Glennallen High School Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation Night

Note: The web version of this article has been updated to include more information about the Valedictorian address, the memorial to Benji Scott, and to add attribution for senior quotes.

Families, friends, teachers, and community members gathered Friday evening to celebrate the Glennallen High School Class of 2026 during a heartfelt commencement ceremony filled with reflection, gratitude, laughter, and hope for the future.

The ceremony honored a graduating class shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and strong community connections. Throughout the evening, student speakers reflected on the challenges and experiences that brought them to graduation day — from navigating high school during COVID-19 to enduring harsh Alaska winters, balancing extracurricular activities, and preparing for life beyond Glennallen.

Graduates spoke about the importance of friendships, community, and learning to adapt to change. Valedictorian Tobyn Dolge recorded his graduation address in advance, as he would be competing in a track event; however there were technical difficulties so Principal Ben Dolgner read Tobyn's speech in his absence. Tobyn reflected on traveling and meeting people from across the country, describing how every experience began with unfamiliar faces and ended with meaningful friendships and difficult goodbyes. That message connected closely to graduation itself, as classmates prepare to leave behind familiar routines and begin new chapters in life.

Several speeches highlighted the resilience of the Class of 2026. Students credited their ability to persevere through uncertainty, rural living challenges, and academic pressures as part of what made their class strong. A recurring theme throughout the ceremony was the idea that perseverance extends beyond school into work, friendships, family, and future goals.

The ceremony also included a memorial honoring Benji Scott, a member of this class who passed away in 2021. This tribute added an emotional and meaningful moment to the evening as graduates celebrated both the accomplishments and memories that shaped their journey together.

Faculty and community speakers also shared words of encouragement, reminding graduates that the world needs their creativity, determination, and unique perspectives. Speakers reflected on watching many of the students grow from kindergarten into young adults ready to enter “the real world.” Graduates were encouraged to dream big, take risks, work hard, and continue lifting others up wherever life takes them.

The ceremony recognized numerous student achievements and scholarships awarded to members of the graduating class. Scholarships and honors included the American Legion Scholarship, Ahtna $500 Scholarships, CRSD Board of Education Scholarship, Copper River Watershed Project Scholarship, Copper Valley Electric Association $2,000 Scholarship, Copper Valley Telephone Scholarship, PTO Scholarship, and UA Scholar Scholarship, among others.

Members of the Class of 2026 are preparing to pursue a wide range of futures, including military service, apprenticeships, engineering, agriculture, veterinary work, healthcare, and construction careers. Graduates also shared personal quotes and mottos that reflected their values and goals moving into the future.

Valedictorian Tobyn Dolge chose the Nathan Feurestein quote, “My biggest failures in life are knowing I never tried.” Salutatorian Reese Noble quoted Clay Walker, “I don’t want to think about tomorrow. I don't need anything money can buy. I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow. I just want to live until I die,” while Raylie Sutherland shared a quote from Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Michael Johnson reflected on faith and perseverance, writing, “Many are called, but few are chosen because their hearts are set so much on the former that they almost automatically disregard the latter.”

Other graduates shared aspirations ranging from becoming engineers and large livestock veterinarians to serving in the military, pursuing healthcare careers, and working in the trades.

As tassels turned and diplomas were awarded, the evening served as both a celebration of accomplishment and a reminder of the strength found within the Glennallen community. The Class of 2026 now steps forward carrying the lessons, memories, and relationships built throughout their years together. Congratulations to the Glennallen High School Class of 2026.