graduate – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

KPBSD Graduate Inspiration: Dr. Matthew Pyhala, Homer High School #Classof1993

KPBSD Inspiration, Matthew Pyhala, D.C., Homer High School, Class of 1993

“Through Rotary I have opportunities to improve this community and touch lives around the world. I am also on the board of directors of the Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF). Growing up on my grandparents homestead on the Anchor River makes the KWF mission of “working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula” personally important. Serving on this board has been impactful and consequential to my life.”
– Dr. Matthew Pyhala, Homer High School Class of 1993

When he is not on the water in his kayak, helping with a Rotary service project, teaching an IPA* class, telling a tale at True Tales Told Live, or adventuring with his wife Sarah, you’ll find Dr. Pyhala working as a chiropractic physician at Alaska Advanced Care Chiropractic, in Soldotna, Alaska. A graduate of Homer High School who grew up on his grandparents homestead in Anchor Point, Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 1997 from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, then returned to the Kenai Peninsula immediately after graduating in 2001 from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon, and started his practice in 2002.
Meaningful work
“My favorite aspect of my work is the patient interaction and getting to know my patients. Helping people attain a healthier lifestyle is exceptionally rewarding. I continue to learn and grow as a doctor. I am currently pursuing more training as a sports physician. For the past 12 years, I have been the team physician for the Kenai River Brown Bears. I really enjoy working with teams and athletes of all ages. Working with lifelong athletes is especially gratifying. It is special to assist people toward successful lifelong fitness and competition.”
Avid outdoorsman
“For fun you’ll find me outdoors. Recently I established a sea kayaking instruction and guide business, Immersion Paddling Academy. Kayaking is so much fun. I love helping others improve their paddling skills and confidence. The thing I appreciate most about sea kayaking is that it requires a variety skills and complete seamanship. It is a sport where there is always more to learn and improve. Whether it is a flat-water scenic trip or a riotous surf session, I cannot spend too much time in my boat!”

Service above self
Matt is a longtime active member of the Rotary Club of Soldotna, an international service club, and is often instigating projects and sparking ideas. “Through Rotary I have opportunities to improve this community and touch lives around the world. I am also on the board of directors of the Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF). Growing up on my grandparents homestead on the Anchor River makes the KWF mission of “working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula” personally important. Serving on this board has been impactful and consequential to my life.”
His teacher and coach, Mr. Dohertey at Chapman Elementary & Junior High School was an influence and inspiration. Dr. Pyhala recalls, “Mr. D taught art and physical education, and he was my wrestling coach. He was always encouraging and made learning fun.”

Advice to my younger self…
“Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Do not be so focused on your goals that you pass up trying something new. You never know where you will find inspiration.”

Links
Alaska Advanced Care Chiropractic: www.SoldotnaChiropractor.com
*Immersion Paddling Academy: https://www.facebook.com/immersionpaddlingacademy/

KPBSD Graduate Inspiration: Dean Carignan, Kenai Central High School #ClassOf1987

“I know that I’m in a good place in my career because I am excited to come to work each day and, on the drive home, my mind is spinning about all the interesting and exciting topics I addressed throughout the day. Moreover, I feel I am working on technologies that, implemented in the right way, can have a massive positive impact for humankind. And I am lucky to work for a company with strong values that shares my desire to use technology as a force for good.”
-Dean Carignan, Director of Program Management for Artificial Intelligence Research, Microsoft Corporation
Kenai Central High School, Class of 1987

When he graduated from Kenai Central High School in 1987, do you think Dean imagined he would one day be the Director of Program Management for Artificial Intelligence Research at Microsoft Corporation?

Oh, the places you’ll go! #AKlearns

In his current role, Carignan is responsible for planning and orchestrating Microsoft’s long-term strategy in the field of Artificial Intelligence. He’s worked on a variety of teams including Xbox, Windows, Surface, and Bing for the past 14 years at Microsoft, and served in a variety of functional areas including marketing, product management, business operations, and strategy. Prior to Microsoft, Dean worked at the consulting firm McKinsey and Company, and before that with The World Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Life-long learning
“Approach learning as a life-long endeavor—the world is changing incredibly fast and skills that are relevant one day can become obsolete the next,” explains this director of program management for artificial intelligence research. “The best way to ensure long-term work security is to develop solid learning capabilities that enable you to expand your skills and knowledge over a lifetime. Do not think of learning as drudgery but as one of the greatest joys humans can experience. Think deeply about the contexts in which you learn most effectively and in which you most enjoy the learning process. Then seek out those learning contexts wherever possible. Develop the habit of lifelong learning now while in school and it will serve you well throughout your entire life.”

