Wasilla High School celebrates 2022 graduation

WASILLA — Wasilla High School’s class of 2022 celebrated a live graduation ceremony at the Menard Sports Center Thursday, May 19.

WHS graduates were part of the final wave of local high schools to have the much-anticipated opportunity to celebrate their hard work with a full in-person ceremony.

WHS principal Jason Marvel left parting advice to the graduating class with various points to reflect on as they close one chapter of their life and begin another. He challenged the departing seniors to work at creating who they want to be instead of simply being who they want to be.

“At the moment, we live in a world of uncertainty. For many, this is terrifying. For some, it is a chance to work toward solutions. I would like to challenge Warrior Nation to become those leaders, those problem solvers, those individuals who rise above the insignificant chatter and work towards making their communities better places to live and to work,” Marvel said. “I encourage you to dream more than you ever thought possible, think more about the world in which you live, and define yourself in the context of what you wish to give back… If you shift the lens from ‘be’ to ‘create,’ you will find a world of certainty.”

Salutatorian Elizabeth Lee said their class had an uphill battle against a prevailing “curse” of sorts. She said they had to overcome many challenges in and around the pandemic.

So many challenges: school closures, social distancing, remote learning, cancellation of sports clubs and school events

Lee said that everyone had to navigate through school closures, social distancing, remote learning, and the cancellation of sports, clubs, and other school activities.

“We soon began to realize the consequences when our entire world was hidden behind a mask,” Lee said.

Lee praised her peers for braving through all the highs and lows of life in high school. She said it they’re all stronger because of it and she’s confident they can handle whatever the world has to throw at them next. She said that her fellow seniors serve as positive role models to the younger generation.

“Against all odds, we made it,” Lee said. “After all, we did survive a pandemic.”

Lee said there are plenty of memories of high school to look back on, but the time has come to embark on new adventures to make more memories that will make the fabric of their lives.

“Now it is time to turn the page and move on to the rest of the story. The chapter may have had an exciting plotline fighting hidden battles, defeating curses, and beating the odds. But, there is so much more to experience. We should not equate our entire lives to just the memories of high school. Our whole futures are ahead of us,” Lee said.

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