Our recent For Teachers courses brought together thirty-two teachers across the state for an unforgettable learning experience. Throughout the week, they gained valuable knowledge, inspiration, and practical skills that can be applied in their classrooms.
Under the guidance of Amanda Glazier, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Prince William Sound College (PWSC), four students — Audrey Bulow, Sarah Kearns, Emily Griffin and Celeste Vena — presented their research projects at the first annual Prince William Sound College Environmental Sciences Symposium.
Emmy-winning actor Kim Estes is the 2023 Jerry Harper Service Award Recipient. It will be presented at the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference (VTC) on Saturday, June 17. This award is presented annually to people who have gone above and beyond in service to the VTC and its participants. Kim will be its twentieth recipient since it was started in 2007.
As Jordan Lazarus prepares to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Technology degree, he has been chosen as the commencement speaker. It's a well-deserved honor, as Jordan has worked hard to get where he is today.
Kamila Xavier's journey as a single parent returning to school and pursuing a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) career is remarkable, considering the trauma she has endured as a survivor of abuse. The impact of trauma can be deeply rooted and have a lasting effect on an individual's life, but Kamila refused to let her past define her future.
After years of dedicated service, George Keeney is retiring from his position as Allied Health Coordinator and EMS/ICS/Hazmat Instructor at PWSC. He has also taught Wilderness First Aid, Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes at Valdez High School. His passion for saving lives and teaching others how to do the same has impacted hundreds of students. His legendary generosity across his long history of public service throughout Valdez will be missed but not forgotten.
Have you ever been inspired by Denali? PWSC graduate Rafael Alfaro and current student Evan Clupper will lead a capstone trip to Denali National Park with Dr. Benjamin Rush, assistant professor of outdoor leadership.
Pat Drayer pursued his studies as a millwright student at PWSC, earning an Occupational Education Certificate (OEC) in Millwright. Notably, Pat's son Skylar also accomplished a significant milestone, graduating with an Associate of Arts (E-Commerce & Mobile Application Development). We extend our congratulations to Pat and Skylar for their achievement.
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sophia Hodgkins, a PWSC student graduating with her high school diploma and associate's degree. We asked her about her experience at PWSC and how she balanced high school and college coursework.
We're thrilled to thank The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council for generously providing grant funds to PWSC! This partnership has significantly contributed to our student's education and professional development. We'd also like to thank and acknowledge our partnerships with the Valdez Native Tribe, the City of Valdez, and the Valdez Fisheries Development Association. With their support, our students had the opportunity to research their various projects.
