001[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] And then I think you're standing here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, good morning. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] Good afternoon and welcome to King High School's graduation ceremony for the class of 2025. [Applause] Graduates, remain standing. Audience members, please stand for the national anthem. It is customary for males to remove their headwear for the duration of the national anthem. [Music] Glory. Glory. [Music] Thank you. Please be seated. Before we begin the ceremony, we are going to honor the Denina land and honor their people. We acknowledge that we gather here today on the traditional lands of the Denina, people of the Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Denina people have been and continue to be the stewards of this land. ASD is committed
002to diversity and inclusion and it is with honor and respect that we recognize all indigenous people who live and learn in our community. Good afternoon soon to be graduates and welcome welcome welcome to your graduation ceremony. I want to welcome school board member Pat Higgins, Superintendent Dr. Jarrett Bryant. Parents and friends, I'm Dr. Kurt McInley, doc uh principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School, and I warmly welcome you to this long awaited and special ceremony. But before we begin, I want the graduates here to listen carefully. Uh we're going to express gratitude to your family and friends gathered here today to honor you. They are proud. So graduates uh please stand up. Now turn. [Applause] [Music] Thank you. All right, let's uh bend back around and have a seat, please. Thank you
003for that energy level, the audience. That was excellent. We're going to have many moments within my speech for pauses of excitement. And now, let's also take another pause and look around and take a strong mental note of how special it is that we're all here together. I'm so honored and happy that you're all here to share in this celebration of the accomplishments of the unique qualities of the 71 fine members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School graduating class of 2025. The class of 2025, you're unique. It's hard to believe you are the graduating class that went from seventh grade straight into high school because of the CO 19 pandemic. You essentially went from seventh grade to 9th grade brickandmortar highschooling. And it's truly remarkable how you learned to navigate high school
004without a real eighth grade experience under your belt. And if you joined King in 11th grade, you really have mastered the art of successive transitions. So graduates, I know you came to King because you wanted something that no other school in the Anchorage School District has to offer. He wanted a different education. An education that was personalized. An education that was non-traditional with applied with an applied skills approach to learning. An education that helped you find and fund your future. At King Tech, you found an education like no other that specializes in the skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. For 50 years, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School has touched the lives of countless students in ways that we cannot place a dollar value on. In my travels throughout Anchorage
005in the state, I often encounter former King students or a family member of a former student who went to school at King High. All of the former uh students stories have one thing in common, the feeling of being supported. It doesn't matter what decade the student attended. The feeling of being supported by a teacher at King Tech is what former students expressed the most. This feeling of support has fostered in our students the confidence to master technical skills and the courage to take risks. The students stories validate the meaning and purpose of King Techch High School to prepare students for post-secary education, the workforce, and for life. King Techch has a long and rich history with our industry partners. They notice a distinct difference in you over over the peer over your peers in other
006schools. They notice your professionalism, which is our core value. Our our instructors teach and model professionalism for you every day. Our industry partners notice that you are more confident than your peers at other schools. They notice you engage in adult conversation about work and careers and plans. They notice you have a growth mindset by demonstrating you're always willing to learn. They notice you take responsibility and have manners. They notice you have marketable skills developed by a CTE program that provided you with a highquality post-secondary level of education. Be proud of yourselves. I know I am when I hear these things and I know your instructors are too. These comments speak volumes about the talented King High School instructors. I have heard it from many visitors from across the state visiting our school. King They often
007say King is the best career and technical education school in the state of Alaska. King Tech is the best because we only hire the best instructors to deliver high-quality programs for our students. Our instructors believe in what they do and are invested in providing you with all the skills and tools you need to begin your adult life. How about a big round of applause for our King Techch [Applause] instructors. Since 1974, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School has served thousands of students from 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 approaches focused on developing critical thinking, professional uh professionalism, and practical skill application. The vision for
