A state-run boarding school in Sitka, Alaska, is providing a safe haven for high school students whose lives were upended by Typhoon Halong. Mt. Edgecumbe High School has made space available for more than two dozen students from Western Alaska left without a school following the storm's devastation.
The initiative, led by the school's superintendent, aims to provide stability and educational continuity for families who were forced to evacuate their communities, often with little to no personal belongings.
Key Takeaways
- Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka has opened 32 residential spots for students displaced by Typhoon Halong.
- The school, which primarily serves Alaska Native students, is working directly with affected families in Anchorage.
- Current students and the local community are mobilizing to provide support, including mentorship and donations for essential supplies.
- The effort highlights a community-led response to a natural disaster impacting remote Alaskan regions.
A Swift Response to Crisis
In the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Halong, officials at Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) recognized an urgent need. As reports of widespread displacement in Western Alaska emerged, the school's leadership acted quickly to offer a solution for high school students.
MEHS Superintendent David Langford contacted the state's Department of Education with a proposal to house students who could no longer attend their local schools. The department gave its approval, setting in motion a plan to accommodate the new arrivals.
"As soon as we heard what had happened and how severe it was, and families were being displaced, I immediately contacted the Department of Education and said Mt. Edgecumbe would be a perfect place for high school students that suddenly don’t have a school to go to," Langford said.
Working with dormitory staff, the school identified available capacity. They successfully prepared 32 additional residential slots—20 in the boys' dormitory and 12 in the girls' dormitory—ensuring they were ready to welcome students on short notice.
Connecting with Affected Families
To facilitate the transition, Superintendent Langford and the school's travel coordinator traveled to Anchorage. Their goal was to meet directly with families who had been evacuated from the storm-ravaged areas and were now facing difficult decisions about their children's education.
These meetings provided an opportunity for parents and students to learn about the school and the support systems available. "Talking through what would it look like for their child to come to Mt. Edgecumbe and what support does it provide them and just want to help them make whatever is the best decision for their family and their students," Langford explained of the outreach effort.
Mt. Edgecumbe High School
MEHS is a unique public boarding school operated by the State of Alaska. It has a long history of serving students, primarily Alaska Natives, from over 100 different communities across the state, many of which are rural and remote.
The personal approach has been effective. Several students have already started the enrollment process, signaling a positive response from families seeking stability amidst the chaos. For some, the transition will be eased by existing connections; one incoming student already has sisters attending the school.
A Community Rallies in Support
The response from within the Mt. Edgecumbe community has been just as swift as the administration's. Current students have expressed a strong desire to help their new peers feel welcome and supported during a challenging time.
"I’ve had emails from our current students just saying that they want to step up and mentor and lead or help incoming students," Langford noted. "And that’s pretty impressive for high school kids to realize that need and want to step up."
This peer-to-peer support system is seen as a critical component for helping the new students adjust to a new school and environment while dealing with the trauma of displacement.
Mobilizing Resources for New Students
The broader Sitka community is also stepping up. Recognizing that many families fled with nothing, local organizations have begun to provide financial assistance. The Sitka Moose Lodge made a significant contribution of $5,000 to help purchase necessary items for the incoming students.
These funds are essential, as many students will arrive without basic necessities. "Some of these families were told they had to evacuate immediately and didn’t have time to go back to their homes to get anything," Langford said, highlighting the urgent need for support.
How to Help
The school is accepting donations to help purchase essential items for the displaced students, including clothing, footwear, books, and other personal supplies. Individuals or organizations interested in contributing can contact the school directly at 907-966-3200 for more information on how to provide support.
The school administration emphasizes that any assistance, large or small, will make a significant difference in helping these students rebuild a sense of normalcy. The coordinated effort between the school, its students, and the local community provides a powerful example of Alaskans coming together to support one another in a time of crisis.