My 6th grade teacher #LifeSkills
Dorothy Besch was his 6th grade teacher, and Dean remembers, “She ran an incredible classroom that combined academic learning, life skills, and just plain fun. I recall looking forward to school every day and being amazed at how much I learned. One unique exercise was a ‘pretend’ social gathering in which Mrs. Besch coached us on how to mingle and make ‘small talk.’ This was not part of any formal curriculum but it delivered skills I’ve used almost every day in my adult life!”

AI, podcasts, productivity

“I work on Artificial Intelligence, and I worry about the ability of intelligent machines to replace humans in many important jobs. To help address this concern, I serve on a special task force at Microsoft that looks for ways to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is designed and deployed in ways that augment humans and make them more productive rather than replace them. In addition, I am a slow reader and for many years feared this would prevent me from consuming the large volume of industry news and information that is necessary to stay current in the technology field. Thankfully, industry podcasts have enabled me to acquire virtually all of the needed information audibly. I am even able to listen to my podcasts at double the normal playback speed so I get twice the amount of information in a given listening session.”

A life-long learner, innovator, and family man living in Kirkland, Washington, Dean adds, “My church supports a homeless shelter for families and I volunteer at the facility whenever possible. My participation has slowed down a bit, though, with the birth this year of our second son! I hope to re-engage with the shelter in the near future.”
Inspiration
His father, Richard Carignan, deeply influenced his entire perspective on life, education, and work. “A former educator and instructional leader in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, he taught me many effective learning techniques and—more important—demonstrated a true personal love of learning which I have sought to emulate in my life and career,” said Dean. “I’m indebted to him.”
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.

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

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.

Jayce Miller [Connections Homeschool]

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…

Jenna Kilcher [Homer Flex School]

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…

Nolan Bunting [Homer High School]

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 Bower [Kenai Alternative School]

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…

Allison Steinbeck [Kenai Central High School]

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…

Nikolaevsk School

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…

Cade Anderson [Nikiski Middle-High School]

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…

Krista Sinclair [Ninilchik School]

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…

Kelsey Meganack [Port Graham School]

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 Trefon [River City Academy]

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 Rea [Seward High School]

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 Haeg [Soldotna High School]

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.” …

Aiden Philpot [Susan B. English School]

Salutatorian, Aiden attended school at SBE from K-12^th 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 Ivanov [Voznesenka School]

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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KPBSD Inspiration: Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School #ClassOf1986

KPBSD Inspiration, Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School Class of 1986, Kenai City Manager
“Fight against the part of you that questions your potential. Your self-doubt is the single biggest hurdle to your success in life. Belief in yourself will lead to others believing in you.” –Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School Class of 1986

Ostrander is a familiar name in Kenai and Soldotna—Paul is now the city manager—and the entire state roots for his daughter Allie, a long-distance runner and graduate from Kenai Central High School. However, about his childhood, Paul explains, “I grew up in Kenai, Alaska, but my mom taught at Soldotna Elementary so I always rode to school with her during my days at Soldotna Elementary where I established friendships that continued in the Soldotna schools through graduation.” After attending Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna Junior High, and Soldotna High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Montana State University and a Teaching Certificate from University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Now you will find Paul at the helm of the city of Kenai, working as the city manager. Here’s an inspiration: three of the largest cities on the Kenai Peninsula all have KPBSD graduates working everyday as their respective city managers now!

In his words…

The Great Outdoors
As a kid, I rode my bike all over town every summer growing up, hanging out at the mall, on the beach, or off-roading on the trails north of town, but my favorite spot was on the Kenai River. I spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours fishing the Kenai River, mostly in the slough directly above Eagle Rock boat launch. It was a short walk from the house I grew up in, giving me the freedom to get there as a kid without help from mom and dad.
Early learning
I had the same teacher for both first and third grade at Soldotna Elementary—Mrs. Doris Brewer. She was an amazing educator, but beyond that, she helped shape the character of her students in impressive ways. She taught me that every day you should strive to meet your very highest standard. She was consistent, fair, and had high expectations. Traits she helped instill in me at a young age and that I aspire to meet and emulate to this day.
I still love to fish and hike. Doing just about anything with my wife, Teri, and daughters, Taylor and Allie, qualifies as my favorite things. We all love the outdoors and our fondest memories are from time spent enjoying many of the amazing opportunities that Alaska has to offer.”
What separates Kenai is its heart.
I never know what challenges I might face on any given workday. A city manager has a unique opportunity to learn more about what makes a city unique, and working to engage residents and employees toward what matters most to the community we live in is a challenge that is both exciting and rewarding.
Kenai has a diverse history and residents are ardent in their support of their hometown. When people talk about living in Kenai, whether talking about fishing the river or family time on the beach, you can sense the pride they have in our natural resources and community.

