Rick Brock

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Rick Brock

Rick Brock speaks with his student and player, Thomas Olsen-Phillips, about the journey that led him to Petersburg. He reflects on his hobbies, his experiences in the classroom and on the court, and shares memorable moments from his years of coaching and teaching. As he approaches retirement, Rick looks back with gratitude and pride on the relationships he’s built and the impact he’s had throughout his career. This interview was recorded in April of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

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Daniel "Danny" Bird

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Daniel "Danny" Bird

Danny Bird shares with his daughter, Addyson, the story of what brought him to Petersburg and how he became involved with the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, eventually rising to the role of Fire Chief. Their conversation explores his commitment to service and leadership in the community. Addyson asks Danny about important topics such as mental health awareness for first responders, his experience using Narcan as an EMT, and his efforts in developing the Junior Volunteer Firefighter program to inspire and train the next generation. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

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Rebecca Anderson

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Rebecca Anderson

Rebecca Anderson shares with her son, Markus, how her career has grown and changed throughout her journey as a mother. She reflects on starting out as a bus driver and eventually transitioning to a position with the State of Alaska Department of Transportation as a Heavy Equipment Operator. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

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Mindy Anderson

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Mindy Anderson

Beloved dance teacher Mindy Anderson shares her dance journey with Dakota Caples. She recounts how she founded her dance studio in Petersburg and how it gradually evolved into the Mitkof Dance Troupe. Through her dedication and passion for the arts, Mindy helped foster a strong dance community in the town, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

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Debra O'Gara, Dzijúksuk

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Debra O'Gara, Dzijúksuk

Tlingít Elder, artist, lawyer, and judge Debra O’Gara, Dzijúksuk, speaks with student Oliver Petersen about her lifelong dedication to serving Tribal Governments, advocating for Indigenous rights, and preserving Alaska Native culture. In the interview, recorded in Spring 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, O’Gara shares her passion for RavensTail weaving—a traditional art form she now teaches and sells. This conversation highlights her commitment to cultural resilience, legal advocacy, and passing knowledge to the next generation.

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A Lifetime of Friendship

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A Lifetime of Friendship

Kate Thompson talks to her father, Harold Thompson, and family friend, Roxy Lee, about how they became such good friends, about opening Lee’s Clothing, the maiden voyage of the Alaska Marine Highway, and how fishing gear has changed over time. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2024 as an assignment in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at Petersburg High School.

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