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Cloudy. High 57F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..
Some passing clouds. Low 39F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: June 8, 2025 @ 6:08 am
Chip Porter/Design Pics//TNS
The Carnival Cruise Lines cruise ship Carnival Spirit enters the Tongass Narrows.
Chip Porter/Design Pics//TNS
The Carnival Cruise Lines cruise ship Carnival Spirit enters the Tongass Narrows.
Sixteen students from across Alaska have been awarded scholarships totaling $37,500 to further their education in fields related to the state’s travel and tourism industry.
The awards were announced this week by the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Foundation, a nonprofit that supports programs to strengthen Alaska’s visitor economy and invests in Alaskans pursuing careers in tourism.
“Investing in our students is key to the continued success and growth of Alaska’s tourism industry,” Kory Eberhart, chair of the ATIA Foundation Board, said in a news release. “We’re proud to support these talented young Alaskans and eager to see them become the next leaders in tourism.”
“We are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders shaping Alaska’s tourism industry,” added Jillian Simpson, ATIA president and CEO. “Their drive and passion reflect the strength of our state’s future, and we believe they will play a vital role in advancing and sustaining Alaska’s tourism economy.”
The ATIA Foundation raises scholarship funds through annual events and donations from industry members. Since 2001, it has awarded scholarships to more than 180 students statewide.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
• A Taste of Alaska Scholarship — Eden Alioto, Kenai, $2,000
• Alaska Airlines Scholarship — Aaron Johnson, Anchorage, $1,000; Briella Herron, Bethel, $1,000; Tyler Horning, Wasilla, $1,000
• Alaska Helicopter Tours Scholarship — Asher Ragsdale, Wasilla, $2,000
• Alaska Railroad Scholarship — Reid Williams, Cantwell, $1,000
• ATIA 1-Year Scholarship — Danika Hamm, Denali, $1,000; Alexis Cramer, Chugiak, $1,000
• ATIA Rural Scholarship — William Post, Nightmute, $1,000
• Chuck West Memorial Scholarship — Aaron Johnson, Anchorage, $1,000
• Explore Fairbanks Scholarship — Selwyn Wessel, Fairbanks, $4,000
• Holland America Line Scholarship — Kenneth Larson, Healy, $2,500
• Kris Geldaker Memorial Scholarship — Reid Williams, Cantwell, $2,500
• Lazy Otter Scholarship — Jackson Harmon, Sitka, $1,000
• Premier Alaska Tours Scholarship — Ella Strong, Eagle River, $2,500
• Pursuit – Alaska Collection Scholarship — Teagan Halsey, Anchorage, $2,500
• Royal Caribbean Line Scholarship — Jackson Harmon, Sitka, $5,000
• Tania Hancock Memorial Scholarship — Kenneth Larson, Healy, $1,500; Reid Williams, Cantwell, $1,500; Kael Erikson, Unalakleet, $1,500
• Tim McDonnell Mentorship Scholarship — Cooper Mas, Ketchikan, $1,000
The ATIA Foundation is a charitable arm of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the state’s largest trade group for the visitor industry. More than 600 members statewide support ATIA’s efforts to promote tourism while protecting Alaska’s natural environment and unique cultural heritage.
More information about the ATIA Foundation and its scholarship program is available at www.alaskatia.org.
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