BY DANE JOHNSON, MICHAEL KATCHATAG, AND MRS. GIAANA PETERSON
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Unalakleet High School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Families and friends of the graduating class gathered to celebrate our 11 graduates: Akada Anagick, Maria Amor Antiniero, Grace Arca, Ourea Busk, Chase Doty, Carter Gray, Violet Jack, Clinton Katchatag, Ayuu Roesch, Isaac Smith, and Trevin Soderstrom.
The night opened with families flowing into the Unalakleet Schools Gymnasium. They walked in to see a stage waiting to be filled with graduates. Then, when the ceremony began, the graduates walked out to “Pomp and Circumstance” before taking their seats on stage. The ceremony was opened by Principal Kris Busk, then the invocation was shared by Annabelle Cunningham, grandmother to one of the graduates.
Next, Sarah Swanson, who leads the counseling department at the District Office, shared the future plans of the graduates. Future plans included two students going out-of-state to attend college, several students remaining in-state to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and several going off to attend vocational schools like AVTEC in Seward and NIT in Palmer to continue their education in the trades.
In a once-in-a-lifetime moment, Unalakleet Schools named three valedictorians who all had the same GPA: Violet, Ayuu, and Ourea. A salutatorian was also named: Maria. All four of them gave speeches. Violet shared a speech about trying, Ayuu’s speech was based on a game called “Sparkle,” Ourea used a metaphor about running, and Maria wished her class well as they move forward into their futures. Then, a couple of students shared class memories, including Isaac who shared a story about their late classmate, Yohana Blatchford.
The slideshow and flower ceremony were next. After that, the guest speaker, Mrs. Molissa Wightman, took the stage. In her speech, she talked about the graduates when they were students in her high school math class and shared memories of her time in Unalakleet. She taught the audience to make finger hearts, a big heart, a “keep speaking truth” sign, and a Wolfpack gang sign, and had the audience laughing.
Finally, the big moment. Principal Busk, along with Mrs. Wightman, AEC member Sherilee Foote, and Superintendent Tammy Dodd, officially declared the graduates done with high school. Millie Katongan, great-grandma to one of the graduates, gave the benediction, and then the graduates walked off stage and lined up for hugs and gifts. The night ended with cake and refreshments and families visiting and taking pictures.