The statement that, it’s the best place to live in the world, is heard often, and meant wholeheartedly.

Project Top Priority
The City of Kenai has been pursuing the Bluff Stabilization Project for the better part of 40 years, and for the first time in our history, the project is ready to become a reality. It will stabilize approximately one mile of river bluff fronting Old Town Kenai. A stable bluff will protect the original part of Kenai–the heart of our City. I am excited to see this project begin and stimulate other projects that explore Kenai’s tremendous potential.
What advice would you give to young people today? “Fight against the part of you that questions your potential. Your self-doubt is the single biggest hurdle to your success in life. Belief in yourself will lead to others believing in you.”

Links

Three cities, three decades, three leaders KPSBD graduate #inspiration Part 1 of 4
Katie Koester, Homer High School Class of 1998
City Manager, Homer, Alaska cityofhomer-ak.gov
Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School Class of 1986
City Manager, Kenai, Alaska http://www.ci.kenai.ak.us/

https://www.facebook.com/cityofkenai/

Stephanie (Arbelovsky) Queen, Kenai Central High School Class of 2000
City Manager, City of Soldotna https://soldotna.org/

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.

KPBSD Inspiration: Jeffrey Dolifka, Class Of 2006

“Take risks and don’t be afraid of failure,” says attorney Jeffrey Dolifka, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Class of 2006, Skyview High School. “I wish I had figured that out a lot earlier in my life.”

He’s been in the courtroom since he was five, when he’d accompany his father, and sit beneath a table, look at the judge, and play. Now he is an attorney with his dad at Dolifka & Associates, P.C., in Soldotna, Alaska, a practice that includes Estate Planning, Probate, Adoptions, Guardianships, and Real Estate Law. Jeffrey Dolifka, who attended Soldotna Middle School and Skyview High School (Class of 2006) knew in first grade he wanted to be an attorney. As a young child, he would travel to work with his Dad to court in Kenai, Seldovia, and Homer. Jeffrey says, “My father, Dale Dolifka, was the most influential person on my career path. He has been an attorney in our community for over 40 years. He is a great example for me as an attorney and a father, and always prioritized giving back to the community and trying to help those in need.”

Three KPBSD teachers impacted his life, along with Winston Churchill. Dolifka says:

Rob Sparks, my history and government teacher. After seven year of college, I still consider him the most influential educator in my life. Mr. Sparks’s designed his classes to challenge students to think outside the box and to challenge the status quo. I learned over and over that if there is an issue or problem that you believe needs changed, it is YOUR job to change it. I spent many classes debating Mr. Sparks. I never imagined it was preparing me for the courtroom and life.
Dave Schmidt, my chemistry and biology teacher. Mr. Schmidt would never give up on a student. It did not matter if the student was the valedictorian or about to drop out of high school, he cared about every student and helped them succeed, staying hours after school every day. He helped me through many rough days in high school and was a great role model.
Renee Merkes, my math teacher. I would not have graduated from high school without Mrs. Merkes. Math was my worst subject and Mrs. Merkes would stay after school for hours each day and help me with my math homework. She refused to give up on me and I cannot thank her enough.

“Take risks and don’t be afraid of failure.”

I was always so afraid of failing and embarrassing myself that I missed a lot of opportunities. The fear of failure causes many people to pass up on opportunities in their life and those missed opportunities can quickly turn into regrets. I wish I had figured that out a lot earlier in my life. I was deathly afraid of public speaking which is tough if you want to be an attorney. A photo of Winston Churchill and his wise counsel kept me going all through college and helped me push through my fear and barriers. Churchill said, ‘Success is the ability to move from one failure to another without loss of enthusiasm.’ That insight helped me to move out of state for school, and kept me going at Western Washing University for one year before transferring to Boise State University where I graduated in 2010 with a Degree of Bachelors of Arts (Major in Political Science, Minor in History). Moreover, especially in my studies at the University of Colorado Law School (2013), and anticipating taking the Bar exam—what if I failed? I did pass the Alaska Bar in October of 2013!
When life gets hard, and it will, what will you do?
“Sports taught me lessons to go through horrible times, and prepared me for life lessons. I love to coach basketball, and hope to coach at Skyview Middle School sometime in the next year or two as soon as there is an opening!”
Fishing
I love fishing. My Mom is an Alaska Native, and starting about four years old, I would go to Ninikchik to fish with my Grandma who instilled a love of fishing in me. Now, during the summer months, you will likely find me somewhere on the river.

