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Photo by Sam Harrel

Photo by Sam Harrel

FAIRBANKS — The last high school graduation of the season was a low-key affair.

There was no class theme or colors, no valedictorian or salutatorian nor any lengthy speeches.

However, the lack of pomp and circumstance didn’t detract from the importance of the occasion Monday evening.

Thirty-five graduates in multicolored caps and gowns, representing six different local high schools, proudly paraded into the DeWild Theater at West Valley High School to the enthusiastic applause and whistles of family and friends.

And the graduates exhibited the same giddy, joyful realization all graduates share — a primary life goal has been met and the world is opening up to them.

In addition to being belated, the unusual commencement is a first for the school district.

Students who were a few credits short and unable to graduate with classmates in May were given the opportunity to stay in school for another six weeks at a special “intercession” program to complete graduation requirements for 2008.

The classes were at the Fairbanks campus of the Star of the North Secondary School, located in the Fairbanks Community Food Bank building, said Mark Rippy, head teacher of the Career Education Center.

“We stayed open through June and had 22 students from around the district from five other schools join us. They came to school every day, and we worked with them to finish up classes so they could be 2008 graduates,” Rippy explained.

Kelly Brazeau, 18, wasn’t able to walk with her West Valley classmates in May because she was one credit shy of graduation. She learned of the intercession program and signed on, completing a math class — algebra for technical careers.

Clutching her diploma and smiling broadly, Brazeau said she is looking forward to the future. She has enlisted in the Navy and will soon begin training as an aviation electronics technician.

Likewise, Brandon Frone, 21, is heading for a military career. The new Career Education Center graduate has enlisted in the Army and will begin infantry training.

New Star of the North graduate and expectant mother Jessica Hiltunen, 19, is putting college on hold until her son is born in August. Eventually, she would like to study to become a kindergarten teacher.

Surrounded by a half-dozen or more buddies, Jessie Boyles, 18, now possesses a Lathrop High School 2008 diploma.

Saying he was embarrassed he was short a class to graduate with classmates earlier, Boyles was all smiles after Monday night’s commencement.

“All my friends are here supporting me,” he said.

Boyles recently completed an algebra for finance class. He plans to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks this fall to pursue a physical therapy career.

Longtime school board member Jennifer Schmidt said she has attended many graduations in the past 12 years but never tires of seeing students reach their goals.

“This graduation is really unique, and I applaud this administration,” she said.

Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.