Fueling Alaska’s Future: Celebrating the 2025 Delta Western Scholars

Investing in the next generation of leaders and community builders

For nearly two decades, Delta Western has championed educational opportunity across Alaska, awarding nearly 150 scholarships and more than $1 million in funding through its Scholarship for Continuing Education.

This year’s recipients represent many paths to success, from aerospace engineering to nursing to business leadership, united by a shared commitment to Alaska’s future.

Keeping Alaska Running

Across Alaska, students are developing the technical expertise that keeps our state strong. Sheldon Smith (Bethel) is earning an advanced welding certification through the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dylan Peterson (Yakutat) is attending the Alaska Vocational Technical Center to earn his Charter Captain certification.

Serving Our Communities

Skye Deal (Ketchikan) is a nursing major at Lindfield University. “I am the sixth generation in my family to live in Ketchikan, and I want to give back to this community as an adult,” Skye said.

Faauiga Molilaauifogaa Atonio (Unalaska) is applying her coursework in math, economics, and business studies towards her degree in business finance at University of Alaska Anchorage. “I am passionate about utilizing financial strategies to help businesses thrive, particularly in Alaska’s unique economic landscape,” she shared. 

Selby Long (Haines) is studying law, history, and culture at the University of Southern California, and Lucia Chappell (Juneau) is exploring psychology, human biology, and kinesiology at Colorado College.

Building Innovation for Alaska and Beyond

Last year, Henrey Ward (Sitka) balanced high school and college coursework, earned his advanced scuba diving license, and began working toward his private pilot’s license, all while preparing to study aerospace engineering. Today, he’s pursuing that goal at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Powering the Communities We Call Home

Delta Western’s investment in education is a long-term commitment to the people and industries that keep Alaska strong.

“Education is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in our collective future,” said Henry Palmer, President of Delta Western. “Our scholarship program isn’t just about funding. It’s about standing behind the next generation of Alaskans who are ready to lead, serve, and build stronger communities.”

Click here to learn more about how Delta Western gives back to our neighbors.