Homeschool Graduates Honored at Upstream Commencement Ceremony

On the evening of Wednesday, May 13, five of the 12 Upstream Learning graduates participated in the 2026 commencement ceremony for local homeschoolers in the Copper River School District.

After an invocation by graduating senior Caleb Hill, each participating graduate was honored with a short photographic slideshow and then they gave a short speech. They also passed out roses to parents and other individuals they wanted to thank for helping them reach this important milestone in life.

In her graduation address, valedictorian Kayla Abbott reminded her classmates that “God created us uniquely” and “he asks us to be faithful with what he’s given.” She encouraged her fellow graduates to work hard, remember where their strength comes from, and live a life of humility, purpose, and grit.

Jubilee Heinbaugh, head coach of the Glennallen girls basketball team, was the evening’s keynote speaker. After reflecting on her own graduation from the Copper River School District in 2010, she reminded the graduates of the importance of living with perseverance, integrity, and gratitude (PIG).

Multiple scholarships were presented. Some of these included: CVEA Community Foundation (Kayla Abbott and Monica Bryan), the Lions Club (Kayla Abbott, Monica Bryan, and Caleb Hill), June Nelson Memorial Scholarship (Monica Bryan). Kayla Abbott also received scholarships from the Society of Women Engineers Greatland Chapter and Copper Valley Telecom.

At the end of the evening, headteacher Mark Proch offered his closing remarks, and the community was invited to stay at Glennallen Community Chapel for refreshments and to offer their personal congratulations to the graduating class of 2026.

The 2026 Upstream Learning graduates are: Kayla Abbott, Angelina Alexander, Sarah Ambacher, Monica Bryan, Benton Clary, Calie Conway, Caleb Hill, Chisana Korth, Landon Johnson, Kierra Peck, Johnathan Risner, and Vivian Webb. The Copper River Record and the entire community wishes these graduates the best in their future careers, education, and endeavors.