Service and volunteering

One of my primary goals is to help children, specifically those who have grown up in tough environments. My parents taught me the value of service, I am involved with several organizations, including the Mae Ciechanski Scholarship Fund*, Kenai River Special Management Area Board, Boys and Girl Club, and I co-chair an advisory committee that is attempting to build a sport complex with an indoor turf field and track.
*High school students, apply for the Mae Ciechanski Scholarship Fund—especially for the trade and vocational tech scholarships. We have a lot of scholarships to award this year!

Soldotna Sports Complex

No stranger to a playing field or basketball court, a big project close to my heart with an important timeline on December 12, is to build a new sports complex in Soldotna. I have been working on the sports complex expansion for over three years. The project has recently taken a step forward to become a reality:
The Soldotna City Council will vote on several ordinances related to the new sports complex at a Soldotna City Council Meeting on December 12, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. The vote will determine whether the City of Soldotna residents will get to vote on the project in early March.
Wherever you live on the Peninsula, if you believe a sports complex would be a beneficial addition to our community, please show up to the meeting and show your support.

When I took the risk to go out of state to college, I never changed my Alaska residency. I knew I wanted to return to this community, where I will raise my family, and give back as best I can.

KPBSD celebrates Mr. Dolifka who is proof positive of the KPBSD mission to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

Links:

Do you have a story tip about a KPBSD graduate to profile in our Wednesday Inspiration? Kindly email Pegge Erkeneff at communications@KPBSD.org.

KPBSD Wednesday Inspiration: Megan Mazurek, #Classof2005

“There’s something satisfying with meeting daily deadlines and starting fresh the next day.”

–Ms. Megan Mazurek, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District graduate, Class of 2005, Nikiski Middle-High School, and KTVA 11 News Anchor in Anchorage, Alaska.
Only 150 miles by road, and 20 minutes by plane from where she attended school at Nikiski North Star Elementary and Nikiski Middle-High School, Megan Mazurek is now a familiar face in households bringing us the evening news at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday, on the CBS Affiliate news station in Anchorage. Mazurek is proud to share stories about people making a difference and challenging news coverage. She explains, “Every day is different. It’s filled with new stories, new people and new challenging coverage. I get to meet with new people who are helping make a difference in our community. At the end of every day I have proof of all the hard work our team has put together in a broadcast.”
As a young girl, she was active in dance, which became a building block into her now very public role as a television news anchor with a camera trained on her to broadcast body language and every word she speaks to thousands of viewers. A graduate of University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and minor in Art History, Megan is only a few classes away from completing her Master in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage. The UAA College of Business and Public Policy provides learners with perspectives and skills needed to assume significant leadership and managerial roles.

Advice to her younger self or a K-12 student from a 2018 perspective:

“What you may be interested in now will not necessarily be what you make into a career later; however it will teach you valuable lessons in other ways! I was very involved in dance growing up, and though I didn’t go on to teach, I used what I learned about being in front of an audience as a building block to working in front of a camera.”

Service and care for others:

Megan does not stop at only reporting about people making a difference in our communities, she is involved. When asked what issue or organization grabs her heart of care and concern, she replies,

“I’m actively involved with the Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis Shelter (AWAIC) in Anchorage. It provides a safe place for women, children and sometimes men when they are in a dangerous situation or may not have anywhere else to go. This year I did my first Sleep Out with the Covenant House of Alaska, which offers a safe place and resources for homeless and trafficked youth. I helped to raise $1 million, a record amount for the annual Sleep Out Champion event!”

Connect with Megan Mazurek every evening on KTVA, or through social media

Jacob Doth, one of her teachers said, “Dance was her life in high school. Her talent matched her determination and you can see that her hard working, never give up attitude is continuing to aid in her blessed life!”
KPBSD celebrates Ms. Mazurek who is proof positive of the KPBSD mission 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 at communications@KPBSD.org.

Flying with the Thunderbirds, Oh the places we’ll go! KTVA story

Graduate Survey: How Did KPBSD Do?

News Release
KPBSD Classes of 2010 to 2017, How Did KPBSD Do?

To improve schools, KPBSD seeks graduate input from the Classes of 2010 through 2017.

A brief survey is open through September. Please assist the KPBSD to reach 4,978 graduates.

