Wasilla High School celebrates 2023 graduation

WASILLA — Wasilla High School's class of 2023 celebrated their graduation at the Menard Sports Center Thursday, May 18.

Salutatorian Anthony Litvinchuk told his fellow graduates that everything is about to change for them now that they're adults. He said that they all have a duty to set an example and act morally upright to ensure that they are a generation of leaders.

"In our own realm, we must not be complacent. If we are to be the best we can be, we must be ambitious and studious, never settling for what is easy."

Valedictorian Ava Hays thanked the WHS staff and faculty for their unwavering support throughout their high school careers.

"None of us would be here if not for their dedication every day in ensuring our education," Hays said.

Hays shared some parting advice to her fellow graduates. She encouraged them to overly focus on the future so they don't miss out on all the important moments and important people in their lives during the present.

The most valuable piece of advice I have received was from my mother, who is my hero and the epitome of cherishing what you have. She would often say the phrase, 'dont wish your time away," Hays said. "Life has beauty in every hidden corner so pay attention and seek it out and you will find that the smallest things are what being the purest, most sincere joy."

Faculty speaker Donell Polk told the graduates that they will find out that navigating through life will be difficult at times but he's confident that they will be able to meet its challenges as they arise.

"This class can handle it. I know for sure they can," Polk said.

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