2026 Winners

Academies of Anchorage

Outstanding Partner Award

Awardee: Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill

Business Contact: Mandy Kolean, General Manager

Academy Coaches: Amy Habberstad, SHS & Adam Wartman, CHS

Bear Tooth has been an exceptional partner in advancing the mission of Academies of Anchorage (AoA) and the Anchorage School District (ASD). They continually strive to support the ASD Portrait of a Graduate. Their engagement goes beyond participation — they actively support meaningful, hands-on experiences that develop the real-world competencies we strive to cultivate in our students.

At our Career Expo, Bear Tooth hosted one of the most dynamic and engaging booths of the event. Students were challenged to sort a bus tray in under one minute, a simple yet powerful activity that brought workplace expectations to life. The experience reinforced the importance of skills such as time management, problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, and a strong work ethic. It was highly engaging and memorable for students, while directly reinforcing essential skills.

Bear Tooth further demonstrated leadership by hosting the Civil Engineering Panel for our high school students at the Theatre. They generously provided their facility and professional-grade film equipment, but more importantly, they took the initiative to organize and facilitate the entire event. Their team ensured students had meaningful exposure to industry professionals and authentic career pathways. The panel was an invaluable learning experience that inspired several students to consider futures in engineering, strengthening both individual aspirations and building connections in our community.

Bear Tooth exemplifies what true partnership looks like: initiative, investment, and a genuine commitment to student growth. We are proud to recognize the organization for this partnership.

 

Anchorage School Business Partnership

Board of Director Award

Nominated by: Bartlett High School & Bettye Davis East High School

Nominee: U.S. District Court, District of Alaska

Contact: Chief Magistrate, Honorable Kyle Reardon

The partnership between the U.S. District Courts and the Academies of Anchorage with the Anchorage School District, stands as a powerful example of how collaboration can bring learning to life. As both a districtwide partner, the U.S. District Courts—through the leadership and dedication of Judge Reardon—provide students with meaningful, real-world exposure to careers in the federal judicial system while strengthening connections between schools and the broader community.

A cornerstone of this partnership is the opportunity for students to engage directly with the federal courthouse. Through in-depth, student-focused tours, the courthouse opens its doors exclusively to ASD students, offering a behind-the-scenes look at courtroom procedures and the many professionals who support the judicial process. Students interact with judges, clerks, attorneys, and administrative staff, gaining a deeper understanding of the legal system and the wide range of career pathways available within it. These experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also spark curiosity and interest in law, government, and public service.

Equally impactful are the classroom and school site visits led by Judge Reardon and his team. By stepping beyond the courtroom and into schools, they create meaningful opportunities for dialogue through presentations, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions. Students benefit from direct access to a federal judge—an experience that both humanizes the judiciary and models professionalism, integrity, and civic responsibility. These engagements help demystify the legal system and empower students to envision themselves in related careers.

Key to the success of this partnership is a shared commitment to accessibility, strong communication, and student success. Judge Reardon’s willingness to engage openly with students and educators reflects a deep investment in building an informed and engaged community. Together, schools and the U.S. District Courts work toward a common goal: expanding opportunities for students while fostering civic understanding and career awareness.

The impact of this collaboration is far-reaching. Students gain increased awareness of career possibilities, develop critical thinking and communication skills, and build valuable connections with professionals. At the same time, the partnership enriches the educational experience across the district and strengthens community ties by bridging the gap between the judiciary and the public.

Schools like Bartlett High School and Bettye Davis High School actively celebrate and support this partnership by sharing student experiences through social media and newsletters, writing thank-you notes and providing feedback that helps sustain and grow the collaboration.

Overall, the partnership with the U.S. District Courts exemplifies the power of community engagement in education. Through immersive experiences, mentorship, and a shared vision for student success, this collaboration inspires the next generation while strengthening the connection between education, careers, and civic life.

 

Kaity Williamson – Biomedical Educator | Service High School

Nominated by Imtiaz Azzam, Principal

Nomination Narrative

It is my great pleasure to recommend Katie Williamson, Lead of the Biomedical Pathway at Service High School.

Katie is an exceptional educator whose dedication, leadership, and instructional expertise consistently elevate both her students and her colleagues. As the leader of the Biomedical Pathway, she has built a rigorous, engaging program that prepares students for success in health sciences and research careers. Her ability to connect real-world medical applications to classroom learning sets her apart as an innovative and impactful educator.

