No longer walking alone

She walks in Palmer twice a day on Alaska Street from Arctic to Jenski’s. Everyday. She is one of a variety of walkers who do this route daily. Sometimes it is too windy but most of the time it is just a good way to take some air, get some exercise, observe the world and be part of the community. Usually it is an enjoyable walk, unless a big truck rumbles too close and too loud. Drivers are generally respectful and try not to splash pedestrians. But sometimes…the walk is lonely—especially when Palmer’s Spring seems so late and there isn’t a kind wind and it feels way too cold for Mid May.

Not Lonely—This past week has been different however. The weather has been bleak and gray. It hasn’t been warm— but the walk is no longer lonely! It’s because all the kids are there. They are hanging from the light-posts, smiling and waving. These are the Palmer graduate banners which were hung last week. And if you walk past them frequently, you feel like they are now your friends. You may actually know a few of them. But just walking beside them daily is joyful.

Symbolic—These kids’ banners all symbolize the promotion of a lifetime goal. High school graduation is definitely a big achievement and and perhaps the first of many. These banners were created with intention—the outcome and messaging is, “We did it! We finished something hard! We’re proud of ourselves!”

Light-post Opportunity—This could possibly be the ONLY time in one’s life where one’s face is on a banner the size of a flag. Unless someone becomes a politician, circus performer, sports hero, rock star or a realtor, it is likely the only time your portrait will be draped over a light post.

Community Pride—There is a community feeling with the graduates’ banners on Palmer’s light-posts. It is a deliberate acknowledgment of our community’s pride in our youth and hope for our future. It is recognition of the value of education and dedication to “finish the task you started.” School isn’t always fun for everyone and it is challenging to deal with the culture and demands. As a student you learn how to study, how to negotiate, how to accommodate, how to share, how to be responsible, how to do stuff you don’t like, how to be tolerant with differences, and how to help people who need help. These are huge life lessons.

Celebration—It is wonderful seeing the people walking Alaska Street, and gazing up at the pictures of these students. There is much laughter, photographs, and lively discussion as families and packs of kids go from one light post to the other. It is so enjoyable that more than a few people are intentionally driving out of their normal route, just to pass by all the student banners frequently.

Palmer Tribe—These banners of smiling kids makes all of us smile back at them. These are the faces of our extended geographical tribe. Many grew up here and some were here for just a short time. But regardless, Palmer Alaska was their home for this important passage.

Huge Thank You—I personally want to thank all the parents who supported their kids during all the school years. I want to thank all the teachers and administrators who worked so continually with their students.

Not Alone—But mostly I want to thank the students whose pictures are bravely hanging on the light-poles, despite the cold. You have made my life richer and I thank you for being there, waving and flapping in the wind. Thank you for graduating. And because of you, I no longer walk alone on Alaska Street.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222