Su Valley High honors class of 2026

The gymnasium at Su Valley Jr/Sr High School was filled with pride and emotion on May 19, as students, staff, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026.

Known for its close-knit atmosphere, this year’s ceremony once again highlighted the unique, supportive environment of Su Valley—a school ranked among the top in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District for its personal approach to education.

The Su Valley Jr/Sr High School Class of 2026 may only have had 35 graduates this year, but their hard work and dedication to their education continues to pay off in big dividends.

“Sometimes people think that our students at Su Valley do not have the same opportunities that the rest of the students receive in the valley,” said school counselor Tamra Harrison. “Every single person on this stage tonight has taken an Advanced Placement class that has challenged you and provided you with the opportunity to earn college credit.” She said that because of their hard work, nearly 95% of the students earned an Alaska Performance Scholarship to be used at an eligible in-state university or vocational school.

In addition to individual scholarships given out through community and Borough organizations, the Class of 2026 qualified for over $1.1 million in scholarship awards.

Principal Bryan Kirby highlighted the Class of 2026 as one of Su Valley’s largest and most diverse in recent memory. He celebrated their varied paths—ranging from college, apprenticeships, and the military to the workforce—emphasizing that pursuing individual goals is what matters most.

“Life is not supposed to look the same for everyone, and the world needs all kinds of people,” he told the graduates. “What matters most is you find purpose in what you do and make time for things that truly matter along the way.”

Instead of viewing life after high school as unpredictable, co-valedictorians Calla Fish and Liam Kaso reminded graduates that upcoming changes are just a return to a familiar foundation.

Fish compared change to the seasons in nature, and like the turning of the seasons, life is deeply cyclical and change is fundamental, like the changing of the seasons--expected and necessary, and that they are no different. “Our lives move in circles, like the seasons, with beginnings and endings over and over.” Fish shared her thought: “Seasons change without panic. Summer doesn't resist turning into fall, nor fall into winter," she offered.

Reflecting on the Alaskan seasons, Kaso likened the end of high school to the transition from winter to spring—a time when the slow pace gives way to a surge of momentum and eager anticipation for the summer ahead and the sun bringing new life and growth. “All of the growth that we have experienced collectively in our time together has led us to this point.”

“Today is not a leap into something completely unfamiliar, but another turn in a cycle we already know how to navigate,” said Fish.

When selecting their Keynote speaker, the seniors chose Michael Kenny, who teaches AP Seminar, praising his teaching, support, passion for education, and fostering positive student relationships. In line with the AP Seminar curriculum, which empowers students to analyze, collaborate, and explore complex issues, Kenny spoke directly to the absence of certainty that many might be feeling in this moment. “Congratulations graduates. You are now part of the same single club of every single adult in here. It’s a trick that we play on the youth--that we have things figured out.” He reassured them that it was okay to not have things figured out, and to allow that confusion to fertilize their futures.

He commended the class for being incredibly kind and supportive of each other. He highlighted that, without perhaps realizing it, they have mastered the art of building meaningful, collaborative relationships, which serves as a great example for the entire school.

“This is an incredible community of students. The amount of talent, humor, connection, intelligence, kindness you have is a special resonance to your group,” he said. “I hope that other classes follow your lead.”