The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly awarded commendations to several teams from Soldotna and Kenai Central High Schools during their last meeting on Jan. 6.
Two resolutions sponsored by borough Mayor Peter Micciche and assembly president Ryan Tunseth, who represents Kenai, recognize respectively the KCHS girls varsity volleyball team for winning the Division III state championship in November and the KCHS marching band for winning the 2025 Al Castronovo Esprit de Corp award.
A third resolution sponsored by Micciche and assembly member Sargeant Truesdell, representing Soldotna, recognized the SoHi varsity football team for winning the Division II state championship in October.
The Kenai girls’ volleyball team was commended for showing “incredible determination and resilience” by fighting through “a year of challenges” to become the state champions, the first resolution reads. Several players were also named for their contributions to the state tournament win, including Brynnen Hansen, Selah Coots, Sage Wilson, Savannah Hershberger, Bryleigh William, Sophia Tapley, Katie Van Sky, Maci Miller, Gracee Every, Ellsi Miller, Allie List, Seylor Tomrdle, Mia Settlemyer, Aija Gravely, and manager Pepper Noel.
The resolution also attributes the “tremendous accomplishments” of the KCHS volleyball team to leadership from head coach Tracie Beck and assistant coaches Susan Darr and Camilla Gonzalez.
Kenai’s marching band attended the 2025 Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, in November. The Al Castronovo Esprit de Corps award is given to the band that most exhibits pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, camaraderie and unity of purpose for the activity.
“The Kenai Central High School Marching Band represented our community well and showed great skill and talent in the activity,” the second resolution reads.
Band members Eva Anderson, Madeline Barrett-Nash, Ben Brighton, Emma Castimore, Mattie Castimore, Aidan Cole, Zoe Cole, Bridger Copple, Gavin Davis, Kylie Davis, Shawn Davis, Lawrence Dean, Lilly Gray, Natalie James, Madyson Martin, Dylan Moss, Charlie Naranjo, Cecil Newcomb-Hammer, Gavin Real, Thomas Robinson, Kobi Rodgers-Whipple, Jacob Semeraro, Keziah Simons, Andrew Stein, Zach Talbot, Lily Taliesin, Xiling Tanner, Gage Van Vleet and Raymond Wilkie were recognized for their parts in earning the prestigious award. Director of Bands Christian Stephanos was also recognized for his leadership and support of the marching band.
“Congratulations, Kenai,” Micciche said during the assembly meeting.
The SoHi boys varsity football team claimed their third consecutive Division II state title win on Oct. 17, during the championships held in Palmer.
The final resolution recognizes SoHi players Andon Wolverton, Owen Buckbee, Trevin Moore, Wyatt Williams, Dax Walden, Bryan Berg, Liam Peck, Dane Carter, Eli Richards, Zack Kemp, Andrew Gibson-Fielden, Jayden Yeager, McKade Moore, Matthew Innes, Lane Hillyer, Macen Kopec, Mason Bock, Matthew Schilling, Manuia Wong, Luke Hillyer, Keegan Myrick, Ethan Piscoya, Ashton Bauer, Landon Foster, Ethan Cooper, Chase Hall, Gunna Lervig, Logan Myers, Vance Cecil, Tristen Barnes, Tristen Roberts, Phoenix Goolsby, Koda Lepule, Lukas Schiano, Theo Huff, Ben Bras, Carter Hillyer, Deven Gibson-Fielden, Clayton McDonald, Kaesen Gauthier, Blake Cecil, Elias Brantley, Lachlan Pond, Bodie Chumley and Scott Bieber for their “tremendous skill and athleticism” at the state championship game. SoHi’s success is also attributed to the support and leadership of head coach Galen Brantley and assistant coaches Phil Leck, Tai Lepule, Eric Pomerleau, Michael Decker, Trevor Walden and Joe Shirley.
“Let’s hear it for SoHi,” Micciche said.
Tunseth also offered his congratulations to “all of the state champs and the band participants.”
“It’s a really great achievement,” he said.
The KPB Assembly also commended the Homer High School boys and girls cross country teams for winning the Division II state championship in October.
Micciche and Truesdell presented the commendation and certificates of achievement to the SoHi football team on Tuesday at Soldotna High School. On Wednesday afternoon, the borough also presented Homer High School’s commendation and certificates of achievement to the Homer boys and girls cross country teams.
Find the resolutions in full at kpb.legistar.com.
