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"Make your paper a perfect mirror of everything done in your county that its citizens ought to know."Horace GreeleyPhoto galleries JV intersquad
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Have a great
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Class of 2013 graduation - first photo gallery
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Class of 2013 celebrates graduation |
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GILA's Class of 2013 valedictorian Curtis Richardson of Anvik did more than smoothly deliver a speech to the parents, families, and friends gathered in the SHS gym on May 17. He followed his speech by picking up his electric guitar and performing Soul Shine to an appreciative audience, who rewarded him and accompanist Karrie Pavish Anderson with a standing ovation. Ms. Pavish Anderson is recording artist in her own right and is the music director at GILA's Ptarmigan Hall. Thirty-six graduates from GILA and the community of Galena strode across the stage to shake hands of administrators and school board members to take hold of their diplomas. The SHS valedictorian was Patti Sam. The GILA salutatorian was Elijah Jensen. There was no SHS salutatorian this year. The commencement speaker was Maria Wieczorek, program manager at Ptarmigan Hall. The graduation concluded with the senior slide show produced by the video production class under the direction of Mr. Arne Erickson, which displayed photos of graduates throughout the years, from infancy to their senior year. It is a favorite part of the graduation for many people in Galena. A podcast of the graduation ceremony is available by clicking here. This year's graduates are: Colleen Alexandria Andrew Roland B. Bergey Jaylene Rae Borkowski Kenneth Chaliak Aaron Blair Cox Tristan Keith Cruger Dale Francisco Deleon Leo Nathaniel Ewan Cora Foster Elijah Robert Jensen Elizabeth Laura Rose Jerue Cherissa Lynn Johnson Maria Angel Kudrin Cecelia Renee Nassuk Kyle Joseph Nickoli Sierra Ashlyn Nickoli Katherine Tess Ordonez Kenneth P.A. Owens Dylan Paslov Micala Allison Peter Crimet Frank Phillips Jr. Parker John Edward Pitka Curtis Gary Richardson Patti Flora Maudrey Sam Shayla Estelle Sam |
Listen to the outstanding performance by Curtis Richardson of the song "Soul Shine" at the 2013 Galena graduation ceremony
GILA salutatorian Elijah Jensen (left) and valedictorian Curtis Richardson.
SHS valedictorian Patti Sam.
Commencement speaker Maria Wieczorek.Photos By Mr. AAngel Nellie Nayagaq Sharp Laurel Ivoniva Smith Kayla Shanee Stepetin Donald Austin James Stickman Lynnette Dee Strickland Daniel Reid Thomas Kaitlin J. Tom Travis George Tom Kody Shane Vanderpool Stephen C. Waska Carmen Lynn Williams
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Prom 2013 - first gallery
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Village Science Expo shows community traditional skills in new ways |
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The first-ever Village Science Expo in the SHS gym on May 9 presented student projects to the community which integrated scientific research and exploration with cultural knowledge and understanding. Students showed visitors a variety of projects, ranging from ways to avoid hypothermia to different methods to trap marten. Village Science teacher Ross Tulloch said the focus of the class was "to learn the science behind our everyday lives." For their final project presentation at the expo, students had to pick a topic and explore how it worked and demonstrate the science behind why it worked. "Every kid learned a lot more about a subject they had already heard about," he said. Mr. Tulloch was pleased with the good turnout and the efforts of the students. "We will be doing this yearly," he said, adding that next year he plans to include projects from his ecology and geology classes. |
Sophomore Emilia Ellis demonstrates how hypothermia saps heat from the human body
using equipment from her village science class.
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School activities fair lauds students, staff efforts |
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Teachers and athletes were honored at the annual Activities Fair at the SHS gym on May 7. Students and their families ate Navajo tacos and walked from exhibit to exhibit showing off accomplishments in cross-country running, basketball, volleyball, music and the performing arts, cross-country skiing, swimming, and wrestling. Associate business office manager Evelyn Burgett was given a plaque for 30 years of service to the Galena City School District. Elementary teacher Kate Thurmond was lauded for 20 years of teaching children at the SHS elementary school. Every teacher at the elementary and high school was given an award in recognition of his or her service. |
Actor of the year Elijah Jensen (left) and Musician of the year Curtis Richardson
received awards from Ptarmigan Hall music and film production advisor Karrie Pavish-Anderson.
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Staff writer honored with Washington D.C. internship |
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Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Hawk Highlights staff writer Ariana Swan after the senator's
interview last year.
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The Hawk Highlights is pleased to announce that staff writer Ariana Swan has been selected as an intern for Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Ariana, 17, from Deering, has been attending GILA for three years. During the journalism class interview with Sen. Murkowski in August 2012, Ariana fearlessly asked incisive questions and elicited great answers. We wish her the best of times in Washington, D.C., this summer. Mr. Apfelbeck |
Elementary science fair brings in crowds |
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People packed the SHS elementary gym to view the student projects at the Elementary Science Fair on April 26. The projects included an exploration of housing insulation properties, a comparison of the mouths of dogs and humans, and a replication of Galileo's famous experiment demonstrating that gravity operates equally on different masses. The fair also welcomed Dr. Patrick S. Druckenmiller, earth sciences curator and associate professor of geology from the University of Alaska Museum of the North, who brought along dinosaur and plant leaf fossils from the North Slope and put on a presentation about paleontology for the students. |
Fourth-grader Bethany Grant shows off her science fair project to her mom.
