Mia Merculief wears a graduation cap woven from yellow cedar at Pacific High School’s commencement. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)
Pacific High School’s three latest graduates are now on to bigger and brighter things. The alternative high school held its commencement ceremony Thursday night (5-19-16) at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi. It was filled with traditional Alaska native drumming, heartfelt wishes and hopes for the future.
(Drumming)
Mia Merculief: I’m thinking about taking a year off and just getting a job and staying here for awhile. And then going down to Colorado, go to college there hopefully. I’m thinking environmental studies and there’s this program that they have called adventure education. Seems very fun.
Winnie Nells: I am thinking of working for awhile and then going to cosmetology school to do some cosmetology like hair cutting and all that.
Korey Smith: I’m thinking about going to either job corps or applying for colleges but right now I’m working full-time out of Seamart.
Two little girls participate in the potato dance, an Alaska Native tradition, during Pacific High’s commencement. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)
Heather Bauscher: Now is the time when the tears usually flow if they haven’t already. We’d like to offer up the opportunity for parents and family of graduates to come to the stage and speak about their graduate.
Wilbur Brown: Winnie is my niece. Real proud of her and what she’s accomplished. One thing about Winnie, she’s got a big heart. That big heart will carry her far. Her smile is infectious. If you see her and she’s smiling you can’t help to feel better. That’s natural healing. I want to say to all three of the graduates … “Be strong. Be strong as you’re going forward.” Life isn’t easy at times but you can look around and you see people who support you, who love you. I am so proud of you.
(Drumming)
Smith: It’s an alternative school and it’s different from straight book work. It’s more hands on and the teachers are more open and open minded. They’re the kind of people who will welcome you into a home and not judge you. They’re just really nice people all around at Pacific High.
The graduates Mia Merculief, Korey Smith and Winnie Nells. (Brielle Schaeeffer/KCAW photo)
Bauscher: Graduates please move your tassels to the left. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present to you the Pacific High School Class of 2016.
Nells: It’s a lot of stress off my shoulders. I feel a lot … I don’t know I’m just really happy.
Merculief: It’s amazing. I was super anxious the whole day but it was all worth it.
Wiinnie Nells gets a hug after graduation. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)
