001[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.
002[music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Hey. [music] Hey. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Good evening and welcome Welcome to King Techch High School's graduating ceremony for the class of 2026. Graduates, please remain
003standing. Audience members, please stand for the national anthem. It is customary for [music] male sorry it is customary for males to remove their headwear for the duration of the national anthem. >> [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Thank you and please be seated. We acknowledge that we gather here today on the traditional lands of the Dina people of Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Denina people have been and continue to be stewards of this land. ASD is committed to diversity and inclusion. And it is with honor and respect that we recognize all indigenous people who live and learn in our community. Good evening, soontobe graduates, students, family, friends, and distinguished guests, ASD school board member Marggo Bellamy and Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr.
004Jarrett Bryant. I am Denise Edwards, the principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School and it is my pleasure to welcome you to this long awaited very special event, the King Techch Technical High School graduation ceremony for the class of 2026. Graduates, before we begin the actual ceremony, we're going to pause for a moment so that you can take this opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for your friends and family and all those who have supported you on your educational journey. At this time, graduates, please stand, turn, and turn around to face the audience. Now is the Now is the time to smile, wave, and express your thanks and love to your family and friends who have gathered here. [cheering] [applause] [applause and cheering] >> [cheering] [applause] >> Wonderful. Now, [cheering] now
005if I could have your attention for a few moments. [cheering] Graduates, families, if I could have your attention for a few minutes. Graduates, you can turn and be seated. Thank you. Wow. I was I had it in my script to say you could do the some applause, but you got there before me. [laughter] We're here to celebrate the 75 members of this outstanding class. From your decision to enroll in King High School as a full-time student to the achievements you have earned throughout your time at King, you have set yourself apart from others. You came to King because you wanted a different kind of high school experience, one that was unique, one that only King Tech could offer. You wanted an education that could offer you while you were still in high school the opportunity
006to acquire the industry and professional skills necessary to transition directly from high school to a career or post-secary education. King Techch graduates, you can be a proud graduate and alumni. For over 50 years, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School has had a positive impact on the students who have attended there. When I have been out in the community and people learn that I'm a staff member of King Tech, they are quick to say that they or someone close to them attended King Tech and happy to talk about what a positive experience they had. Their stories have a common thread of being supported by a teacher and how they appreciated the opportunities they were offered at King. What has stood out after hearing countless stories is how being a student at Keech made it
007possible for students to engage at a new and deeper level not only in their education but also in acquiring the technical and professional skills that boster the confidence to pursue a career path or profession while still in high school. I'm happy to say that some of our current King staff attended King the formerly KCC and are a testimony to the value of the experiences they had there. These comments speak volumes about the talented and skilled King teachers and staff. Our King Techch instructors deliver highquality programs to a broad to their students in a broad range of career and technical fields from the skilled trades, applied health science and applied health sciences sciences, modern technologies and education. The King Tech staff believe in what they can do for students and for their industry profession and the
008greater community. The student stories. These students stories validate the meaning and purpose of King Techch High School. That is to prepare students for post-secary education, the workforce, and for life. King has had a long and rich history with our industry partners, community organizations, and postsecary colleges and technical schools. They notice a distinct difference in you graduates over many of your peers. They are impressed by your professionalism, which is a core value of King Techch, and that our instructors teach and model for you in preparing for success. They notice that you can engage confidently and knowledgeable, knowledgeably in adult conversations about work and careers. They notice that you demonstrate responsibility and accountability. They notice your growth mindset and your interested in learning more. Your interest in learning more. They notice your commitment and pride in executing
009tasks correctly, even if it means repeating them until they are done well. Something that is consistently stressed and reinforced by your teachers and our industry and community partners. They appreciate your awareness that jobs not done well may pose risks to others and those that reflect excellence are a benefit and service to the community. We consistently hear from our industry and community partners that they seek out our King Tech students and graduates among from among other students. Since 1974, Dr. Martin Luther King Technical High School have served thousands of students across the Anchorage School District. Although the years have passed, the mission has stayed intact. We are a career and technical education school. We prepare students for the workforce and post-secary education by utilizing pre-apprenticeship approach focused on developing critical thinking, professionalism, and practical skill application.
