Valley Pathways takes advantage of virtual graduation format, putting students' stories first

WASILLA — Valley Pathways School is part of the first wave of 2020 high school graduations. All the schools had to pre-record their virtual ceremonies due to COVID-19.

Each school is taking advantage of the medium in different ways. Pathways is an alternative high school with a much smaller class size compared to most of the schools in the district.

In the past, Pathways staff members focused on their smaller and typically more at risk student population to provide more intimate and individualized education. The same has been the case with their graduation ceremonies.

Over the years, it’s been common to hear lengthy stories from advisers who take the time to talk about every single student in the lineup. That element was only enhanced when the time came to record their virtual graduation for the class of 2020.

Instead of taking 10 minutes to impart some last minute wisdom about life with some quotes from famous figures, Pathways principal Jim Wasner spoke for less than a minute to introduce everyone to the video.

The motivational speeches all came from four student speakers. The advisors relayed in-depth stories about their advisees’ journeys and growth, taking an average of two minutes or more for each graduate.

Student speaker Bekah Ashley relayed how Pathways became her best option to graduate on time after facing countless challenges in her daily life.

She said at first, she was let down at first that despite all her hard work, she was finishing her high school career at an alternative school. She said it didn’t take long for her to realize the teachers there always think about the student’s best interest, far better than some of the hearsay and stereotypes thrown around town.

“It’s so much more than what you’re told. The support from teachers, whether it’s help with work or personal problems is overwhelming. The care teachers have for each individual student is truly breathtaking,” Ashley said.

Pathway’s advisors had the chance to talk about how each of their advisees came into the school and how they left, highlighting their most admirable qualities as students and as individuals.

“Everybody has potential to be something great. It just has to be nurtured. That’s what Valley Pathways is here for,” Ashley said. “It’s a special home for people when life happens, where everyone has a place and everyone can be accepted as themselves; and I’m so thankful for getting to be a part of it.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter jacob.mann@frontiersman.com