At just 14 years old, River Zaochney has already made an impressive mark as a student historian, musician, and representative of Alaska on the national stage. A student from Unalaska, River enjoys researching history—especially topics related to 19th-century Europe—and has a passion for music, playing the baritone horn in band with plans to switch to the tuba next school year.
River’s love of history led to participation in National History Day after learning about the 1882 Bombardment of Angoon. Intrigued by this lesser-known chapter of Alaska history, River and a teammate chose to create a website exploring the event. Their project examined how the conflict began after a Tlingit shaman was accidentally killed aboard an American whaling ship. Following Tlingit cultural traditions of seeking compensation for a loss, the community requested more than 200 blankets from the Northwest Trading Company. When those demands were not met, the Tlingit people took hostages and seized a company boat. Misunderstanding the situation, the U.S. Navy bombarded the village of Angoon, leaving it devastated and destroying many of its resources. Nearly 150 years later, in 2024, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Sucato issued a formal apology on behalf of the Navy.
River enjoyed bringing attention to an important part of Alaska’s history that many people have never learned about. The hard work paid off in an unforgettable way when River and the project partner won first place in Alaska’s Junior Division Website category, earning the opportunity to represent the state at the National History Day National Contest in Washington, D.C.
At the national competition, River and the teammate received the prestigious Naval History Award, one of only 20 special awards presented among approximately 3,000 student competitors from across the country. During their time in Washington, D.C., they also had the opportunity to discuss their project on the Bombardment of Angoon and the U.S. Navy’s 2024 apology with U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan.
Outside the competition, River especially enjoyed visiting the Smithsonian museums during free time, with the National Air and Space Museum standing out as a favorite because of its World War I exhibits. Another memorable moment was hearing River’s and the teammate’s names announced during the awards ceremony as recipients of the Naval History Award.
The opportunity to attend the national competition was made possible in part through the generous support of the Ulakaia Center. The travel scholarship helped cover airfare and other expenses, allowing River and family to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Reflecting on the experience, River says the biggest lesson learned is that hard work can lead to opportunities you never expect. Representing Alaska at the National History Day National Contest alongside thousands of talented students from across the country was both an honor and an inspiration. River is proud to have represented Unalaska and the Unangax̂ community on the national stage while helping share an important story from Alaska’s history.
Awam ix̂amnaa! Good job!
Candy Rose Cañete Anderson
Candy Rose Cañete Anderson’s academic journey is a story of faith, perseverance, and the kindness of people who believed in her potential. As the eldest of four siblings pursuing a degree in Psychology, she encountered moments when the path ahead seemed uncertain and the challenges felt overwhelming. Despite these obstacles, she remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams, believing that every sacrifice would eventually bear fruit.
As Ulakaia Center’s first scholarship recipient from the Philippines, Candy’s journey stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to empowering deserving students beyond borders. The Ulakaia Center Scholarship became more than just financial assistance—it became a source of hope. It eased a significant burden on her family and allowed her to focus on her studies, personal growth, and opportunities that helped shape her into the person she is today. Through this support, she was able to fully embrace her college experience, not only as a student but also as an advocate and community volunteer. She had the privilege of participating in events, outreach activities, and runway showcases that supported meaningful causes, using her voice and platform to inspire, serve, and give back to the community.
Today, Candy proudly graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Cum Laude, and as a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award. As the first Philippine scholar of the Ulakaia Center, she has had the honor of representing the values of excellence, resilience, and service that the scholarship embodies. These accomplishments are not hers alone—they reflect the encouragement and generosity of every individual and organization that extended a helping hand throughout her journey. The Ulakaia Center Scholarship played a significant role in making these milestones possible by giving her the opportunity to pursue academic excellence without allowing financial limitations to define her future. For this, she remains deeply grateful.
As she moves forward, Candy carries not only a diploma and academic honors but also a profound sense of responsibility. The generosity she received has inspired her to become someone who uplifts others, just as she was uplifted. Her journey serves as a reminder that investing in a person’s education creates ripples of hope that extend far beyond the classroom.
Future Plans
Candy aspires to build a meaningful career in Psychology dedicated to promoting mental health and supporting the holistic development of children and young people. She also plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology to further strengthen her knowledge and enhance her ability to serve others.
Beyond her profession, she hopes to remain actively involved in community initiatives, advocacy work, and programs that empower individuals and create opportunities for those who need them most. Through her work, she aims to transform compassion into action and make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Candy’s journey demonstrates that when others believe in a person’s potential, dreams that once seemed impossible can become reality.
Awam ix̂amnaa! Good job!