Native culture highlighted in Effie Kokrine graduation
Published Saturday, May 31, 2008
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Thirty-six eighth-graders and 11 high school seniors at Effie Kokrine Charter School ended a period in their education during an intimate graduation ceremony in the school’s gymnasium.
The ceremony kicked off with the national anthem like many other graduation ceremonies but there was also a blessing and the Pledge of Alligiance in Alaskan Native languages. The ceremony had personal touches that highlighted the small and family-like atmosphere of the school.
Both sets of graduates were treated to slideshows featuring pictures of them from the past.
The graduating eighth-graders were presented with certificates and personalized sweatshirts.
The senior ceremony allowed each graduate to give speeches recognizing their parents and grandparents. In front of a red and black backdrop with the graduates’ names on it, the seniors thanked their families and friends and shared memories and future plans.
“This will be a school I will never forget,” graduate Chad Nusunginya Jr. said. “It taught me to be a family with my community and my people.”
As the seniors streamed into the gymnasium, they were greeted to an enthusiastic response from the crowd that could have been mistaken for a reaction at a much bigger ceremony.
Many wore traditional clothing to honor their heritage and to further acknowledge their culture and graduates presented roses to important people in their lives after their speeches. Friday night’s ceremony was the third in the school’s history. It was also retiring Principal Eleanor Laughlin’s last ceremony at the school.
“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of our school,” Laughlin said. “With each year, we’re growing stronger.”
Laughlin also pointed out the school wasn’t only welcoming to Natives but to all students, because the smaller learning environment would benefit any student. She said the school’s goal is to teach diversity and tolerance along with academics. The ceremony also featured guest speaker Sen. Albert Kookesh, who spoke about the importance of education for Alaskan Native youths. He pointed out several challenges young people must face such as poverty, the low graduation rate and the balance between traditional and Western cultures.
“Just because you’re Alaskan Native, it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful,” Kookesh said.
During many of the speeches, students recalled times when they wanted to give up and how people in their lives encouraged them to finish their education.
“I would like to thank everyone here,” Tommy Isaac said. “It’s the best day of my life and I’m glad you guys came.”
Community Discussion
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Way to go graduates! It's always good to see the youth succeed! You have to continue on with your education. It can be fun and interesting to learn about different areas of education. I challenge all of you to take the next step.
great job graduates. the ceremony was a great tribute to your accomplishments. keep it up and congratulations. i hope you take senator kookesh words to heart.
Way to go Effie Kokrine Charter School!! I agree with the family atmosphere and will miss Eleanor's guidance but look forward to Linda Evans as the new principal. I loved the speech Senator Kookesh gave, but wanted to make my own version of what he said. Graduates, because you are Alaska Native, you can be successful!! Effie Kokrine Charter School has given you the foudation, take off and make the young ones look up to you positively!
I won't start clapping yet,
The real challenges have just begun.
I will clap when you all have at least a B.A. or Ph.D.
Then maybe, I will "pat someone on the back."
Good luck.
Signed,
An Alaska Native College Graduate.
Congratulations graduates! Everyone is so proud of you!
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