Homer High-Lights

As we step into a brand new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. Many people set resolutions to create positive changes in their lives—a wonderful tradition, though we all know that most New Year’s resolutions don’t always stick. This year, I want to do things a little differently and share my hopes, wishes, and warm tidings for everyone as we embrace the year ahead.

• I hope everyone enjoys eight restful, quality hours of sleep each night.
• I wish for all children (under 18) to leave their phones in the kitchen and keep them out of their bedrooms at night.
• I hope every child challenges themselves to step outside their comfort zone while learning and growing.
• I hope everyone finds opportunities to thrive and flourish.
• I hope everyone discovers what they truly want to do when they "grow up"—yes, even the adults!
• I hope everyone stays safe on the winter roads this season.
• I hope everyone finds love, joy, and fulfillment in their lives.

And lastly, I hope everyone finds the determination to stick to their New Year’s resolutions.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Douglas Waclawski

Principal

907-235-4600

dwaclawski@kpbsd.org

Each Homer High teacher selects one outstanding student per year based on exhibition of one or more of the Mariner Way traits (Toughness, Compassion, Drive, Integrity, Character, Sportsmanship, Citizenship) Honorees, their families and the nominating teachers attended a December 11th celebration.

First semester winners were (L to R):

• Lukas Renner – nominated by Eric Simondsen
• Halen Nordstrom – nominated by Winter Marshall-Allen
• Caitlyn Rogers – nominated by Suzanne Bishop
• Zane Barth – nominated by Dan Newsted
• Aili Jensen – nominated by Lucas Parsley
• Jake Hawkins – nominated by Jan Spurkland
• Dayten Van Ostrand – nominated by Katie Bynagle
• Joe Maly – nominated by Jessi Felice
• McKenzie Hansen – nominated by Erin Brege
• Tristyn Bridges – nominated by Leo Dykstra

In an impressive turn of events, the Homer boys wrestling team secured 2nd place at the ASAA State Wrestling Tournament. The team celebrated three individual state champions: Saoirse Cook, Paul Minke, and Brayden Woods. Congratulations to the Mariners on an outstanding performance!

• Jan. 7 - School Starts
• Jan. 10 - Hockey vs Juneau - KBA - 7:00 pm
• Jan. 11 - Hockey vs Juneau - KBA - TBA
• Jan. 17 - Early Release - Student Leave at 2:20
  
• Jan. 23 - C-Team Basketball - HHS Gym - 4:00 & 5:00 pm
• Jan. 25 - Basketball vs Ninilchik - HHS Gym - 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 2:30 pm
• Feb. 4 - Site Council Meeting - HHS Library - 4:10 pm

As you know, December 13, 2024, was a school closure day for our Southern Peninsula Schools. The make-up day for this closure has been scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025 (President’s Day).

The schools impacted include:

• Chapman School
• Fireweed Academy Charter School
• Homer Flex
• Homer High School
• Homer Middle School
• K-Selo School
• McNeil Canyon Elementary School
• Nikolaevsk School
• Ninilchik School
• Paul Banks Elementary School
• Razdolna School
• Voznesenka School
• West Homer Elementary School

How challenging could it be to design a functional belt buckle? Students in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) class at HHS discovered the answer firsthand. Their task was to design a belt buckle, create a 3D model of it, and then bring it to life using a 3D printer. The students were graded on two main criteria: the buckle had to be fully functional and practical for real-life use. While they could reference existing designs for inspiration, each student was required to create their own unique buckle. CAD is one of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses available to students at Homer High, offering them valuable hands-on learning experiences.

Do you need Senior Service hours? If so, I will post service opportunities in the newsletter each month. If you have questions, come see me in B-102.

Senior Service Opportunities

• Paul Banks is looking for volunteers who would want to come in during the school day and help out in the classrooms, during recess, and at lunch. If you are interested in any of these opportunities you can reach out to the Principal, Sean Campbell, SCampbell@KPBSD.k12.ak.us.

• If you are struggling to find ways to get senior service hours, please reach out to Coach Raymond and he will help you find ways to get them done.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities you can reach out to me at jraymond@kpbsd.org.

Jonathan Raymond

The students in AK History are learning about the Gold Rush and panning for gold! The Indian Valley Mine provided the gold panning resources. Thanks to the Mariner Market Grant of $100 for supporting some of the gold panning supplies. The mariner market is the Homer High School store and all proceeds go to support education at HHS. Thanks for supporting hands-on learning!

