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Tag: Kenai Central High School
Holiday cheer for KPBSD students in transition
The outpouring of holiday support for our students experiencing homelessness is incredible!
“Many of these projects have been taking place for multiple years, and we are so grateful for the relationships we’ve created and the effort and energy that goes into them each year. We thank these groups and all the individuals who contributed for being part of the community of care. It is beautiful!” –Kelly King, KPBSD Students in Transition Homeless Liaison
- Kenai Central High School Spaghetti Feed and Auction – local businesses donated to the silent auction, more than 100 locals feasted, and nearly $6,000 was raised that will go directly to the Students in Transition program to assist our students experiencing homelessness, and their needs.
- 5 Star Realty and AK Express hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for our families, and then the greater community
- Peninsula Community Health Services – gifts for students
- Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors – duffle bags with gifts for 28 homeless and at-risk youth
- Cabin Fever Creations – assortment of hygiene products, socks, blankets and stocking stuffers
- Peninsula Job Center and Public Assistance employees – $600 worth of food cards for SIT Youth
- Kaladi Brothers Coffee Co. “Dale Tran’s New Years Day Giving” – 100% of all local KBC beverage sales on New Year’s Day will go to the Students in Transition Program
- Kenai Peninsula Borough employees and union members – lots of food for three of our SIT families and 1 unaccompanied youth
- Kelsi’s Closet – store special this month – with the purchase of a CC hat, Kelsi’s Closet donated one to a local school, and 65 hats were donated!
For more information on the SIT Program or to see if you qualify, contact your local liaison. Homeless Liaisons can help students and families access supports and services to address these challenges.* (see contacts below)
As of December 13, 2019, the Students in Transition program is serving 119 youth, and 36 are unaccompanied. By the end of the school year, we will likely average about 250 youth who are experiencing homelessness, and staying in school with supports from the SIT program. If you or someone you know is a family with K-12 age children, or an unaccompanied youth without stable housing at night, and open to assistance, please reach out to one of our homeless liaisons.*
Who are Homeless Children and
Youth?
Eligible children and youth are students who lack a permanent, stable, and
adequate place to sleep at night. This can include students who are living in a
shelter, hotel, tent, camper or car, students that are “doubled-up” with
extended family members of friends because of financial difficulty, or loss of
housing, students who are couch-surfing, and those in “substandard” housing. Students
may be part of a larger family unit that is homeless, or may be unaccompanied
youth (youth living in a previously stated situation with without a parent or
legal guardian).
What can the
Students in Transition Program provide?
• Immediate School Enrollment
• Free school meal benefits
• Transportation to and from school
• School Supplies
• Assistance in obtaining vital records
• Referrals to local social service agencies and public programs
Students who don’t have stable housing face special challenges when it comes to school success. It is hard to learn if you are worried about your next meal, about staying warm at night, or about where you’ll be sleeping next. Students who frequently change schools or are frequently absent lose out on valuable learning time and often fall behind their peers.
In the 2018-2019 school year, 224 KPBSD students were identified as homeless, using the federally required McKinney-Vento Act definition. These students ranged from Pre-K through the 12th grade, and received support services through our Students in Transition Program and homeless liaison staff.
*Homeless Liaison Contacts:
Kelly King
Homeless Liaison – Serving Central Peninsula, Seward and Tyonek schools
e: kking@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-714-8869
Jane Dunn
Homeless Liaison – Serving Southern Peninsula and Ninilchik schools
e: jdunn@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-235-4664
Helping students who are homeless: Kenai Central Spaghetti Feed & Silent Auction
December 6, 2019 | Friday night | 6:00 PM
Spaghetti Feed and Silent Auction to benefit KPBSD Students In Transition
Kenai Central High School cafeteria
9583 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
$10 for adults
$5 for kids (under 14)
$25 for families (five or more)
Student leaders at Kenai Central High School are working hard to support their peers without permanent housing! Everyone is welcome to come to this student-led and student-organized fundraiser! Friday. 6:00 PM.
“Even if you are not eating you can stop by to take a look at silent auction items provided by our local families and businesses. We hope to see you there and are blown away from our communities support–thank you!”
Hunter Beck and Elizabeth Hanson, Kenai Central High School
For more information on the SIT Program or to see if you qualify, contact your local liaison. Homeless Liaisons can help students and families access supports and services to address these challenges.* (see contacts below)
Who are Homeless Children and Youth?
Eligible children and youth are students who lack a permanent, stable, and adequate place to sleep at night. This can include students who are living in a shelter, hotel, tent, camper or car, students that are “doubled-up” with extended family members of friends because of financial difficulty, or loss of housing, students who are couch-surfing, and those in “substandard” housing. Students may be part of a larger family unit that is homeless, or may be unaccompanied youth (youth living in a previously stated situation with without a parent or legal guardian).
What can the Students in Transition Program provide?
• Immediate School Enrollment
• Free school meal benefits
• Transportation to and from school
• School Supplies
• Assistance in obtaining vital records
• Referrals to local social service agencies and public programs
Students who don’t have stable housing face special challenges when it comes to school success. It is hard to learn if you are worried about your next meal, about staying warm at night, or about where you’ll be sleeping next. Students who frequently change schools or are frequently absent lose out on valuable learning time and often fall behind their peers.
