Burchell graduate reflects on her journey during 2023 graduation ceremony

WASILLA — Burchell High School celebrated its graduation ceremony at the Menard Sports Center Friday, May 19.

Suzanne Carte-Cocroft of the Providence Alaska Foundation said that resilience is one of Burchell’s core values and this graduating class highlights that fact perfectly. She said that each one of them had to overcome unique challenges to get to this point.

“You all have your own stories about how you got here and where you’re headed, but this I know: no one gets to this moment in life without making some difficult but really good choices,” Carte-Cocroft said. "Remember that you can do tough things. You can get through hard times and it’s important that you know that and you recognize that because when life presents another challenge… You can face it with the knowledge that you've done it before and you can do it again. That’s resilience. That’s character forged through adversity."

Carte-Cocroft is a Burchell alumnus. She said that her unique journey with the school prepared her well for adulthood.

"Graduating from Burchell launched me into the world with not only an education and a diploma, but also a sense of greater community and a greater sense of self,” Carte-Cocroft said.

UA Scholars Program Manager Katherine Pascua program addressed this year’s graduates and told them that they had a lot to be proud of.

“We would like to congratulate all students honored this evening for your achievements that are at the heart of all we do in and outside of the classroom. We would also like to congratulate the family and friends and individuals that continued to support your success throughout your educational journey,” Pascua said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com