Dear Svitek Family,

I wanted to thank you so much for making my summer internship possible with the Kate Svitek Award I received. My summer was an invaluable experience for me up in Alaska. I worked for the Susitna River Coalition doing historical research, community outreach, and helped coordinate a ballot initiative called “Stand for Salmon” that was up for vote this past November. The river is currently not under attack from the hydropower project anymore, but I helped get documents, information, and resources to secure the future of the river.

The money was used to keep me financially afloat up there. Food is extremely pricey since most all of it is shipped from the lower 48 states. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without it.

Again, I can’t express how appreciative I am for this award. Attached is a photo of myself on the glacier that feeds and gives life to the Susitna River. Thank you!

Cheers,
Laura Pinover