Credit Cindy Andrecheck
The UAF Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel is celebrating its commencement ceremony virtually. The graduation will be twice as large as usual, because pandemic precautions cancelled last year’s graduation. On April 30 the campus is recognizing the class of 2020 and 2021.
Overall, 56 students will be receiving certificates; 46 students will be receiving associate’s degrees; and 14 students will be receiving bachelor’s degrees.
The 2020 Full-time Student of the Year Award went to Danielle Martha Iiqtaq Epchook of Kwethluk. This year, Epchook completed her Associates of Arts degree.
The 2020 Part-time Student of the Year Award went to Chelsea Palanaq Hoffman of Bethel. Hoffman is working towards a degree in social work.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks describes the Meritorious Service Award as a “high and rare honor.”
“When I was told, tears came out. I was shocked,” Green said. “In my lifetime, I thought I wouldn t be in that situation.”
Green’s journey in the educational world wasn’t an easy one from the beginning.
“When I entered BIA for the very first time, I did not know any English. Somebody interpreted to me that I cannot speak my language in the classroom. So it was really, really hard not being able to speak my teacher’s language,” Green said.
She dropped out of school in 6th grade and started working odd jobs to help her mother pay the bills.