Katie serves as an outstanding advisor for HOSA, where she mentors students to excel in competitive events, leadership development, and community service. Under her guidance, students consistently perform at high levels while developing professionalism, confidence, and technical competence.

Her excellence in teaching has been formally recognized with honors such as Teacher of the Week, reflecting the respect and admiration she has earned within her school community. She has also participated in the Society for Science Research Teacher Conference, further demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of science education and research mentorship.

Katie’s leadership in innovation is especially evident through her work with Samsung Electronics’ Solve for Tomorrow competition. Her teams were named State Finalist (2034), State Winner (2023), and National Finalist (2025). These accomplishments reflect not only her instructional excellence, but also her ability to inspire students to apply scientific thinking to solve authentic community problems.

Katie’s dedication, competencies, and unwavering commitment to student success are truly outstanding. She sets high expectations, fosters curiosity, and creates a learning environment where students thrive academically and personally. I offer my strongest recommendation without reservation.
 

Outstanding Hosa Advisor. Teacher of the week. BP Teacher of the year. Society for Science Research Teacher conference. Samsong Solve for tomorrow state finalist 2024; winner 2023 and national finalist 2025

 

Academies of Anchorage – Career Expo 

Salmon Award

Awardee: Federal Bureau of Investigation – Anchorage Field Office

Salmon Award

The Salmon Award is a result of the Academies of Anchorage Career Expo Event, student choice award. The organization being recognized created a positive and engaging learning opportunity during a career exploration event. The agency is recognized for engaging in a meaningful way to help students visualize a potential future career. 

Academies of Anchorage is honored to recognize the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anchorage Field Office with the Salmon Award in recognition of the exceptional engagement, dedication and impact on our students during the 2025 Career Expo. 

Based on overwhelmingly positive student feedback, the FBI’s presence at this year’s Career Expo was among the most engaging, interactive, and memorable experiences for our freshman class. Their team created a meaningful learning opportunity that not only informed students about careers in federal law enforcement but inspired many to consider new professional pathways.

The FBI booth, led by Community Outreach Specialist Jennifer Gibson and her team, distinguished itself by offering students a dynamic, hands-on introduction to the world of federal law enforcement.  The team created an immersive experience that encouraged curiosity, participation, and dialogue.

Students were given invaluable opportunities to:

Engage Directly with Professionals:
Students spoke one-on-one with a Special Agent and an Operations Support Technician (OST), gaining insight into the wide range of careers within the Bureau. These conversations helped students understand the diverse educational backgrounds, technical skills, and personal qualities that contribute to success in federal service.

Participate in Interactive Learning:
Through hands-on fingerprinting activities, students experienced a practical demonstration of investigative techniques. This simple yet powerful activity transformed abstract concepts into tangible experiences, capturing students’ attention and bringing the daily work of the FBI to life.

The impact of the FBI’s presence is best expressed through the voices of our students:

“The FBI booth was the most engaging and informative for me.”
— 9th Grade Student, Chugiak High School

“The FBI booth, it was fun learning how the FBI works and seeing how they workday today.”
— 9th Grade Student, Bartlett High School

“The FBI one I never considered it, but when the girl at the booth told me about the many branches you can go into, I was more interested than the others.”
— 9th Grade Student, Chugiak High School

These reflections demonstrate the FBI’s success not only in educating students but in expanding their thinking about future opportunities.

Importantly, the FBI’s commitment to student engagement extends well beyond a single event. The Anchorage Field Office consistently supports our district through guest speaking engagements, classroom visits, and participation in a district-wide Cybercrime Panel. Their ongoing outreach reflects a genuine investment in youth education, digital safety awareness, and career readiness.

By transforming career exploration into an inspiring, interactive, and educational experience, the FBI Anchorage Field Office has earned the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation of our students and staff alike. Their professionalism, accessibility, and commitment to community partnership make them an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Salmon Award.

 

Honour Drath – Student | Dimond High School

Nominated by Keith Hodson, CTE Coordinator 

Nomination Narrative

Last year, Honour competed in the Extemporaneous Speech Competition, where she earned 1st place—securing Dimond High School’s first-ever SkillsUSA award. Building on that success, she was nominated and elected as a chapter officer in the spring.

