Bean earns award

WASILLA -- While the Mat-Su School Board is considering eliminating activities directors in local high schools, one local activities director has been honored for his work.

Wasilla High School's Doug Bean was named activities director of the year by the Alaska School Activities Association this week.

"He's probably one of the most respected activities directors in the state, no question," Wasilla assistant principal Dan Michael said. "It is a well-earned honor."

"It's kind of neat that I got it," Bean said.

Bean also said he couldn't have gone without the help of Wasilla activities secretary Cheryl Albright.

"She deserves just as much credit as anyone," Bean said. "She is kind of like a lineman in football, does the work but the quarterback gets the glory."

Bean, in his second stint at Wasilla High, has served as the director of Warrior activities for the past five years. Prior to returning to Wasilla, Bean was the activities director at Colony High School for four years and stood as the head coach of the Knight hockey squad for one season. In his first run at Wasilla, Bean was the head football coach. Bean has also worked at Wasilla Middle School.

Bean also currently serves as the Region III representative on the ASAA board of directors.

Bean also is the organizer of the KIDS program that earns funds to offset the activities costs of students in need.

Bean, who has worked in the district since 1979, is retiring at the end of the school year.