Mat-Su Middle College celebrates the Class of 2026

As the notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” echoed through the Menard Sports Complex on May 19, a unique group of high school seniors were marching to their graduation carrying more than a high school diploma.

This year’s graduates of the Mat-Su Middle College, comprised of students from throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, marked the culmination of a rigorous academic journey that involved balancing high school requirements with college-level coursework on the UAA Mat-Su College campus.

Student speaker Cooper Kotyk, a dynamic took to the stage, said that he chose to attend MSMC to get a head start on his college career, balancing academic ambition with the practical, smart goal of reducing tuition costs.

Reflecting on the opportunity to attend MSMC, he described the privilege of starting college early as 'amazing.' He encouraged his peers to appreciate the experience, noting that they are fortunate to have an opportunity many others never get.

Kotyk recounted how life can often hits with a perfect storm of overwhelming challenges, from academic pressure and familial drama to personal losses and mounting responsibilities, and when faced with uncertainty, the true measure of success isn't perfection—it’s simply showing up and pushing forward.

“Through trial and tribulation, we have prevailed, and that has to be acknowledged.”

While standing up to receive a diploma is a truly special milestone, Kotyk emphasized that graduation is far more than a certificate on a wall, but also a pathway to unlocking passions, shaping personal identity, and cultivating a curious mind.

He noted that MSMC represents more than advanced education—it is a dedicated community. He praised the faculty for genuinely caring about student growth, highlighting their dedication through the daily chaos of decoding barely legible essays and repeatedly explaining complex math concepts. “There’s something that feels different about the Middle College...It’s something that inspires me, and something that should be celebrated.”

Echoing a sentiment shared by many in the Class of 2026, Kotyk also took a moment to say that the milestone was a collective achievement that could not be accomplished without the help of teachers, parents, friends, and God. “Where would we be without our parents and family? How many times have they supported us…day after day, week after week, year after year?”

With the Class of 2026 officially graduated, these students are now prepared to transition into full-time university studies, apprenticeships, vocational studies, or enter the local workforce with a head start.

“What we’ve been given is the gift of education, but it’s our choice what we make of it. Take the gift, continue building. Our journey is far from over.”