010The King Tech full-time program implemented in 2018 has provided an immersive experience for students who have a strong interest in career and technical education. To date, the full-time program has graduated over 600 students. Graduates, you are part of a great legacy and can be proud of yourselves. How you have conducted yourselves, the choices you have made, your commitment [clears throat] to learning more. Your professionalism and your work ethic have translated to outstanding achievements both in financial awards and post-secary training and education opportunities. Many of you have not only gained skills in a quality education, but you have also completed professional certifications, passed state and national certification exams as part of your program training, been offered and successfully engaged in industry internships, earned dual college credits through UAA and UAF as part of your program, have
011been offered immediate employment in the industry related to your programs or opportunities for professional training and further advancement upon entry to the workplace. We are excited to say that eight out of the 40 ASD students who completed the certified nurses assistant program through an innovative partnership with the Alaska Middle College school in UAA are part of this King graduating class graduates. You have capitalized on all of these opportunities to help you find and fund your future. That's one of our mottos. In addition, as King graduates, you have been enrolled in a school that is a dynamic part of the Anchorage School District. You exemplify the goal that King Techch and ASD have for all students, which is to be career, college, and life ready upon graduation. I would like to take this opportunity beyond celebrating
012you, the King Techch graduates, to recognize and appreciate all of the family, friends, coaches, mentors, employers, teachers, and school staff who have helped these graduates to achieve their diploma and accomplishments. Thank you for all that you have done to support and encourage these impressive graduates. graduates. During your time at King Tech High School, I hope you took a moment to stop and contemplate the banner hanging outside of meeting room 1 that recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and that displays a powerful quote taken from one of his famous speeches. No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaking undertaken with painstaking excellence. That quote embodies the core belief of our school. All the work you do provides a service to others and has value. Strive for excellence
013in your work and you will gain the respect of others and the satisfaction that comes from doing a job well. To conclude, graduates, we are so proud of you. Congratulations on earning your diploma and on your achievements. Those achievements and the skills you have learned are already paving the way for future successes. I urge you to continue to pursue new challenges and to grow from your experiences. You never know what unexpected possibilities may present themselves along the way if you do. At this time, I would like to officially recognize and welcome the outstanding graduating class of 2026. [cheering and applause] Now, I would like to introduce King Tech's student speaker for the class of 2026, Lyanna Garcia. [applause] Hey everyone, my name is Lyanna Garcia. I am a student here at King Techch. And even
014if I am graduating today or will be in college in a few months, I will always be a Keech student. If I am going to say one last thing to all of you, and you know this is difficult because I've said a lot in this past year, but my last piece of advice is to be true to yourself. Until the age of 15, I didn't have the opportunities to be who I am today, to be where I am. I didn't have the opportunity to say that this to say that I was truly enjoying my life as a high school student. But instead, my miseducated belief was that I just had to be I just had to survive until graduation. I I never would have imagined that there would be an amazing support system around the
015corner when I needed them. people to call family, peers that I can call friends, and in this case, teachers and counselors that I can trust and who have become my safe space. The encouragement and appreciation that the teachers have given me is unmatched. I truly belong here, and I know most of you can resonate with that. Graduating from this high school feels extraordinary. The academic teachers support every student's individual education. What I am referring to is the genuine conversations about how the student can become advanced in whatever area they're struggling with. I remember the most random conversations I've had with Miss Gwyn and Mr. Campbell where it always ended with laughter and newfound wisdom. Miss Jennifer is always setting us up for success and for that I am so grateful. Mr. Chismar is the best
016hypeman around so go to him for any type of advice but be careful. Our [laughter] [snorts] CTE teachers are just as passionate about the class as we are. So, it's a warm feeling when teachers smile and truly enjoy working with us. The snack shack has been the designated spot to create memories and have extremely stressful debates. When Kinte comes to mind, I think of joy, support, dedication, and passion. Every student has found something here that encourages them to keep pushing through whatever life brings them. Graduating from this high school is a dream come true. The school spirit made this possible. The school environment and everyone's contributions to it is so powerfully and beautifully designed. It makes me believe that every school in Alaska should follow in King's footsteps. Your dreams aren't just dreams. There are
017real thoughts, hopes, and desires that you can make possible. No matter where you're from, your background, your ethnicity, your beliefs, your financial situation, no matter the pressure that society has given you, you can do what needs to be done to live a great life. Be who you want to be, not just in a career sense, but on a more personal level. You aren't the struggles that the world has given you. You aren't the labels that you may have given yourself. The situations don't define you. It is who you become after them that determines your success. You are a unique phenomenon that can turn those unfortunate events that life brings into light and the lesson you need to conquer the next challenge. You don't have to be the richest or the most beautiful. You don't have
