June Nelson Memorial Scholarship

Named in honor of long-time Kotzebue school board member and education advocate, the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship competition is an annual AASB tradition. Each year, association members, students, and district superintendents gather to raise money that is awarded to Alaskan students to support their post-high school education pursuits. Through board member fundraising efforts, AASB awards up to fifteen, $1,500 scholarships, which students may apply toward their choice of a business, trade, or college institution.

How You Can Support the Scholarship

All AASB Annual Conference attendees receive a ticket to the fundraiser as a part of their conference registration. Each November, on Friday evening of the AASB Annual Conference, the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser is held. At this event, items donated by school boards, and school board members from across Alaska are presented by students, to an eager crowd of auction participants. If you would like to donate an item to this auction, please email aasb@nullaasb.org or call 907-463-1660. Last-minute donations will be accepted onsite during the conference as well.

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Photo of June Nelson
June Nelson

Who Was June Nelson?

AASB is pleased to honor the late June Nelson, a long-time school board member from Kot­zebue. June contributed much to the cause of education through her long career as a school board member. She had many accomplishments during her service as an edu­cation activist. She served on the Northwest Arctic Bor­ough School Board and was appointed by two different governors to serve on the State Board of Education. June gave unselfishly of herself. She served on numerous local and statewide committees in a demonstration of com­mitment to her community.

We remember June for her ability to make us laugh when we were in the midst of an intense debate. She could fiercely disagree with you on an issue and yet set it aside to maintain a friendly, respectful relationship. She challenged us to be the best we could be. She filled our lives with laughter and fun times. Most important, we will remember June for her outstanding service on behalf of Alaska’s children.