008the King full-time student option was put in motion eight years ago. I'm proud to share that over the last seven years, we graduated 535 students. As a result, and that number includes you today, uh, and as a result, we have played a significant role in helping our students find and fund their future. This year, we celebrated many outstanding student achievements. Over 100 King Tech King students, both full and part-time are UA scholars, Skills USA winners, community partner scholarship winners, industry certificate holders, direct entry workforce employed, and are entering an apprenticeship. In this class, we have nine U.A. scholars, seven community partner scholarship winners, five students who enlisted in the military, five direct entry workforce employed, and one student entering a an apprenticeship with a trade union. Over 70% of this class completed college level CTE
009coursework, making these students eligible for dual credit at UAA and or UAF with an estimated value of $60,000 in college tuition savings for our students. By the numbers, this means that every student in this graduating class is leaving us fulfilling our mission of helping you find and fund your future. I'd like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation for all your family members, friends, coaches, mentors, employers, and high school teachers. Thank you for pouring your hearts and souls into these amazing King Tech students. In 2018, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Career Center, also known as KCC, became the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Technical High School, commonly referred to as King Techch. The move from KCC to King High School allowed both uh part-time and full-time options for students. Students during during your
010time at King, I hope you took notice of this powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that hangs from the wall of meeting room 1. No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. This quote is from a speech that was presented by Dr. King on March 8th, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. The goal of his speech was to bring attention to the Memphis sanitation worker strike that was in response to years of poor pay and dangerous working conditions. This quote was selected because it is from Dr. king and it embodies the core belief of our school. All work that you do provides a service to others and has value. Above all, whether you like the work that you do or not, especially if
011you find yourself in a place where you do not like the work that you do, do it with honor. Strive for excellence and you will garner respect. When you're when you enter post-secary school to earn an industry recognized credential or a degree, do it with excellence and you'll receive a key. When you take a job, take on a job because you need to survive. Do it with excellence and give yourself another key. Each key you make for a door that may be each key that you make is therefore a door that may open something in the future. And if the door isn't there tomorrow, it may be in the future. Be patient. Each door you open by the the key forged by dignity and painstaking excellence is the pass through to a better opportunity and
012more important a better version of yourself. It may take some time to find those doors, but you need to be patient and stay the course because all the work that you do means something. It has value and provides an uplift to you and the people in your life in your life who are counting on you. To conclude, the staff at King Tech have worked hard to help you find and fund your future. And if funds are scarce, you have to ask yourself the question, how are you going to make something out of nothing? What risks are you willing to take to achieve your goals? Over the course of the next several years of your life, the investment you make in building the best you will reveal itself. Meet failure as an opportunity to discover success.
013Build strong and healthy relationships and practice professionalism. Wealth is more than what you own and the dollars you have in your bank account. Be wealthy in mind. Be wealthy in spirit. Be wealthy growing and maintaining relationships with others. Uplift humanity through your labor and your life and the world will be a better place. I wish you all the very best as you move forward, making keys and opening doors to opportunity, to a better version of yourself, and to making the world a better place. At this time, I would like to officially recognize and welcome the amazing graduating class of 2025. [Applause] Now I would like to introduce King Tech speaker for the class of 2025, Cheyenne [Applause] Belshi. Before I get started, I would like to say thank you for everyone that came today. Um,
014good afternoon students, staff, and parents of King Technical High School. Welcome to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2025. My name is Cheyenne Belshi and today I'll be your MC for the next couple minutes. I want to take a moment to congratulate all of our seniors and those who may be graduating early. You've made it to the big milestone we've been looking forward to for years. Think about it. We finally get to wrap this 13-year-old chapter up in a pretty little bow and put in our pockets and we get to share and look back on it for the rest of our lives. I want to give the thanks to teachers, staff, parents, local organizations, and most importantly, our friends. Every single one of you has made even the unbearable days bearable. You've made them
015memorable. High school is all about making memories and learning to become more independent. But it's also about those moments of embarrassment from the moment you stepped in that first classroom with your now freshman friends. and you sat down, you were getting ready for attendance and your teacher goes, "You're not in this class." Or those moments where you have the most epic lunch just to go to fourth period and you can barely stay awake. In high school, you sacrifice a lot. Whether it's friends, time with family, your motivation, your temper, that puppy love boyfriend you swore you'll love forever. In loss, we gain a lot too. We gain love, knowledge, perspective, understanding, and most importantly, your independence. I lost a good friend my junior year. And though he's no longer with us, I can say wholeheartedly