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Galena students going to Arctic Winter Games |
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By SHAINA BURLEY Staff writer Galena high school students Kaleb Korta and Isaac McElwee will be going to the Arctic Winter Games at Birch Hill in Fairbanks next year. The Arctic Winter Games is a sports competition that is held every two years, and the games provide athletes with competition and gives them a chance to present cultural values. There are many different types of sports that take place in the Arctic Games, but Kaleb and Isaac will be participating in the ski biathlon, which requires skiing and being able to shoot and hit a target as well as you can out of 10 shots. Kaleb, a freshman who lives in Galena, says that he will be preparing himself athletically. "I run about 4 miles every day," said Kaleb. To train for the biathlon, Kaleb and Isaac will be running all summer and joining the cross country team next year. They'll be practicing shooting, roller skiing (skiing on wheels), and skiing during the winter with the ski team. They'll also be working out and lifting weights all summer to stay fit and gain strength for the games. The games are scheduled for March 16-22, 2014.
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Galena skier Kaleb Korta, shown here last year with his award as the
skimeister at the 2012 Western Interior Ski Association meet in Galena.
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Listen or download the finale concert podcast |
Military Youth Academy leader joins Galena respect gathering |
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By BRANDON PITKA Staff writer "A positive message to do the right thing is more powerful than a list of rules to stop domestic abuse," said Tom Burton, commissioner for the Alaska Military Youth Academy who joined Galena for the annual Choose Respect gathering on March 28. Mr. Burton was here in Galena for a luncheon at the city hall before the march, where he spoke to people from the community. Mr. Burton said he believes that Choose Respect is a very powerful cause, and he is fully behind it because of its positive message. "I hope they (the next generation) will retain their innocence, even in the reality of adulthood," said Mr. Burton. A gentle society would be better for children to grow up in, Mr. Burton said in an interview following the Choose Respect march. One example comes from the words people choose, Mr. Burton said. He said that he views the problem of people cursing standing in the way of making the world a better place. At the Alaska Military Youth Academy, curse words are strictly forbidden. Getting rid of the idea that cursing is somehow manly is a good first step to a better society. "It's like keeping your lawn free of litter," he said. Starting with small things can allow children to grow up in a nicer place. Mr. Burton said domestic abuse is a mistake that can haunt you for the rest of your life. The March for Respect helps to remind a lot of people not to make the bad decisions. Mr. Burton thought that the Galena march was fantastic, and he appreciated visiting our town.
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Top photo: Students and people from the community march along Antoski Drive on
March 28 demonstrating support for an end to domestic violence. Right: SHS students Payton Cleaver (behind the
sign) and Asa Bryant were one of the many students taking part. Above: Tom Burton, commissioner of the Alaska
Military Youth Academy, speaking at the luncheon before the Choose Respect march on March 28.
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Face-Off winner crowned |
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By KAITLIN TOM Staff writer Curtis Richardson, 18, a senior from Anvik, won the applause from the audience at the Extreme Face-Off student music performance contest on March 26. The evening began with Diamond Fuller, the emcee of the event, keeping early-arriving students entertained while young adults and community members arrived while background music was playing. "Music is very important," Mr. Fuller said to the audience. He had a sense of humor throughout the event. Winners were judged by audience applause. Two musicians competed against each other with each performing for 30 seconds. The winner received the loudest applause, liveliness and loudness. The dim-lighted auditorium had disco-like lights and spotlights that provided light on the stage. |
GILA senior Curtis Richardson of Anvik belts out a song after winning
the Extreme Face-Off on March 26.Curtis Richardson - first Dylan Paslov Kayla Stepetin Candace Cox Kenny Chaliak Curtis Richardson - second Aaron Cox |
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Near the end of the evening, Curtis and senior Kenny Chaliak, 18, from Bethel, faced off, each performing on the guitar. Kenny played metal on the electric guitar; Curtis belted out some rock'n'roll. After a playoff tie, Curtis won. "It feels pretty good, I guess," said Curtis. Traditionally, the winner provides an encore for the audience. Curtis played the guitar and sang. There were eight contestants participating. Other performers were: • Aaron Cox, 18, a senior from Fairbanks on the drums. • Kayla Stepetin, 18, a senior from St. Paul, who also played the drums. • Kathy Ordonez, 17, a senior from Anchorage, who sang vocals. • Candace Cox, a freshman from Fairbanks, who also sang vocals. • Dylan Paslov, 17, a senior, who played the electric guitar. • Carl Sweetsir, from Tok, who sang a song. The event was sponsored by the Ptarmigan Hall music program under the supervision of Karrie Pavish-Anderson.
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Welding class builds new gym equipmentBy KAYLA STEPETIN and SHEILA GEORGE Staff writers A new dip bar has been made for the weight room at the GILA gym by the welding class. Brain Fancyboy, a senior and Eric Willhite, a junior, made the dip bar in about four class periods. They took idea for piece of equipment from the Internet, and used basic measurements to cut the components they needed. Once the components were cut out, they were welded together with metal inert gas. This new dip bar will be used for dips and a variety of other exercises. The muscle it targets is the triceps area. Brain is currently repairing a heavy bag stand, which is used for boxing. |
Stalwart reporter Ariana Swan shows off the new dip bar created by the welding class
in the GILA gym weight room.
