{"id":5105,"date":"2024-10-31T11:48:05","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T19:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/?page_id=5105"},"modified":"2026-04-23T10:04:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:04:12","slug":"faces-of-first-in-alaska","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/faces-of-first-in-alaska\/","title":{"rendered":"Faces of FIRST in Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"

FACES OF FIRST<\/em> IN ALASKA<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

At FIRST<\/em> in Alaska, we want to highlight the people who make it possible to run all the amazing events that happen all over the state!<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Alyson<\/div>

Alyson Cooper<\/h4>

STEM Program Manager - FIRST Program Delivery Partner<\/p>

Alyson Cooper comes to us as a long-time FIRST robotics volunteer, leaving her role on the Girl Scouts of Alaska staff to run the FIRST program in Alaska while continuing to volunteer for Girl Scouts and coach their two Juneau FIRST LEGO League teams. Alyson graduated from Chugiak High School and earned a BS in Geology and her Navy commission at The University of Texas at Austin, then served on ships in a wide variety of jobs including as Navigator of an ammunition ship during Operation Desert Storm. Eventually Commander Cooper ended up in Juneau doing logistics work and retired here, and after living in all four corners of the U.S., she has no intention of ever leaving Juneau. Besides FIRST robotics and Girl Scouts which she has pulled her (also retired Navy) husband and two UAA-attending daughters fully into as well, Alyson and her husband run a small local business. Alyson plays percussion for the Juneau Symphony, Taku Winds, her church, and anyone nearby when she starts absent-mindedly drumming on available objects. And yes, the rumors are true, she does have a LEGO table suspended from her living room ceiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Direct Line: (907) 465-7524<\/span><\/p>\n

Email: acooper@jedc.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Luke<\/div>

Luke Wild<\/h4>

Youth Robotics\/ STEM Coordinator<\/p>

Luke Wild is the current JVC \/ Americorps volunteer serving with the JEDC as the Youth Robotics \/ STEM Coordinator.<\/p>\n

Direct Line: (907) 523 - 2346<\/span><\/p>\n

Email: lwild@jedc.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>

Beyond the Program Delivery Partner and Youth Robotics\/STEM Coordinator, there are hundreds of people that help run a season!<\/h3>\n

Each week, FIRST<\/em> in Alaska wants to highlight a person or team in each of these categories to spotlight and celebrate the many Faces of FIRST<\/em> in Alaska!<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Coach\/Mentor Monday<\/h2>

We want to take Mondays to celebrate the amazing coaches and mentors who help run the teams all over the state! These individuals are responsible for ensuring that each and every young boy and girl feels included, has fun, and lived FIRST to the fullest!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

FTC Team Tuesday<\/h2>

We want to take Tuesdays to highlight the many FTC teams across the state of Alaska! These young men and women work together to solve complicated engineering problems, all while having fun, and supporting their communities and FIRST LEGO League Teams in their area through mentorship!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Volunteer Wednesdays<\/h2>

We want to take Wednesdays to celebrate the amazing volunteers of FIRST in Alaska! Without Volunteers, the over 20 events put on every season would not be able to happen! They are shining examples of living FIRST!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

FLL Team Thursdays<\/h2>

We want to take Thursdays to highlight one FLL team in the state of Alaska! These young boys and girls are oftentimes just getting started in their FIRST experince, their excitement, imagination, and problem solving will leave you in awe!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

If you are a coach, volunteer, or team and to be featured on the FIRST in Alaska Social Media, fill out the form below!<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\nSocial Media Spotlight<\/legend>\r\n

Social Media Spotlight<\/h3>\r\n

Want yourself or your team to be featured on the FIRST in Alaska Social media?? Fill out this form for a chance to be featured on one of our posts! <\/p>\n<\/div>

\n\n\n\n\n\n
\r\n\t
Which Of The Following Are You Interested in Being Featured?\r\n\t\t*<\/span>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t
\t\t
\t\t\t