Ahtna shareholder Irene Widmark Tansy was born in Ketchikan, Alaska on December 2nd, 1943 to Alfred and Carmel Widmark. She went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2009. Irene was Tlingit of the Raven and Dog Salmon clan. Her Tlingit name was “Xeetli” (Salmon Moving). Irene attended Sheldon Jackson High School and graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1967 with a degree in Home Economics. Irene was a beloved wife and mother. She and husband Roy Tansy, Sr. raised daughter Carmel and sons Roy Jr., and Douglas in the Copper Center, Cantwell and Glennallen areas. Irene later went on to receive her teaching degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Irene was especially proud to be adopted by the late Harry and Ruth Johns as a part of their Athabascan family. Her adopted name was “Na tah et gaanen” (The One Who Joined Us).

Irene gave much time volunteering on various boards and committees including:

As a teacher, Irene spent the majority of her teaching tenure at Kenny Lake School. Irene loved her students and the Kenny Lake community. She did countless things to encourage her students. To commemorate her dedication to education and to the students of Kenny Lake, the Tansy family established a scholarship in Irene’s name. On an annual basis, a scholarship will be given to a college-bound graduate of Kenny Lake High School.

Scholarship Selection Committee: This is a private scholarship funded by donations. The Tansy family will select the scholarship recipient. The Tansy Family may ask for recommendations from the faculty and staff of Kenny Lake School.  If there are multiple applicants, preference will be given to Alaska Natives.  Preference may also be given to applicants seeking a degree in Education. 

Scholarship Application Process:  Applicants are asked to submit an essay detailing their plans for the future.  The Essay can be emailed or mailed.  Selection of the scholarship recipient will be announced at the Kenny Lake High School Graduation.  A onetime gift of $1500 will be given to the recipient.

Role of Ahtna Heritage Foundation:   The Ahtna Heritage Foundation serves as the scholarship custodian. The Ahtna Heritage Foundation will provide a tax deductible account for all donations and provide receipts to donors. Donations can be made on-line using the Foundation’s website, by mail, or in person at the Foundation’s Glennallen office.

Applicant essays must be emailed or mailed to Carmel Tansy Read. Questions regarding the process should also be directed to Mrs. Read using the contact information below.

Email: thereads@juno.com Mail: Carmel Tansy Read 18701 N 700 E Dunkirk, IN 47336 Phone: (765) 768-6869

Scholarship donations