David Dodman

God & Grit Go to the Mats

By David Dodman | June 27, 2019 |

Woman in black sweatshirt stands smiling next to the beach near Stebbins

“It’s been my dream to do this since I was a kid, and it’s finally happening. I still can’t believe it.” 16-year-old Joycelyn Katcheak is the first Bering Strait School District student to receive a four-year college scholarship for wrestling. She will travel this fall to the University of Jamestown in North Dakota: 2,617 miles from her home village of Stebbins.

No Bullying in Koyuk

By David Dodman | June 27, 2019 |

For the first time ever, high school students in Koyuk organized and led a workshop for their peers, this spring, on preventing bullying and substance abuse.

Ragin’ Contagion

By David Dodman | June 27, 2019 |

Group of people wearing colorful, reflective vests stand together inside a large gymnasium.

What would happen if a virulent, airborne disease hit the isolated villages of rural Alaska? That worst-case scenario was the focus of a statewide exercise this spring, “Ragin’ Contagion,” which included Nome and the KNOM listening community of Shaktoolik.

Remembering Those Who Served

By David Dodman | June 27, 2019 |

Veteran salutes flag and color guard while bugler plays “Taps.”

KNOM brought live coverage of Nome’s 2019 Memorial Day observances to listeners, helping the station remember and honor those who gave their life for their country.

Repatriation, Recording, Representation

By David Dodman | May 30, 2019 |

Man and woman stand smiling in front of a large wall map of northwestern Alaska.

Repatriation of human remains and cultural artifacts from Lower-48 museum archives was one of the many accomplishments that prompted local leader Vera Metcalf’s induction into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame.

Shaktoolik Students Save Seal

By David Dodman | May 30, 2019 |

In early April, a group of Shaktoolik students rescued an abandoned ugruk (bearded seal) pup. The week-old seal washed on shore in the rural community.

Recycling Bicycles

By David Dodman | May 30, 2019 |

A student smiles at the camera, seated at a table on which stands a bicycle being repaired.

Nome Anvil City Science Academy students recently learned to repair something many Alaska teens greatly prize: their own bicycles.

‘We All Help Each Other’

By David Dodman | May 30, 2019 |

In Western Alaska, the school athletics season ends with a highlight for many students and spectators alike: Native Youth Olympics (NYO).

Native Youth Olympians

By David Dodman | April 26, 2019

Native Youth Olympics high-kicker, seen in a three-image series successfully kicking a suspended beanbag in a high school gymnasium.

Native Youth Olympics (NYO) events — like the Eskimo stick pull, seal hop, kneel jump, scissor broad jump, and high kick — all connect to skills needed for subsistence.