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New admissions coordinator joins GILA staff |
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By CECELIA NASSUK Staff writer The new admissions coordinator at GILA is Adrian Johnson. As the admissions coordinator, Mrs. Johnson does all the interviews with the students who apply to this school. She also tracks paperwork and takes care of the student files. Mrs. Johnson has lived in Galena for four years. For three years, she was a residence advisor at Ptarmigan Hall. |
Adrian Johnson, the new admissions coordinator, in her office is on
the GILA campus.
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Mrs. Johnson said that she hopes to be able to meet the needs of students, help strengthen the student body, and assist the growth of the district, and make students feel comfortable and safe during their time in Galena. Mrs. Johnson was born December 21 at her home in Willow. Her parents are Jane and Karl Thistle. She has one brother, Karl Thistle. From kindergarten through sixth grade, Mrs. Johnson attended Willow Elementary School. She then attended Houston junior high and high school from seventh grade until her senior year. She attended the University of Alaska Anchorage for one year and then transferred to Corban College in Salem, Ore., where she earned her associate degree in business. On August 1, 2009, she married Gunnar Johnson. She said she likes living in Galena because of "everything," including the community and being able to get to know students from around the state.
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Firefighting classes offered to Galena students |
UAF assistant fire science professor Tylan Martin, speaking to juniors and
seniors at the GILA auditorium on March 21.
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By ANGEL SHARP Staff writer Wildland firefighting classes are coming up for Galena high school students, UAF assistant professor Tylan Martin told an assembly of juniors and seniors on March 21 in the GILA auditorium. Mr. Martin said the classes, which start on March 30, will help students become a wildland firefighter. There are two different classes offered – wildland fire control March 30- April 6, and advanced wildland firefighter April 6-10. Mr. Martin told students can earn a red card and earn college credits. "Getting your red card is the starting point," Mr. Martin said. "Once you have your red card, you can do anything you want in wildfire opportunities." Mr. Martin, an assistant professor in fire science, said he got interested in firefighting right after high school when some of his friends starting taking firefighting classes, and so he went too. |
Changes coming next year |
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By BETHANY GREEN Staff writer Next year there will be a lot of changes made in the staff in Galena's elementary and high school. One teacher is retiring, and several teachers are moving to different positions, said Beth Buchanan, principal of curriculum and instruction. The high school art and culture teacher, Cathy Evans, is retiring after working with the Galena City School District for 10 years. The GILA counselor, Melissa Robbins, will also be leaving Galena, moving back to her home state of Montana to be closer to her family. Tim Kalke, currently the social studies teacher at the GILA campus, will be switching to teaching driver's education and physical education. Jason Harris, who now teaches language arts for juniors and seniors along with advanced placement English, will be the new language arts middle school teacher. Mrs. Buchanan said that the school district is interviewing to fill positions in social studies, high school English, and the counselor. The school district is looking for a career and post-secondary planning teacher so seniors can have that opportunity.
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IDEA Battle of the Books teams take state titles |
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By CHRISTY MOON Staff writer Students from Galena's IDEA homeschool program are state champions in the middle-school and high-school division of the state Battle of The Books. The IDEA fifth and sixth grade students tied for fourth place, and the third and fourth graders placed eleventh. The high school team beat 25 other high school teams from schools around the state. Participants on the high school team were Bethany L. from Anchorage, Meret B. from Seward, and Simon M. from Auke Bay. The fifth and sixth grade team, coached by Janice Salsman, did extremely well. They had the highest scores in the first and second rounds. "They battled hard and made it on the final 'superbowl' round," said Genny Brown, the SHS librarian. At the end of the competition, they tied for fourth place out of 39 teams. Members of the IDEA team were Dominic A. from Kenai, Sage A. from Kodiak, and Gretchen N. from Juneau. "They did a great job and had a lot of fun competing," said Mrs. Brown about the third and fourth graders. "Coach Carol Habeger was amazing." The girls on that team were from all over Alaska - Sable S. from Galena, Esther W. from Unalaska, and Olivia B. from Chugiak.
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Readfest event links students and their families to books |
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More than 40 kids and their families came to the SHS library to enjoy and share books with the annual Readfest celebration on March 5. The celebration kicks off Read Across America, the week-long competition by students who race to read books against each other by counting the number of pages they're read, said Connie Moos, the elementary librarian. The students mark their reading progress on a map of the United States, she said. |
SHS student Dana Slwooko, 15, a freshman, reads a book to 2-year-old McKenna Kriska.
