, eventually transferring to the University of Oklahoma with the goal of graduating from the OU College of Law.
Ninilchik School

Nikolaevsk School #Classof2016

Nikolaevsk School

Nikolaevsk School #Classof2016
Nikolaevsk School #Classof2016

Nikolaevsk graduated nine seniors in the Class of 2016. While the staff and community are excited to see what the future holds for our nine seniors, we are inexplicably proud to see them graduate and enter into this next phase of their lives—especially because we have known most of them for their entire school career. Through the 13 years we’ve had these students in our school, we’ve seen these students work through personal and academic risk factors that some might say were insurmountable or impossible for any student to overcome. But, our nine overcame all the risk factors, grew in their academic performance and critical thinking, and have made achievable dreams for their future. We are proud of our students and their achievements and genuinely like them as human beings. We look forward to seeing them succeed as they attend University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AVTECH in Seward, and begin careers in the fishing or retail industries. Our faith in their ability to achieve great things is the reason why Nikolaevsk was recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School—because these students are distinguished and well-prepared to enter into this world and make a meaningful difference.
Nikolaevsk School

Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School #Classof2016

Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School

Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School #Classof2016
Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School #Classof2016

Lavrentie Ukatish, or Larry, as most know him, will be going on to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to pursue his professional piloting credentials. Flying and taking a boat are the only two ways into his village of Nanwalek so Larry understands first-hand the important role bush pilots play for communities like his. Larry will be spending this summer doing an internship in Kenai with a pilot in order to receive valuable experience before heading to the classroom in the fall. Larry hopes that after his time at UAA he can work with a local air taxi.
Nanwalek School

Allison Steinbeck | Kenai Central High School #Classof2016

Allison Steinbeck [Kenai Central High School]

Allison Steinbeck | Kenai Central High School #Classof2016
Allison Steinbeck | Kenai Central High School #Classof2016

A Kenai Central High School graduate, who attended Kenai Middle School and Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Allison will leave quite an imprint on KCHS when she pursues her goals this coming fall. As a Kenai Central Kardinal, Alli has been a leader both in the classroom and on the court. Her dedication and hard work is an inspiration to younger students and peers alike. A three sport athlete, Alli has held the position of captain and been recognized on various levels for her athletic ability and leadership strengths. In the classroom she has seen nothing other than a 4.0 GPA and represented Kenai Central as one of the valedictorians, as well as the Masonic outstanding student of the year. All of this she has done while balancing athletics and student council roles of class President and Vice President over three years’ time. Alli hopes to leave behind a legacy that working hard is important to build strong character within your community. “I hope to inspire others to do their very best.”
Alli’s upcoming summer will have her working at her parents’ store before heading to Washington as a student at Gonzaga University. She will be pursuing a Biology degree as she starts her path towards a Doctorate in Dentistry. Due to her personal experience with a sports accident that had her frequenting the dentist office throughout her junior and senior year of high school, Alli hopes to, “help others and give people confidence” while pursuing her goal of owning her own practice as a dentist. She plans on doing this while settling down in a small community where she can continue to be a positive influence of hard work and dedication. Her words of encouragement to up and coming high school students is to “Be as involved and committed to your academics and extra-curricular activities as possible.” KCHS is thankful for the positive impact Allison Steinbeck has had on our students and staff alike and are excited for the positive future ahead of her.
Kenai Central High School

Melissa Bower | Kenai Alternative School #Classof2016

Kenai Alternative School
Melissa Bower

Melissa Bower [Kenai Alternative School] #Classof2016
Melissa Bower [Kenai Alternative School] #Classof2016
Melissa Bower, graduating from Kenai Alternative High School has enlisted into our nation’s military. Melissa will be joining the United States Army on July 18, when she heads to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following basic training, PFC Bower will then go to San Antonio, Texas, where she will begin her formal training and studies to become a nurse in the military. Melissa joined Kenai Alternative High School after attending Soldotna High School. She was able to find great success with our school and now is planning on continuing her education through the military. After completing her four years with the United States Army, Melissa intends to enlist into the Peace Corps for at least one year. We expect to see great things in Melissa’s future.
Kenai Alternative School