MEHS Student
To Receive SCS
Scholarship
Sitka Conservation Society has announced Ashley Rexford is the recipient of its Living with the Land and Building Community–Future of Alaska Scholarship.
Rexford, a Mt. Edgecumbe High School student, is SCS’s environmental policy intern. The award will be given at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School awards ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Centennial Hall.
Rexford works with local and statewide youth groups such as Mt. Edgecumbe’s Cutting Edge News and Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, and joined participants during the recent Arctic Encounters Summit.
Her work has focused on leadership development and education amongst her peers and in schools. She has participated in and helped lead the efforts of local youth environmental initiatives by developing strategies and creating actions to engage youths in climate change awareness and advocacy, the conservation group said.
In offering the internship, SCS said it aims to develop the skills and abilities of the next generation of Alaskan leaders to learn about policy related to climate change throughout the region and state, as well as how to advocate for and catalyze social, economic, and environmental policy change at a local, state, and federal level.
“Ashley is the second recipient of this scholarship due to her inspiring work in developing her voice in order to convey information to her peers and the broader public on climate change and the significance of its impacts to the local community,’’ said Emily Pound, SCS Sitka Youth Community Development Catalyst. ‘‘Ashley developed and practiced the use of her voice to encourage others to learn about conservation efforts and policy impact with the belief that the needs of future generations will only be met if youth are able to speak out and give voice to their priorities.”
SCS expressed appreciation to Mt. Edgecumbe High School for its continued support of youths and for investing in a program to continue connecting them with work experience and local organizations.
Rainy Day Bazaar Grants,
Scholarships Announced
The Sitka Coast Guard Spouses and Women’s Association has announced its scholarship recipients.
‘‘The Rainy Day Bazaar’s Silent Auction was so successful that we were able to award TWO scholarships this year,’’ said Lucey Tuten, CGSWA president. ‘‘We had a record number of applicants and are happy to announce Sagan McLaughlin and Kelsey Simic are the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards.’’
The association also gave grants in varying amounts to the American Legion, Brave Heart Volunteers, Baranof Barracuda Swim Club, Sitka Imagination Library, Salty Spoke, Sitka Babies and Books, Sitka Trail Works Summer Youth Program, Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL), and the University of Alaska Southeast.
‘‘Many thanks to all community members of Sitka, for your support of the Rainy Day Bazaar’s silent auction, to make this giving possible,’’ Tuten said.
Pacific High
Graduation
Slated May 13
Pacific High School will hold its graduation ceremony 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Odess Theater on the SJ Campus.
This year’s graduates are Xandra Gray-Young, Reece Lowe, Frederic McCleland, Hannah Mosher, Raven Richards, Silas Rioux and Ceridwen Snelling.
For more information call (907) 747-0525.
Work Party Set
At the Boatshop
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is holding a volunteer work party to restore exterior walls on the Japonski Island Boatshop 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 13.
Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to take gloves and tools. Volunteers are welcome to help out for part or all the time. Project leaders will provide training in historic preservation principles and methods.
Coffee and snacks are provided. Call 738-7448 or email sitkamaritime@gmail.com for information or go to sitkamaritime.org.
School Board to be
At 2 Graduations
Sitka School Board members will attend graduation ceremonies for Pacific High School on May 13 and Sitka High School on May 22. The board also will attend the Blatchley Middle School Rites of Passage on May 24.
‘Sitka Tells Tales’
Series at Porchfest
Sitka Tells Tales will present “Breakthrough: Tales of Sudden Discoveries and New Creations,” a live event at Porch Fest, 4-5 p.m. Saturday May 20 on the KCAW stage behind the Beak Restaurant.
The local storytelling series event also will air on KCAW Raven Radio on Tuesday, June 20. It is hosted by Raven Radio, Artchange Inc. and the Greater Sitka Arts Council. For information or to sign up to a tale at future events call 907-738-2174.
Children’s Author
Gibbs in Sitka
The public is invited to a presentation by children’s author Stuart Gibbs 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Keet Gooshi Heen.
The event will begin with a Subway meal in the school’s multipurpose room at 5:15 p.m. It is a first-come, first-served, dinner. The author presentation begins at 6 p.m.
Books are available at libraries and at Old Harbor Books.
School Renaming
Volunteers Sought
The Sitka School District is seeking recommendations for, or letters of interest from, individuals to serve on a committee for the purpose of renaming Baranof Elementary School.
Two committee positions are to be filled. They are for a community member tribal elder. Submit a recommendation and/or letter of interest to the District Office or email info@sitkaschools.org by 4 p.m. May 26.
Pistol League
Winners Given
The Sitka Sportsman’s Association recently held its rimfire and centerfire pistol league and winners have been announced.
Rimfire winners are: Chad Goeden, first place; Bill Peters, second; and Retha Winger, third.
Winners of the centerfire league are: first, Chad Goeden; Sean Demello, second; and third, Josh Goeden.
‘‘The Sitka Sportsman’s Association would like to thank all of the participants of this year’s rimfire and centerfire pistol league, and congratulate the winners,’’ SSA said in a press release.
Anyone wanting to participate in next year’s leagues starting in January, or in women’s pistol league starting in the fall, should contact Chad Goeden at (907) 623-0908.
An ongoing centerfire pistol competition is held each Thursday at 7 p.m. for anyone interested.
Sacred Harp
Sing May 14
All are invited to learn to sing four-part a capella harmony in the Sacred Harp (shape note) tradition 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at the Pioneers Home chapel.
Beginners and listeners are welcome. Singing is from the red Denson book, and loaner books are available. For information call Sara at 747-2915.
