Guest Speakers
Each year, we invite a variety of guest speakers to our school. We have been lucky enough to welcome science researchers, community and state leaders, community elders, adventurer, etc. in the past and continue to allow our students to see the possibilities that lie in their future.
Dan White of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks came to talk to the kids about climate change in Alaska and its implications on the environment and on humans. This year, we will be monitoring ground temperatures for Dan and his colleagues at UAF.
Mary Bourdon and Jerry Steiger are two Nomites who have given time, effort, and expertise to do helpful things for our community.
Mary graduated from Nome Beltz High School and now works for the safety and well-being of families as Vice-President of Human Services at Kawarek. She has also been a four-year volunteer for the Bering Sea Women's Group and served as a City Council member. She believes everyone can contribute to society by being good citizens.
Jerry Steiger wears many hats. He joined the Nome Volunteer Fire Department and is part of the search and rescue team for the Norton Sound region. He works as a weatherman, but also finds time to coach hockey and softball, pick up litter in the springtime, and raise a family. Others have inspired Jerry to make contributions to his community.
Dianne Schaeffer and Vincent Pikonganna came to ACSA to share some Inupiaq values and their perspectives on topics from growing up, to respect for elders, to the process for making stink flipper. They answered lots of questions and gave the school a poster that reminds us all of cherished Inupiaq values.