Success story continues at Burchell as 75 graduate

WASILLA — Mondays come too fast for many coming off a sunny spring weekend. For Dennis Mahoney, Monday couldn’t come soon enough.

It was graduation day, which found Mahoney grinning from ear to ear while watching daughters Victoria and Heather graduate with the Burchell High School class of 2010 at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center.

“This is my first graduation,” he gushed. “I’ve got three sons from a previous marriage, and I never witnessed any of their accomplishments. (Victoria) is my oldest daughter, I have one more here, and they’re both graduating tonight.”

All the trials and challenges of family life are put aside for the big event, he said.

“It’s all good today,” Mahoney said. “I’m pretty proud. It’s been quite a challenge, but man, I wouldn’t change a thing. I think this is the payoff and I’m sure (emotions) will get to me, but that’s all right. I’m an emotional brother.”

The contagious smile of her father found itself on Victoria’s face as well. Having her father there was “really, really special,” she said. “Both my parents are here, and it means a lot. I’m just happy to show them I made it.”

That was common among the 75 Burchell graduates who received diplomas on Monday. The Valley’s most established alternative school, Burchell High has had 22 graduation ceremonies since opening its doors in 1988, said founder Peter Burchell. Many who make their way through Burchell would not have finished high school anywhere else.

“They wouldn’t, it’s just that simple,” Burchell said. “This is the kind of environment and culture that says, ‘Kids, you’re welcome.’ All we do is help you help yourself.”

By teaching social and job skills to be successful adult lead into a better understanding “for why you need the academic skills to do what you want to do,” he said.

Monday’s graduation was a far cry from that first year for the school, Burchell said.

“For me, this is an affirmation from 1988 when we started with five kids and people told us it wouldn’t work,” he said. “Every time I come to graduation, I almost cry. … It lights up my day, there’s nothing better. You meet (former students), their wife, their children and they have good jobs and they say, ‘Thank you, Mr. B.’”

Austin Sas is one of those students Burchell talked about. He had attempted to attend Palmer High School, but that didn’t work for him. Neither did home-schooling.

“I didn’t think I was going to graduate on time,” he said, “but this school actually helped me a whole lot. It’s honestly, hands-down, the best school I’ve been to. … I seriously enjoyed going to school when I was at Burchell.”

Now the future has many more options, Sas said. He has an opportunity to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he may study engineering. Or, he may investigate some of the trade unions, like the plumber’s union, he said.

UAA is also the next stop for Sabrina Gates, who told her classmates that they “are put on this earth for a reason, so make the best of it.”

Gates plans to study pharmacy at UAA.

Many, like Meda Warrior, had boisterous cheering sections of family and friends. For Meda, it was her sister Aurora, who brought a large sign plastered with glitter and photographs intended to embarrass.

“Baby pictures are just perfect for graduation,” Aurora said. “Oh yeah, this will really stand out. I also brought an air horn, but I guess you’re not allowed to bring them in here, so we’re just going to us our loud voices.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.