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For every 10 pages a student reads, they advance 1 mile on the map. Chapter books are scored at five pages for each mile. This year, students "start" in Portland, Ore., and will continue across the continent to Trenton, N.J., a distance of 2,885 miles. The route was selected by the sixth grade students. The competition ends on March 11. The winning team or class gets one free book from the Book Fair, which is also going on this week. All participants who have read during the competition get a $1 certificate to use for the purchase of books at the Book Fair, said Mrs. Moos. The Readfest celebration filled the SHS library with families and children reading books placed on tables and book carts around the room. Parents and older siblings read to younger children. Everyone ate pizza and desserts; the pizzas were provided by Rand Rosecrans, the culinary arts teacher, and his students. The celebration is an annual event. During years when the Iditarod sled dog race comes to Galena, the celebration is called Iditaread, and the student reading race traces the route of the sled dog race across the state.
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All seven girls place at state wrestling tournament |
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By ARIANA SWAN Staff writer My teammates and I participated in the girls state wrestling tournament at Service High School in Anchorage on March 4. "For our second year going to girls state, we took seven girls and all placed. We are looking forward to next year, and having more girls go, and more state champions," said wrestling coach Ben Blasco. This tournament was for girls of all ages to come together to wrestle. Tamah Tomaganuk-Moses placed first in her division. Other girls placing at the tournament were Tess Tomaganuk-Moses, who placed second; Cynthia Kruger, who placed third; Emilyn Jordan, third; Melissa Andrews, fourth; and Marina Isaac, fourth. I placed third. The air during the tournament felt very intense. Every girl was very strong throughout the whole tournament as we all sweated and fought to see who was the best. Each minute wrestling felt like an hour, I thought. I was so exhausted that I slept all day after the tournament was over and the medals were handed out. I am very excited and looking forward for our next season in the hopes to do better.
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BMX bikers talk at SHS gym |
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By ANGEL SHARP Staff writer The Freestyle Connection BMX Team, headed by Dane Beardsley, came to Galena to talk to the SHS elementary and junior high students on Feb. 26. Beardsley and his Flatlanders team talked about using helmets, staying drug free and alcohol free, and exercising daily. The Flatlanders team have been also been talking with students in Bethel and many villages in the Kuskokwim region. Galena resident Shawn Bjorgen of Era Aviation heard that the Flatlanders had to pass through Galena on one of their trips, so Mr. Bjorgen suggested to athletic director Jon Buchanan that the team should talk with our students. The Flatlanders had to wait four hours in Galena for a connecting flight. The team is called The Flatlanders because they do amazing tricks with their bikes being flat on the ground. It's really amazing what they can do on the ground. A video taken by Mr. Buchanan of the SHS demonstration is on You Tube.
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Aviation teacher Josh Kaufield named Pilot of the Year |
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By ARIANA SWAN and BRANDON PITKA Staff writers GILA aviation teacher Josh Kaufield received the 2013 Pilot of the Year award from the Alaska Air Carrier's Association on February 13 during an annual convention at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage. "It was very exciting," said Mr. Kaufield. Mr. Kaufield said his award reflects the students in the aviation program. "I teach wonderful students that do great things," he said. The association picked Kaufield for the award because they recognized the importance of his teaching. Mr. Kaufield received the award and shook hands with Dan Sullivan, the mayor of Anchorage, and Mike Steadman, the president of AACA in front of 150 people at the hotel's banquet hall. |
GILA senior Elijah Jensen, left, and aviation technology teacher
Josh Kaufield pose for a photo at the AACA convention in Anchorage.
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"AACA is excited about the success they have seen in our aviation program and is eagerly seeking ways to potentially support its expansion," Mr. Kaufield wrote in an email from the conference on Feb. 21, adding that the Galena City School District has been welcomed into a partnership with the AACA as associate members. Alaska will experience a strong demand for qualified aviation professionals such as pilots, mechanics, airport managers, and dispatchers, wrote Mr. Kaufield. Mr. Kaufield started his interest in flying when his friend's dad took him on an introductory flight in high school. He got his private pilot's license at the Moody Aviation Institute; his brother went to school there. When he first got his flight instructor certificate in college, he said that he viewed it as the next step in his advancement through aviation, but he soon grew attached to seeing others earn their own licenses. He has been teaching for two years at the aviation technology program in GILA. Some of the many skills that Mr. Kaufield teaches in his aviation classes include how to study aeronautical charts, navigation skills, FAA regulations and rules, aircraft performance, aircraft maneuvers, and how to maintain the aircraft.
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Student pilot is honored |
GILA senior Elijah Jensen of Pedro Bay, who was awarded a scholarship at the annual convention of the Alaska Air Carriers Association in Anchorage on Feb 13.By CHRISTY MOON and KATHY ORDONEZ Staff writers Elijah Jensen, a senior at GILA, has been awarded the Forest Jones Memorial scholarship by the Alaska Air Carriers Association. He attended the AACA 2013 Annual Convention in Anchorage from Feb. 12-15. Elijah overcame many challenges since he was some vision difficulties. He has received little support to help him with his vision. "He had to jump through many hoops to pass medical exams to be approved to be in aviation" said Josh Kaufield, the aviation instructor at GILA. Mr. Kaufield added that Elijah put in a lot of work with flight examiners to even begin training for flying. Elijah grew up in Pedro Bay. He credits Illiamna Air Taxi as being a huge inspiration for his aspirations. The convention was at the Captain Cook Hotel. Elijah received his award on Wednesday, Feb. 13. The convention will give Elijah good preparation in the aviation field, said Mr. Kaufield. The sessions will give him a great opportunity to mingle with possible future employers.
