GCSD Newsroom
Three GILA students recently traveled to Fairbanks for the 2026 Educators Rising State Leadership Conference held at the Wood Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Representing the Galena City School District, Larry S., Fred L., and Rachelle N. joined more than a hundred students from across the state who aspire to become future teachers and educational leaders.
Following an impactful opening ceremony featuring Peter Daley, the 2026 Alaska Teacher of the Year, as the keynote speaker, Larry, Fred, and Rachelle actively participated in various breakout sessions facilitated by UAF professors and student leaders. The sessions covered a variety of activities, including place-based learning, public speaking, strategies for strengthening student support, an introduction to Inupiaq dances, building partnerships between schools and communities, visits to museums and exhibits, and other engaging, hands-on experiences.
Day 2 continued the momentum with immersive learning and outdoor adventures. Excitement grew as everyone anticipated the announcement of contest winners, which took place right after the banquet at the Fountainhead Automobile Museum. Larry earned second place in Varsity Lesson Planning and Delivery (Arts), while Fred and Rachelle secured top-10 finishes in Varsity Children’s Literature K3, qualifying all three to participate in the upcoming Educators Rising National Conference from June 20–23, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.
Overall, the two full days of connection, inspiration, and exploration were a tremendous success. With the experiences they gained, student participants Larry, Fred, and Rachelle are now ready to embrace the noble calling of becoming future leaders in education and making a positive impact in their community.
Story by Jovannie Espinosa
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![A group of people holding a banner that says "Ditarod Trail Checkpoint Galena" while standing in a snowy outdoor setting with a wooden structure in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773781501/galenaalaskaorg/c62qhm1fsbslsu31xhjt/iditarodserviceingalena.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773781501/galenaalaskaorg/c62qhm1fsbslsu31xhjt/iditarodserviceingalena.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773781501/galenaalaskaorg/c62qhm1fsbslsu31xhjt/iditarodserviceingalena.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773781501/galenaalaskaorg/c62qhm1fsbslsu31xhjt/iditarodserviceingalena.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773781501/galenaalaskaorg/c62qhm1fsbslsu31xhjt/iditarodserviceingalena.jpg","width":1280}])
Students from GILA & SHS recently played a vital role in supporting mushers during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as it passed through the Galena checkpoint.
Working in temperatures as low as -30°F, students helped prepare gear and organize supplies for teams traveling along the trail. Their efforts ensured mushers could move efficiently through the checkpoint, contributing to the smooth operation of the race.
The hands-on experience gave students a unique opportunity to participate in one of Alaska’s most iconic traditions while developing teamwork and resilience in extreme conditions.
Baasee' to Ms. Kramer and the students in her outdoor recreation class for helping keep The Last Great Race running smoothly!
![Weekend Snowmachine Outings]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771982918/galenaalaskaorg/efxp1yirlepbzbcu1wvz/sled1_1.webp","width":2000}])
At GILA, there's always something fun to do on weekends. For these students, it was a recent snowmachine ride.
What a blast!
To go on these rides, students need parent/guardian permission and they're required to attend at least one snowmachine maintenance session, where they learn how a sled works and how to safely operate one.
Fun times in Galena!
![students inspect single-engine aircraft parked on the ground]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764207980/galenaalaskaorg/ztk28xmo9t6sdds5fcjy/aviationclassfall.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764207980/galenaalaskaorg/ztk28xmo9t6sdds5fcjy/aviationclassfall.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764207980/galenaalaskaorg/ztk28xmo9t6sdds5fcjy/aviationclassfall.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764207980/galenaalaskaorg/ztk28xmo9t6sdds5fcjy/aviationclassfall.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764207980/galenaalaskaorg/ztk28xmo9t6sdds5fcjy/aviationclassfall.jpg","width":1280}])
These students are in for an exciting adventure!
The school year is off to a great start, with a new group of aviation students beginning their journey to earn their private pilot license and take to the skies—first over Galena, and then across Alaska and to the whole world!
![high school students run a race on an unpaved road]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764208465/galenaalaskaorg/gn4dyh6rh0mqmbvswva4/gilarunners.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764208465/galenaalaskaorg/gn4dyh6rh0mqmbvswva4/gilarunners.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764208465/galenaalaskaorg/gn4dyh6rh0mqmbvswva4/gilarunners.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764208465/galenaalaskaorg/gn4dyh6rh0mqmbvswva4/gilarunners.jpg","width":853}])
Galena is such a welcoming community.
These GILA students kicked off the school year in style by participating in a fun run at Galena's community Agricultural Fair.
![hs students sit on floor of gym at alaska nyo games]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764208809/galenaalaskaorg/fweckhhsdocsy8tpzdh9/dreysilver.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764208809/galenaalaskaorg/fweckhhsdocsy8tpzdh9/dreysilver.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764208809/galenaalaskaorg/fweckhhsdocsy8tpzdh9/dreysilver.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764208809/galenaalaskaorg/fweckhhsdocsy8tpzdh9/dreysilver.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764208809/galenaalaskaorg/fweckhhsdocsy8tpzdh9/dreysilver.jpg","width":1280}])
Drey Schaeffer took home the silver medal at state NYO
The GILA senior competed at NYO Games Alaska over the weekend and placed second in Toe Kick, demonstrating superior strength, agility, and commitment to excellence!
Drey also competed in Scissor Broad Jump, One-Foot High Kick, and Alaskan High Kick, alongside five stellar teammates who also traveled from Galena to Anchorage for the state competition.
With hundreds of athletes competing from all over the state, it's extremely difficult to win any medal at NYO, so we are very proud of Drey for this remarkable achievement!