Valley Pathways graduates ready for road ahead

WASILLA — As is typical of those who graduate from alternative schools, earning that high school diploma can be a huge achievement.

But there’s nothing typical about the 73 students in the 2011 class of Valley Pathways High.

From the seven seniors who earned $12,000 scholarships to attend University of Alaska campuses and to those with dreams of being in medicine, mechanics, education and law, there seemed to be no limits to these graduates’ potential.

And if the amount of cheers, yelps and hoots from the audience in the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center Friday is any indication, they have plenty of moral support.

Senior speaker Kristen Frisby summed it up well when she told the crowd that the biggest hero in her life is her father.

“He has achieved far more and accomplished far more than most people do in their entire lifetimes,” Frisby said of her father. “He’s overcome many obstacles and proved to me I could do anything if I really tried.”

Like Friby’s father, many parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts, big brothers and best friends received a rainbow of roses from graduates to show their appreciation for their love and support along the way as Croby, Stills, and Nash’s “Teach” played in the background.

As Wesley Haynes’ teacher and adviser Jeff Carollo teased the curly redhead about his luscious locks and Haynes’ philosophy that “the curls get the girls,” Haynes’ brother-in-law Josh Ogle snapped pictures and wiped tears from his eyes.

“It’s been a long road for Wes,” Ogle said. “He’s been to like four high schools now and this school is the one that finally clicked for him. “Alaska’s been good for him. We‘re all very proud of him.”

Carollo told the crowd he felt Haynes was destined for great things. Carollo and all the other Valley Pathways teachers took the time and thought to share stories and words of confidence to each of their advisees.

Teacher Delia Doss spoke fondly of her six advisees, including Brock Marjanen and Virginia Aumavae.

“Brock has matured and grown from a student who was just too laid back for his own good to the man you see here today,” she said before hugging Marjanen, who plans to study diesel mechanics at Job Corps in Palmer.

As the petite, beaming Aumavae stood by her side, the cheers of her family of more than 30 filled the cavernous center as one man’s voice screamed out her name from the bleachers.

“That’s my uncle!” she said proudly before Doss said she always appreciated her sweet, confident nature and her belief she will reach her lofty goal of law school.

As Aumavae stepped off the stage and paused for pictures under an arch made of blue balloons, she was inundated by her Samoan relatives as they lovingly buried her in more than 30 candy leis.

When they were done stacking the leis around her neck and over her head, only the front of her face could be seen as she sat back down with her fellow graduates.

“There are 10 aunties, three uncles, 25 cousins and church members here,” Aunt Elizabeth Aumavae said. “It’s our tradition to do this to show her how happy we are with her accomplishments. This is how Polynesians celebrate graduation. She’s our first niece to graduate.”

Contact K.T. McKee at kate.McKee@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.