Palmer High IB students host “Trick or Trot” fundraiser

During the October 15 meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) school board, students from the Palmer High School International Baccalaureate (IB) took a few minutes to highlight the program, which is Alaska’s oldest IB Program and is the only IB school in the MSBSD.

IB classes are taken during a student's junior and senior year, offering motivated students an opportunity to grow and accelerate their academic skills, potentially earn college credit, and promoting student engagement and growth through community service, all while students enjoy a traditional high school experience.

IB Teacher Makenzie Moore told board members that there are currently 11 seniors in the IB Program this year before introducing two of them—Oskar Duncan and Teigan Copp–who reported on a their involvement in the IB program as well as a project they’ve been working on as part of their IB diploma.

“For those who don’t know, the International Baccalaureate Program is a college preparatory program that emphasizes global perspectives, critical thinking, and community involvement,” said Copp.

He explained that they have been hard at work on their Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) project, comprised of two different components—CAS experiences and a CAS project. “CAS experiences are anything you do outside the classroom that falls within the three categories of CAS.” He used his own experience of participating in cross-country running, skiing, and track as his activity, his time spent volunteering as a ski coach with junior Nordics.

“These experiences are crucial in getting students more well-rounded and prep for engaging in the community outside of high school.”

The second component, the CAS Project, incorporates the same elements in a student-designed and driven project, which Duncan explained was a Halloween-themed fun run that served as a fundraiser for CCS Early Learning. “For over 50 years, CCS has remained committed to looking at the students’ bigger picture and providing support to the child whenever needed.”

Duncan reported that CCS lost its annual Valentine’s Day Banquet fundraiser due to their effort and planning it took from their dedicated but small staff. “We hope this fundraiser can relieve some of the burdens they face.”

He said when it came to planning the event, Duncan says they were inspired by the season, coming up with the name “Trick or Trot,” a play on trick or treat.

“As athletes, we felt the community was lacking a family-oriented race event that would allow racers of all ages to participate.” They explained that falling in line with a Halloween theme, participants were encouraged to race in costume and candy would be given out along the race trail.

There was also a costume contest to boost the creativity and encourage a fun atmosphere.

The race saw 136 racers come out, along with more than 35 volunteers to cheer them on. Most important was the community support from partners as they raised $5,000.

Sponsors for the event included AKtive Soles Performance Footwear, Arctic Reef, Fred Meyer, General Family Dentistry, Lekker Coffee and Baking Co, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Ptarmigan Pediatrics, Seastar Strategies LLC, and Three Bears.

“I’m really proud and I feel very fortunate that I get to work with the young people I get to, and I’m excited for them,” said Moore.