As we continue celebrating Black History Month, this episode of ASD Shine Bright highlights the ASD Fine Arts Department and Mi Casey, a Dimond High School senior and Silver Key award winner in Alaska for her outstanding art portfolio.

Mi’s work is currently featured at the Anchorage Museum as part of the 54th Annual ASD Youth Art Show collaboration and National Youth Art Month.

Hear from Mi as she shares her passion for art and how creativity inspires both her journey and others around her.

As we continue celebrating Black History Month, this episode of ASD Shine Bright features longtime educator and Wendler Middle School Principal Marcus Wilson.

Principal Wilson shares his educational journey and reflects on how the guidance of elders shaped his leadership and how he has used that wisdom to mentor students and staff to find success in ASD and beyond.

It’s a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and lifting others up.

In this episode of ASD Shine Bright, we talk with Service High senior Sophia Downie, Alaska Public Media journalist Annie Feidt, and ASD’s Shannon Donley about the impact of the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program.

Through her mentorship in public radio, Sophia gained real-world work experience—learning firsthand what it’s like to research, report, and tell meaningful stories alongside a professional journalist.

Her experience is a powerful example of how the Gifted Mentorship Program pairs motivated juniors and seniors with experts in fields they’re passionate about, turning advanced coursework into authentic, hands-on learning.

This program directly supports the School Board’s goal of College, Career, and Life Readiness by helping students build professional skills, explore career paths, and gain confidence in real workplace settings before graduation.

👉 Learn more about Sophia’s work and read one of her stories here: https://alaskapublic.org/news/education/2025-11-25/playing-it-forward-anchorage-musicians-gift-transforms-high-school-orchestra