Krista Sinclair, Ninilchik School
Krista Sinclair, Ninilchik School #Classof2016
Class of 2016 valedictorian, Krista has been active in both volleyball and basketball all four years as well as being recognized on the all-academic teams each year. She graduates with a 4.0 GPA and 21 college credits through Kenai Peninsula College utilizing the KPB Jump Start program. Krista earned the UA Scholar Scholarship, the Alaska Performance Scholarship and was awarded the first year tuition waiver at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC).
She also participated in student council, honor choir, and the Close-Up program. In the community she has participated in 4-H, the Native Youth Olympics, and has volunteered in several activities at the Kenai Peninsula Fair Grounds. Krista will attend KPC next year and plans to major in Psychology. Her plans are to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, eventually transferring to the University of Oklahoma with the goal of graduating from the OU College of Law.
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Jun 16
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Nikolaevsk School #Classof2016
Nikolaevsk School #Classof2016
Nikolaevsk graduated nine seniors in the Class of 2016. While the staff and community are excited to see what the future holds for our nine seniors, we are inexplicably proud to see them graduate and enter into this next phase of their lives—especially because we have known most of them for their entire school career. Through the 13 years we’ve had these students in our school, we’ve seen these students work through personal and academic risk factors that some might say were insurmountable or impossible for any student to overcome. But, our nine overcame all the risk factors, grew in their academic performance and critical thinking, and have made achievable dreams for their future. We are proud of our students and their achievements and genuinely like them as human beings. We look forward to seeing them succeed as they attend University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AVTECH in Seward, and begin careers in the fishing or retail industries. Our faith in their ability to achieve great things is the reason why Nikolaevsk was recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School—because these students are distinguished and well-prepared to enter into this world and make a meaningful difference.
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Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School
Lavrentie Ukatish, Nanwalek School #Classof2016
Lavrentie Ukatish, or Larry, as most know him, will be going on to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to pursue his professional piloting credentials. Flying and taking a boat are the only two ways into his village of Nanwalek so Larry understands first-hand the important role bush pilots play for communities like his. Larry will be spending this summer doing an internship in Kenai with a pilot in order to receive valuable experience before heading to the classroom in the fall. Larry hopes that after his time at UAA he can work with a local air taxi.
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Allison Steinbeck [Kenai Central High School]
Allison Steinbeck | Kenai Central High School #Classof2016
A Kenai Central High School graduate, who attended Kenai Middle School and Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Allison will leave quite an imprint on KCHS when she pursues her goals this coming fall. As a Kenai Central Kardinal, Alli has been a leader both in the classroom and on the court. Her dedication and hard work is an inspiration to younger students and peers alike. A three sport athlete, Alli has held the position of captain and been recognized on various levels for her athletic ability and leadership strengths. In the classroom she has seen nothing other than a 4.0 GPA and represented Kenai Central as one of the valedictorians, as well as the Masonic outstanding student of the year. All of this she has done while balancing athletics and student council roles of class President and Vice President over three years’ time. Alli hopes to leave behind a legacy that working hard is important to build strong character within your community. “I hope to inspire others to do their very best.”
Alli’s upcoming summer will have her working at her parents’ store before heading to Washington as a student at Gonzaga University. She will be pursuing a Biology degree as she starts her path towards a Doctorate in Dentistry. Due to her personal experience with a sports accident that had her frequenting the dentist office throughout her junior and senior year of high school, Alli hopes to, “help others and give people confidence” while pursuing her goal of owning her own practice as a dentist. She plans on doing this while settling down in a small community where she can continue to be a positive influence of hard work and dedication. Her words of encouragement to up and coming high school students is to “Be as involved and committed to your academics and extra-curricular activities as possible.” KCHS is thankful for the positive impact Allison Steinbeck has had on our students and staff alike and are excited for the positive future ahead of her.
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Kenai Alternative School
Melissa Bower
![Melissa Bower [Kenai Alternative School] #Classof2016](http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/files/2016/06/Melissa-Bower-Kenai-Alt.jpg)
Melissa Bower [Kenai Alternative School] #Classof2016
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Homer High School
Nolan Bunting
Nolan Bunting Homer High School #Classof2016
Nolan Bunting is a one-in-a-million person. His appetite for knowledge is insatiable and spans virtually every discipline, be it academic or career and technical. Apart from earning straight A’s in the most rigorous classes Homer High School offers, including seven Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Nolan has also managed to build a résumé that looks more like a list of volunteer opportunities rather than anything anyone could have actually done, and done so well: Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician, multiple state champion and team captain in both Drama Debate and Forensics (DDF) as well as in Skills USA, volunteer-extraordinaire for various local non-profits in the fields of marine biology, ornithology, and veterinary.
