The eight seniors of Pacific High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas Saturday in a commencement ceremony at Sheet'ka Kwan Naa Kahídi.
The students entered to traditional strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” and heard speeches by Principal Matt Groen and one of his predecessors as principal of the alternative high school, Phil Burdick, now a member of the Sitka School Board.
Emma Thompson, adult facilitator of the Sitka Youth Leadership Committee, spoke next.
Akléi Helen Dangel, Vince Winter and Troy Wingard, Janet Clarke, and Ḵaaljʼaaḵwx Claire OʼHalloran-Hill, respectively, presented the University of Alaska scholarship, American Legion School Medal Award, Calvin-Purvis internship, and Sitka Tribe of Alaska congratulatory checks.
Gus Maxwell was the senior representative.
After an “uber kudos” by the PHS staff and family responses, the graduates received their diplomas and celebrated to Post Maloneʼs “Congratulations” — selected by the seniors themselves.
The graduates were Avianna Rioux, Georgianna Sam, Gus Maxwell, Henrey Ward, Katie Elder, Michael Howard, Qiana Fletcher and Tristynn Jackson.
“Our school is all about community and relationships and supporting students from that foundation, so to see that cross that line — see them work through everything that life has thrown at them — was truly a proud moment to be a part of,” Principal Groen said in an interview reflecting on the ceremony.