HHS School Counselors

Sue Rennolds – Class of 2026 srennolds@kpbsd.k12.ak.us ~ (907) 235-4691

Paul Story – Classes of ’25, ’27, and ‘28 pstory@kpbsd.k12.ak.us ~ (907) 235-4685

Live Homework Help

This free (and underutilized!) resource is available to Alaskans M-F 8am-2am, and Sat/Sun 12pm-2am. https://lam.alaska.gov/sled/homework . You’d be amazed at the individualized help you can access in any high school subject. Give it a try!

Applying for lunch program takes less than 5 minutes, helps HHS, and can save you hundreds!

Many people don’t realize their income would qualify their student for the National School Lunch Program (See AK income guidelines here.), or falsely presume qualifying is only beneficial if their student patronizes the school kitchen. However, not only does HHS benefit in terms of more potential funding, but students from qualifying families also:

• Can apply to colleges for free (between about $50 and $80 savings per application)
• Take the ACT and SAT for free (about $65 savings per test administration)
• Pay $46 less per AP exam

To apply, just take a couple minutes and follow this link or fill out and submit this form (also available at the front office).

Shop your Mariners Sideline Store

THE PURPOSE of the Homer High School Mariner Booster Club, Inc. is to provide support for all organized sports/activities at HHS. We strive to achieve this goal through Fundraising, Event Planning, and Volunteerism.

Want to learn more or get involved? Join us for our monthly meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month (except December)! 6:30p in B109.

Follow us on social media:

Booster Club Facebook Page Booster Club Instagram

Two years ago our teachers, students and parents from our Site Council got together and helped write the Mariner Way. This is what we think it means to be a Mariner and what we want to aspire to. We hope that when people think of Homer High School, they will say we are living the Mariner Way.

We are the Mariners, a special blend of toughness, compassion, grit and integrity. We understand we are part of something bigger than ourselves and endeavor to be better every day. We show sportsmanship, help out community and strive for academic excellence. This is the Mariner Way.

At Homer High, we like to reward students for doing the right thing, showing good character or just going the extra mile. Here are a few of the students who have earned a "Mariner Way" positive referral in the last month.

This picture was taken at State Wrestling Tournament on 12-20-24 with one of our top female wrestlers.

We would like to honor Stephan Mercadante who passed away earlier this year. He was battling health issues for many years but was always one of the happiest and friendliest students in school. Here are some excerpts from the celebration of life that was hosted at HHS for students and staff who have been touched by Stephan.

Stefan's Memorial (Sections taken from Vincent Mercadante Facebook Post)

Winter Marshall-Allen his teacher at the Homer High School put this all together with help from her staff and friends of Stefan's for this presentation.

One of the student's, a senior Amanda Toci made a bench for Stefan with a big shiny Sun on it and a blue sky background so that other students could appreciate the sun as Stefan did.

The Memorial was held in the HHS library. They put out over 70 chairs and a few more as the crowd was gathering to the point of standing room only, we had 100+/- attendees. All these people had been touched by Stefan one way or another through his happiness in being alive and his inspiring personality. Stefan modeled what it was to be happy and share his kindness with others.

Stefan was always talking about his dog Lady a chocolate Newfypoo, who always slept on his bed and cuddled with him on his chair and taking her for walks at the house. He loved to cook we called him "Chef Stef" he had a hat and apron for cooking with his name on them, He loved to sit in the sun and say "aagh does that feel good”, always wanted to move somewhere were the weather was always warm and the sun shown bright and warm. They had Stefan's pictures of his Halloween costumes from over the years from Ninja Stefan, Capt. America Stefan, Indiana Stefan, Ghost buster Stefan, where's (Waldo) Stefan and many more to mention. Always like many kids he wanted to be normal and his chance to be the Super Hero as he was. Another student Jaden Stanish, whose older brother John was friends with Stefan got up and shared a memory about how Stefan reminded him that it’s important to find the silver linings in life, and that we create the environment that we live in.

He will and is missed by many. He was my son and will always be in my heart. He made me the Father that I am and I couldn't do it without him, I know Stefan is in a better place with no pain or suffering, to be normal just like everyone else.

His Loving Father Vincent J Mercadante

Email: dwaclawski@kpbsd.org
Website: http://homerhighschool.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/
Location: 600 E Fairview Ave, Homer, AK, USA
Phone: 907-235-4600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/homerhs