‘Free Training to Support Body Confidence & Prevent Eating Disorders in Alaska Youth’ by Molly McManamin

Across Alaska, the adults who work with young people, teachers, counselors, coaches, and mentors, see firsthand how hard growing up can be. Between social pressure, body expectations, diet culture, and the constant comparisons fueled by social media, many youth are struggling silently. Too often, early signs of disordered eating go unnoticed until the situation becomes extremely serious.

The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) wants to change that narrative. With a mission to provide help and inspire hope, AKEDA is a nonprofit founded in 2019 to address the need for education, advocacy, and support for Alaskans affected by eating disorders. Today, AKEDA continues to expand its programming and outreach across the state. Continue reading ‘Free Training to Support Body Confidence & Prevent Eating Disorders in Alaska Youth’ by Molly McManamin

‘One Health: Onward & Upward’ by Amanda Montavon


Everyone deserves to live the healthiest life possible, but health and well-being depend on many factors. Our individual health is impacted by the health of our community, the health of animals and the health of the environment. This holistic approach of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health is a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach to wellbeing known as One Health. Continue reading ‘One Health: Onward & Upward’ by Amanda Montavon

‘Lighthouse Room – A Collaboration Between the School Library and School Counseling’ by Pamela Verfaillie and Shannon Major at Valdez High School

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Students and staff have been under increasing amounts of stress, from the pandemic, social media overload, and a myriad of other causes. This year, the Lighthouse Room was installed in the Valdez High School library (a central location within our building) to help students manage their stress and other mental health challenges.

Continue reading ‘Lighthouse Room – A Collaboration Between the School Library and School Counseling’ by Pamela Verfaillie and Shannon Major at Valdez High School

‘The Inspiring Art of Alaska’s Schools’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

Seal and Salmon Art Installation at Juneau-Douglas High School
Hanging art installation that greets students at Juneau-Douglas High School and the Juneau Community Charter School each day.

“For anyone to grow up complete, art is imperative” – Paul Harvey

Alaska’s schools are beautiful.  When you walk into any school, in any part of the state, you are met by not only the sights and sounds of students learning, but you are greeted by art. Supported by our unique, talented and dedicated Alaskan arts community, schools around the state are filled with paintings, photographs, sculptures, mosaics and objects that reflect the regional stories and landscapes of Alaska. Continue reading ‘The Inspiring Art of Alaska’s Schools’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN