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# Talk Story, Write Story

Strengthening writing skills through self-examination and creative expression

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](http://talkstorywritestory.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](http://talkstorywritestory.com/posts/)
- [News Coverage of Alaska's Gates Scholarship Winners](http://talkstorywritestory.com/news-coverage-of-alaskas-gates-scholarship-winners/) - As exciting news of the Gates Millennium Scholarship winners reverberates across Alaska, the importance of teachers being trained to mentor students through the challenging application process is becoming increasingly evident. Through the efforts of Tad Bartimus and Dean Wariner, with support from the Association of
- [Three Alaska Students Receive Gates Scholarships](http://talkstorywritestory.com/three-alaska-students-receive-gates-scholarships/) - Three Alaska high school students mentored by teachers in the Talk Story, Write Story writing program have been chosen as recipients of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship for the 2014 - 15 academic year. The Association of Alaska School Boards sponsors the Talk Story, Write Story creative workshops for teachers. Mary Pingayak and Kyla Fermoyle,
- [Writing Roundup](http://talkstorywritestory.com/writing-roundup/) - Thanks to a program called Upward Bound, rural Alaska high school students are getting more opportunities for higher education. Learn more and view a student-produced video about the event at the Connect Alaska Blog. In July of 2013, several senior high school students from rural parts of Alaska were invited to attend a college scholarship
- [Upward Bound](http://talkstorywritestory.com/upward-bound-experience/) - Chevak High School Senior Mary Pingayak’s video about her Upward Bound experience at the University of Alaska Fairbanks this summer. Thanks to a program called Upward Bound, rural Alaska high school students have more opportunities for a higher education. The goal of Upward Bound is to improve the graduation rates of high school students and
- [Sunny Break in Bethel ](http://talkstorywritestory.com/a-sunny-break-in-bethel/) - The thermometer was still in the teens in Bethel but these hearty bush teachers didn't seem to notice as they took a mid-morning spring break from their Talk Story, Write Story four-day creative writing workshop. Bethel High School science teacher and Upward Bound Counselor Megan Shaw (left) posed with fellow workshop pals Jeanne Campbell, the Chevak
- [Creativity in Ketchikan](http://talkstorywritestory.com/ketchikan/) - High School English teachers and counselors from Metlakatla and Ketchikan deep in creative talk and thought during a Talk Story, Write Story workshop led by Tad Bartimus and Dean Wariner at Cape Fox Lodge in Ketchikan. Intensive morning and afternoon creative writing sessions in a lodge conference room featuring a glorious glass wall-view of Ketchikan,

## Pages

- [Bethel: Megan Shaw](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/bethel-megan-shaw/) - "Students either love me or they hate me. There is no in between." Megan Shaw is a Math and Science teacher at Bethel Regional High School. She is mentor to 2015 Gates Scholarship Finalist Danika Bailie, and attended the Spring 2013 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Bethel. 2015 Reflection on Gates Scholarship Application Experience
- [Kodiak: Deborah Bitanga](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/deborah-bitanga/) - "Through the Gates Millennium Scholarship, I became my best advocate during challenging situations and became more passionate to pursue my dreams." Deborah Bitanga is a Senior at Kodiak High School and a 2015 Gates Scholarship Winner. Her mentor is Bonnie Dillard. Reflection on Being a 2015 Gates Millennium Scholarship Winner Receiving the "big packet" was beyond
- [Seward: Malia Acovak](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/seward-malia-acovak/) - "Writing the Gates essays made me step back and take a hard look at my life. I pictured where I wanted to be in 10 years and I thought out the steps I have to take to achieve my goals. Going through the Gates process, I had a better idea of the scholar I want
- [Nikiski: Laura Niemczyk](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/nikiski-laura-niemczyk/) - "Teaching is so much more than just imparting knowledge and skills. It is the nurturing of young adults, helping them to grow and discover who they are." Laura Niemczyk is a teacher at Nikiski Middle/High School. She is mentor to 2015 Gates Scholarship Winner Tiffany Lopez and attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop
- [Kodiak: Bonnie Dillard](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/kodiak-bonnie-dillard/) - "It was humbling to discover the trials of her home life, the degree of self - motivation it took for her to go out into the community and find her way. My respect for Deborah has grown also as a result of reading and helping her to edit her essays." Bonnie Dillard is an
- [Seward: Jennifer Swander](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/seward-jennifer-swander/) - "if I wanted a student to respect me in the classroom and learn from me, he/she needed to internalize one very basic truth: I cared." Jennifer Swander is an English teacher at Seward High School. She is mentor to 2015 Gates Scholarship Winner, Malia Acovak, and attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop
- [Nikiski: Tiffany Lopez](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/nikiski-tiffany-lopez/) - "When I clicked that submit button I was relieved to be finished and proud of the writing I submitted. I had conquered a challenge that gives me a chance that could change my life." Tiffany Lopez is a Senior at Nikiski High School and a 2015 Gates Scholarship Winner. Her mentor is Laura Niemczyk. 2015
- [Chevak: Jeanne Campbell](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/jeanne-campbell/) - "Every time I help a young adult pursue his or her own personal legend, I am nurturing the teenager in my own heart." Jeanne Campbell is the Chevak High School Resource Director and teacher/mentor for Class of 2014 Gates Millennium Scholarship Winners Kyla Fermoyle and Mary Pingayak. Anchorage Daily News story: Chevak students win 'million-dollar'
- [Ketchikan: Robert McClory](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/robert-mcclory/) - "Tad and Dean’s personal essay writing workshop proved invaluable. As all-consuming, exhausting, and often frustrating a responsibility as it is to mentor a potential Gates Scholar, there is an indescribable thrill in helping an underdog go through a life-changing process to become the leader of the pack, or, as the Gates Millennium Scholarship says, 'a
- [Ketchikan: Keenan Sanderson](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/ketchikan-keenan-sanderson/) - "This process created a lot of stress for me, but that is a small price to pay when you are running for the future. " Keenan Sanderson is a Senior at Ketchikan High School and a 2015 Gates Scholarship Finalist. His mentor is Robert McClory. 2015 Reflection on Gates Millennium Scholarship Application Experience In the second
- [Ketchikan: Hana Oshima](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/ketchikan-hana-oshima/) - "By writing these very difficult essays, my written English has improved, and I have been able to reach a deeper understanding of who I am, where I came from and where I am headed." Hana Oshima is a Senior at Ketchikan High School and a 2015 Gates Scholarship Finalist. Her mentor is Robert McClory. 2015 Reflection
- [Bethel: Danika Bailie](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/bethel-danika-bailie/) - "I had recently moved back to Alaska from New Zealand, I had major trouble adjusting to my new Bethel lifestyle, and I had to make life-changing decisions all on my own. This essay, especially, made me come to know in my heart that I have overcome the worst things and that I can and will
- [Ketchikan: Chloe Miller](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/ketchikan-chloe-miller/) - "If I can manage to finish those essays and pass all my finals with flying colors, even after splitting my head on the hood of someone’s truck, then I could definitely manage to finish and graduate college. I was more capable than I thought I was." Chloe Miller is a Senior at Ketchikan High School
- [Ketchikan: Natasha O’Brien](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/natasha-obrien/) - "I am not the visible leader people see and recognize immediately. I am the quiet leader who shares information and facilitates events and schedules so that things can be accomplished successfully." Natasha O’Brien is a Counselor at Ketchikan High School. She is mentor to 2015 Gates Scholarship applicant Chloe Miller, and co-teacher/mentor (with Robert McClory) for
- [Movies](http://talkstorywritestory.com/posts/movies/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkMfFWJRwWw Success in Alaska 2014 Time 3:52 A short film about Talk Story, Write Story student successes in Alaska. Features interviews with Talk Story, Write Story Co-Directors Tad Bartimus and Dean Wariner; Bob Whicker, Director of the Consortium for Digital Learning; and Denise Wartes, Program Manager of the Rural Alaska Honors Institute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6aKxP4lNfA Upward Bound
- [2014 Workshops](http://talkstorywritestory.com/workshops/upcoming-workshops/) - Talk Story, Write Story Upward Bound College Prep Program June 24 - July 3, 2014 at the UAF Campus, Fairbanks, Alaska This workshop at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus was facilitated by Talk Story, Write Story co-directors Tad Bartimus and Dean Wariner. More about the workshop, including student participant evaluations, HERE. Talk Story, Write
- [Talk Story, Write Story 2014 Upward Bound College Prep Program](http://talkstorywritestory.com/workshops/upcoming-workshops/talk-story-write-story-upward-bound-college-prep-program/) - June 24 – July 3, 2014 at the UAF Campus, Fairbanks, Alaska. Student workshop participants were Lucille Anaruk II, Bethel; Nellie Okpowruk, Shishmaref; Rory Paukan, St. Marys; Danika Bailie, Bethel; Brittany Agnus, Chefornak; Jessica Kuzuguk, Shishmaref; Chase Alexie; Tiffany Billy, Chefornak; and Caroline Marks, Chefornak. Student evaluations of the 2014 Talk Story, Write Story Upward Bound
- [2013 Workshops](http://talkstorywritestory.com/workshops/2013-workshop/) - Talk Story, Write Story Teacher Workshop Spring 2013, Ketchikan, Alaska High school English teachers and counselors from Metlakatla and Ketchikan deep in creative talk and thought during a Talk Story, Write Story workshop led by Tad Bartimus and Dean Wariner at the Cape Fox Lodge in Ketchikan. Intensive morning and afternoon creative writing sessions in
- [Chevak: Falon Tardiff](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/chevak-falon-tardiff/) - "I can see myself within my students. The struggles that they are facing are some of the same struggles that I faced when I was in school." Falon Tardiff is a teacher at Chevak School. She attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Homer. WHY I TEACH Why I am a Teacher
- [Chevak: Mary Pingayak](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/mary-pingayak/) - "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" I GOT THE GATES!!!!! Mary Pingayak is a Senior at Chevak High School and a 2014 Gates Scholarship winner. Her mentor is Jeanne Campbell. Mary's hobbies include babysitting, visiting friends, shopping online, keeping her grades up, trying new things, and traveling. Anchorage Daily News story: Chevak students win 'million-dollar' Gates scholarships KYUK story: Two
- [Chevak: Kyla Fermoyle](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/kyla-fermoyle/) - "I GOT IT!!! I GOT IT!!!" Kyla Fermoyle is a Senior at Chevak High School and a 2014 Gates Scholarship winner. Her mentor is Jeanne Campbell. Anchorage Daily News story: Chevak students win 'million-dollar' Gates scholarships KYUK story: Two Chevak Students Win Gates Millennium Scholarships Press Release: Three Alaska Students Receive Gates Scholarships 2014 Gates
- [Bios](http://talkstorywritestory.com/bios/) - Tad Bartimus Tad Bartimus is an award-winning journalist, author, originator of Talk Story, Write Story © workshops, and now the program’s co-director, with her educator/journalist husband Dean Wariner. Tad started Talk Story, Write Story in 1998 primarily to work with Native Hawaiian students in Hana, Hawaii who were trying to write their way into college and
- [Ketchikan: May Brown](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/martina-brown/) - "GUESS WHAT? : ) SOMEONE GOT A FULL RIDE!!!" Martina May Brown is a Senior at Ketchikan High School and a 2014 Gates Scholarship winner. Her teacher/mentors are Robert McClory and Natasha O'Brien. Martina was born in the Phillipines and moved to Ketchikan, Alaska when she was 7 years old. Hobbies: Crochet and Fishing. Participated
- [Ketchikan: Rebecca Bowlen](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/ketchikan-rebecca-bowlen/) - "I arrived in Niger, West Africa to teach high school English. It was in the midst of this pain and beauty that I learned about friendship and leadership." Rebecca Bowlen is an English teacher at Ketchikan High School. She attended the Spring 2013 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Ketchikan. LEADERSHIP Project Issaka Several months
- [Juneau: Karina Reyes](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/juneau-karina-reyes/) - "I wanted to show the world to the less privileged." Karina Reyes is an English teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School. She attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Juneau. WHY I TEACH Why I (still) teach… I thought I could change the world, make it a better place…. Yeah, you know the
- [Homer: Sean Campbell](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/homer-sean-campbell/) - "Working with kids is powerful, and there is always the possibility to make a difference each day, each year. It is rejuvenating." Sean Campbell is a language arts teacher at Homer High School. He attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Homer. WHY I AM A TEACHER Make a Difference One of
- [Wasilla: Carla Swick](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/wasilla-carla-swick/) - "I promote excellence. I build relationships. I create connections. I foster friendship. I inspire life-long learning. I make a difference in our world." Carla Swick is a teacher at Wasilla High School. She attended the 2013 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Anchorage. WHY I TEACH My first ambition was to be a waitress who
- [Angoon: Janice Kaiser](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/janice-kaiser/) - "I have never really thought of myself as a leader. Before the weekend was over, my three sons, their in-laws and many of my friends had all volunteered money and time to help the family." Janice Kaiser is a teacher at Angoon School. She attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Juneau.
- [Wasilla: Kalea Cunningham](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/wasilla-kalea-cunningham/) - "My mother told me you can do anything you set your mind to. I tried to do everything." Kalea Cunningham is an English teacher at Wasilla High School. She attended the October 2013 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Anchorage. LEADERSHIP Just Say NO My mother told me you can do anything you set your
- [Metlakatla: Kathy Anderson](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/kathy-anderson/) - "I loved school and was good at it, so when I was asked the proverbial question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I always responded with “I think I’ll be a teacher."" Kathy Anderson is an English Teacher at Metlakatla High School and a mentor to 2014 Gates Scholarship applicant Alexis Wagner.
- [Denali: Tim Coray](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/denali-tim-coray/) - “Don't be afraid to keep doing what you do, 'Mr. Coray.” Tim Coray is a teacher for the Denali School district. He attended the Spring 2013 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Anchorage. WHY I TEACH Right Place, Right Time During the feedback discussion the followed my first reading in the Talk Story, Write Story
- [Juneau: Barb Conant](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/juneau-barb-conant/) - "I feel accomplishment and pride when I see a student first realize that they can achieve and take ownership of their education, when they experience success at work, in a play, or activity." Barb Conant is a counselor at Juneau Douglas High School. She attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Juneau.
