Student Spotlight: Josh Sonkowsky

Josh Sonkowsky has made Valdez, Alaska, his home for most of his six-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard. Originally from northern Wisconsin, he serves as a culinary specialist and runs the galley on the Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip. He manages everything from cooking and supplies to paperwork—long days, but work he truly enjoys.

Looking to build new skills, Josh enrolled in the OEC in Millwright program at Prince William Sound College after hearing about it from a coworker and talking with instructor Spencer Heston. He and his friend Jake started the program together, completing Millwright 4 and 5 last year. While Jake wasn’t able to continue, Josh hopes to finish the remaining requirements—including the HAZWOPER training he missed while underway—and graduate by December.

Outside of work and school, Josh is a full-time dad and, before life got busier, spent winters blacksmithing in his garage with friends—making knives, hooks, and other small projects.

As for the future, Josh is weighing whether to stay in the Coast Guard or transition to the reserves, depending on promotions and assignments. No matter what he decides, his long-term goal is clear: he wants to stay in Valdez.

Josh’s commitment to learning and building a future in Valdez makes him a valued part of our college community.