In the 2018-2019 school year, 224 KPBSD students were identified as homeless, using the federally required McKinney-Vento Act definition. These students ranged from Pre-K through the 12th grade, and received support services through our Students in Transition Program and homeless liaison staff.
Contacts:
Kelly King
Homeless Liaison – Serving Central Peninsula, Seward and Tyonek schools e: kking@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-714-8869
Jane Dunn
Homeless Liaison – Serving Southern Peninsula and Ninilchik schools
e: jdunn@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-235-4664
KPBSD inspiration: Maria Salzetti, Kenai Central High School, #ClassOf2019
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.
- Connect with Kenai Central High School on Facebook
- Connect with the Kenai Central High School website
- Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
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.
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.”
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.”
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!”
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!”
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.
Three cities, three decades, three leaders: KPSBD graduate #inspirations
Good things come in threes, and on the Kenai Peninsula, this week the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District celebrates and introduces you to three graduates who now manage three of the largest cities in the Borough spanning 25,600 square miles.
Meet
Katie Koester [Homer High School Class of 1998] Homer City Manager
Paul Ostrander [Soldotna High School Class of 1986] Kenai City Manager
Stephanie (Arbelovsky) Queen [Kenai Central High School Class of 2000] Soldotna City Manager
Katie, Paul, and Stephanie talk about a city celebration, favorite local spot, and vision, priority and project that matters. Individual profiles for each of these graduates will follow in this four-part series highlighting KPBSD graduates.
K-12 Memories
- Katie Koester, Homer High School Class of 1998
“Hands down Bishop’s Beach is my favorite spot! In high school my best friend Krista and I played Spice Girls in the parking lot and danced to,“tell me what’chu want what’chu you really, really want.” Bishop’s Beach is a wonderful spot to meet up with friends, go for walks, and crank some tunes—Spice Girls or not.”
- Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School Class of 1986
“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.”
- Stephanie (Arbelovsky) Queen, Kenai Central High School Class of 2000
“A couple of my early Soldotna memories are birthday parties at the roller rink (with the giant fuzzy dice and the limbo stick), and going to the Soldotna Airport for dog sled races and to watch the model airplane club fly their planes!”
City Celebrations
- Homer problem solvers and determination
“I celebrate the people of Homer–the families who have made it here for generations along with the new families who come to the end of the road, fall in love with this place, and figure out how to make it in this town. This community’s underlying determination to live and persist in Homer means people here are interesting, creative, and diverse. I celebrate the people of Homer because they are problem solvers, because they make Homer the place for their life’s work.” –Katie Koester, City Manager, Homer, Alaska
- What separates Kenai is its heart.
“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.” – Paul Ostrander, City Manager, Kenai, Alaska
- Entrepreneurial spirit and partnerships in Soldotna
“One of the things I really appreciate about Soldotna is how engaged our residents are. We’ve figured out how to work together across public, private, and non-profit lines, to move big projects forward. This has allowed us to accomplish several of the community’s long-standing goals; something we would not have been able to do without strong partnerships.I value our community’s entrepreneurial spirit. It is true in the traditional sense, of people investing in and starting new businesses. But, it’s also true in the many events, races, festivals, markets, and concerts that people are creating, which provide more opportunities and new things to do in our area. It is great to be part of a community that rewards creativity, and supports people who are willing to invest their time and talents to build something new.” –Stephanie (Arbelovsky) Queen, City Manager, City of Soldotna
Vision, Projects, Goals
- Open For Business
“I was appointed city manager under Mayor Wythe who had an open for business theme for Homer. I work really hard to continue this vision because I want Homer to be a town with family-sustaining jobs—jobs where someone can raise their family while also being professionally satisfied. Families thrive when our local businesses thrive.” –Katie Koester, City Manager, Homer, Alaska
- 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. –Paul Ostrander, City Manager, Kenai, Alaska
- Downtown Connections
“Part of the City of Soldotna’s economic development strategy over the past several years has been incremental investment in our downtown, and this is a priority I would like to continue to pursue into the future. We started with low-hanging fruit such as new highway banners, park signs, and landscaping improvements. And, we supported and encouraged events that bring people to Soldotna Creek Park and the commercial core.We now have an opportunity to explore more significant–although complex–redevelopment concepts, particularly along the portions of our downtown that border the Kenai River. My goal is to work closely with private landowners to plan for future infrastructure and developments, which not only add value to their property and benefit surrounding businesses, but also provide a more attractive downtown that is well connected to the rest of the community.” –Stephanie (Arbelovsky) Queen, City Manager, City of Soldotna
Watch for individual profiles in this series!
Links
Katie Koester, Homer High School Class of 1998
City Manager, Homer, Alaska www.cityofhomer-ak.gov
Paul Ostrander, Soldotna High School Class of 1986
City Manager, Kenai, Alaska http://www.ci.kenai.ak.us/
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.
