Wasilla High School celebrates 2020 seniors during last wave of virtual graduations

WASILLA — Wasilla High School’s class of 2020 celebrated their virtual graduation May 14 as one of the last remaining ceremonies in the Valley.

With graduation week coming to an end, principal Jason Marvel said this nationally cherished milestone marks all the hard work and dedication students invested to reach this point.

“Even though it cannot be done in a traditional sense, Warrior Nation is proud to honor and celebrate the class of 2020,” Marvel said during the pre-recorded video.

Marvel took a moment to acknowledge all the teachers and staff, saying that words couldn’t do justice in expressing their gratitude.

“Your hard work, your care and your dedication to educating our youth is remarkable,” Marvel said.

Marvel also recognized two teachers who are retiring this year. He thanked Nathan Ford and Sue Allen for all their efforts over the years.

“Both represent excellence in teaching, and their positive impact on generations of Warriors will not be forgotten,” Marvel said.

Wasilla’s class of 2020 student body elected English teacher Amber Rinella as their keynote speaker.

“Some of my favorite humans are in this graduating class. I’m honored to have been a small part of your journey and I’m so blessed that you have been a part of mine,” Rinella said.

Rinella shared some parting advice she received from a friend several years ago. She said the message is simple but powerful and it’s helped her reach some amazing places in her life.

“You must show up for the climb,” Rinella said.

Rinella said her climb is literal and she makes a point to get up early enough to get a hike in before school starts every week.

“When it’s dark and cold in the middle of winter, my blankets are pretty hard to leave behind. Not often, but every once in a while, I press snooze and I refuse to function before I absolutely have to. Those are the days I have regrets,” Rinella said.

Rinelle noted that most mornings she doesn’t make it to the top of whatever mountain she’s hiking. She said it’s not about getting to the top, that it’s all about the climb.

“All those other days, regardless of the weather, I show up. I put one foot in front of the other. I make some forward progress. Onward and upward,” Rinella said. “Objects in motion stay in motion, and I won’t get anywhere by being inert.”

Rinella said her literal climb is metaphorical for the sake of the advice.

“In your life, what holds you back or keeps you in one place isn’t a blanket. It might be fear of failure or maybe apathy or heaven forbid, you might be afraid of what others think of you. Don’t allow yourself to make decisions from that place. You don’t have to reach a set destination, but you do need to make forward progress,” Rinella said.

Valedictorian Gianna Josten said that she was originally frustrated that all her hard work and preparation wouldn’t have that traditional, face to face ceremony. She said that she realized the celebration wasn’t about the graduation event, it was all about how they lived the last four years of their lives and where they’re headed next.

“Still, no doubt about it, this change is hard,” Josten said. “But, this change doesn’t alter the final destination for any of us… No matter what each of us choose to do, we will always have what we gained from high school to lay the foundation for each of our futures.”

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

Wasilla Class of 2020