Rochelle McCord Graduates from Galena Charter School

CIRI descendant Rochelle McCord graduated from Galena Charter School on May 14. She finished the year by making the honor roll each quarter and, according to her parents, passed the exit exam with a high score. She has had the opportunity to work for Southcentral Foundation’s RAISE program, a summer and winter intern program acquainting teens 14 to 18 years of age with health-related careers. Rochelle enjoys working for Southcentral Foundation and appreciates the secondary education guidance she is receiving. Rochelle is the daughter of Freida and Ronald McCord Sr. of Anchorage. Her grandmothers are Fedora Constantine and Nora McCord, both of Tyonek.

Lillian and Ernest Demoski Retire

CIRI shareholder Lillian Demoski, from St. George Island, is retiring from the Federal Aviation Adminstration after 39 and one-half years of federal service. She most recently worked as a contracting officer specializing in environmental and construction contracting. Her husband, Doyon shareholder Ernest Demoski Sr., president of Deloy Ges, Inc., is also retiring from civilian employment at the Water Treatment Plant on Ft. Richardson after 33 years of service. Their immediate plans are to travel down the Yukon River for several weeks and in November participate in the Athens Marathon in Athens, Greece. Lillian raised more than $12,000 for the American Diabetes Association for the couple to participate in the marathon along with 15 other Team Diabetes members. They participated in the Dublin, Ireland, Marathon last year. The Demoskis have two grown sons and one granddaughter, all living outside of Alaska.

Katrina Gregoire Marries

CIRI shareholder Katrina Gregoire and her husband Frank Leiva were married on June 25 in Orange County, CA. Katrina is the daughter of CIRI shareholder Brenda Gregoire and granddaughter of CIRI shareholder Violet Mack. Katrina earned her bachelor’s degree in justice from the University of Alaska Anchorage in May 2003, and is pursuing a career in juvenile probation with the Orange County Probation Department. Frank supervises as a machine programmer for Surefire Industries in Fountain Valley, CA. The couple has a new daughter Liliana Elise.

Youngs Celebrate 20th Anniversary

CIRI shareholder John C. Young and his wife Elizabeth celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with friends on June 6 at a dinner party in West Seattle. Elizabeth was honored for being listed in the 2004-2005 “Who’s Who of American Women” for her years of dedication as an educator in biblical studies and social outreach ministries with the Puget Sound Indians and the inner city people. She has been serving the Native American community for 23 years as a missionary/pastor.

Shareholder Makes UAA Chancellor’s List

CIRI shareholder Tanya Komakhuk was named to the University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor’s List for the spring 2004 semester. This distinction is earned by undergraduate students, who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, who have earned a GPA of 4.0 for the semester.

Grothe’s Son on Undefeated Little League Team

The son of CIRI shareholder Lenny Grothe and Debbie Grothe was part of the winning 2004 Soldotna 9/10-year-old Alaska-Star Little League baseball team, which went undefeated in the District 1 Tournament in Eagle River and was also undefeated in the State Tournament play in Fairbanks. Ten-year-old Cameron Grothe played in several positions through the tournaments, including pitcher, third base, and outfielder. His team played a total of seven games, and this is the first time that the 9/10-year-olds won district and state levels.

Baby Devin Kale Van Zandt Born in May

CIRI shareholder Sherilee “Leesa” Van Zandt and her husband Kevin welcomed a 7- pound, 7-ounce son they named Devin Kale Van Zandt on May 19 at 8:37 a.m., in Anchorage. He is also the grandson of shareholder Gertrude Ah'Nee and the late Norman Miller. His family also includes CIRI shareholders William Miller (uncle), Robert Miller (uncle), Norman Miller (uncle), Tonii Miller (aunt), and Deborah Kernan (aunt). His paternal grandparents are Dale Van Zandt of Spokane, Wash., and Donna Van Zandt of Portland, Oregon.

Baby Braden

CIRI shareholder George Rosser and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of Braden George Rosser, born 6 pounds, 5 ounces on July 22.

Koutchak Earns Master's Degree

CIRI shareholder Charlene Koutchak received her master's degree in nutrition from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA., in June. She is the daughter of CIRI shareholder Fred Koutchak and sister to CIRI shareholder Elizabeth Koutchak. Charlene is married to Noah Rubinstein and they currently reside in Seattle. She is thankful for the scholarships she earned from The CIRI Foundation and excited about returning to Alaska to complete her dietetic internship with the University of Alaska Anchorage, which includes working in rural communities in the Kotzebue region.