Mark "Hans" Chester

Chester's winning "Tlingit Language Project" provides students at Glacier Valley Elementary with an opportunity to become fluent in conversational Tlingit, a language that nearly became extinct, but is now being revitalized in the Juneau School District and other Southeast Alaska communities. This unique program pairs fluent Tlingit speakers, most of whom are over the age of 60, with elementary students in an effort to develop activities in the classroom and home environment that encourage the youngsters to learn about Tlingit history and customs. While studying storytelling, science, language arts, song, dance and art within the Tlingit culture, students will use audio, visual, kinesthetic and interpersonal communication with each other, teachers and family members as further reinforcement. Approximately 50 students will be assessed biweekly in order to monitor their fluency. They will also meet twice a week with their peers from other classrooms to learn and share their experiences. At the end of the year, students will showcase their knowledge by hosting a Tlingit ceremony for their families and members of the community. Chester resides in Juneau.