For one young man from Wrangell, the future is looking southward – first to the Rocky Mountains and then to Southeast Asia.

Alex Buness, a 2011 graduate of Wrangell High School and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is headed to the church’s Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah for a 12-week course in how to present the gospel and seek converts to the faith.

Buness’ mission will take him to the Philippines – and it’s a challenge he said he is looking forward to.

“I have been looking forward to this all my life,” Buness said. “I have always known I was goin...