Angoon High School proudly celebrates the achievement of students Johnny Hunter, Cody Pitka, Collins Mendenhall, and Angel Jack for their outstanding participation in the 2025 AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) Regional Fair held in Juneau, Alaska on April 26.
Their project, titled “Honoring Aangóon: A Photogrammetric Journey from At’iká (Past) to Sákw (Future),” explored how 3D modeling and photogrammetry can be used to preserve Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) in the Angoon area. These trees serve as living connections to Indigenous ancestors and traditions. The students successfully rendered 23 culturally modified trees at Turn Point and also compared preservation efforts by working alongside Indigenous communities in Hawaiʻi.
Through advanced 3D scanning technologies, including drones, LiDAR, GIS mapping, and photogrammetry, the team highlighted how technology can protect both natural and cultural heritage. Their project was completed as part of a dual-credit class, “Advanced GeoCultural Mapping & Surveying,” in collaboration with the University of Alaska Southeast.
Under the guidance of Ivan Ramey, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and project coach, along with assistant coach Hilda Mendenhall, and with additional support from Frank Coenraad and the SeeStories, the students earned the Excellence Award: Leading the Way—an honor given to projects that show leadership, innovation, and deep cultural relevance. There were three top awards, and Team Angoon proudly received the Overall Excellence Award at the event, which came with an all-expense-paid opportunity for students and coaches to attend the AISES National Conference in Minneapolis this coming October.
We commend our students not only for their academic excellence but also for their dedication to cultural preservation and cross-cultural learning. Congratulations to Johnny, Cody, Collins, and Angel for representing Angoon with pride!