“We are perfectly flawed” Mat-Su Central School celebrates learning through perseverance and imperfections.

During the commencement ceremony for the Mat-Su Central School (MSCS) Class of 2024, students were reminded of the power of perseverance, determination, gratitude, and life-long learning.

“I’ve heard it said that you should learn to obey the rules very well so that you will know how to break them properly,” said Assistant Principal Nathan Chud. “Well graduates, I hope you’ve been paying attention because the time to break the rules is now upon you. In fact, now that you’re a Mat-Su Central graduate, there’s a good chance you’re already a bit of a rule breaker.”

He also hoped that the graduates leave with a desire for lifelong learning that will carry them through new opportunities and sense of fulfillment. He then offered the graduating seniors three tips for continuing their education long after they receive their diplomas.

“First, keep asking questions,” Chud advised, and to not limit their questions, but ask the big ones and the little ones. “Don’t be intimidated by something or someone that you don’t understand. Too many people these days think they know everything. I assure you they do not.”

Chud revealed his second tip, which is, “Pay attention to who you build your life with,” explaining that whosoever they decide to build their life with is just as important as determining what they want to do with their life. He drew from his own life, telling them that he walked into his own graduation with the woman who would later become his wife and that he has learned more from her than from anyone else. “My point is graduates that you’re probably going to marry the person sitting next to you today,” he joked, then added that most build their lives not just with family or spouses, but also the friends that will become like family.

“In a time when people dehumanize people who think differently than themselves, be the person that welcomes an opinion contrary to your own.” He also advised them to surround themselves with people who will love them as they will not only tell them when they are right, but more importantly, when they are wrong.

And his third tip to lifelong learning? “There is always a reason to be grateful, even if it takes some pain and perseverance to realize it.” He said that grateful people are the truly powerful people because they keep growing throughout the highs and lows of life. “There is good to be produced even, and especially in difficulty. Grateful people understand they’re part of a larger story, and they play their role in that story with courage and humility.”

Rainey Spurlock, one of the Student Speakers for MSCS, told the audience that she wanted to become an actress and the flexible education MSCS offered allowed her to pursue her dreams. She said that it was through attending the on-site classes that she was able to make the friends she has and have the opportunities she’s experiencing. “I would not be the person I am today.”

She spoke of her love of learning, attributing that to the structure of MSCS, saying, “During my childhood, I could choose what I wanted to learn from each subject, and how I wanted to learn it.”

Spurlock encouraged her fellow graduates to leave their hesitations behind and follow their dreams. “Whatever it is you dream of, whatever it is you feel passionate about, do whatever it takes to accomplish it.”

Daniel Willis took to the podium and said that the greatest lesson he learned at MSCS is to value relationships.

“In 20 years, you won’t remember the grades you had or the ‘likes’ you got on Instagram. But people will remember you, and you will remember people,” and added, “Pursue purpose, seek the truth, face the world, and conquer it. But please never neglect those around you.”

Savannah Anderson wanted to send her fellow graduates off with a very strong message. “Remember the promises that you made to little you.”

She reminded everyone that there is only one shot at life and to not waste it. She recalled that her passion had been playing soccer and to represent the country as a member of the US Women’s Team in the World Cup, putting everything into that dream.

“I promised myself I would do it, spending countless hours every single day training after training, match after match,” she said. But in 2020, Anderson hit a wall, struggling with mental and physical battles that seemed unbearable. She told the audience that she began eating all the time and gaining weight, which then led to depression and general unhappiness with herself, and eventually she said became suicidal.

“But through all that, I remembered the promise I made to little me. Even when I lost part of myself in the process, the dream stayed alive. I never gave up on soccer.” Anderson says that through everything, she still had to attend training and show up for her teammates.

“The thought of letting go of soccer and the one thing I had left sounded way more intolerable than any other thing I had faced. Because at the end of the day, it always came back to soccer.”

Anderson told the audience that she dropped 75 pounds, is now committed to playing collegiate soccer, and is the happiest she has ever been.

“My point with this story is-whatever you are going through, it will get better. I know you’ve heard that a million times, but it is the truth.” She said that while life can at times be scary, it is during those times of adversity that people learn their greatest truths.

“We must remember the importance of perseverance and determination,” adding, “don’t be afraid of failure, because without the option to fail, the option to succeed simply has no value.”

Anderson said that while failure is inevitable, that humans are not perfect and that there will be moments where giving up might be the easiest choice and it may seem like hard times will persist, but they don’t. Strong people do.

“I urge you to dig deep and find the strength to persevere…wherever you are right now, just remember these four very important things: you are seen, you are heard, you are wanted, and most importantly, you are loved.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or call dial 866. These services are free and confidential.