Home » CRUISE NEWS » How First Student And Carnival Corporation Share Resources To Serve Both Students And Tourists
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes 
As Alaska’s summer ends, Denali Borough Schools and Carnival Corporation collaborate to efficiently share facilities for both education and tourism.
As the bustling summer travel and leisure period winds down in Alaska, the focus shifts toward the upcoming academic year. Across the state, businesses have mastered the art of adapting their facilities and equipment to cater efficiently to both the tourism and educational needs.
A notable instance of this adaptability is evident in the Denali Borough School District, situated near the picturesque Denali National Park. Here, the Tri-Valley School in Healy showcases an innovative use of resources. During the academic months, First Student operates the bus maintenance shop for servicing school buses. However, in the tourist season, the same space is transformed to support Carnival Corporation’s operations for their Holland America Line and Princess Cruises (HAP). This facility plays a crucial role in transporting both staff residing in local housing and tourists visiting Denali.
The concept was initially proposed by Eric Hale, the foreman of the shop. To accommodate needs across both seasons, HAP invested in significant upgrades including the overhaul of outdated and inefficient lighting within the bus garage. A total of fifty-three old fluorescent light fixtures were replaced with twenty-three strategically placed LED high-bay lights. The switch to LED lighting brings several advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: Better illumination significantly improves the safety for students, staff, and visitors.
- Increased Efficiency: The new lighting supports quicker maintenance and project completion times.
- Environmental Benefits: The shift to LEDs reduces both the carbon emissions and electrical consumption, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of this upgrade for our community and students,” said Dan Polta, the superintendent of the Denali Borough School District. “HAP has been a tremendous partner over the years, and their continued support has not only enhanced our operational efficiency but also significantly contributed to local sustainability efforts.”
This creative strategy, seamlessly connecting both the tourist and school seasons, highlights the community’s adaptability and collaborative spirit. As summer gives way to autumn, this partnership not only supports practical needs but also brightens the prospects for both students and employees.