018to be in the nicest neighborhood. You just need to be authentically you. Diamonds are hidden beneath soil. Pearls are trapped in shells. So come to the realization that you are capable of becoming anything you want to be. You can find everything you could need within yourself. Telling all of you to believe in yourself isn't just words being said. Is it is me expressing that I believe in every one of you. So please don't walk this path without remembering that you aren't alone in this journey. I don't know everyone graduating today, but I believe you have what it takes to accomplish everything you have ever hoped for. Your dreams become becoming reality starts with a choice. So choose wisely and choose now. Intelligence plus character. That is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King. Thank
019you. [applause] Thank you, Lyanna. Now, I'd like to introduce our staff speaker, our own emergency medical technology instructor instructor, Rebecca Cruz. >> [applause] >> They made it really small and I can't see it. So, hold on. Good evening, graduates, families, friends, teachers. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Rebecca Cruz and I am the EMT instructor here at King Tech. I'm incredibly honored and honestly pretty humbled to have been chosen as this year's graduation speaker. Of all the amazing teachers, the fact that you picked the EMT structure instructor either means you trust me or you figured if someone passes out during the speech, I'm already qualified to handle it. Um, either way, I appreciate the confidence. Now, graduates, congratulations. Really, congratulations. You did it. You survived high school, which means you
020survived early mornings, late assignments, group projects where one person did all the work, one person disappeared completely, and one person changed the entire slideshow to comic sands and called it design. You survived awkward presentations, school Wi-Fi that somehow fails exactly when you try to submit something, and at least one teacher who said, me included, this will be on the test. So, you studied that m material intensely, and then it wasn't in fact on the test, but all the stuff you didn't study was. And you did all of this in Alaska, which adds a few extra challenges most high schoolers in the lower 48 will never understand. For example, most schools cancel because of snow. Alaska schools cancel because it's too warm. You've survived driving to school in the dark, leaving school in the dark, and
021that weird two weeks in winter where the sun shows up for about 17 minutes. You have been late to class due to the fact that a moose or a bear was blocking your exit from home or your entrance to school. But there's something else that makes your class especially unique. You didn't just survive high school. You survived entering high school after your middle school years were shaped by a pandemic. You had to figure out how to learn through Zoom classes, awkward microphone moments, and the universal phrase every teacher heard at least once, sorry, you're on mute. Or even more scary, you forgot to mute. My favorite. You tried to focus on school while the entire world felt uncertain. You celebrated birthdays with drive-by parties, waved to friends from car windows, and tried to stay connected
022even when you were physically apart. And after all of that, you entered high the high school system that looked and operated very differently than it ever had. You had to adapt. And yet, you kept going. You logged in. You showed up. You kept learning. That kind of resilience says a lot about who you are. Now, today is the day you officially close this chapter on high school. Graduation speeches usually try to give you life advice. And most of the time, it's the same stuff. Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, reach for the stars. And those are all nice ideas, but they're also the same phrases that show up on motivational posters next to a picture of a mountain climber or a cat clinging for life to something. So instead, I want to tell you a
023few things that are actually true. Number one, none of us really know what we're doing. Okay? Adults like to pretend we have everything figured out. We don't. We're just better at Googling things and pretending it was our plan all along. Your path is not going to be perfectly straight. You'll change majors, change jobs, change plans. Sometimes you'll even change your mind halfway through something and realize you're headed in a completely different direction. I absolutely know that was the case for me. That's not failure. That's life. Number two, this one's important. Learn how to do basic life things. I'm not joking. This matters more than you think. Learn how to manage your money. Cook three solid meals. Show up on time. Send a professional email. And ask for help when you don't understand something. No one
024talks about it, but these are the things that quietly determine whether you succeed or struggle. Number three, your work ethic will take you further than your talent. I've seen incredibly talented people go nowhere because they didn't show up, didn't try, or gave up when things got hard. And I've seen average people build amazing lives because they were consistent, reliable, and willing to learn. Be the people people can count on. That matters. Number four, your life will be shaped by people more than plans. Choose your people carefully. The people you surround yourself will either push you forward, keep you stuck, or pull you backward. Pay attention to who supports you, who drains you, and who actually wants to see you win. Relationships matter. Be the kind of person people are glad to know. Number five, and
