Houston High graduates 56

WASILLA — On Monday night, the Houston Jr. Sr. High School Class of 2021 walked across the stage at the Menard Center in Wasilla and left as high school graduates. Houston is the first of the large, core area high schools to host their graduation and the first of a large handful that will host indoor, in-person ceremonies for the first time since 2019.

“There isn’t much that can break us, not forest, fires not an earthquake and certainly not a pandemic. I couldn’t be more proud to be associated with the Hawk community, staff and especially the graduates,” said Principal Ben Howard. “The unity that has been forged is stronger than anything that created it.”

In total, 56 Houston students graduated on Monday in a ceremony that brought tears to those in the stands at the Menard Center, those graduates watching their peers speak, and the educators who watched them walk across the stage. Howard mentioned that the theme for the yearbook was ‘together as one’ and the tribulations that brought the graduates to that point. Salutatorian and emcee Leiah Rusher began her speech with a comedy routine, poking fun at classmates who were notoriously tardy and others with unmistakable vehicles. Rusher said that she and her classmates were faced with two options following graduation; to focus on the negative obstacles in life or enjoy the small moments.

“Then the earthquake, 7.2, 7.5 it was big to say the least, so big it brought an entire school to its knees. Rest in peace Houston Middle. Two years, crowded hallways and 15 portables later we’re still standing today,” said Rusher. “Live for the small moments and focus on happiness because life truly is what we make of it and us graduates are entering life full of moments to be made.”

Valedictorian Joshua Stapera began by thanking those in attendance and the Houston Jr. Sr. High School staff that helped the Class of 2021 achieve their goals in high school. Stapera also assisted in putting together the senior slideshow. Stapera joked with his classmates that their freshman year was the only year during high school in which classes weren’t disrupted by natural disasters.

The keynote speaker on Monday was CTE teacher and senior class co-advisor Krisopher Wagoner, which included props. Wagoner harkened back to senior year memories with the class, hiding a giant Baby Ruth replica candy bar and the sword and shield of Zelda under graduates chairs to be unveiled during the speech. Wagoner issued the graduates a series of challenges over the course of his heart-wrenching speech.

“Earn everything,” said Wagoner. “I challenge you to continue to be optimistic and strive to find positives in all of life’s circumstances.”

Wagoner challenged the graduates to practice respect always and to work together. Wagoner also challenges graduates to follow their own path in life and to stay busy. Wagoner also reiterated one of his favorite mottos, that the first step to catching a fish is believing that you can catch a fish.

“I know that each and every one of you possesses the knowledge necessary to be successful,” said Wagoner. “It’s an honor to have been chosen to teach you one more lesson. Thank you for all you have taught me over the years, Thank you for the struggles that made me a stronger person. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Thank you for the daily inquiries about everything and most of all thank you for being you and thank you for being real with me.”