Mat-Su Career Tech celebrates 2023 graduation

WASILLA — Mat-Su Career and Technical High School celebrated its 2023 graduation at the Menard Sports Center Tuesday, May 16.

Staff speaker Joy Miller said that she was incredibly proud of this year's graduates and said that they're exceptional in many ways.

"Collectively, this group is a significant reason why Career Tech is ranked as the number one high school in the state," Miller said.

Miller said the 2023 graduates have all achieved a major milestone, but this is only the beginning. She said they're all about to embark on an epic adventure and they get to write the story.

"This night really is a look toward your future," Miller said. "You define your success. Your future is a blank slate that you can grow and adapt along the journey, but if your focus is forward, you'll be moving in a positive direction."

Student speaker Zachary Cheyette expressed how thankful he was for his education. He said that the true value of what he and his peers learned goes beyond math equations and textbooks.

"I wouldn't be able to stand here today without the knowledge that I possess," Cheyette said.

Salutatorian Paul Luwig shared a similar sentiment in his speech.

"Public education is an invaluable gift, one that prepares us for our adult life and it's something we should always be thankful for," Luwig said.

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