BY MICHAEL KATCHATAG & MRS. GIAANA PETERSON
On Monday, May 18, 2026, the kindergarten class had their graduation. The kindergarten class is: Lennox Daniels, Deanna Focia, Justina Ivanoff, Bodhi Johnson-White, Willow Katchatag, Hardy Leusch, Michael Sagoonick, Ashley Sunny, Alden Webster, and Hunter Wirth. The class is taught by Ms. Treca Ivanoff and Ms. Shy Antiniero.
The graduation ceremony was held in the MPR at Unalakleet Schools. The MPR is a small space, but it was spacious enough for the class and their family and friends. Ms. Shy decorated the MPR with a star theme in a flashy black, gold, and red color combination.
The ceremony started with the kindergarteners walking in, and then they did the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Hunter who also held the flag. Then, they sang a song and danced along with it, which the audience thought was cute as they said, “Aww.”
Next, Ms. Treca, the kindergarten teacher, gave a really nice speech. She has been a teacher for 22 years and is retiring this year. She started doing a kindergarten graduation last year with hopes that whoever replaces her will continue it as a tradition.
After her speech, Ms. Treca and Ms. Shy gave the kids hugs and diplomas. When the kids received their diplomas, they stood in front of the crowd for pictures and then spoke into the microphone what they want to be when they grow up. Some said they want to be police officers, some said they want to be moms, and others said they want to be doctors, teachers, pilots, an astronaut, a nail technician, and more.
The ceremony ended off with one more song before the graduates lined up to receive congratulations. Then, everyone enjoyed cupcakes made by Nuckoo Harvey and maple bars made by Minnie Kulukhon.
Congratulations to the Class of 2038! They are now promoted to first grade.