Choggiung honors Sophie Ann Woods

Published on March 4th, 2010

By BRISTOL BAY TIMES STAFF

At its annual shareholders meeting on Feb. 27, the Choggiung Ltd. board of directors recognized Sophie Ann Woods as Shareholder of the Year.

The board shared these thoughts about Woods: "She has shown commitment to our youth and community through her devotion to education.

"Sophie Ann was born on July 8, 1943, at Kanakanak, Alaska, to John R. and Peggy Andersen and is one of 11 children. She raised her four sons who, in turn, gave her 13 grandchildren.

"Sophie Ann grew up at Clark's Point and later attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1961.

"Through the years, Sophie Ann has made some very important contributions to students who attend Dillingham Elementary School. She has dedicated 42 years of her life to education, working as a teachers aide for the Dillingham City School District. She also teaches Native dancing, passing the traditional songs and dances on to her students who range from preschool to high school. Sophie speaks our Yup'ik language and is known for giving kids Yup'ik names, usually naming them after their older relatives.

"Sophie Ann takes pride in our culture and traditions and has been instrumental in passing them on to our young people. She has high standards and expectations, not only for herself but also for her family and students. She takes her responsibilities seriously, but her serious side is well balanced with a good sense of humor and is always quick to laugh and tell a joke.

"If you attended primary school in Dillingham, you can probably recall the Yup'ik stories Sophie Ann told at recess by smoothing a spot on the ground and using a stick to draw the story. Perhaps you remember asking her to jump rope with you because she knew the best jump rope rhymes, or the games of red rover, hopscotch and auntie-I-over. She seems to make everything fun, while making sure that everyone plays fair.

"Sophie Ann plays a very active role in our lives, helping many students get started in their educational path, watching them grow from children to adolescents to adults. Many are now in high school, college or are now responsible parents, leaders and productive members of our community, setting examples for their children or others to follow.

"Her brother Ralph, as a small child, remembers the feeling of safety and security when his sister took care of him. She often played 'miachi' carrying him on her back when he was a toddler. He can remember feeling sad seeing her leave for Mt. Edgecumbe in the fall, and sitting on Clarks Point beach in the spring, waiting for her to come home.

"Sophie Ann loves picking berries and putting up subsistence fish in the summer. She also enjoys crocheting doilies and singing gospel music with her family.

"We are fortunate and thankful that Sophie Ann has chosen to share her talents with us and our children."