Tag: inspiration

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

 Dean Carignan Kenai Central High School

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.
Dean Carignan Kenai Central High School s

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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KPBSD Graduate Inspiration: Scott Davis, Kenai Central High School #ClassOf1977

KPBSD Inspiration, Scott Davis, Kenai Central High School Class of 1977
Currently the president and owner of Davis Block Company, Scott purchased part of the company he owns and runs in 1978, right out of high school. Davis says, “When I graduated from high school I was ready to make a living immediately, and I could not wait to start making money. My generation was mostly self-sufficient by the end of high school, and I was especially, as the youngest of five who came along as my parents turned 40 years old. I think my path was pre-determined by an opportunity given to me by my parents: my father was having health problems and selling two different companies he had originally started, one of them was the beginnings of Davis Block.”
Scott Davis KPBSD graduate profile
Davis was a student at Soldotna Elementary, Sterling Elementary, and Soldotna Junior High, but his experiences in the only central peninsula high school provided him a foundation. Davis explains,

“My time in the vocational building at KCHS gave me the skills and confidence to buy into a business at 17 years old. There are good paying jobs awaiting qualified workers in the trades. Welder, mechanics, roustabouts, equipment operators, truck drivers and the list goes on. There is a global shortage of skilled labor. I believe there is an incredible need to give our youth the opportunity to learn a trade if they choose not to further their education with college.”

Mr. Carlson, an auto-shop class instructor inspired the young Davis, who later asked Scott to be his assistant and help teach younger students, a standout experience that influenced his career path. Davis says, “In Mr. Carlson’s class, we could bring our car into class and learn as we fixed its problems. I was able to compete in a statewide trouble-shooting contest with what I learned from his class. Winning this placed me on a list that offered me multiple job offers while still in school. Another teacher I connected with was Mr. Alexander who taught drafting in the same building. He was tough on you if he thought you did not give it your best, but was kind with praise when you did.”
A seven-time Iron Dog champion, Davis has learned from many obstacles in his business and on the trail. He believes, “Most, if not all, obstacles are just a problem that needs to be solved and can be overcome with hard work and never giving up. The art of negotiation and compromise is important—I think owning your own business forces this on you. ‘The buck stops here’ gives you very little choice but to solve the problems.”
“Watching my company ‘hitting on all 8 cylinders’ so to speak,” is a favorite aspect of his work. He says, “When all the hard work, trials, tribulations, and RISK pay off and you can see the results of your vision it’s a win. I am proud to give responsibility to my staff and see them succeed without me. I am lucky to have family involved in my business. It is not always the easiest thing much of the time, but it is rewarding when I see my son running large portions of the company, or I am problem solving with my spouse. At this point in my career, my family is crucial to success.”
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For many decades, his competitiveness took him to racing motorcycles, snow machines, and three and four wheelers. “I very much like individual sports … it is just you,” said Davis. “Your results are yours only. Now I love to spend time in the motor home, backcountry snow machine and side-by-side riding. Visiting with my kids and granddaughter Josie is a highlight. My company is very active in helping with multiple community events. I serve on several board of directors such as Wells Fargo (local and statewide seats) as well as being an executive board member of the Industry Alliance. I am the Associated General Contractors membership chair. And, I enjoy building race machines for my son!”
Scott Davis (4)-2
Scott Davis (1)-2

Words to live by…

“Nothing worthwhile will be easy for the most part! Start slow and build on your successes while shedding the losses and failures as just a learning experience! What I started doing in business doing 43 years ago does not really exist in this day and age. Keep looking for ways to diversify. EVOLVE!”

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Links
Davis Block web site: https://davisblock.com/
Davis Block & Concrete on Facebook
Irondog: Who is Scott Davis? Video
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.
 

Be inspired. #UnifiedTrackTeamRace

Unified Track 2016

“Espen (Homer High School) takes the lead from Malikhi (Soldotna High School) with about 10 m left in the 4×100 relay. But then, Espen stops before the finish line to wait for Malikhi,  his sight-impaired competitor, so they could finish together. #golden #inspiration #sportsmanship

Homer Invite, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Unified Track Team Race
April 2016, Homer High School

Watch the video from Don Pitcher Photography
ASAA Track and Field

Maddy Rea’s senior year adventure | Seward High School #Classof2016

Maddy Rea’s Adventure

Maddy Rea and capybara
Maddy Rea and capybara

Maddy Rea [Seward High School, Class of 2016], set a goal early in her high school career to travel abroad and volunteer to work with animals. At first, her plan was to travel to Malaysia and work with Sea Turtles. When she discovered that this program was not accepting more applications, her research landed her in Yungas, Bolivia, at a place called La Senda Verde (which means The Green Path). Further research convinced her mom, CJ, that Maddy had found, “the most incredible place on the planet” and that this would be an amazing opportunity for Maddy to see her goal to fruition.
La Senda Verde takes in animals that were victims of illegal animal trafficking and, with the help of volunteers, tries to return them to a life as close to normal as they can have. It is illegal to re-release an animal once it has been trafficked in Bolivia. They are currently working with 550 different animals.
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. Many of their volunteers are there for just two weeks. Volunteers like Maddy, who stick around, get to do a lot more with the animals. Her favorite animals to work with are what they call the “special animals.” These are all of the small primates (Lucachi, Squirrel, and Owl monkeys), Capybara and Paca (both really big rodents) and the Margays and Ocelots (cats). Based on skills she learned as a volunteer at the Alaska Sealife Center she is trying to train the Capybara (attached picture is a mural of a capybara). La Senda Verde has animals of all kinds; Spider, Capuchin, and Howler monkeys, Andean Spectacled Bears, Parrots, Toucans, Macaws, Tortoises, and Coatis.
Maddy’s days begin at 6:45 a.m. and she starts work at 7:30. She works until 5:30 p.m., has dinner and then socializes a bit. She works six days a week and on her seventh day she usually makes it into the town of Coroico where she has access to the internet. There are no other American volunteers. She lives in a dorm styled room with six other people, and has met people from Australia, Brazil, Belgium, France and other countries. She has also experienced tarantulas in her bed and the shower.
Maddy will return in mid-May to participate in graduation with her class at Seward High School and begin her summer work to save for college.