by Greg Lincoln
Forty-five mortarboard and gown clad Warriors graduated May 15, 2021 in the Bethel Regional High School commencement ceremony to the cheers of their family and friends. The graduation took place outside at the Ayaprun Immersion School porch with families watching from their trucks and cars. The ceremony was also broadcast live on 105.5 FM radio. Graduates received their diplomas and also awards and scholarships.
The order of ceremony began with Ms. Alicia Miner, Site Administrator for BRHS giving the welcoming address. Special speakers included student-selected speaker Ethan Sundown, staff-selected speaker Jamin Crow, and Commencement speaker Corey Tolliver (read by Darren Lieb).
Families in their vehicles honked their horns in appreciation for each speech.
Two Seal of Biliteracy Awards were presented by Ms. Miner. The recipients are Felicia Daniel and Kaeli Amik, both for Yugtun.
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given to students who meet proficiency standards in the Yup’ik and English languages. Each recipient will be awarded a medallion along with the Seal of Biliteracy stamp on the diploma, as well as a special notation on the transcript.
Ms. Erin Bernard proudly presented the scholarship awardees and the different scholarships. Following the awards was the final presentation of diplomas. The graduates were announced by Tad Lindley and were presented by Ms. Miner.
The graduates, with diplomas in hand, threw their mortarboards in the air as a final hurrah to signify completion of their high school careers. Enjoy the journey as much as the dream. – Class motto.
Congratulations to the BRHS Class of 2021!
Graduations are happening all over the YK Delta region for our resilient, hardworking, longsuffering students and the amazing staff and families who provided guidance and support. You made it through a most difficult year, a pandemic year. You are the epitome of success. We enjoyed your journey, many of you were a part of the Delta Discovery, we thank you and wish you the best. Congratulations to all of our high school, preschool, kindergarten, and college graduates. We are so proud of you!