- [Kenai: Kyle Cater](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/kenai-kyle-cater/) - "Teaching is a lifelong career that begins the moment you step into a classroom on your first day, and does not end until you pass from this earth." Kyle Cater is an English teacher at Kenai Central High School. He attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Homer. WHY I TEACH Why
- [Soldotna: James Harris](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/soldotna-james-harris/) - "My most valuable experience as a leader thus far comes down to three kids who will sit down to take an AP English test next week." James Harris is an English teacher at Soldotna High School. He attended the Spring 2014 Talk Story, Write Story workshop in Homer. LEADERSHIP According to the Syllabus To describe
- [Three Alaska Students Receive Gates Scholarships](http://talkstorywritestory.com/gates-scholarships/three-alaska-students-receive-gates-scholarships/) - Three Alaska high school students mentored by teachers in the Talk Story, Write Story writing program have been chosen as recipients of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship for the 2014 - 15 academic year. The Association of Alaska School Boards sponsors the Talk Story, Write Story creative writing workshops for teachers. Mary Pingayak and Kyla
- [Port Protection: Leslie Theurer](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/port-protection-ak-leslie-theurer/) - "Leadership is not being in the front of the line, it is a matter of taking risks, assuming there is an answer, and realizing that each failure is one step closer to success." LEADERSHIP Walk Beside and Be My Friend Every personality test I have ever taken says, YOU ARE A NATURAL LEADER. Now I
- [Juneau: Valorie Ringle](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/valorie-ringle/) - "Whether I am teaching students, student teachers or my own children, I teach. That is who I am." LEADERSHIP Leading the way out of a paper bag For a long time I thought I would never be a leader. It is much easier for me to sit back and wait for things to happen that
- [Metlakatla: Alexis Wagner](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/alexis-wagner/) - "Ms. Anderson or Tad and Dean didn’t have to help me, but they saw the potential in me. I pushed myself because I know that this scholarship will help me achieve my goal." Alexis Wagner is a Senior at Metlakatla High School and a 2014 Gates Scholarship applicant. Her mentor is Kathy Anderson. 2014 Gates
- [Scholarships](http://talkstorywritestory.com/gates-scholarships/) - Gates Millennium Scholarship grant The Gates Millennium Scholars program, funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, selects 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at the college or university of their choice. Talk Story, Write Story provides Gates Millennium Scholars with personal and professional development through
- [Workshops](http://talkstorywritestory.com/workshops/) - In an intensive four-day creative writing workshop led by Tad Bartimus and Dean Warinar, teachers trade places to become students. They write personal life experiences and participate in positive collective critiques. The goal is for teachers to transfer knowledge gained in the workshop to their students. Tad and Dean continue their professional support of teachers
- [2014 Ketchikan, Alaska](http://talkstorywritestory.com/gates-scholarships/2014-ketchikan-alaska/) - Learn about applicant Martina May Brown. Learn about mentor Robert McClory. Learn about mentor Natasha O'Brien.
- [2014 Chevak, Alaska](http://talkstorywritestory.com/gates-scholarships/2014-chevak-alaska/) - Learn more about applicant Kyla Fermoyle. Learn more about applicant Mary Pingayak. Learn more about mentor Jeanne Campbell.
- [Students](http://talkstorywritestory.com/students/) - Following is a list of students, by state and year, who have applied for the Gates Millennium Scholarship applicants after being mentored by Talk Story, Work Story workshop participants: 2014 Alaska Applicants Kyla Fermoyle, Chevak High School - Gates Millennium Scholarship Recipient Mary Pingayak, Chevak High School - Gates Millennium Scholarship Recipient Martina May Brown,
- [Quotes](http://talkstorywritestory.com/quotes/) - What teacher/mentors say about Talk Story, Write Story What students say about Talk Story, Write Story
- [Contact](http://talkstorywritestory.com/contact-us/) - Email: Talk Story, Write Story Call: Bob Whicker, 907-463-1660 Write: Talk Story, Write Story c/o Association of Alaska School Boards 1111 West 9th Street Juneau, AK 99801
- [Teacher/Mentors](http://talkstorywritestory.com/teachers/) - 2013 Workshop Alumni: Jeanne Campbell Chevak Resource Director, Mentor to Gates Scholarship applicants Kyla Fermoyle and Mary Pingayak. Natasha O’Brien Ketchikan Counselor, Mentor to Gates Scholarship applicant Martina May Brown. Robert McClory Ketchikan Counselor, Mentor to Gates Scholarship applicant Martina May Brown. Kathy Anderson Metlakatla English Teacher, Mentor to Gates Scholarship applicant Alexis Wagner.

## Categories

- [News](http://talkstorywritestory.com/category/uncategorized/)