Mat-Su Middle College celebrates hard work, learning and leadership

How does one encapsulate the accomplishments of students from the Mat-Su Middle College (MSMC) earning not just a high school diploma, but for many, enough college credit to earn an Associate’s Degree?

Perhaps talk about their hard work, as the MSMC principal Greg Giauque did, as he took a few minutes to recognize the class of 2025, as 18 graduates were also leaving with an Associate’s Degree or credit equivalent. He also recognized those graduating with a 4.0 grade point average (or higher), which was nearly every student; the remaining were graduating magna cum laude.

“All students’ academic excellence are recognized at the Mat-Su Middle College.”

Giauque said that 90 of 93 graduates had also earned an Alaska Performance Scholarship, which range in value from $14,000 to $28,000 to be used for post-secondary and vocational education within the state of Alaska. The scholarships are awarded based upon student’s GPA, test scores, and curriculum.

He reported that the MSMC graduating seniors collectively earned 3,706 college credits, which roughly translates to just over $1.2 million in tuition, and that the graduates had received over $5 million in scholarships and grants.

“Luckily for me, I’m able to do a little bit of math-that works out to about $58,000 for each graduate.”

Perhaps, speak about the learning environment that the MSMC has created and produced, as valedictorian Wade Hastings did, telling the audience that the Middle College and ANSEP Class of 2025 is a vibrant group of amazing, smart, compassionate, and talented individuals.

“You are the lifeblood of the Middle College and ANSEP program, and you deserve to have your accomplishments revealed to the world.”

He thanked the staff for the dedication and patience, and for allowing us the privilege to enjoy education with the University program, which he said allowed ambitious students such as himself to learn and study. “This could not have been achieved without a school environment composed of the most dedicated and diligent students and staff.”

He also told his classmates to keep learning, to be proud of their accomplishments, and invoking “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” he told them to “Party on, dudes!”

Or perhaps offer advice to continue embodying everything learned while be students at MSMC and crafting that knowledge to become the leaders they already are, as keynote speaker Michelle Overstreet, founder and CEO of MyHouse.

“Leadership is not a title; it’s an action. It’s something that you do,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to dream. Leadership is accomplishing. It is doing the hard things. It is overcoming and being willing to be different.”

She told the students that having reached the accomplishment of graduating is a milestone that can be an example for their peers to see and follow, and that leadership does not end with the diploma, but instead begins afterwards. And she left the seniors with three things to remember about leadership.

“Leadership is service.”

She urged them to serve the community, provide mentorship, and use their voice to speak up for those who cannot. She said that as a leads a nonprofit, she witnesses leadership every day, be it through the community volunteers, entrepreneurs who create opportunities, or students who push the boundaries of possibility and set new standards of excellence.

“Leadership is growth. Never stop learning…the best leaders are those who adapt, seek growth, and remain curious.” She encouraged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning, whether by reading, listening to their elders, or grow conflict-resolution skills so that instead of fighting, they are able to talk through their conflicts.

Overstreet’s final word on leadership was a call for courage. “It takes courage to stand up for your values…it takes courage and integrity to admit when you’re wrong, and try again after a failure.” She encouraged the graduates to not be afraid to follow their dreams.

“In the words of Winston Churchill, never give up. Never, never give up,” she said. “And take as many people as you can.”