COMMENTARY: Edgecumbe High Opens For a New School Year
By Miranda Bacha
Academic Principal
Mt. Edgecumbe High School
As the end of summer approaches, Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) is excited to welcome students back for another year of academic excellence and personal growth. We are happy to report that our enrollment is back up to our pre-pandemic numbers. The first day of school was Monday, and the faculty and staff are eagerly preparing to make this year one of the best yet.
MEHS continues to embrace both change and growth as it heads into the new academic year. With a focus on creating a nurturing and supportive environment, MEHS aims to ensure that each student feels valued and cared for while away from home. Some of the biggest changes are going to a 7 Period Bell Schedule and shifting from trimesters to semesters.
MEHS is pleased to welcome back its whole administrative team. Suzzuk Huntington, the superintendent, Miranda Bacha the Academic Principal, Andrew Friske the Residential Principal, Alex Weissberg the Residential Dean of Students, Matthew Potter the Academic Assistant Principal, and Devyn Peters in the Business Office.
MEHS is welcoming six new teachers this year. These educators bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, coming from various backgrounds, including experience teaching within Alaska, the lower 48 states, and international teaching experiences. Joining the MEHS family are Sarah Champey, Naomi Paulson, Jessica Smyke, Brock Vowell, Andrea Whitson and Amanda Williams.
In addition to its academic offerings, MEHS is known for its diverse range of extracurricular activities. This year, students will have the opportunity to participate in kayaking, hiking, swimming, diving, paintball, chess, beading, and much more through its Recreation Program.
Sports and other competitive activities remain a cornerstone of student life at MEHS, with cross country running, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, cheerleading, e-sports, and Drama, Debate, and Forensics all on the roster for the year. Our calendar can be found on the MEHS website and is kept up to date. We enjoy seeing community members at our home games and look forward to seeing everyone again.
As the new school year begins, MEHS would like to remind our community members that school is now in session and we kindly ask that everyone refrain from bringing their dogs around campus. It is important to recognize that our students come to MEHS from 117 communities including some villages where dogs are not house pets. Some students have a genuine fear of dogs, which can impact their sense of safety and well-being at school.
Our commitment to student growth, both academically and personally, remains stronger than ever. With the first day of school quickly approaching, the entire Mt. Edgecumbe High School community is eager to embark on another year of learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.
For more information about the upcoming school year, visit www.mehs.us or contact the main office at 907-966-3200. Information about the Aquatics Center can also be found on the website or by calling 907-966-3279.
Thank You to the Whites
Dear Editor: The Babies and Books board of directors would like to thank Trish and Dirk White and their staff at Harry Race Pharmacy for their recent donation.
We were the lucky recipients of their soda fountain tips for the month of July. Their generosity will allow us to provide books and supplies for programs throughout the year to children from birth to age 3. In doing so we can continue our mission to promote literacy and encourage Sitka’s children to become lifelong readers.
Cheryl Vastola
Babies and Books Board Member
Campaign Contributions
Dear Editor: In 2006, 73% of Alaskans voted to place limits on contributions to political candidates in Alaskan elections. These limits were in effect until 2021 when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the $500 limit on campaign contributions for legislative races on the grounds of free speech. This has led to huge contributions, even $100,000 contributions, in recent state gubernatorial races. The Legislature last season discussed restoring limits, but did not take action.
A group of Alaskans who call themselves Citizens Against Money in Politics are circulating a ballot initiative petition to restore limits on campaign contributions. These limits would be higher than the past limits ($2,000 per candidate per election cycle, adjusted for inflation) but still reasonable, and would help level the playing field for Alaska political candidates. If sufficient signatures are obtained, the initiative would be placed on the state ballot and be voted on by all Alaskans.
For registered voters who have not yet signed this ballot initiative, there will be two opportunities this week to sign here in Sitka: 4-6 p.m. Thursday and 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Unitarian Church parking lot. The address of the Unitarian Church is 408 Marine Street, and the entrance to the parking lot is behind the church on Spruce Street.
Signatures need to be submitted to the state soon, so this may be the last opportunity for folks to conveniently sign.
It is my belief that placing limits on campaign contributions makes the voices of individual Alaskans stronger and makes elections fairer for all Alaskans.
Connie Kreiss, Sitka
