‘A tough climb’ Survivor of life threatening illness among the Burchell graduates who overcame tremendous odds

WASILLA — Burchell High School and Twindly Bridge Charter were parts of the last wave of Valley seniors to graduate this year, with each school celebrating on Friday.

“No doubt life will have its challenges but each of you, (in) the class of 2019, are resilient,” Burchell principal Jason Marvel said.

Burchell student speaker Clara Wilson said that she came to Burchell last year not believing that she would be able to graduate. Wilson said that she came in as a senior with 10 credits.

“…Everyone walking today is here because of the hope and academic tenacity they have displayed to get to this point in their lives,” Wilson said.

Wilson thanked the Burchell staff for helping her learn to believe in herself, giving her regular does of hope.

“I took charge of my academics by not giving up even when I had a mountain to climb to get to this point. It was a tough climb but here I am along with my fellow Burchell graduates who have faced many challenges to get here as well,” Wilson said.

Each graduate had numerous ups and down, trials and tribulations to get to this point. Burchell graduate Kevin Kostelyk certainly had his fair share. He walked down the aisle and received his diploma, two years after he nearly lost his life.

“It feels pretty good. Finally done. I can move on with my life,” Kostelyk said.

Kostelyk said that he got a case of mono that turned into a rare infection that spread all over his body, shutting down his organs. He said that he was medevacked to Seattle, Washington, and put into a medical coma.

“I had all kinds of tubes. I was hooked up to like eight different IV machines,” Kostelyk said.

Kostelyk said that before they departed, his parents were told to say their goodbyes just in case.

“They didn’t think I was going to make it to Seattle,” he said.