016he's with me everywhere I go. He was obsessed with F22 Raptors. And in that, I've gained a huge love for aviation. As a whole, the class of 2025 was sorry was robbed of our middle school experience due to co. Some of us feel like those three years were a fever dream. Others remember trying to hide playing video games during Zoom classes or pretending to lag out just so we didn't have to hear our teacher's lesson. Our experience is different from every other graduating class. And that's what makes us resilient and unique. Every single one of us has a story to tell. And that's why some people will like us and others will hate us. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Just be you. My familia is here today. I haven't seen them
017since 2021 and when I was back when I was back home in Hawaii. I'm so thankful for their support. My roots are incredibly important to me. I'm born and raised in Hawaii, but I have a Mexican, Scottish, Native American, and South Korean background. Hakkin 49. I'm kidding. Um, I grew up on the Hawaiian culture. I was a hoola dancer for a few years and in doing so it taught me to be graceful and caring. My favorite achievement that I've ever earned in high school was a Jay Rosi summer camp achievement. They made a special award for me that was achievement that was called the mama bear. It showed me that taking care of people is who I am. And sometimes it's great to take a moment to notice what makes a person themselves. Everyone is
018different and that's what makes you and that's what makes King an incredible way to get into the workforce in a steady manner. Truly, thank you to our principal Dr. Mcinley for giving students so many opportunities and Mr. Schubert for the constant optimism and reassurance. King Tech is a special way that gives students a community and better yet a family. You have the freedom to talk to teachers like an adult and in response they give you their knowledge. Because I took a couple good minutes of your time before you graduate, I have a quote to share. As RM said, so let us take one more step. We have learned to love ourselves. So now I urge you to speak yourself. I would like to ask all of you, what is your name? What excites you? And
019what makes your heartbeat? Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you're from, your skin color, gender identity, speak yourself. Find your name, find your voice by speaking yourself. I want to once again thank you for a memorable year. And in conclusion from me, I want to say a mahalu nua. And in gratitude and in love, I ends. You have truly been a friend. Congratulations to the class of 2025. [Applause] Thank you, Cheyenne. That was wonderful. Next, I would like to introduce our staff speaker, our own automotive and collision repair instructor, Kirk Gallagher. Kirk Gallagher came to King Tech uh during COVID and um he was he's one of the few teachers we hired uh going into COVID. So the
020first thing we had to address was how do I teach collision repair online and uh Kirk really came up with a great idea because we connected with IICAR and IICAR is an industry standard um within the profession that uh takes students through a series and and folks in the industry through a series of lessons and you can reach uh platinum certification by doing it. So each level a student attains and by reaching platinum in the end uh it increases your um salary makes you more hirable and in and most importantly a master skilled technician and we were fortunate to hire Kirk because he is a master skilled technician. It's amazing what he does in the classroom with his students and in the shop. And uh those of you in the class of 2025 that have
021been fortunate to have Mr. Gallagher as an instructor, you know what I'm talking about. Uh, so without further ado, Mr. Kirk Gallagher. Thank you, sir. Nice. Thank you. All right. Well, trying to get this done and done really quick. So, yeah. All right. Good afternoon, everybody. staff, family, guests, and of course the amazing young men and women we're here to celebrate today. As I look out and see the smiles, hear the laughter, and even catch a fe a few tears of happiness. I should quit moving. I can't help but to reflect on my own high school days. Even though times in technology have changed, you are still so much the same. I see the same spirited kids I remember. The sports lovers, the academic achievers, the cool students, and everyone in between all trying to
022figure out their way through school. It's truly heartwarming to see things that don't change. Today is a celebration of your hard work, your perseverance, your growth, and the incredible journey you have taken. But it's also a moment of transition. One where we say goodbye not just to high school, but to a chapter of life that has shaped who you are. To the class of 2025, I want to start by saying we are proud of you. Not just because you've completed the coursework, passed the exams, or made it through your senior projects. Though those are accomplishments in themselves, we are proud because we've watched you grow into the young adults who think critically, speak bravely, support each other, and carry yourselves with purpose. Personally, being a part of this school and watching class classes like yours
