Dear Editor: Every other year, Blatchley Middle School has the privilege of hosting Discover Your Potential (DYP) Week, a truly special learning experience that reflects the very best of our school and our community. During this week, students step outside the traditional classroom and into hands-on learning opportunities such as scuba diving, sushi making, fly tying, Frisbee golf, CEO’ing, rocketry, and so much more.
DYP Week consistently invigorates our school. It gives students the chance to discover interests, talents, and skills they may never have encountered otherwise. Over the years, we have seen the long-term impact of this experience – former Blatchley students have gone on to pursue careers that were first sparked during this week-long learning adventure.
An undertaking of this scale does not happen without tremendous support. DYP Week requires significant funding, careful planning, and countless hours of dedication from both school staff and community partners. This year, we are incredibly grateful for the financial support provided by Charr, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Chris McGraw of Sitka Dock Company, and our local Elks Lodge.
Equally important are the many community members and organizations who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion to offer courses for our students. We extend our sincere thanks to Sitka Tribe of Alaska with Alec Duncan, Lizzy Hardison, and Charlie Skultka; Rick Peterson of AMSEA; Allen Marine; the Nazarene Church; Nikki Moore; Sitka Fine Arts; Nicole Floyd; U.S. Coast Guard; Forget-Me-Not Antiques and Stained Glass; Edith Johnson and Ludvig’s; SEARHC-Arrowmark; Sitka Animal Shelter; Sitka Studio of Dance; Sitka Cirque; Nails by Kat; Bear Country Convenience; Sitka Parks and Recreation; Sitka Sound Science Center; Hames Center; University of Alaska Southeast and Joel Markiss; State of Alaska Hunter Education; Andrew Friske; Wildlife Troopers; Sitka Sportsman’s Association; Treetop Adventures; KCAW; Physical Therapy by Bridgette and Carolyn; Salty Sitkan; and Rich McAlpin.
DYP Week is a powerful reminder that education does not exist in isolation. It thrives when a community values learning and invests in its young people. Here in Sitka, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries of our community’s generosity—of the time, knowledge, resources, and care that so many are willing to share.
On behalf of the staff and students of Blatchley Middle School, thank you for believing in education and for helping our students discover what is possible.
With gratitude,
Ben White and Staff
Blatchley Middle School