025probably the most important in my opinion, do not lose the parts of yourself that make you weird. I mean that in the best possible way. The people who change the world are usually the ones who are a little different. The artists, the builders, the problem solvers, the kids who ask too many questions. Some of you spent high school mastering textbooks. And some of you mastered games like Dungeons and Dragons and Magic. And honestly, those students might be the most prepared because they've been practicing strategy, probability, resource management, and teamwork this entire time, just with a little more imagination. Never underestimate those kids. The world doesn't need more people trying to fit in. It needs people brave enough to stand out. And finally, you don't have to have everything figured out right now. You are not
026behind. You are not late. You are exactly where you are supposed to be in the process of becoming who you will eventually be. It's okay to fail, but learn something from it. You are going to mess up a lot. You'll pick the wrong job, trust the wrong person, or take a path that doesn't work out. That's not the problem. The problem is making the same mistake over and over and calling it bad luck. Learn, adjust, move forward. Right now, your job is simple. Stay curious. Work hard. Be kind. And when things get tough, which they will, remember that you've already proven you can get through difficult things, you got through high school. And trust me, that is not nothing. So seniors, as you walk across this stage and step into whatever comes next, college, work,
027adventure, uncertainty, just remember one thing. The world is not looking for perfect people. It's looking for people who show up, try their best, help others, and keep going even when the road gets icy, metaphorically or literally. One quote that has stayed with me through difficult seasons and that I would like to leave you with comes from the poet Attekus. You've survived 100% of your worst days. You are here because you kept going. We are proud of you and most importantly, you should be proud of yourselves. Congratulations, class of 2026. [applause] Thank you, Miss Cruz. Will the members of the Keech High School class of 2026 please rise? [cheering] [applause] [cheering and applause] Dr. Bryant. The records of each student present have been examined and been found to have met the credit criteria for graduation from
028the Anchorage School District. It is my honor to present to you the King Techch High School class of 2026. [applause] On behalf of the Anchorage School District administration, it is my sincere pleasure to accept the class of 2026 of King High School. Board member Bellamy, may I present to you the class of 2026 at King High School. [applause] Thank you, Dr. Bryant. On behalf of the Anchorage School District School Board, I am honored to accept the class of King Tech High School 2026. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. Now, we will initiate the roll call. In order to honor all of the graduates and to show respect for their achievements, we ask that you refrain from applause and any noise until all of the graduates have received their diplomas. >> Let's do it. >> Declan ag Can
029you hear Kalia Akariza, John Anarak? Rachel Anderson, Beatatric Annunciation. Mason Bishop, Liliana Bradbury. Okay. I'm a proud mom. Katherine Bralt, >> Tristan Brooks, Frank Kijiano Esther Chakopa, Kum La, Mary Grace Cop, Laya Aino Delaro, Ethan Donahghue, Cumla, Aaron Dowardy, Kani Dressel, Brendan Angel. [screaming] Odin Fagger, >> Michael Gates, Jalil Greer [cheering] Tyler Tyler Gregor >> Jackson Harley Fallon Hazen Stab, Suma Kumla. >> Great job, >> Lacy Hess. >> Morgan Hildrath. Nobel Hoffman, [cheering] >> Suma Kumlad, >> Jake Jaken Ipollock. [cheering] Thank you. Lexi Calgner, Presley Kirsten, >> Sydney Canincaid, You ready? >> Robin, Corey, Ryland Krueger. Olivia McKinnon, >> Joshua Mafuz, >> Mhachoy Connor Martini, >> Olivia McDonald, >> Josie Miller, and her proud parents, Reese and Stacy, >> Elijah Moore, Tyson Morgan, Ella Morel, Elizabeth Mosley Cumudy. Faria Mukoma. Marian Mudka, Michelle Neeves, Anelise
030Ava Nef, Jacqueline Kenyana, >> Scarlet Ortagon, Congratulations, >> Jorge Hey, Polarmo, >> Micah Patterson, [cheering and applause] >> Sydney Pierce, >> [screaming] >> Ryan >> Quigley, >> Boaz Rich, [cheering] >> Micah. Ramik. >> Congratulations. >> Olivia Roberto, >> Johanna Romero Cumlaude Lorena Ross, >> Cameron Saturn. [cheering] Joseph Cerna. >> Oh my god. >> Tristan Schilling. I appreciate your app >> Savina Sosa [cheering] >> always >> Gavin Starter Aliana Tawarak Rogan Talik Cumlad [cheering] Carolina Westman Spencer Whipple. >> I'd like to have Abigail Wilson. Lyanna Garcia Vega [cheering] >> [applause] [applause] >> Will the graduates please rise? [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] >> By the power invested in me by the state of Alaska, I now pronounce you graduates of King High School. [screaming] [cheering] >> [applause] >> One more final piece of official piece of
031business to conduct the traditional turning of the tassel. After turning, so this is a pre- lesson. After turning the tassel, this cere ceremony will be ending and but we still have to do the tassel. friends, families, and graduates will exit the auditorium and meet up outside in the lobby after the tassels have turned. So, now we're going to start the the turning of the tassel. The changing of the tassel symbolizes your transition from candidates to fullfledged graduates. At this time, graduates, would you please make sure your tassel is on the right of your mortar board on the right? Okay, now that your tassel is on the right, grab a hold of it. On the count of three, I invite you to move it from right to left in unison. No race here. In unison with
032your classmates to celebrate this long awaited moment. On three. One, two, three. [screaming] [cheering] [applause] Congratulations, class of 2026. [cheering and applause] [applause] [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [music] >> Wait [music] till I carry it up. [music] >> [music] >> Well done. Well done. Thank you. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. [music] Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Do you >> [music] [music] >> Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music]