Graduation May 15, 2010

Prior to graduating, our seniors held a Writing Fair in which they presented their portfolios. Each senior was required to prepare a speech to discuss his/her thematic writings. They all did such a wonderful job. It must have been very nerve wrecking to stand in front of their peers, teachers, family, and community to discuss some very serious topics: depression, fetal alcohol syndrome, family, future dreams, etc. Each portfolio the student created followed his/her chosen theme and contained a variety of writings on the subject. And, each was so well done. This was a course requirement for their senior English class. The Writing Fair was on Tuesday. Prom was on Friday, and Graduation was on Saturday. What an exciting week for our seniors!

With the Writing Fair done and Prom over, it was now time to think about graduation. We met around noon on Saturday and began the clean-up. The decorations were in great shape. We just moved a few things around, added some chairs and tables, and in no time we were ready. Graduation was at 5 PM.



Graduation isn't just for our senior class. Our pre-schoolers graduate into the Yup'ik immersion program, which will be their K-2 grades. Our second graders graduate into the 3Transition program, which is taught in English. And, our seniors graduate from high school. So, we actually have three groups graduating. Tammy Schneidler, our 4th grade teacher, was the speaker for graduation. She spoke directly to each senior, describing how he/she is a hero. Then Danya spoke for the senior class. We had one senior in the hospital in Anchorage. We Skyped the entire graduation ceremony with his mother accepting his diploma for him. When the seniors all walked over to the computer to wave at him and when he waved back, there were many tears all around.





Once the diplomas were awarded and the certificates given to the pre-schoolers and second graders, we formed a receiving line for ALL graduates and the entire community walked through congratulating each student. Food was provided, and after the receiving line was done, each senior received a half sheet cake which he/she cut and served to family and friends. The seniors were so excited to be done. A few would return the next week to finish up projects and chat online, but for the most part they were done. Their next event would be May 23 - senior class trip to California!