Just minutes before the Class of 2026 walked out into their commencement ceremony, the soon-to-be graduates were buzzing.
“Pretty excited, not super nervous,” said Brody Sweat, standing with his classmates in a nearby hallway. He’ll be going to the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward next January.
Nearby stood Torey Fry, who was just as excited.
“I’m going to the University of Alaska Anchorage for culinary arts and business management,” she said.
About a third of her classmates also plan on attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. Others will attend out-of-state colleges, work in the trades, join the U.S. Coast Guard, or travel.
But before all of those big plans, the students first had to walk in their graduation ceremony.
As part of the ceremony, seniors distributed roses to people who were meaningful to them during their journey. There were tears and lots of hugs as friends, family, and teachers accepted their flowers.
Afterward, salutatorian Gabriele Whitacre talked about the importance of having good teammates on your side. She also spoke about the importance of education in a world of artificial intelligence and misleading news.
“Education must be our first line of defense,” she said. “Corrupt systems will always be founded on a lack of education and the exploitation of those who fail to ask hard questions.”
Alex Holmgrain and Freya Tucker shared the class history and the 2026 class gift. The class will commission a mural by local artist Doris Olsen, which will be displayed at the harbormaster’s office.
Valedictorian Noah Pawuk said in his speech that this year has been a big turning point for the graduates. The high schoolers have encountered a lot of endings, and big questions.
“Our questions will not be answered by treading on worn paths,” he said. “Instead, we must forge our own, because the worst thing you can be is like everyone else.”
Casey Gates, a middle school teacher and high school track and cross country coach, was chosen as the class commencement speaker. He said the graduates have a long list of accolades from their time in school.
“But I think that your biggest accomplishment is simply the type of people you all are,” Gates said. “You are wonderful human beings. You are nice. You treat others with respect and dignity, and seek to lift everyone up around you.”
He told the graduates to be hard workers in a time when many people are often seeking shortcuts. He said that will serve them well.
“I think we are living in a time where people are less willing than ever to get uncomfortable and to do hard things, and if you are willing to do that now more than ever, you will soar,” he said.
But, he also cautioned the class not to overwork themselves either.
“There isn’t a single pursuit in life that is worth casting away your family and friends and devoting all of your time to,” Gates said.
Superintendent Robyn Taylor was the final speaker, and highlighted one last major accomplishment by the group: the Class of 2026 is estimated to earn over $1.4 million in scholarships over four years. Over $134,000 in scholarships came from local organizations.
With that, the graduates received their diplomas, turned their tassels, and threw their caps in the air. All that was left to do was celebrate.