The alumni survey will help KPBSD understand how well students were prepared to meet goals for college and a career. KPBSD will use feedback to ensure that the district’s academic and career-focused programs provide the best possible preparation for graduates.
Survey link: http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/7fcac49f64dd or http://bit.ly/KPBSDGraduateSurvey
The graduate survey will be open through September 29, 2017.
This survey is being administered on behalf of the district by Hanover Research. Responses will remain anonymous, feedback is essential, and participation will improve the education experience for current and future students.
KPBSD partnered with Hanover Research to administer this survey. Hanover Research is an independent education research firm based in Washington, D.C., and is in no way affiliated with any other entity or organization. All responses will be kept completely anonymous, and no identifying information will be provided to the district. Similarly, grouped results will not be presented in a way that could potentially allow the identification of any specific respondents (e.g., faculty within a specific grade teaching a specific course).
Questions or difficulties with the survey? Contact Conor Kelly, Hanover Institute, ckelly@hanoverinsights.com.
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David Kalugin | Voznesenka School #Classof2017

David Kalugin
Voznesenka School
Class of 2017

“Voznesenka School is proud to recognize David Kalugin as an accomplished member of our 2017 graduating class who created a reputation of being witty and laid back,” said Principal Wojciak.
Starting his school career at McNeil Canyon School, which he attended from kindergarten through sixth grade, David completed seventh through twelfth grade years at Voznesenka. As a student, David had a plethora of experiences. He was on the football team for two years, attended three construction classes in Homer, and was involved with Project Grad. Most memorable for David were his years in football and the end of the year activities such as beach day. His efforts steered him towards earning both the Project Grad and Alaska Performance Scholarships.
School was an important part of his life, but so was his family, and commercial fishing. For the last two summers David was a captain on his family’s fishing vessel, and prior to that he spent several years as a deckhand. However, David does not have an interest in making fishing his livelihood, rather, his dream is to become an industrial electrician. He is currently working towards an apprenticeship in this field. He’s liked electronics since he was a little boy, and has earned respect by repairing inoperative cell phones.
As a school and community we wish David all the best in accomplishing his dreams and goals. His ever present smile will be missed, yet remembered as we resume school in the fall.
Voznesenka School website
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org

Gavin Elvsaas | Susan B. English School #Classof2017

Gavin Elvsaas
Susan B. English School
Class of 2017

Gavin Elvsaas grew up in Seldovia and is part of the graduating class of 2017 at Susan B. English School, the same school from which her mother, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other relatives graduated. She is a self-possessed, kind-hearted, and passionate girl who has made her family and community proud.
During her sophomore year, she made some choices that left her unable to earn the credits she needed for that year. Instead of being discouraged, she came back to school the next year with a plan and the determination to work hard and catch up so that she could graduate with her class. Her grades her last two years have been excellent and prove that she allows her past mistakes to inform her future choices so she can be successful. Gavin is responsible and curious by nature, and enjoys reading the news and following politics. Because she seeks to live by her convictions and do what she thinks is best not just for herself, but the world around her, Gavin has chosen to eat a vegan diet for the past few years, not an easy choice for a teenager growing up in a semi-remote town with limited grocery options. She is brave, sensitive, thoughtful, and strong, and she understands who she is and constantly looks out for others.
As a K-12 school, Susan B. English provides opportunities for students to become leaders and role models for much younger students, and Gavin is both. She worked as a classroom aide in the K-6 class this year, helping kids with their reading and math. She has earned her Emergency Trauma Technician certificate and aced her anatomy class, and she plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
Susan B. English School website
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org

Jackson Blackwell | Soldotna High School #Classof2017

Jackson Blackwell
Soldotna High School
Class of 2017

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Soldotna High School have provided me and many other students with countless opportunities. Over my thirteen years in the district I have been challenged to excel and make a difference within the school and greater community. I credit my many teachers and the KPBSD staff for allowing many students, like myself, to find opportunities and challenges that engage and make us all better global citizens.
Over my years at Soldotna High School I was heavily involved both in-and-out of school. I served in Student Council as Class President and the National Honor Society as President. I was involved in band, as well as having participated in a few years of sports. I was involved with Kenai Peninsula Youth Court and Teens Against Tobacco Use. Because of the opportunities I have received, I have excelled and will be able to attend college. I will be starting my studies at Boise State University this fall where I will be enrolled in the Honors College and plan to receive a double major in Political Science and Economics. Following undergraduate studies, I hope to attend Law School and focus in Constitutional and Resource Law. Following Law School, I hope to move back to Alaska to practice Resource Law and ultimately be involved in State politics.
Thank you to KPBSD for providing a world-class education and allowing students to reach their fullest potential.
Soldotna High School website
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org

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.