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Brittany Gilman, Kenai Central High School #ClassOf2018
Brittany Gilman
Kenai Central High School, Class of 2018
It was 1972 when Brittany Gilman’s KPBSD legacy began. Her grandmother Marj was a teacher in the school district followed by many other family members. It is now 2018 and Brittany is the last to follow the rest of siblings and parents as being a KPBSD graduate.
Beginning with Sears Elementary Brittany has attended KPBSD schools since Kindergarten. Thinking back, she remembers fondly Mr. and Mrs. Knudsen in Elementary school and Rosemary Bird in Junior High. She describes them as teaching love and empathy: “you could tell they cared about you outside the classroom,” she says. She is an excellent example of stellar academics, is musically gifted, and is very involved in the community. Brit is one of the KCHS valedictorians; she is the first chair of sopranos in Chamber Choir, she served on student council every year, earned All-State choir titles, and was the only Alaska student at Nationals her junior year. Performing at Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera house with the Honors Performance Series is the highlight of her high school career.
As this community has been important to her family for so many years, Brittney has involved herself in four to six plays a year with Kenai Performers, Triumvirate Theatre, and Encore Dance Studios. She is also involved in church activities and volunteers as needed for a variety of events.
Brittany will continue her education at New York University, majoring in Music Education. She intends to obtain a K-12 certification in Music Education and become a Choir teacher. Looking back on her time in KPBSD and the teachers she has worked with she says, “I love them, I do, everyone is so sweet and they teach good family values and they highlight the importance of education and where it can take you.”
Principal Alan Fields said, “KCHS will miss you Brittany, but we are so proud of your accomplishments and what your future holds.”
Kenai Central High School Facebook
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org
Kenai student honored for excellence in distance learning
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018
Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Natalie Marlowe, Kenai Central High School
In her words
“One of my favorite connections was when I was able to connect an Alaska and Texas elementary classroom to discuss back and forth. The amazement on the faces of Alaskan kids when the Texas students brought out their class pet, a snake, was priceless. The Texan students were equally impressed by the stories of the weather the Alaskan students considered typical on the playground.”
Be involved
“In the fall of 2015, I got involved in a video conferencing program offered at my high school. This program is team taught by a teacher at Kenai Central High School and a teacher at Soldotna Prep School and is designed to connect students around the world as it works to prepare them for the next generation workplace. Although I began the course looking for an extra social studies credit, as I learned more I began to realize how these global connections and networking skills would set me apart when I began applying to colleges and eventually entering the workforce.”
Learning
“My involvement over the past three years in this course has taught me a lot about video conferencing technology and the uses of distance education. However, it has also taught me a lot about myself as an individual. I have learned how to learn from my failures, sometimes more than from successes, and how to be flexible when things do not go as planned. I have learned how to be ready to stand up and participate in the discussion when put on the spot and how to be comfortable presenting in front my peers and large groups of adult professionals. I know the confidence and ease I have learned through these experiences will accompany me through life even outside of distance education and the use of video conferencing technology.”
Challenges and surprises
“Working with technology is always a gamble. There are so many things that can go wrong at any given point. I struggled especially when I was working with teachers because they looked to me to have answers when things went wrong and I didn’t always have them. Being involved in this program required me to grow in my flexibility and know when to admit I needed help and how to get that help. One key challenge I had was when I set up a conference for a teacher at an elementary school. I had gone in a few days before to make sure the technology was working but between that time and the conference date the equipment was moved and disconnected. I ended up having to cancel the conference that day and reschedule. Things like this have really taught me how to be flexible and communicate with people when things go wrong.”
Superintendent Sean Dusek said,
“I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. Congratulations Natalie and I am so very proud to have you as one of our KPBSD graduates!”
KPBSD educator Rob Sparks said, “She has done an outstanding job of representing the KPBSD and has shown a high level of professionalism throughout her internship and is a super nice person on top of all her talents!”
“Natalie has been a part of our video conferencing program for three years at Kenai Central High School, and I truly appreciate all her efforts,” said Greg Zorbas, KCHS educator. “Natalie has gone above and beyond our expectations and is truly a deserving winner of the USDLA student achievement award. I am certain that her experience in the video conferencing program will help her succeed at whatever she chooses to do in the future.”
USDLA Media Release
USDLA awards Kenai student Natalie Marlowe top honors
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018
Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
Indianapolis, IN May 2, 2018 — The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2018 International Distance Learning Awards to Natalie Marlowe in conjunction with the 2018 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.
These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Distance Learning, Innovation, Excellence in Teaching/Training, Quality Research Paper, Student Achievement, and Eagle.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Natalie Marlowe as a leader in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. Natalie has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by Natalie’s contributions within all distance learning constituencies.
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Mr. Ken Conn, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, “This year’s award winner represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “I also look forward to seeing Natalie again during National Distance Learning Week, November 5-9, 2018.”
Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. I am so very proud Miss Marlowe is one of our KPBSD graduates!”
Natalie, a Senior at Kenai Central High School, was the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District intern working with i2iTechnologoes, Two Way Interactive Communication in Education and Collaborations Around The Planet (CAPspace)
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org
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