Diana Baker Ervin

Diana Baker Ervin, a 1976 graduate of Tok School, represents a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service to the students and community of Tok and the Upper Tanana Valley. A former athlete, coach, mentor, and longtime school secretary, Ervin’s impact spans more than four decades and embodies the spirit of the Alaska High School Hall of Fame.

As a student-athlete from 1972–1976, Diana helped establish the foundation for girls’ competitive basketball in Tok before it became fully sanctioned statewide. She was known for her competitiveness, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the court. The teams she played on went on to win three state championships, setting a standard for future female athletes in the region.

After graduation, Diana chose to remain in the Tok and Northway region, raising her family and dedicating her adult life to the school and its students. She served as a substitute teacher, coached junior high and high school girls basketball, and later became the administrative secretary at Tok School, a role she held for 17 years until her retirement on October 31, 2024.

Colleagues consistently described Diana as coachable, dependable, and a natural leader. Her influence extended far beyond athletics into the daily life of the school and community. She was widely admired for her dedication to Tok School’s staff, students, and families, and for the steady presence she brought to the hallways and gym each day.

Diana’s commitment to students went well beyond her job description. She supported injured students, helped families in need, organized events, and was especially beloved for her role as a basketball coach — a role she often said she would miss the most upon retirement.

In addition to her school service, Diana was deeply involved in community leadership, serving as President and Manager of Northway Natives and Nabia Niign and as an Indian Education Mentor for Tok School. Her work strengthened not only athletic programs but also the cultural and educational fabric of the entire Upper Tanana Valley.

When she retired, students and staff reflected that the school would never be the same without her. Through decades of service as an athlete, coach, mentor, and school leader, Diana Ervin has left an enduring mark on generations of students.

Her lifetime commitment to youth development, sportsmanship, and community leadership makes her a deserving inductee into the Alaska High School Hall of Fame.