Valley Pathways celebrate connections between students, staff at 2026 graduation

The Valley Pathways School graduating class of 2026 was sent off by faculty that were more like family, attentive advisors that shared close personal connections with their students and a handful of thoughtful keynote speakers that reflected the importance of the school in the Valley’s academic atmosphere during the school's commencement ceremony May 21 at the Menard Center.

VPS staff and teachers are more than just that: they are a guiding light and a beacon of hope for students struggling academically that a bright future lies ahead.

“A quote that reminds me of Valley Pathways is, the impossible is only impossible until it is done,” senior speaker Kyle Smith shared. “I think this fits the school well because Valley Pathways is built around the idea of hope for all. To me, that means everyone deserves a chance to improve, succeed and have people who believe in them no matter where they come from.”

Smith shared that he had attended roughly 10 different schools before landing at VPS. Out of all of those schools, VPS is where he felt the most support. Smith acknowledged how teachers and leadership brought positive energy, encouragement and answers to the tough questions when he needed it.

“What makes Valley Pathways different is that students here are treated like people, not just numbers,” Smith said. “And that support can make a real difference.”

When students enroll at VPS, they are paired with an advisor to help them navigate not only their academics, but their life inside and outside of the classroom. Each advisor welcomed his or her graduating students as they stepped on stage and took time to share a meaningful message about each one. Some held back tears as they sent their students off into the real-world with a warm hug and a handshake.

Speaker Jessica Harris, a 2011 graduate, shared her story that brought her to VPS. It was a place that cared for her and didn’t allow her to slip through the cracks. The staff were there to watch her succeed.

“At Valley Pathways, the teachers didn’t care just about if I graduated. They cared about who I became after graduation. They see potential in students who have spent years believing they didn't have any.”

Kathleen Yerbich is a parent of a Valley Pathways graduate. Though her son Augustine experienced a series of setbacks during his time there, “Augie” went on to successfully graduate because of the care and compassion of the teachers at VPS. She mentioned the light she found at VPS the very first morning she walked in and connected it to the bright futures of the graduates and the light that shines within them.

“Your school is a beacon for many families in the Mat-Su Valley,” Yerbich said. “And I’m happy your light is still shining.”

Concluding speaker and former VPS teacher Samuel Beckett shared how incredibly unique and important VPS is. He asked the graduating class to be the ones to reach out and see the potential in others and lend a helping hand where needed.

“Let your actions and the impact you leave on those around you be what defines you,” Beckett said. “Years from now, you certainly won’t remember every assignment, test or lecture. But you will remember how people made you feel. You’ll remember the moment someone believed in you. And you will remember the people who listened when you needed it most.”

“And my hope is that one day, wherever life takes you, you will become that person for someone else.”