Birch bark texture.

Ahtna Kanas Summer 2020

Congratulations to Our Ahtna Graduates

Ashley Hicks
Daughter of Elaine Sam-Sanford and Joeneal Hicks
Prince William Sound College
Congratulations, Ashley Hicks, on graduating from Prince William Sound College (PWSC) with an Associate of Arts! Ashley plans on returning to school this fall to complete a degree in business and then on to a master’s degree! She hopes to own her own business or work in a management position for Ahtna or Doyon in the future. Ashley shared special thank-yous to Jessica Rock, Jean Weaver, and Kathleen Bobowski – she acknowledged how much each of these individuals played a role in helping her get to where she is today. When asked what PWSC does best, she stated: “PWSC makes you feel like you’re at home and like you belong. I love the fact that PWSC is like another home to me and I don’t feel like a stranger at all. They are all so supportive, encouraging and they really do care about your education, your goals and overall success!” Ashley, we know you will accomplish anything you set your mind to!


Holli Layelle Nollner
Daughter of Charlene and Christopher Nollner
Glennallen High School
Favorite Family Memory: “When Holli was little, we took her duck hunting. But when it came time to shoot the duck, she shouldered the 20-gauge shotgun and got in her stance and aimed for what seemed to be a long time, and finally put the gun down and said, “Sorry Dad, I can’t do it. They’re too cute, and they make little baby ducks.” I smiled and said that was okay, and we went to Tastee Freeze instead of eating ducks for dinner.”
Proud Parents, Christopher & Charlene Nollner: “We are proud of the person Holli is. In addition to her character of kindness and respect, we have seen her show courage in trying new things and stepping out of her comfort zone. She has persevered through many hard times and demonstrated resiliency and never gave up. Most recently, she pushed through a basketball game with a swollen, injured ankle. Holli has always thought for herself and did not conform to the standard, marching to the beat of her own drum.
I want to say thank you, Holli, for all of these school years. You made it an amazing experience to watch you grow into this beautiful young lady that’s about to go out and write her own life story. As you already know, this is difficult for me because we had so much fun; it seems like just yesterday I was putting you on the Head Start bus with your crooked pigtails, and now you’re graduating high school. But I am happy for you. I’m excited to see what you’re going to do next. No matter where you go or what you do, I’ll always be in the bleachers, cheering on number 3. Love always and forever, Dad.”


Keshaw McConkey
Daughter of Julia McConkey and Derek Koso
Glennallen High School
Favorite Family Memory: “When Keshaw and her older brother were little, I was pulling into my driveway and they were swimming in this big puddle in the yard.”
Proud Parent, Julia McConkey: “Everything about Keshaw makes me proud. You are an amazing person, and I am proud of who you have become. I love you with all of my heart.”


Kyra Lexie Jean Jenkins
Daughter of Gwendolyne and John Jenkins Jr.
Twin Oaks High School
Kyra Lexie Jean Jenkins graduated from Twin Oaks High School in San Marcos, California. Kyra is the daughter of Gwendolyne John Jenkins and John Jenkins, both from Alaska, little sister to John Jenkins III, granddaughter of Fred and Linnea John from Mentasta, Alaska, and granddaughter of the late Diana Keigher Selfe of Delta Junction, Alaska and John Jenkins Sr. from Ft Pierce, Florida. Kyra plans on attending cosmetology school back home in Alaska. Because of travel restrictions, and all the new COVID-19 challenges presented, she is seeking guidance with her school counselor about entering a veterinary assistance program at her local community college. Kyra is excited to explore the life of an adult and has her two dogs, Eli and Susie, by her side and all of her family behind her, supporting her as she moves forward into this new phase of life.


Jennifer Blome
Daughter of Merri and Gary Pennington
University of Alaska Anchorage – Graduate Certificate Education Leadership K-12 Principal Administration


Kiana Carlson
Daughter of Susan and Vernon Carlson
University of Alaska Anchorage – Associates of Arts


Karl Martin III
Son of Kathryn Martin and the late Karl Martin Jr.
Laborers Union