Glacier View School celebrates sole graduate

For parents, friends, teachers, and of course, the student, commencement is one of the highlights of life, a time for the graduating high school senior to shine. Students attending Glacier View School in the shadow of the Matanuska Glacier know that they are unique, not always having the opportunity to celebrate a graduation.

However, that was not the case during the graduation ceremony on May 9, 2024, when the spotlight was on senior Kenten Werkema, the sole graduate for the Glacier View Class of 2024,

The ceremony started off with a promotion ceremony for two students moving from the 8th grade into high school, with Glacier View principal Wendy Taylor saying that while the official purpose of the recognition is to congratulate two of the students and award their academic achievements, she said perhaps the real reason is to welcome to their new status as freshmen.

“For the rest of us, we are now able to breathe a sigh of relief that these years of trying adolescence are finally over…Or have they just begun?” she joked. “You did it. You have successfully completed yet another chapter of your education. And the end of this chapter brings you one step closer to high school graduation. So continue to persevere as you’ve done these last nine years, and make your next four years your most successful.” Taylor introduced the two now-freshmen, Tristan Niles and Nicholas Werkema, before leaving them with a quote from Dr. Seuss: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

It was then time to move onto the graduation ceremony.

Speaker Kaydee Scarola took to the podium to offer a bit of prose to the senior.

“We are here to sing the praises of how Kenton Werkema conquered the mazes of public education, all 12 rounds…this hardworking, lanky lad, and the learning he’s had. To get to cross this stage, a journey void of tangible wage.” She said that he will draw upon the experiences of school and meet each new day, task, and challenge.

“If you sit here now, you are likely a part of Kenton’s how. You are a part of his story, so let’s all celebrate his glory and support Kenton to do this thing, and he can hear his freedom ring.”

It was then Werkema’s turn to take the podium, first thanking everyone for taking time to ‘watch some kid walk across the stage and get some piece of paper.” Werkema then said he was appreciative of earning his diploma because then people would believe he actually graduated before talking about how fast high school has gone by, not really believing others when they told him it would.

“Seeing how fast this chapter went by, I can only imagine what the next one will be like.” Werkema likened life to one big chapter book, one given by God, and said that throughout this chapter book, he might never stop feeling like a kid, but is grateful for the life he’s lived.

“As this new chapter emerges, I look back on all the memories that I’ve had, and I wouldn’t change my personal or school life in the slightest, because through that process, it is the way that God formed into who I am today.”

He finished his words by thanking his parents, giving thanks to his dad for helping raise him in a Godly yet loving way, helping him face life, teaching him to work and hunt, have fun and to be respectful. He thanked his mom for all of her hard work and teaching him to be kind.

“To the both of you, thank you for encouraging me to have a heart for God.”

Werkema then showed his appreciation and gratitude with pies, bestowing two pies he made with the help of a neighbor. He then thanked his teachers for helping to create opportunities along the way, and stood strong even when he made mistakes.

“The funny part about looking ahead is that often we look forward primarily by looking backwards at where have been,” said Keynote speaker Jamie Schroeder, adding that when people look back, it is often to the things that are familiar and safe, giving a sense of confidence to navigate life. But only if things remain similar to what has already been faced, both good and bad.

“The one thing in this life that we knew could never change-changes,” he said, reflecting that people often focus so intently on the past that they do not realize that a slight shift one way or another might have changed the present.

“The things of our past will always be an enormous part of who we are. It is impossible to be who we are today without them. But don’t miss the chance to steer the course of your own choosing, towards your goals and aspirations.” Schroeder then advised to not hold off on the things people want to do today, and instead set the course now.

“Make a conscious choice about where you are headed and think about how you plan to get there.” He also advised to not stick with what is easy, reminding people that growth comes from doing things that are hard.

Along with his diploma, Werkema was also presented with the UA Scholars award, honoring his hard work and perseverance.

“I’ve really enjoyed growing in these moments,” he said. While he has no plans to attend any post-secondary or vocational schools at this time, Werkema told the audience he’s planning to keep working, “if they’ll have me,” and see what God has planned for him and act accordingly.