“[Bill] was a creative teacher, but he was a very demanding teacher and got results,” Kuhns said. “He was highly engaged in the community... He coached basketball and was one of the backbones of the school.”
Wilkinson technically retired in 2006 and was part of the retire and rehire program until 2010 when the state did away with the program. Rather than really retire he just unretired, until now.
Kuhns also worked with Ayaprun Jones, in addition to having her teach his three children.
“Her reputation was established,” Kuhns said. “We really wanted our child to be in her classroom. We totally, totally loved her teaching. She was such an inspiration and had such a great combination of high expectations but totally caring for each individual kid.”
Kuhns said Ayaprun had the ability to know what every kindergartener needed and where they were at.
Ayaprun taught for LKSD at Kilbuck school from the 1970s through the 95-96 school year, then taught at M.E. school for four years before working as a teacher at Ayaprun Elitnaurvik beginning in the 2000-01 school year.
Members of the Alaska State Legislature recognized Ayaprun Jones this year for her dedication to her Yup’ik culture and her many years as an educator in LKSD.
LKSD is deeply grateful to Bill and Loddie for their continued commitment to our communities and for inspiring younger generations of LKSD students and educators. We will miss seeing them in the hallways.