Nolan will attend Colorado State University (CSU) this fall to pursue pre-veterinary studies. His undergraduate education does not stand to cost him much money nor take him much time. He received local, state, and national scholarships, in addition to the merit-based award he will receive directly from CSU. And he’ll be entering as a college sophomore or better because he took classes at the local Kachemak Bay Campus, as well as being the most prolific AP tester in Homer High history—he took eight AP exams this year alone. We anticipate the faculty of CSU should be prepared to be impressed by Nolan Bunting.
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Jenna Kilcher, Homer Flex School
Jenna Kilcher, Homer Flex School Class of 2016
When Jenna Kilcher enrolled at Homer Flex School, she was behind on credits and questioning the role education would play in her life. This year, she graduated with the Class of 2016, became a Certified Registered Nurse, and is determined to further her education and continue her path in the medical field. Jenna’s transformation from reluctant learner to head of her class came with a lot of hard work and determination, but with the support of her family, she persevered. Next year, she hopes to continue this trend at the Kenai Peninsula College. and eventually the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
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Class of 2016
Connections Homeschool
Jayce Miller [Connections Homeschool]
![Jayce Miller [Connections Homeschool]](http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/files/2016/06/Jayce-Miller-Connections.jpg)
Jayce Miller [Connections Homeschool]
Jayce is an enthusiastic, talented young man. In his Valedictorian address, Jayce offered a few tidbits of advice for his fellow graduates:
- Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes
- Stop dreaming and start doing
- Don’t let other people determine your definition of success
It is clear that Jayce follows his own advice. Next year, Jayce will pursue his dreams at the California Institute of Technology. Jayce is a fine example of what students can accomplish.
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Sean Moonin, Nanwalek School
In Nanwalek, Alaska, Sean Moonin, a second grade student has proven that if you set your mind to doing something–even something unlikely—it can be done. Through his leadership and perseverance, Mrs. Kara Fraser’s second and third grade class earned 48 “Eagle Days” in 2015-2016. “Eagle Days” are a motivational strategy that Nanwalek School uses to increase attendance, and are earned when every student in a class is at school and on time, no matter what. Sean used social engineering to make sure his class rose to the top this year, and beyond what any class is known to have done in Nanwalek in recent years. Sean was a role model himself, achieving perfect attendance—a feat in itself, after having missed over 30 days the year before.
How did this class excel in earning so many Eagle Days through Sean’s leadership this year?
When asked this question by Principal Kleine, every student pointed to Sean. Sean organized and directed others to assist his efforts, but all agreed that Sean was definitely the reason these kids achieved what was highly unlikely without this young leader.
What was Sean’s strategy? Call his classmates every morning? No! Could he text them to get them going? Not in Nanwalek–there is no cell service. Then what?
Sean was very systematic in his approach. He woke up each day on his own, an hour before he planned to be at school. That in itself is remarkable for a second grader! He came to school a half hour before the bell rang for classes, took inventory of his classmates to see who was missing, gathered help from classmates who were there, ran to each village house of the missing students, and knocked on their door. “It was pretty surprising,” said Bella Velez, a third grader, “we haven’t seen this before.” Another third grader, Juanita Wood, said, “It is a bit thrilling. Even though it’s a small group, it takes all of us and we are really far apart with our houses.”
“Really far apart” is a relative term.
Nanwalek is a small village, but it also does not have street lights everywhere to light the way, and the weather can be very challenging. These factors did not stop Sean Moonin.
Besides earning a Perfect Attendance Award, Mrs. Fraser awarded Sean a Leadership Award for his efforts at getting his classmates to school. The class was awarded intermittently throughout the year for reaching a certain number of Eagle Days. In a grand finale, Principal Kleine gave these youngsters an unexpected surprise that is really special in Nanwalek: Subway sandwiches and cookies, all served on the new picnic tables outside.
Bravo, Sean Moonin! You may only be in second grade, but you are a leader and have made a difference in your community!
Mrs. Fraser’s 2nd and 3rd Grade class, 2015-2016 school year
Sean Moonin, Nanwalek School
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Kari Dendurent, Homer Middle School principal Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region III Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Kari Dendurent, Homer Middle School principal! Ms. Dendurent is recognized as the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region III Principal of the Year!
The mission of AASSP is to promote excellence in school leadership while providing quality professional development to our members through conferences and other professional development opportunities.
“It is a great honor to be selected by my fellow administrators to represent Region III,” said Kari Dendurent, Homer Middle School principal. “I want to thank the amazing students, staff, parents, and the Homer Middle School Community for their continued hard work and support in making HMS such a wonderful place. We at HMS strive for high academic achievement and a positive school climate and culture. Our most important achievement is building trusting relationships through a positive rapport with every student.”
Sean Dusek, superintendent said, “I am very proud of Ms. Dendurent’s recognition and it is very well deserved! She has done an excellent job at Homer Middle School and has brought a very positive attitude with her that permeates the whole school. Great job Kari!”
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