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Five GILA aviation students take their first solo flights |
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By BRANDON PITKA and Staff writers Five student pilots in GILA's aviation program took their solo flights this year. The students are Stephen Waska, Branden Waska, Roland Bergey, Dale Deleon and Rodney Hildebrand. Solo flights require the pilot to know many maneuvers along with taking off and landing the airplane. Some of those maneuvers include slow flight, steep turns, power on stall, and power off stall, said Josh Kaufield, the aviation instructor. Student pilots also have to have in-depth understanding of airplane operations and pass the pre-solo knowledge exam that makes sure they are familiar with all of the things they have learned in aviation classes. After the students demonstrate that they have good judgment and the ability to make correct decisions in the air, the student pilots then have to climb in the plane with Mr. Kaufield and show that they know how to take off, go around the airport once, and then land. Doing those steps will get a student his or her solo flight. Mr. Kaufield said the increase in student pilots taking their solo flights may be due to a higher interest in flying or due to more students attending GILA. Training and learning continues for the students who took their solo flights, said Mr. Kaufield. The students will build proficiency and confidence. They will also be introduced to more taxing flight maneuvers, such as going to a big airport or flying long distances. These tasks might be daunting, said Mr. Kaufield, adding that he is there to make sure the student is ready to tackle the biggest of obstacles. The students taking solo flights so far this year are: • Stephen Waska, a 20-year-old senior from Emmonak. He completed his solo flight on September 24, 2012. • Branden Waska, a 17-year-old junior from Emmonak. He completed his solo flight on January 23, 2013. • Dale DeLeon, an 18-year-old senior from Fairbanks. He completed his solo flight on January 10, 2013. • Rodney Hildebrand, a 17-year-old junior from Nulato. He completed his solo flight on January 17, 2013. • Roland Bergey, a 17-year-old senior from Palmer. He completed his solo on October 26, 2012. He said the aircraft he handled is a "no-brainer." Roland had 17.8 hours of flying before he did his solo.
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Student pilots in the GILA aviation program take part in the aviator tradition of cutting off their shirttails in celebration of the solo flight. Their signed shirttails are placed on the wall of the aviation classroom in the GILA hangar.
Branden Waska
Stephen Waska
Roland Bergey
Rodney Hildebrand
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'I was the only person on Earth' |
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By KATHY ORDONEZ Staff writer "It felt like I was the only person on Earth," said Dale DeLeon, a GILA student who took his first solo flight on Jan. 10. Dale performed three takeoffs, three landings, and one go-around during his first solo. He said that he was very nervous and was filled with adrenaline. The landings were the most nerve-wracking for him during his flight, he said, adding that he performed them very well. Dale's training consisted of many hours of flying in the pilot's second seat with Josh Kaufield, the aviation instructor at GILA. Dale learned many patterns and maneuvers around the Galena airport. He also had a variety of bookwork and independent studying. Dale had also practiced numerous maneuvers using the simulator. "I was surprised how well Dale maintained proficiency," said Mr. Kaufield. Everything went very well, and Mr.Kaufield is planning on having other students flying in the next several months.
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Galena students earning private pilot licenses |
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Ben Pederson Brandon Walker Trent Walker (2007) Melinda Hruby(2008) Kallie Brown (2008) Daniel Wilhite (2007) Garret Bargis (2010) |
Michael Ford (2011) Jeremiah Stewart (2012) Kaylin Kopp (2012) Elijah Jensen (2012) Trent Walker and Daniel Willhite also earned their instrument rating at GILA |
Galena students making solo flights |
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Ben Pederson Amanda Hetherington Don Johnson Daniel Wilhite (2006) Trent Walker (2007) Brandon Walker (2007) Donovan Nickoli (2007) Kallie Brown (2007) Melinda Hruby (2008) Garret Bargis (2010) Magdelyn Lee (2010) Richard Sommer (2010) Michael Ford (2011) |
Justin Arrow (2011) Kaylin Kopp (2011) Elijah Jensen (2011) Jeremiah Stewart (2011) Sid Huhndorf (2012) Robert Worel (2012) Greg Cholok (2012) Ahtallah Dillon (2012) Roland Bergey (2012) Stephan Waska (2012) Dale Deleon (2013) Rodney Hildebrand (2013) Branden Waska (2013) |
Many thanks to Josh Kaufield and Isabella Apfelbeck for this informationPublished 11 February 2013 at 12:48 p.m. |
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Scholarship time approaches |
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By ANGEL SHARP Staff writer SENIORS! Scholarship information is here on the Hawk Highlights!!! Tons of scholarships are being emailed to students both SHS and GILA, according to school counselors. It's very important for seniors to realize that different scholarships have different deadlines. Seniors, check your email every day. School counselors Maria Riedel at the SHS campus and Melissa Robbins on the GILA campus are there to help students in the scholarship process. One of the local scholarships is sponsored by the Galena Education Association. The corporation scholarships are the biggest. Seniors can look at websites for more scholarships like http://www.webschalorships4u.com and http://www.fastweb.com (seniors need to create an account!). Counselors reminds that the one of the most important parts of getting a scholarship is your personal essay. The personal essay should include your education career goals and how those goals will help your community. Your essay can be used in every scholarship application. Published 3 March 2013 at 11:55 a.m. |
Big stink wafts across campus |
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By CECELIA NASSUK and Staff writers A sewage leak created a very distinct smell throughout the GILA campus for several days in February before the problem was fixed. On Feb. 18 and 19, a sewage leak on the GILA campus created a foul odor, mainly affecting the Headquarters Building and the Dining Hall. While the leak was being worked on, Mrs. Erickson and her classes in the Headquarters Building were moved to an empty classroom in the composite building. The cause of the leak was a blockage in the septic tank. It got fixed by maintenance personnel from the city of Galena. The repair did not cost the school district any money because the city is in charge of the maintenance of the sewage line. Published 3 March 2013 at 10:35 a.m. |
Compost at the dining hall |
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By CECELIA NASSUK and Staff writers Culinary arts teacher Rand Rosecrans has been collecting compost from student's fruit peels and veggie trimmings from the kitchen throughout the school year. Culinary arts classes have made containers for the compost. The compost program is going along great. "We have nice large pile of frozen stuff, come spring time it'll be cooking," said Mr. Rosecrans. Mr. Rosecrans will continue to build soil as he collects kitchen leavings, although he may not be planting this upcoming year. There is 21 raised garden beds built near the old tennis courts on the west and north side of the perimeter fence waiting to be planted at some point in the future. Mr. Rosecrans said it'll take another year of compost collection until they start to plant the raised beds with seed.
