Principal highlights the many achievements of the school's class of 2024 during graduation ceremony

WASILLA — During the school's 2024 graduation ceremony Thursday night at the Menard Center, Wasilla High School principal Jason Marvel addressed the graduates and said that he wanted to take a moment to brag about them for their various achievements.

“Your class is among many firsts. You were the first class to have students complete our fire science program and sign on to become firefighters straight out of high school. You were the first class to participate in our NC3 National Signing Day where students commit to an industry or trade school. Your class has been a part of receiving over 400 NC3 certifications that are recognized by various industries worldwide. And this is just in the career and technical education side of the house. For perspective, in 2021 Wasilla High School had 57 students take an advanced placement exam. In 2024, we had 499 students take an advanced placement exam and the number of exams students took was 727. Additionally, 43 of you are graduating with an accumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher- that's 29%. That's almost a third… I would be remiss if I did not mention the two 4A state championships that we won in volleyball and girls basketball,” Marvel said. “The class of 2024 is one that stands out and has led the way in academic and athletic achievement. I'm very proud and honored to have been your high school principal. Congratulations to each of you. Best of luck in your future endeavors, and thank you for being a part of ‘Warrior Nation.’”

Salutatorian Brandt Steiner spoke about the importance of combining hard work and calculated risks to achieve success. He told his fellow graduates that they can achieve great things if they combine those two concepts.

“While each of our futures will be different, the key to success in whatever path we take is- I believe- a combination of two things: work and risk. While one alone does not often bring goals to fruition, when combined together the odds of thriving greatly increase… When it comes down to it, the success of your future is ultimately determined by you,” Steiner said

While many high school graduates go on to pursue higher education, many others do not.

Keynote speaker Karli Rauchenstein told the 2024 graduates that her departing advice is to “never to stop learning” regardless of the paths they ultimately decide to take.

“Yes, you're done with high school and for some of you, this is the end of your formal educational career. However, I hope you continue to seek knowledge in many forms. As a history teacher, I can assure you that you never know everything even if you think you do. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can impart on this class is to do your best to find opportunities to see the world. Whether it's physically like I tried to do or by seeking stories and information about people and places far and wide more than any generation before, this is more accessible to you… We have a gift for living in a world with the potential for limitless investigation and I give you take advantage of that. Use what you've been given at Wasilla High School and build on its foundation. While your school years might be over, don't be done learning,” Rauchenstein said.

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