‘Go take back what you can’ Wasilla High School 2021 graduation

WASILLA — Wasilla High School’s class of 2021 celebrated its graduation May 20 at the Menard Sports Center.

“It’s been a difficult year and a half, and I’ve thought a lot about the class of 2021. You’ve experienced history in the making,” WHS Principal Jason Marvel said. “My message to you is short and simple. It is good to be grateful. Enjoy this day. Enjoy this accomplishment, and take time to acknowledge the people in your life who’ve lifted you up and supported you in this journey… Grateful people, studies have shown, tend to be happier, more successful, and live longer lives. So it is good to be grateful.”

WHS Valedictorian Charlotte Brown said that her teachers went above and beyond to help her and other students, whether it’s making extra time before class to work out complicated math or science problems, making snacks and sandwiches, or simply making a safe and welcoming environment.

“Many of these teachers and classes have been AP. I loved Wasilla High School’s AP program. I needed these classes and teachers in order to achieve my goals. However, I never could have reached those classes without a dozen other teachers’ encouragement, instruction, patience, endurance, and endless questions. I’m extremely grateful to all of you for pushing me and encouraging me to keep reaching. Thank you. Thank you for being at Wasilla High School. Thank you for being my teachers. Thank you for being our teachers,” Brown said.

Brown said that COVID has dominated so much of everyone’s lives for a while, but she implored her class to spread their wings above the confines of COVID-19.

“A lot of things have and will be said about COVID and its effects. All I know for certain is that COVID has taken a lot from us. But the class of 2021, I urge you to not let COVID have the last word. Go take back what you can. Go make friends that feel like family. Go spend long evenings around dinner tables. Go make giant goals and wrestle them into being,” Brown said. “You’ve got this class of 2021. I really want you to take the best care of yourselves and surround yourselves with a supportive community but you’ve got this… ‘Now,’ quoting Sam Bruno, ‘rise and grind. It’s time to be a gangster.’”

To view the Wasilla High School 2021 graduation, visit vimeo.com/event/962219/videos/545276800.

To view other ceremonies online, visit the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District website at matsuk12.us/Page/47462.

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