Tissues at hand, Wasilla moms watch future unfold

WASILLA — Susan Morin was bright and bubbly while clutching a handful of tissue.

Morin’s daughter, Kayleigh, was one of about 240 Wasilla High School seniors to graduate as the Class of 2009. While Susan Morin was collected and jovial shortly before Thursday’s ceremony began, she was ready for what she expected to be an emotional experience.

“Well, I’m OK for right now,” she said, adding the tears would come when Kayleigh crossed the stage.

“This is all very exciting,” she said. “And wow, grades nine through 12 just went by fast. I’m very proud of her and she’s grown up.”

Somewhat more composed was Eric Troisi, who was beaming — along with hundreds of the graduates’ families and friends at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center — while waiting to watch son Dylan accept his high school diploma. It’s the elder Troisi’s second graduation (a daughter was the first three years ago) and he has another in the wings.

“It’s exciting, and time to move on and start a new chapter in life,” he said. “It just happens so quick.”

Although the day is for the graduate, the experience is a family affair, Troisi said. His grandparents came to America from Italy and have always put high value on education. His parents also made the trip to Wasilla from Boston to attend Dylan’s big night.

“It’s a big event in our house,” Troisi said.

It was also a big event for students and school staff. New graduate Max Merriam is off to continue his education in the fall at Oklahoma State University, but had his sights set on a more immediate goal on Thursday evening.

“It’s just a good time to be a senior,” he said. “I’ll probably go to (the after-graduation party) and win some prizes. I’d like to win some of those things, like the TV and stuff.”

Until he has to prepare to leave for college, Merriam said he’s looking forward to a relaxing summer. “I’ll probably chill, work a little bit.”

After filing into the sports center arena, the Class of 2009 heard from their principal, Dwight Probasco, and five of their classmates who gave valedictorian speeches. Wasilla’s Class of 2009 valedictorians are Angie Baklanov, Mackenzie Davis, David Kennedy, Michelle Killian and Kiersten Wilber. Sandwiched between the speeches was a moving slideshow prepared by the school’s yearbook staff.

While Thursday was a milestone for the new Wasilla High graduates, it was another proud moment for Probasco, who watched his 16th class graduate.

“I’m just very, very happy for them all,” he said. “This is a celebration for the achievements of the students. I really feel proud of the staff and their efforts also.”

For Barbara Michaud, high school graduations are almost an annual routine. She already watched her two oldest children cross the stage and had a seat on the floor of the arena Thursday to see her youngest, Cade Shanteau, receive his diploma.

“This is the last one,” Michaud said, adding she has mixed feelings about watching her baby graduate high school. “My life is changing, his life is changing. It’s a whole new path for both of us, and it’s exciting.”

Whether it’s a parent’s first or last child, Michaud was also as prepared as Morin with a purse full of tissue.

“A good mother would shed a few tears,” she said.

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