Haines Junction is a small village two hours outside of Whitehorse, which in some places might be referred to as a small village too. At Kilometre 1,632 of the Alaska Highway at its junction with the Haines Highway, the population sits below 600 people. It would be easy to overlook a tiny place like Haines Junction, but thanks to the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, I was able to travel to this picture postcard location to meet kids and teachers at St. Elias Community School.
I gave a presentation to the whole school of 146 kids from Grade One through Grade 12 (the youngest kindergarten kids had a special snow day). I also spent some extra time with Grade 8 Science students who had questions about future careers and opportunities. Two young men spent some time with me talking about internship and scholarship opportunities. Both have big goals for future post-secondary education and plans for marine biology.
It might seem like a long way to travel, but I truly believe that if I can reach or inspire one kid to chase their dreams, face their fears or live to the greatest potential than I have succeeded in an important mission.
Reta Lila Howard Weston (1897–1967) was a school teacher as were several of her daughters and grandchildren. Through endowments and national scholarship programs, the Foundation has invested in the future of hundreds of college and university students. Education continues to be a defined area of focus within the Foundation, with an emphasis on impactful scholarships and the skilled trades.