Published 3 March 2013 at 10:58 a.m.
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Top photo: The compost bucket at the dining hall. Above: Next summer's raised beds
wait for vegetables.
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Hawks go up against Hutchison |
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By SHAINA BURLEY and Staff writers The Galena Lady Hawks went up against the Hutchison Hawks on Feb 8-9 in Fairbanks at Hutchison High school, splitting the games on the two nights. Galena swooped past Hutchinson 50-45 on Feb. 8, but the Lady Hawks lost to Hutchison the next night, 31-52. On Friday's game, the quick lead in the first half gave Galena a head start, outscoring Hutch 30-21. "Most of our girl's shots just weren't going in," said Hutchison's coach Jenny Benson. Lady Hawk Sarah Buchanan had a team high of 15 during Friday's game. Cherissa Johnson and Shaina Burley added 10 each, and Bethany Green chipped in 9. The second half still left Hutch at a disadvantage as Galena outscored them, and the Lady Hawks added several three pointers. Galena held off Hutch's comeback effort in the fourth quarter. After the game, Lady Hawks coach Beth Buchanan said, "I was happy with everyone coming out ready to play and working together. The first half was the real Lady Hawks." Vanessa Hastings had 14 points for Hutchinson, and Kiana Edwards chipped in 7. On Saturday night, the Galena Lady Hawks struggled against the tight defense of the Hutchinson Hawks with a 52-31 loss. On offense, Galena got a lot of good shots but they weren't falling. The pressure from Hutch kept Galena contested throughout the game. "It was just one of those games where we didn't play our best. Everyone has them," said coach Buchanan. Published 4 March 2013 at 2 p.m. |
Hawks battle visiting Monroe CatholicPhoto galleries of the Feb. 15 basketball gamesPhoto galleries of the Feb. 16 basketball gamesSenior nightLittle Hawks play |
Solid play like this basket by Lady Hawk Cherissa Johnson led Galena to victory over the Monroe Catholic girls during Friday night's game.Photo by Mr. A |
GILA junior makes winning shot
GILA junior Rodney Hildebrand, 17, of Nulato, was the winner of a roundtrip plane ticket from ERA Alaska airlines to Fairbanks. People lined up and paid $2 to take a chance at winning the ticket by making a basket from half court during halftime of the Galena boys game against Monroe Catholic. The money went to the Galena swim team. Rodney is shown here with John Hajdukovich, vice-president of operations for the airline, who donated the ticket. Mr. Hajdukovich's son and daughter both played in the games against Galena.Photo by Mr. A |
Boys, girls basketball teams split games with visiting Delta Junction |
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Photo galleries of the Feb. 1 game |
Photo galleries of the Feb 2 game |
Doyon officials visit school seeking potential hires |
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By TANIS CARPENTER Staff writer Rick Harwell, director of Human Resources at Doyon, Ltd., is coming this month to meet GILA students and discuss career opportunities on the North Slope for operating vehicles, cooking, and other support jobs. Mr. Harwell is here in Galena Feb. 12 and 13 to meet the Doyon shareholders here at GILA to create a sort of bridge in order to keep a flow of qualified potential employees available for the Doyon Corp. Doyon chose GILA for this program because we have a good culinary program, we're within the Doyon reach, and there is a shareholder preference at this school, said Mr. Harwell. There are more than 40 students here in GILA who are Doyon shareholders, said John Riddle, GILA principal. GILA culinary arts instructor Rand Rosecrans and Mr. Riddle met Mr. Harwell to see Doyon's working conditions on the North Slope in Prudhoe Bay and Deadhorse in mid-January. In return, Mr. Rosecrans and Mr. Riddle got a $60,000 grant from Galena Supt. Chris Reitan to fly Mr. Harwell here for the few days and to purchase supplies to support our culinary program. There is an 8-hour class that is required before you can work on the North Slope. Mr. Harwell said that Doyon may fly up one or more representatives later on in the semester in order to offer this class to qualify more students for their potential future with the corporation. Doyon currently has over 900 employees and have 50-70 jobs available at almost any given time and therefore they are always looking for more experienced and qualified people to hire, he said. The class includes all of the knowledge necessary to survive in difficult situations while up on the slope. The class involves how to deal with animals you may encounter while outside, how to go about cleaning oil spills, how to operate motor vehicles in the case of a breakdown, and how to handle the harsh Arctic climate.
