Verina Ukatish
Nanwalek School, Class of 2018
Verina Ukatish is the Nanwalek Class of 2018 Valedictorian. When faced with life challenges, Verina takes those head on and most often with a smile. She is an excellent advocate for herself and a role model for her peers. She has worked in many youth and community programs, including the Nanwalek Summer Youth Program, the Kenatize Tribe Workforce Intern Program at their Head Start Program, many Project GRAD sponsored activities including Summer College Institute, Career Institute, and Leadership Institute. She has been active in Kenai Peninsula Native Youth Leadership Program and served as the Nanwalek KPNYL Student Advisor Assistant and one of their representatives at the Alaska Federation of Natives Conference in 2016.
Verina is planning to take a gap year, and then going to school to become a certified nurse’s assistant. She has an entrepreneurial and creative spirit that she hopes to use after graduation by opening a coffee cart in Nanwalek. When Verina makes up her mind to do something she will not let anything stand in the way. She has already contributed so much to her school, peers, family, and community it will be exciting to see her continue to grow as a leader.
Facebook: Nanwalek School
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org