Dear Editor: I would like to thank the community for working with us to host the Alaska Association of Student Governments (AASG) conference. It was a remarkable gathering that brought together 300 student leaders from across Alaska, fostering collaboration, the sharing of ideas, and strengthening the bonds between our schools.
The visit was co-hosted by the Student Councils at Sitka and Mt. Edgecumbe High Schools and their respective advisers, Frederique Charbonneau and Jack Davis. Together, they created an enriching program that included a virtual address by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, presentations by the Dignity Index, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, the Sitka Youth Leadership Coalition and others. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard led the opening ceremonies.
An event this large doesn’t just happen. In addition to the two advisers, a plethora of students and teachers donated their time and energy to make it a success. SHS Activities Director Rich Krupa worked tirelessly to ensure that participants were housed, fed, and transported. Thank you to the SHS Foods students (and Meggan Turner and her paraeducator team!) who handled the meal preparation.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the following:
Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska provided a truck in Juneau so Meggan Turner could get the staples we needed to feed 300 people over the three days
Alaska Airlines donated cargo shipping
Sea Mart and AC Lakeside donated fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables
Ace Hardware donated materials and supplies for enrichment activities
Fortress of the Bear and the Raptor Center offered participants free admission
Allen Marine GENEROUSLY provided two boats and crew so all 300 participants could see the beauty of Sitka from the water. For some of the visitors, this was their first trip on the open ocean and their first sightings of whales, otters, sea lions and other wildlife
Island Bus and Trudy Prewitt made sure all participants were transported safely from place to place.
We are proud of the efforts of our students and the positive influence they are having on their peers. This event was a true testament to the strength and potential of student leadership in our state.
Laura Rogers,
Principal, Sitka High School
