Congratulations GHS Class of 2024

The Glennallen High School Class of 2024 celebrates. Photo by Anna Somers.

By Anna Somers

On Wednesday, May 16, students, family, staff, and community members gathered in the Glennallen High School gymnasium for the commencement ceremony of the graduating class of 2024.

The ceremony opened with the processional of the 18 graduating seniors and a welcome from the GHS principal Ben Dolgner.

After Clarinda Bell, senior class vice president, led the students and attendees in the pledge of allegiance, an invocation was offered by Carol Cozzen, whose daughter is in the graduating class.

One of the most touching occurrences of the evening was when each of the graduates were given roses to offer to family members, staff, and friends who had supported them through their education. The idea of thanking the community for supporting these young adults throughout their growing up was woven throughout the evening.

After the presentation of flowers, the salutatorian Rogan Crain gave a speech, followed by class valedictorian Zayne Olson and then GHS principal Ben Dolgner, who talked about his memories of several of these graduates when he was their fifth grade teacher. Graduates were urged to be kind and were reminded that grit can get them through any rough spots in their upcoming futures.

Before the students received their diplomas, several scholarships were awarded and announced. Ahtna stakeholder graduates were awarded with their graduation gifts. Other scholarships came from the Copper Basin Lions Club, the CRSD Board of Education, and the UA Scholar program. These awards also served as a reminder of how the same community that supported these graduates through their elementary and secondary education remains committed to helping them fulfill their school and vocational goals in the future.

Glennallen High School graduates rock their mocs. Photo by Angelica Brown.

Students received their diplomas from Richard Spencer, GHS assistant principal; Ben Dolgner, GHS principal; Theresa Laville, CRSD Superintendent; and Joshua Scott, CRSD Board president. The ceremony closed with a benediction, recessional, and tossing of caps.

Throughout the evening, community members got the chance to appreciate the individuality of each of the graduating seniors. In the school entrance, students had posterboards with pictures from their childhood and high-school years. There was also a photography slideshow during the ceremony. Many of the graduates dressed in regalia, and the program also included notes about the future plans for each person. 

When I was chatting with Joanna Schneider, the English teacher and GHS senior class advisor, she mentioned how hard these students worked to get to where they have come, and how much community support they received to become the members of the Glennallen High School graduating class of 2024.

Congratulations to these young men and women, and your community continues to wish you the best in all your future plans.