023pass through has been a great joy of mine. And if you've been in my class, you know how much fun you guys make it. Every one of you has left a mark. And I mean that both metaphorically and in some quas in some cases quite literally. I'm here looking at whoever kept drawing pictures in the dust on the dirty car parts in my classroom. But truly, you've each contributed something unique to this community. And it won't be the same without you. As you step into adulthood, and yes, I know that word feels both exciting and heavy. I want you to remember this. Adulthood isn't about having all the answers. It's about continuing to ask questions. It's about showing up even on the hard days. It's about making mistakes and choosing to learn from them. Don't
024run from them. It's about building a life that reflects who you truly are. You don't need to know exactly what's next. Some of you will head off to college. Some of you will begin jobs. Some will travel, explore, learn yourself. All of those are valid. Life is not a straight line. Do not be afraid to take detours. Often they are where you find the most meaning. As you move on into adulthood, remember this. Life is what happens between planning your future and making your dreams come true. Do don't wait for the future you dream of or dwell on your past mistakes. You will miss the happiness of the life that's happening now. So, as we send you off into this next chapter, I hope you carry the lessons you've learned here. Not just the academic
025ones, but the ones about friendship, resilience, leadership, and kindness. I hope you stay curious, stay grounded, and stay kind to others and yourself. We will miss you deeply, but cannot wait to see what you do in this world. Congratulations to the class of 2025. You have made us proud. Now go make yourselves proud. Thank you. Oh, please. Thank you, sir. Great speech. You have nerves of steel. You made it. Good job. So, will the members of King Tech High School class of 2025 please rise? And will Dr. Bryant And will Dr. Bryant and school board member Higgins. Please join me. Dr. Bryant, the records of each student present have been examined and been found to have met the credit criteria for graduation from the Anchorage School District. It is my honor to present to you
026King High School class of 2025. On behalf of the Anchorage School District administration, it is my sincere pleasure to accept the class of 2025 of King High School. Mr. Higgins, may I present to you the class of 2024 of King High School. Thank you. Uh on behalf of the Anchorage School Board, it's my honor to accept the 2025 class of of King High School. Congratulations graduates. Thank you. Now we will initiate the roll call. In order to honor all the graduates and show respect for their achievements, we ask that you refrain from applause andor use of uh well, anything else that might make a lot of noise. This is uh district language, so I'm just reading for you. And uh graduates, so that graduates can receive their diploma. And we will now begin the roll
027call. This is exciting. Atkins, Nikki Acreland [Music] Jacob Albborne, [Music] Brandon Aloway. Sebastian [Music] Barnes, Felicity Barton [Applause] [Music] Cheyenne Belshi, [Applause] Marina Benton, [Applause] Kylin Betlin Zea Inari Taylor Bond [Applause] Nikita Boskoff, [Applause] Sage Boston [Applause] [Music] Brian Shannard, Alyssa Colen, Congratulations Jay Curtis Ja Deia [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Michaela dear, [Applause] Nathan Xeen. Lane Fulmer, [Music] [Applause] Carrie Anne French, [Applause] Diego Garcia, [Applause] Robert [Applause] Gilpin, Alexi Gratinar. Job, Lexi. So sometimes we have extra family members here. So Shelby Green Cumudy and her mom Shaina, she's one of our instructors. Yay. Ayana Hamilton, [Applause] Will Haniman. All right, Will. Good on you, brother. Nathaniel Henderson. [Applause] Joshua Hinsburgger. What's up, Josh? Yeah, Josh. Somewhere Mia House. [Applause] What's up, Mia? [Applause] Joshua Hughes, [Applause] Wasima [Applause] Isidoro. Congratulations, Jamarcus James, [Applause] Clark Jones.
028[Music] Preston Jones. Yeah. [Music] Sarah King Cumlad [Applause] Danica Lavario, Amy Leon Nabas, Cumlaude. Brendan Mangled, Natalia Martinez. [Music] [Applause] Christian Martinez. Don't pass out. Don't pass out. Daniel Mason. [Applause] [Music] Elizabeth Mingo. [Applause] Congratulations for being one of my students. Gage Mincson. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Go ahead, Tegan Mooney. [Applause] Yasmin Moranta Jeremiah Nun. [Applause] Jake Parkinson, [Applause] [Music] Jonathan Plunkett, [Applause] Leticia Quapa, [Applause] [Music] Jordan Reeves, [Applause] Vincent Rogan [Applause] Bryce Rush, [Applause] [Music] Tia Skinner, [Applause] Isaac Smith. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nia Smith, Kum Laudy. Congratulations. [Applause] Hazel Souder, [Applause] Oro Stimson Marquez. [Music] [Applause] Adrien Thomas. So, Azriel Thomas [Applause] Sky tong tong noyad day. I'm sorry. [Applause] [Music] Tristan Townsen [Applause] Kira Tui Magna Cumladi, [Applause] Spencer Van. Last but not least, Jaden Wilcox, Magna Kumladi. Make sure he gets off
029stage. body. Will the graduates please [Music] rise? By the by the power vested in me by the state of Alaska, I now pronounce you graduates of King High School. And I will now lead you in one final official bit of business to conduct the traditional turning of the tassel. After turning the tassel, the ceremony will be ending. Friends and families and graduates, please exit and meet up outside and uh spend time together and celebrate. The changing of the tassel symbolizes your transition from grad uh candidates to full-fledged graduates. At this time, would you please make sure your tassel is on the right of your mortar board and grab a hold of it? All right, nobody's using their other right. That's good. On the count of three, I invite you to move it from the right
030to left in unison with your classmates to celebrate this long awaited moment. One, two, three. Yes. Congratulations, class of 2025. Yes. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Hey. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]