Jessi Downey, 17, originally from Noatak, is one half Inupiaq Eskimo. “I am proud to be representing my Native culture in this sport. I enjoy spending time with my team during the off season as well as when we are out on the trails.” She says she has grown up around Arctic breeds but began helping out at Far From the Madding Crowd and Snow Hook Kennels last year. She hasn’t raced before but will run short distance races sponsored by the Willow Dog Mushers this year. Jessi is currently a junior and is homeschooling through Mat-Su Central, but plans to return to Su-Valley High School in the fall. She participates in band at school and says she enjoys drawing and reading. She plans to attend the University of Alaska and major in geology. When asked whether she expects to continue mushing, she says, “Yes, definitely during my senior year and hopefully in college as well.”