Joseph Rossman was named Technology Student of the Year at the Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) conference in Anchorage, which was announced by Haines High School teacher Alex Van Wyhe. He also took first in the iDidaDrone contest, and second for iDidaThing, grades 9-12 with a video of him explaining how he created a long-range UAV airplane for ASTE on YouTube. “(He) has learned to mix solid rocket fuel, built a Tesla Coil, 3D prints and has upgraded a glider drone with the intent on using it for search and rescue in the future. Pretty cool.” said Haines technology teacher and iDidaContest ASTE manager Sam McPhetres. Mark Davis won the People’s Choice for a piece he wrote and recorded all the live instruments for, putting them together in Garageband for the iDidaTune part of the competition. Other Haines staff that attended along with Mr. Van Wyhe and Mr. McPhetres were Kim Sundberg, Mark Fontenot, and Tracey Getchell.
Brennan Palmieri and Haley Boron attended the All-Northwest music festival last week in Portland, Ore. and performed in the mixed choir of 340 students. “We ran into many friends from Alaska, including Jason and Liana Shull and their daughter Keva,” said teacher Lilly Boron. High school music teacher, Matt Davis, was also there attending a music conference.
Haines School celebrated noted Alaska Native civil rights activist Elizabeth Peratrovich in honor of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, Feb. 16, on Friday. Students in kindergarten through second grade sang “We Shall Overcome” led by Jennifer Johnson and Holly Davis on ukulele. Kyle Strong, Jayden Hotch and Tanna Dixon taught grades 3-5 Tlingit dances, and Deb Kemp and Ellen Larson helped with regalia. Jordan Baumgartner and his grade 6 class ran the Native Youth Olympics. Justina Hotch and Natalie Benassi helped grades 7 and 8 make a story quilt to symbolize what they hold dear and future hopes. Sophomores Madeline Andriesen and Mark Davis led the high school choir in renditions of “Alaska Flag Song” and “Man in the Mirror.” Marilyn Wilson spoke on behalf of the ANS/ANB Camp 5 and gave brief history and mission, and Mayor Jan Hill read a proclamation. “It was a celebration of culture, dance, music, and games honoring Elizabeth and her courageous contributions to Alaska,” said organizer Natalie Benassi.
The Haines High School Dance and Cheer Team held a cheer clinic for students in kindergarten through sixth grade last weekend. “We had 40 students attend the clinic and the high school cheerleaders coached them in basic cheer motion, warm ups, jumps, and cheers. The minis also learned a dance and did some tumbling stunts,” said head coach Natalie Benassi. Everyone came together for a successful event and put on wonderful performances during the halftime shows of last weekend’s basketball games.
Keely Baumgartner received a special birthday gift from her husband Jordan. He surprised her with tickets to see Justin Timberlake perform live in Vancouver, B.C. Keely’s friend Shelly Sloper also traveled with her, and sister, Riley Erekson who lives in Seattle, met the two in Vancouver. “We had awesome seats and were super close to the stage. It was an incredible show with lights, dancers and a full band,” said Shelly. The three enjoyed the incredible performance and quick trip in the city before heading back home.
Former resident Suzanne Newton brought the sunshine with her from Crossville, Tenn. Suzanne came up to visit her friends Barb Mulford and John Nettleton and also watch their children, Ila and Kruze Nettleton and Yzella Miramontes while they vacationed. “I’ve been so overwhelmed with love from everyone,” said Suzanne.
Hudson Sage has returned from several months Outside. Hudson traveled to Couer d’Alene, Idaho to visit girlfriend Tanya Spears, from Petersburg, who is attending college at Northern Idaho College to study nursing. The couple traveled to Dallas, Texas to visit Hudson’s uncles Kurt and Karl Heinrich. From there they drove to Woodeville, Miss. to attend Hudson’s cousin’s wedding, Jennifer Chafin to Lane Ivy. Before heading home, Hudson met up with Haines High graduate Marty Fowler in San Diego. Highlights were going to the San Diego Zoo and touring the U.S.S. Midway, a United States aircraft carrier, and a quick trip to Mexico.

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