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Chugiak Culinary ProStart Spirit of Tomorrow ��ܽ��Ƶapp Nominee

The Chugiak High School ProStart Catering ��ܽ��Ƶapps have demonstrated exceptional

leadership, professionalism, and dedication in strengthening relationships between their school and key business and community partners. Through their outstanding work in catering high-profile events and engaging with industry professionals, these students have elevated the visibility and impact of their school’s culinary program.

Their leadership was on full display at events such as the Ford NGL Designation Ceremony, where they managed the catering from start to finish, showcasing their ability to plan, execute, and deliver high-quality service. They also played a key role in the School Business Partnership Board Meeting, where they provided meals for influential business and education leaders, reinforcing their role as ambassadors for the program.

Beyond catering events, the students have built sustained partnerships that provide valuable hands-on learning experiences. With US Foods, nine students participated in a Culinary Bootcamp, working alongside industry professionals to refine their skills. They will also attend the US Foods Show, where they will collaborate with Food Fanatic Chefs from across the country—an incredible opportunity to expand their knowledge and explore career pathways.

Their contributions go beyond their school, as they actively support organizations like the Eagle River Lions Club and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, assisting with fundraisers and community events. By catering appreciation receptions, serving at events, and engaging with local businesses, these students consistently demonstrate the real-world impact of career and technical education.

Through their hard work and dedication, the Chugiak High School ProStart Catering ��ܽ��Ƶapps have not only strengthened their culinary program but have also created lasting community connections. Their professionalism, initiative, and passion for the industry make them a well-deserving nominee for the Spirit of Tomorrow Award!

Celebrating Spirit of Tomorrow Nominee: Lisa Johnson! 🎉

Lisa Johnson’s dedication to school-business partnerships has brought invaluable resources to Wonder Park Elementary, benefiting both students and staff. She established a key partnership with Subway, providing meals for high-attendance classes, Family Night, and staff events. Her efforts in engaging community volunteers have also created meaningful support systems for students, including reading mentors and academic encouragement.

Beyond partnerships, Lisa is a pillar of the Wonder Park community—serving on the Sunshine Committee, mentoring new educators as a Building Induction Liaison, and leading as the School Business Partnership Coordinator. Her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to education make her an outstanding Educator of Tomorrow nominee!

Celebrating UAA Civil Engineering Advisory Council

The Civil Engineering Advisory Council has played a vital role in making civil engineering exciting and accessible to Anchorage students. By engaging with West, Dimond, and King Tech High Schools, members have provided hands-on learning experiences, engineering challenges, and career insights, helping students explore the diverse opportunities within the field.

Through guest lectures, classroom collaborations, and mentorship, the council has expanded students' awareness of engineering careers in Alaska, leading to internship and job offers from local firms. Their dedication has directly influenced the launch of West High’s Civil Engineering and Architecture course in Fall 2025, with plans for continued collaboration to provide real-world learning experiences and strengthen the student pipeline into UA’s Engineering programs.

Celebrating Pizza Man – Spirit of Tomorrow Aware Nominee!

Eagle River High School is proud to recognize Pizza Man and Keith Grandberry for their incredible partnership and support! Since 2022, Keith and his team have enriched our Culinary & Hospitality program by leading cooking labs, mentoring students on interview prep, and even serving ice cream to Freshmen Academy students.

Beyond the classroom, Pizza Man provides job opportunities for students, supports Chugiak-Eagle River drama productions, and even hosted a summer externship for a culinary teacher—bringing real-world experience back to the classroom.

More than just a restaurant, Pizza Man is a beloved community staple, fostering inclusivity and connection. We are so grateful for their generosity and commitment to student success!

Alaska Airlines – ��ܽ��Ƶapp of Anchorage – Career Expo – ��ܽ��Ƶapp Choice Award

At the ��ܽ��Ƶapp of Anchorage Career Expo, it's all about students—their dreams, their questions, and the sparks that ignite their futures.

That’s why we launched the Career Expo ��ܽ��Ƶapp Choice Award—an honor voted on entirely by students through a post-event survey. This award highlights the exhibitor that left the biggest impact on students during their visit.

🏆 2025 ��ܽ��Ƶapp Choice Award Winner: Alaska Airlines

Industry Sector: Transportation & Logistics

This year’s standout? Alaska Airlines, a long-time and dedicated partner who brought more than just a booth—they brought inspiration.

