HOUSTON — In 2004, Houston High School had 396 students. Of those 396 students, 72 were seniors. Of those seniors, 64 graduated. Of those graduating students, according to national statistics, 20 percent were expected to complete a four-year degree. Of the graduating Houston High students, one came home.

Colton Conner, 2004 graduate of HHS and 2009 graduate of University of Montana Western, returned to HHS as a student teacher and coach last year and as a full-time science teacher this year. Conner always wanted to return to work at Houston High.

“Being a graduate from HHS, I knew that I would be able to connect with the kids.”

Courtesy photo Colton Conner, a 2004 Houston High School graduate, teaches Alaska Wildlife Studies to students at his alma mater.

Reese Everett can relate. Everett graduated in 1996 from Wasilla High School. After completing a bachelor of science in history degree with a minor in physical education from Northern Arizona University, Everett chose to return to the Valley.

“It’s a gratifying feeling to think I may have a positive impact on the community that had a positive impact on me,” he said.

Still, Conner and Everett are the exception, not the norm. Some 62 percent of Alaska residents were born outside of Alaska. Bill Johnson, Houston High School vice principal, is more typical of the Alaska resident educator. He is a long-time resident, but wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. He “loves Alaska.”

Lisa Bell, another Wasilla High grad hailing from the class of ’87, has been a Valley resident since 1984. She feels that being a long-time member of the community keeps educators accountable to friends and neighbors.

It is this accountability and small-town attitude that makes the Valley her choice to come home to.

Students agree. Houston High School senior Misty McNellis says, “When we have teachers from the Valley, most of the time they relate to students better. They know what the Valley’s culture is like. Knowing the culture allows these teachers to converse with students and build a friendship. It helps because students and most people listen to their friends more.”

Fellow senior Jennifer Ringus agreed. “(Teachers from the Valley) are more closely associated with students making Houston High feel like a comfortable, family like environment.”

Everett and Conner in particular “grew up in the area, so they are more aware with what kids face in the Valley today,” said HHS senior Alecia Kaer.  

Of Houston High School’s 2010 graduating class of 82 students, perhaps one of them will return home. Their commitment and loyalty to their hometown will be most appreciated by the young students attending any one of our Mat–Su Valley schools today.

Marilena Staudenmier is a senior at Houston High School.