Honour has quickly become one of our most dedicated and active officers. She has played a vital role in supporting our chapter by coordinating conference supply orders, helping secure judges for competitions, and leading student recruitment efforts that contributed to the launch of Dimond High’s first SkillsUSA chapter.

Beyond SkillsUSA, Honour is deeply committed to serving her community. She is an active participant in Anchorage Youth Court, where she supports students from McLaughlin High School. She is also involved in Drama, Debate & Forensics, FFA, and the Anchorage Youth Development Council. In her work with the Youth Development Council, she is currently helping review community grant applications—demonstrating both responsibility and a strong commitment to civic engagement.

Honour is truly one of the most kind-hearted and community-minded students I have encountered. Her level of involvement is so extensive that it is difficult to fully capture the breadth of her contributions. In addition to her impressive achievements, she brings a positive, uplifting energy to every space she enters, making her not only a leader but a joy to work with.

Spirit of Tomorrow

Superintendent’s Award 

University of Alaska Anchorage

The Anchorage School District (ASD) proudly recognizes and honors the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) for their extraordinary dedication to the success of our students and the broader community. UAA has gone far beyond the role of a traditional higher-education partner, embedding itself into the very fabric of our district’s daily operations. From elementary classrooms to career and technical education pathways and postsecondary preparation, UAA does not simply partner with us — they champion our students’ potential at every level, across all grade levels.

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History of Partnership & Dedication

UAA’s long-standing commitment to ASD students is demonstrated through their consistent, visible, and hands-on presence. Over time, UAA has evolved from an external collaborator to a core stakeholder in student success. Their dedication is reflected not only in their participation in high-profile district events, but also in the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes work that ensures programs operate effectively and students remain supported. This sustained investment has strengthened outcomes for students from kindergarten through graduation.

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Commitment & Collaboration

The depth of UAA’s collaboration is best illustrated through their “boots-on-the-ground” approach:

• Advisory Leadership: UAA Provost office supports the Academies of Anchorage steering committee Additionally, UAA personal serves on advisory panels throughout the district and provides industry-aligned guidance that ensures academic and career pathways remain rigorous, relevant, and responsive to workforce needs.
• Classroom Integration: UAA faculty and staff co-teach and collaborate with educators at Benny Benson, across Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and through Alaska Middle College, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications and postsecondary expectations.
• Recruitment & Visibility: UAA anchors major district events, including the Career Expo, where in 2025 more than XXXX freshmen engaged directly with industry professionals to explore career pathways. UAA also hosts comprehensive campus tours and, over the past two years, has welcomed XXXX freshmen for on-campus visits. In addition, UAA supports a wide range of student visits, youth programs, and summer camps designed to broaden access and expose students of all ages to college and career opportunities. Together, these experiences help demystify the college environment for all students, fostering early awareness, aspiration, and confidence in postsecondary pathways.
• Athletic & Student Engagement: UAA student-athletes serve as positive role models in elementary schools, reinforcing the importance of academic achievement, perseverance, and community connection. UAA also supports ASD students through invitations to athletic events, encouraging participation, school pride, and engagement.

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Student & Community Impact

UAA’s impact spans disciplines and grade levels, ensuring that all students, whether pursuing technical pathways or professional careers, can envision their future success:

• Targeted Guest Speaking: Professionals from WWAMI, Civil Engineering, Allied Health, TRIO, Business, and Public Policy (and more) provide real-world context to instruction, connecting learning to career possibilities.
• Social & Academic Support: UAA’s involvement in the Attendance Cohort demonstrates a deep commitment to student well-being by addressing barriers to engagement, attendance, and academic success.

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Outstanding Integration of Best Practices

UAA exemplifies best practices in career-connected learning and workforce development through:

• Speed Mentoring: A high-impact format that exposes students to a broad range of professionals, industries, and pathways in a single session.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Multiple UAA departments—from Medical Sciences to career and technology departments—actively engage with ASD schools, providing students with a comprehensive view of career and educational opportunities.

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Reciprocal Impact & Lasting Partnership

This partnership has created a seamless K–20 pipeline, allowing students to transition confidently from early education to postsecondary learning and career success. While ASD students benefit from access to expert mentorship, facilities, and opportunities, UAA gains meaningful connections to a prepared, inspired, and local applicant pool. This reciprocal relationship strengthens Anchorage’s workforce and ensures that Alaska’s talent is cultivated, supported, and retained.

UAA does not simply partner with the Anchorage School District — they champion our students, our educators, and our community at every level.