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Lady Hawks finally beat Harpoonerettes in Pt. Hope |
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By SHAINA BURLEY and BETHANY GREEN Staff writers The Galena Lady Hawks defeated the Point Hope Harpoonerettes on their home court Jan. 12 for the first time in 21 years with a score of 59-51. The Lady Hawks had four girls in double figures that game. Sarah Buchanan scored 17 points, Shaina Burley had 16 points, and Bethany Green and Sierra Nickoli had 14 points each. During first night's game against the Harpoonerettes, the Lady Hawks lost by 5 on Jan. 11 with a score of 55-50. Coach Beth Buchanan was very pleased with the turnout of the games. "The team showed a lot of maturity and mental toughness," coach Buchanan said. During the first game on Friday night, Lady Hawk Sarah Buchanan had the game high with 22 points. Point Hope has a nice gym, and the floor is old but still decent to play on. The crowd was very supportive towards the Harpoonerettes and they got very into the game just like any other hometown would.
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Cross-country skiing starts |
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By CECELIA NASSUK Staff writers Cross-Country skiing season started on Monday January 28, 2013. The Galena skiers will work on conditioning for the first couple weeks, then start working on speed and technique, said coach Jon Korta. Because this year's WISA meet is at White Mountain, the Galena skiers will have a few practices at the sand dunes to get used of skiing up hill, he said. The team will also have shooting practices to get ready for a biathlon. There will be no local meets in Galena this season. The skiers will participate in a ski meet in Nenana on March 15-17, and the WISA meet in White Mountain will be March 28-30. While there a no returning high school skiers from last year, newcomer Isaac McElwee has cross-country skiing experience. He was a skier while schooling in White Mountain, said coach Korta. This year's high school skiers are: Isaac McElwee, 15, sophomore from White Mountain. Carolyn Sam, 14, freshman from Galena. Tiffany George, 15, sophomore from Galena. Dorothea Stevens, 15, sophomore from St. Mary's. Jeanette Stevens, 17, junior from St. Mary's. Tevin George, 17, junior from St. Mary's. Kim Huntington, 15, freshman from Galena.
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New solar panels supplying power for Galena students |
The solar panel arrays next to the dorms on the GILA campus.Photo by Kaitlin TomBy ANGEL SHARP and KAITLIN TOM Staff writers New solar panels are now supplying energy for GILA students. The 24 panels were set up near the south side of Ptarmigan Hall on the GILA campus during a week-long solar energy workshop from Nov. 10-15. The program was offered free to students who were interested. Nine students took part in the workshop. GILA culinary arts teacher Rand Rosecrans is in charge of the installation and operation solar panels. Mr. Rosecrans has been a long-time advocate of renewable energy and hosted a conference in 2009 about the issue, which attracted lawmakers and policy makers from throughout the state. "Under ideal conditions, the array will produce 6.5 kilowatts of energy," Mr. Rosecrans said. The solar panels were built with no out-of-pocket cost to the district, he said. Mr. Rosecrans hopes that the solar panels will save 5,000 gallons of fuel for the district. When asked about how much the panels will produce daily, he said that you can't exactly predict what the weather will be like, therefore estimations vary on how much electricity is produced. There are going to put some more solar panels around the school with the appropriate roof structure, he said, adding that he and the solar panel crew plan to install more panels on the roof of the dining hall and the composite building.
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Huslia Hustlers sweep Junior Varsity Tournament |
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Both the boys and girls Huslia Hustlers basketball teams won the first place trophy at the annual Galena JV tournament on Jan. 18-19. The boys contest was a hard-fought and physical match, but the Hustlers ran away with the game in the final minutes and won with a score of 55-45 against the Galena junior varsity. The girls contest led the evening slate of games, with Huslia beating Galena 35-29. Joe Bifelt of Huslia was named the boys Most Valuable Player. He scored 39 points in Friday's game against Galena. The girls Most Valuable Player was Tenisha Wright from Tanana. The winners of the free-throw contest were Madison Attla and Scott Dayton, both from Huslia. Scott and Galena freshman Carolyn Sam won the 3-point contest. • Friday's games - Tanana boys 39, Huslia boys 65... Galena girls 18, Huslia girls 39... Galena boys 47, Huslia boys 61... Galena girls 25, Tanana girls 22 • Saturday games - Tanana girls 61, Huslia girls 39... Tanana boys 47, Galena boys 60... Tanana girls 43, GILA intermural 26... Tanana boys 54, GILA intermural 52... Huslia girls 35, Galena girls 29... Huslia boys 55, Galena boys 45 Jan. 18 (Friday) game photos of the Lady Hawks against Huslia. Jan. 18 (Friday) game photos of the boys against Huslia. Jan. 18 (Friday) game photos of the girls against Tanana. Jan. 19 (Saturday) game photos of the boys against Tanana. Jan. 19 (Saturday) game photos of the girls against Huslia. Jan. 19 (Saturday) game photos of the boys against Huslia.
