Career and Tech graduates reflect on opportunity to make good choices

As Mat-Su Career and Technical High senior class counselor Bonnie Wulvick prepared to introduce co-valedictorians Duncan Forrest and Hudson Spillers and salutatorian Kira Fagerstrom during the school’s virtual commencement ceremony, Wulivick reflected on how the members of the class of 2020 will play a role in the future beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have future medical doctors in this class as well as future truck drivers,” Wulvick said. “As we have recently observed in our country, we need all of you to keep our economy and health thriving.”

Wulvick said the final months of their senior year is a reflection on the future potential of the members of the class of 2020.

“Before I introduce the co-valedictorians, I would like to speak to the strength and resiliency you illustrate,” Wulvick said. “Class of 2020, you have been catapulted into adulthood with real world problems. You are impressive. Over the past month see you working throughout our community while finishing rigorous course work.”

Forrest Spillers and Fagerstrom were among those who spoke during the ceremony, pre-produced by Mat-Su Borough School District staff and broadcasted Tuesday, the scheduled night for the school’s commencement ceremony.

Fagerstrom pulled a quote from the school’s Spanish teacher, Paula Verplancke.

“You’ll probably remember her saying, ‘surround yourself with eagles, not with chickens’,” Fagerstrom said. “Here we chose to surround ourselves with eagles … Because of everything we’ve learned and accomplished here, the people we’ve met and the connections we’ve made, our options for the future are truly unlimited. Whether we choose to be nurses, engineers, accountants, veterinarians, helicopter pilots, or pastry chefs, I know we’ll find success because over the last four years, we’ve become a class of professionals, leaders, and eagles, and I can’t wait to see where we’ll soar to next.”

Forrest spoke about the need to believe in your choices.

“In the coming years, you will most likely hit roadblocks. The lack of support, the constant comparisons, they may flood your emotions all at once and cause you to reconsider your choices,” Forrest said. “For some of you, there are people in your lives who do support you and our ambitions, but for others, it may feel hopeless trying to establish a network of people who will support you and your ambitions, but you will find those people. Your neighbors, co-workers, distant relatives, even people you know from our graduating class, are just some examples where you can, and will find people who will support you. These people will help you remember why you chose to follow your ambitions in the first place.”

In addition to the 140 members of the class of 2020, the 2019-20 school year also represents an end of an era for a handful of staff members at the school. The list includes longtime nurse Connie Stahle, teachers Jamie Smith and Tony Kristich and principal Mark Okeson, who are all retiring at the end of the school year.

“But before we begin honoring our graduates, I also want to say thank you to the true educational architects of these graduates, our teachers,” Okeson said. “Our teachers, far more than myself, really make our school what it is. Our teachers work every day to help students sharpen their critical thinking, raise their analytical abilities, and foster civic mindedness. So, to our staff, this night is also very much a celebration about you. You have done good work and these fine young people are the exponents of your sincere efforts. Thank you.”

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.

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