Colony and Valley Pathways send off their seniors, live streaming memories

WASILLA — Three Mat-Su Valley schools, Colony High School, Su-Valley High School and Valley Pathways, celebrated graduation Wednesday. All started at 7 p.m. and CHS and Pathways both live streamed their graduations from the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center capturing their emotional high school finale showing how fast it all went in hindsight.

“Congratulations class of 2019, let’s take on the world,” Pathways valedictorian Caitlin Nelson said. “We have all the time in the world to figure out what we want. This is the time to take chances and make mistakes because at the end of the day all that matters is that you’re happy.”

Nelson thanked all the parents and staff that brought the students along in their respective journeys. She also thanked her mother for “always being there no matter what” as tears welled in her eyes.

“What I’ve learned through my last few years of high school is that life is too short. It’ll pass you by so fast,” Nelson said.

CHS and Pathways have a massive difference in overall student population and teachers. While CHS had the advantage of overall population at their side for assets like live bands and media productions, Pathways had the advantage of biographing each student that received their diploma and more storytelling. Being an alternative school with closer student to teacher rations creates an environment that allows students like Nelson to thrive, and Nelson was quick to acknowledge this in her speech.

“By going to Pathways, I got to experience something most people don’t. I gained a family, friends, people who I know will always be there for me,” Nelson said. “My teachers got me through so many things by being here for me. The school is so special, I you would have told me four years ago I would be standing on a stage, giving a speech I would have laughed. But I’m here.”

During Nelson’s student bio, teacher Robert Hassen praised her remarkable journey from freshman to valedictorian. He said that she had a “stunningly bright future” ahead of her with military then college.

“Actions are what count most in life and your actions Caitlin, speaks a hundred times louder than any words, and they shout, special, talented, responsible, diligent, and compassionate,” Hassen said.

Nelson said that the teachers supported all the students and believed in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves. She said it made school feel like “you’re coming back home.”

“Every student should know they have a home at Pathways. No matter how many years pass or how far we go, Pathways will always be home,” Nelson said.

After hats were tossed in the air, Crosby, Stills & Nash’s classic “Teach Your Children” played.

CHS has a vibrant media program thanks to robotics, computer science, broadcast journalism, digital media teacher CHS Brian Mead led all the Menard graduation media, working numerous helpers.

CHS valedictorian Anna Parreira said instead of a speech, presented videos from assorted classmate clips, memories of past 18 years, telling them to “sit back, grab a box of tissues and enjoy.”

“As we all venture into the next chapter of our lives, wherever we may be headed, these memories will stay a part of us,” she said.

Music and the journey of a student were two prominent themes on display at the CHS and Pathways graduations. CHS featured a live performance of Josh Groban’s “You Raise me Up” to honor all the teachers, staff, parents and community members that molded this generation.

Parreira said that instead of a speech she presented a collaborative media effort showing CHS grads from their toddler years to senior year, playing like a long and thoughtfully edit music video. The song in the background was “Where’d all the time go?” by Dr. Dog.

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