WAINWRIGHT, AK — Olgoonik Corporation President and CEO Hugh Patkotak, Sr. took time to honor shareholders at the 51st Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 8, 2024. Each year, OC opens up nominations for the Shareholder of the Year awards so anyone can nominate outstanding shareholders for Youth of the Year, Leader of the Year, and Elder of the Year. No nominations for Youth of the Year were received this year. Congratulations to our winners in the other categories! Our Shareholder Employee of the Year candidates are nominated by colleagues and the winner is chosen by our President and CEO. We also had two of our Wainwright shareholder employees celebrate important milestones this year and receive tenure awards for 15 years as OC employees!
SHAREHOLDER LEADER OF THE YEAR: Jay Jay Adina-Helen Aguvluk
Soon after graduating from Alak School, our 2024 Shareholder Leader of the Year started her career as a community health aide while being a single mother of two children. She never hesitates to help her co-workers when needed. She shows professionalism on the job and continues to advance in her profession by learning new skills, even if facing personal hardships. Outside of work, she stays active with whaling and hunting and helping her family with subsistence activities. Congratulations, Jay Jay!
SHAREHOLDER ELDER OF THE YEAR: Sandra Ahmaogak-Bigelow
This year, our Shareholder Elder of the Year was presented to an elder who recently passed away, but always found ways to help those in need in our community, selflessly. She helped others without being asked, sometimes at her own expense, and without ever expecting anything in return. Even while she lived out of state, she found ways to be supportive of Wainwright residents. A graduate of Alak School, she went on to serve as a community health aide in Wainwright and other North Slope villages from the early 80s until her retirement in the early 2000s. Before retirement, she also cared for her aging parents and volunteered with our local fire department, all while staying dedicated to her work. For several years, she helped minister God’s word through her church community and was a member of Sunlight, a local church group. An active community member, we was also a part of the Wainwright Dancers and was on her late father’s whaling crew, Iceberg 2, which her younger brother took over. We honor Sandra’s legacy with this award.
SHAREHOLDER EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Minnie Nashoalook
Minnie has worked for Olgoonik for several years, at the OC Store, the hotel/restaurant, and most recently at the man camp. She has been in her current role as Housekeeper and Kitchen Helper since June of 2022. Minnie is dependable and known for her work ethic and reliability. Every employee and subcontractor who has worked with Minnie has expressed the highest praise for her and her work. She’s always willing to assist others when needed, and she also steps in to help OH when they need assistance at the hotel. Minnie is an asset to OC and we are thankful for her hard work and positive attitude. Congratulations, Minnie!
15-YEAR EMPLOYEE TENURE AWARDS: Bertha Panik and Nannie Bodfish
OC honored 29 employees for reaching important employment milestones this year, but wanted to do a special recognition for two of our shareholder employees who celebrated 15 years of service this year. Congratulations to our Accounting Specialist Bertha Panik and OC Store Assistant Manager Nannie Bodfish who have shown dedication in their roles, to their corporation, and to their community!