Student spotlight: Renae Egrass
by Vicki Heisser |
Renae Egrass is from McGrath, a remote town in rural Alaska. She discovered a class
on small engine repair offered in her town, something she had always been interested
in but never had the chance to explore.
The class was made possible through community partnerships and grant funding, providing
hands-on vocational training in rural areas. It offered residents skills for local
job opportunities. The event took place at McGrath School, which is part of the Iditarod
Area School District. The instructor, Anthony Gerasch from Prince William Sound College,
brought a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for teaching.
After taking Anthony's course, Renae was motivated to enroll in PWSC's OEC in Marine
Services Technology. She is thrilled about the various skills she is learning in the
course. As she looks ahead, she recognizes that her journey is just beginning and
is grateful for the community connections and opportunities that have made it possible.
Renae recently faced a unique challenge: balancing her education with a subsistence
lifestyle. She took a week off from school to participate in a crucial moose hunt,
essential for her family's food supply and way of life.
Renae's hunting is vital for her family's survival in Alaska. After a successful hunt,
she returned to class, facing the challenge of catching up on schoolwork. Renae shared
some of the moose meat with fellow students, bridging the gap between traditional
ways of life and modern education, and is now focused on marine services technology
with determination.