Anaktuvuk Pass News and Notes

It’s amazing how a little wind, fog and snow can turn a two day stay into three and possibly four days. Its all
good though as Sam and I are using the extra time to initiate a host of new programs. Here is a little news
from one of the most scenic villages in Alaska:

The Mentor Program

The high school boys and girls are organizing a month long basketball instruction and competition league for
grade school boys and girls. The coaches (high school players) will draft a team, hold practice sessions, coach games and report
results. In turn, “Challenge Life” will provide summer camp tuitions for the high school players and contribute to their fund raising
effort for plane fares.

Village Health and Weight Loss

The high school students are playing a major role in helping to create a healthier village. Students will weigh in residents, provide
a series of fun activities and post nutrition notes and work out plans around the village. After a six week period, the students will once again conduct a
weigh in. The biggest losers, among participants, in the team division (3 – 4 people) and family division (2 – 4 members) will all earn
free tickets on ERA Alaska. The students, in turn, will raise money for their class trip or summer camp programs.

The Music Program

Sam Sokaitis entertained classes, community members and gave individual guitar lessons to aspiring musicians the past few days. The goal
of the music program is to excite residents about the opportunities and joy in the world of music.

Foundations

Foundations is a motivational program by “Challenge Life” that draws the relationship between education and opportunity for students
and young adults. Recent graduates, Mary Hugo, Rhoda Mekiana, Violet Kakenya and Rebecca Mekiana are just a few of the individuals
that are hoping to benefit from travel and education with the “Challenge Life” team. The four, who took a trip with “Challenge Life” this
past fall will be heading to Washington State this April to visit college campuses and explore career goals.

Kids Hoop

In a basketball barnburner, Little Dribblers Team Members Darren Morry, Austin Angook, Kavik Angook-Hugo, Angela Williams, Lloyd
Hugo, Joseph Nuaapigak and Shanna Sheldon led their team to the Challenge Life Kid’s Hoop Championship.

Family/Friends Hoop Classic

The Braves, led by TJ, Amus, Megan, James and Daryl, gained a little revenge on their way to a championship and victory over the
Lakers. The Lakers had stunned the undefeated Braves in a semi-final tilt but the Braves were having none of it in the finals and battled to a
decisive victory.

The Women’s Winners

Rebecca, Rhoda, Mary, Violet and Amanilla not only captured a championship in the woman’s division but made it all the way to the
semifinals of the open division. Not only do these woman love to play, “these women can play!”

Art and Music Expressions

Students and communitiy members are busy completing art and musical expressions for a couple of “Challenge Life” programs. A cover
for the Children’s Inupiat Activity Book will be taken from entries submitted to “Challenge Life” by February 14th. Students have also begun
submitting lyrics and music for the “Challenge Life Music Sends A Message Program.” Early submissions have used lyrics to express an opinion on
topics ranging from environment and global warming to responsibility and basketball.

Well that’s it for now, see you soon. The snow does stop by June doesn’t it?

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