The Bering Strait Higher Education My-Cache (MyCache) group once again put on a meaningful event for the scholars just post-midterms at UAA in Anchorage. Not only did scholars receive a very delicious and filling meal, but it filled their cup in a way food and water never would.
To start off the event, the scholars and their families were honored with a performance by dance group Unalaqłiq Iñuutchak “Unalakleet comes to life”. The group had just performed at Elders and Youth, and were able to share their revitalized dance group with the audience – a good reminder that our culture is strong, vibrant and always ready to have a place in our lives.
The speaker of honor for the event was Senator Löki Tobin – a female lawmaker who grew up in Nome and advocating for kindness in politics. Her speech was ripe with seeds of advice, connection and inspiration. Senator Tobin shared some of her story growing up in Nome, and how important culture, community and support were to her development reaching where she is now, and how relationships were the foundation of her growth. She said she wanted to leave the group with these tidbits – “Relationships matter. Listen more than you speak. Remember the humanity in others. Be kind. Kindness is a powerful thing. Don’t burn bridges. Build relationships.”
Many others came to speak and share word of encouragement, told stories of times in their own life relating to the scholars and commending the programs with their support of the students. The audience heard from Kawerak president Melanie Bahnke, Charlie Cross and Tony Haugen of NSHC, Toy Ashenfelter from BSNC, Leslie Ladergard from NSEDC and Lorretta Bullard from NEC.
A few surprises also happened at the banquet. Along with the amazing and generous door prizes students won throughout the evening, Kawerak announced they were giving away 25,000 Alaska Airlines miles. As the evening went on, NSEDC and NSHC also decided to give away 25,000 miles to two lucky students. Leaving the event Zachary Moses, Anthony Haugen and Aaron Tolen each had miles in their pocket. In addition to this surprise, Kawerak Inc announced that with some supplemental funds the Kawerak Board of Directors determined all scholarship recipients will receive an additional $1250 in supplemental scholarship for the fall semester.
The students were also allowed to speak at the podium to share thanks and stories of triumph and pride with their studies. Two students, Mercedes Otton of St Michael and Josephine Daniels of Golovin shared they were so grateful to be where they were, to gain the skills to then return home to teach the younger generations in their respective villages. Hazel Brunette wanted to give a nod to nontraditional students for the struggle they face, and encourage them as she was encouraged to keep going even though the journey has been a challenge. “You can do it!” Hazel echoed in the mic. Lifelong learner Amber Cunningham said “I look at these organizations like a third parent,” supporting her through the struggles and successes. “I’ve been in school since 2004, earning 3 degrees and now working on the 4th…I’m a lifelong learner.” Lastly Eva Dickson shared a sweet story revealing the surprise at her son’s friends who was impressed seeing her doing homework late into the night. “I’m almost 40 and still going to school…You never know who you will inspire while doing your education.”
“The student appreciation banquet is an opportunity for the MyCache partner to celebrate the commitment our scholarship recipients make to furthering their postsecondary education,” says Higher Education Director Niaomi Brunette. “We want to make sure our recipients know our support goes beyond the award dollars and this event allows us to show that support. The event allows us to bring together scholarship recipients and the individuals from the organizations that support them.” We are so proud of all our students pursuing their educational goals, whether that’s through college education, vocational education, GED, challenging themself to a new skill or learning more about their culture. If you are interested in pursuing an education in any capacity, please connect with our Education, Employment and Support Services Department (EESS) at 800-450-4341. You can check out our programs online at kawerak.org!