As ninth graders took their first big steps toward exploring future careers, they were naturally drawn to spaces that felt exciting, welcoming, and real. Alaska Airlines delivered all that and more. Their booth was buzzing with energy all day long, with students eager to connect, ask questions, and imagine what could be.

One unforgettable moment?
A young woman stepped up to meet a confident female pilot in full uniform. She smiled, snapped a selfie, and walked away with more than just a photo. In that moment, she saw herself in a new light. She saw a future that included her.

✨ More Than a Booth—A Vision

Alaska Airlines showed students what’s possible—not just with words, but with visibility and presence. They helped our students dream bigger, see new paths, and believe in their potential.

Thank you, Alaska Airlines, for showing up, standing out, and helping our students take flight.

Alaska Resource Education – Spirit of Tomorrow Superintendent Award

Alaska Resource Education (ARE) has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the ��ܽ��Ƶapp of Anchorage, partnering closely with the ��ܽ��Ƶapp to create meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students. Their long-standing commitment to supporting natural resource education from kindergarten through 12th grade has laid the foundation for a new generation of students to understand and explore Alaska’s vital industries.

The ARE team including Beki Toussaint and Taylor Burgh and Cat Walker, have been instrumental in this work. Their guidance and expertise were key in the development of a Natural Resources Pathway, offering students a hands-on, relevant, and engaging route into careers that are deeply connected to Alaska’s economy and environment. Through their collaboration with educators and district leaders, ARE has ensured that the curriculum is not only aligned with workforce needs but also inclusive and accessible for all students.

From classroom resources to professional development and student engagement opportunities, Alaska Resource Education has provided consistent, high-quality support to ASD teachers and students for years. Their role in the district’s academy transformation is a model of what business-education partnership can achieve, connecting learning to life and preparing students to thrive in Alaska’s future. ARE’s leadership is further reflected in its representation on the ��ܽ��Ƶapp of Anchorage Steering Committee through Beki Toussaint and its launch last year of an innovative externship program that brings secondary educators to natural resource sites and training programs across the state, deepening their understanding of Alaska’s industries.

Alaska Resource Education’s dedication to career awareness, industry connection, and student success makes them deserving of the Superintendent Award for the Spirit of Tomorrow.

Celebrating Providence Alaska Laarni Power & Jamie Smith – Spirit of Tomorrow Business Award Winner!

Providence with Jamie Smith and Laarni Power have been essential partners in supporting the Biomedical Career Academy (BCA) and HOSA – Future Health Professionals at Service High School. Through guest speaker engagements, job-shadowing, mentorships, and field trips, students gain firsthand exposure to careers in nursing, surgery, emergency medicine, and more.

Providence also sponsors districtwide HOSA events, helping students develop leadership and professional skills while fostering a pipeline of future healthcare professionals. Many students continue their education in medical fields, with some returning to work at Providence.

Thank you, Providence Alaska, Laarni Power and Jamie Smith, for your commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals!

Municipality of Anchorage

The Municipality of Anchorage played a critical role in the success of the first Annual Career Expo for freshmen, providing event space at the Dena'ina Center, assisting with street closures for safe transportation, and helping organize exhibitors such as police, fire, and AWWU.

Their support ensured that over 100 Alaska businesses could connect with students, offering hands-on experiences and career insights. The event highlighted diverse career pathways, from degree-required professions to vocational and on-the-job training opportunities, helping students explore their future in Alaska’s workforce.

By investing in youth career exploration, the Municipality of Anchorage is empowering the next generation and strengthening our local economy.

Jill Fisk & Hilcorp 

Jill Fisk has been an incredible partner for the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program, going above and beyond to provide real-world opportunities for students. Through her work with Hilcorp, Jill has matched students with mentors, attended student presentations, and organized field trips and shadowing experiences that have given students firsthand exposure to careers in engineering, biology, wildlife science, and petroleum fields.

Her commitment extends beyond mentorship placements—Jill secured funding to support all ASD Gifted Mentorship students, covering costs for UAA parking passes, Juneau mentorship trips, and other valuable learning experiences. She has also ensured Hilcorp's sponsorship of the end-of-year mentorship reception, celebrating the achievements of both students and mentors.

��ܽ��Ƶapps mentored at Hilcorp receive hands-on training, professional workspaces, and real-life projects, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue internships and careers beyond high school. One former mentee has even come full circle—once a high school mentorship student, she is now a Hilcorp engineer and mentor herself!

Jill’s leadership and generosity continue to shape the future of Alaska’s workforce, ensuring students are prepared, connected, and inspired for success.