At the beginning of March, a broad-based panel of judges selected 12 Kenai Peninsula Borough high school students to compete for over $30,000 in cash awards in the oral presentation phase of the “Caring For the Kenai” program. This year’s ideas include a wide range of solutions for environmental and natural disaster issues.
For three and a half decades, high school students on the Kenai Peninsula have been solving environmental challenges and helping the community prepare for natural disasters.
This year, more than 300 students participated in answering the CFK prompt, “What can I do, invent, or create to better care for the environment on the Kenai Peninsula or better prepare for a natural disaster?”
The Top 12 were chosen on March 6th by a broad-based panel of community professionals. They searched for the 12 best entries that demonstrated the most originality and practicality in benefiting the communities of the Kenai Peninsula.
“The entries were so interesting this year and covered a wide range of topics, but the best part of the Caring for the Kenai program is the opportunity for finalists to refine their ideas and projects to prepare for their oral presentations in April. It brings a real-life experience into the classroom,” said Hadassah Knight, CFK executive director.
“The real-world part is that when the student finishes school eventually they’re going to apply for a job or position where an interview is required. The way you speak, the way you influence others, the way you show your knowledge of a subject; as well as your education is what determines if you get the position. The CFK program is unique in giving students the opportunity to develop those skills. The fact that we can sit here after 35 years and still be wowed by new ideas from our students is amazing. That’s great teaching,” said CFK founder & senior advisor Merrill Sikorski.
Among the Top 12 were students from schools across the Borough, including Kenai Central High, Homer High, Seward High, and Soldotna High School. Thanks to CFK’s Signature Sponsor, Marathon Petroleum, and CFK Community Partners: ConocoPhillips, PCHS, Hilcorp Alaska, Sweeney’s Clothing, Eyewear Express, HEA, KRSA, Kenai River Raven, and the KSRM Radio Group, these schools will all receive a share of $20,000 in cash awards.
The Top 12 CFK finalists will share $10,000 in cash awards, a 20% increase from previous years. The Top 12 will each present their ideas to the community at the CFK Oral Presentations, to be held Thursday, April 17th, at the KCHS Little Theater starting at 6:00 p.m. and streamed live over the CFK website. The entire community is encouraged to attend.
Winners will be announced that evening.