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Check out this video of freshman Anthony Sam's full-court basket at the buzzer at the end of the Huslia gameAnthony's shot was also broadcast on KTUU, Channel 2, during its evening news on Saturday, Jan. 18, during the sports segment and called out as the number one sporting event of the week on "The Show." Congratulations, Anthony!Little Hawks intersquad game
Galena Hawk John Usugan powers through the Huslia defense during the game on Jan. 18Photo by Mr. A
Galena Hawk Nicholas Kelly gets harried by Huslia player and tournament MVP Joe Bifelt (number 22) during the final game of the tournament.Photo by Mr. A |
Automotive classes are getting driving simulator |
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By ANGEL SHARP Staff writer Next year's high school students will get to learn how to drive a car using a new simulator for the automotive program. That means students will be able to get a driver's license that can be used throughout the United States instead of limited village license, said Steve Hoffine, automotive technology teacher at GILA. "I have not seen it yet," said Mr. Hoffine. "It is a lot like the aviation simulator; also, it's like a playing a video game." The simulator will cost about $5,000, said John Riddle, principal at GILA. The state of Alaska allows people younger than 18 to get a provisional driver's license, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles website. The provisional license has strict rules about use and operation of a motor vehicle and requires a road test for those getting it the first time. The state also allows those living off the road system to get an "off-highway" driver's license. That license can't be used outside of rural communities unconnected to the road system. Since Galena has no traffic lights or pavement markings, students could only get the off-highway license. The simulator allows students the chance to earn the provisional license at GILA, said Mr. Hoffine. Students in Mr. Hoffine's classes will also have to take a written test and study the driver's manual.
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District seeks money to create HQ building classrooms |
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By SHEILA GEORGE and KAYLA STEPETIN Staff writers The Galena school district is asking state legislators to approve $544,000 to turn the headquarters building on the GILA campus into at least six classrooms. "It is the District's intent to ultimately house the entire high school program on the GILA campus," wrote Supt. Chris Reitan in a letter to the city of Galena. "Ensuring that we have adequate classroom space is one of the first critical steps we can take and the GILA Headquarters Building provides an exceptional but current underutilized asset." "The district plans to have three math, three sciences, and some electives at the headquarters building," said Mr. Reitan. Mr. Reitan said he is contacting Rep. Neal Foster and Sen. Donald Olsen to get their assistance when the Legislature meets in the spring. The goal is to get the high school onto one campus and not waste time busing students, said Mr. Reitan. In the letter to the Galena city manager Greg Moyer, Mr. Reitan said he had discussions with the Alaska Department of Commerce and Community Development Grants Administrator Pauletta Bourne about the $288,398.71 remaining in the Galena Interior Learning Academy Classroom Expansion and Remodel fund. Mr. Reitan wrote that there is also $255,768.35 remaining in the Ptarmigan Dorm Sprinkler System Installation and Steam Heating Delivery Monitoring and Safety Improvements fund, for a combined total of $544,167.06. That money should be reallocated to help refurbish the headquarters building, he said. The district's intent is to not only use those monies for the remodel of the GILA Headquarters building, but to also expand our educational program to serve 300 boarding school students, he said.
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GILA students learn film production, put on show |
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By KAITLIN TOM Staff writer The Northern Echoes Film Festival was a week-long event in January for the students at GILA to learn film production, writing, and acting under the direction of Erick Robertson, an actor and director from Anchorage. The week-long event concluded with the showing of student-made films in the GILA auditorium. There were about 25 student and staff participants in the Northern Echoes film festival. That includes writers, directors, actors, production assistants, and other various roles. Mr. Robertson is teaching the students film professionalism, writing, and acting. He is challenging the students to find their boundaries and exceed them. They created four films. "It is our best yet, and I have been coming here for 3 years," said Mr. Robertson. The first day, they are immediately starting the writing. The second day, the students are doing pre-production. The third, fourth, and fifth days focused on the principal photography. The sixth day was devoted to editing their film and on the seventh day was the showcase for others to see their excellence and creativity. During the week, before the showcase, the writing needed to be completed. All photograph pre-production and production was the top priority in the making of the films. Each minute of filming is a long process. The final films were shown to the public on Jan. 11.
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Hawk Highlights archives |
Want to see what's coming up?Galena event plannerWe will update activities in Galena throughout the summerYour community calendarEvent notices can be emailed or call (907) 656-2053 weekdays.Saturday, June 8Centennial Celebration of FlightThe statewide Centennial Celebration of Flight is coming to Galena at the GILA aviation hangar. Times and more information will be coming soon. |
The Hawk Highlights website is operated and managed by Paul Apfelbeck, the language arts and journalism teacher at the Galena Interior Learning Academy. Text and images may not be reproduced without permission from Mr. Apfelbeck. Copyright 2013.
