May 23, 2017 marked a monumental day for 41 students at Seward High School. Clad in caps and gowns, hands shaking with nerves, excitement, and fear, tears glistening in their eyes, 41 seniors took the next step in their lives — together. They walked hand-in-hand down the aisle, proclaiming to nearly 525 guests the countless goals they achieved. Parents cried and hugged their newly christened graduates, mourning the last twelve years but rejoicing for what the future holds. This moment — the moment that hats and dreams fly high — is what they have been waiting for.

Senior Trenten Freiberg said that his teachers are what made him the graduate he is today. “They get me thinking what I want to do with my future … Because of Mrs. Brasher, and having her in chemistry, I started to think that I wanted to study Biology at UAA.” Teachers put in hundreds of hours, all leading up to helping each and every student graduate. Of course, the teachers at Seward High are the cornerstone, the foundation of a student’s education. Logan Smith also commented that his relationships with teachers like Ronn Hemstock and Stephanie Cronin have given him countless opportunities. “[The teachers here] give you the chance to really study a field more independently and in depth … Cronin allowed me to work with the 3-D printer … this is an opportunity I never would have had without her.”

The community and atmosphere of this small town have also shaped students. As Jeremy Anderson stated in his valedictory speech, “I shouldn’t be up here, none of us should … We were driven because of all of you: our family, friends, teachers, and those that stood by us at our worst, pushed us to be our best, and comforted us when we were not.” It is the entire community of Seward that surrounds these seniors and expects them to be greater than they were yesterday. Thanks to this, the seniors of Seward High have achieved innumerable goals.

Senior year has been great indeed. Hunter Kratz broke three school records. Kratz, along with Rhett Sieverts, and Nic Pahno have all signed to play their favorite sports at their favorite schools. Tia Miranda led the volleyball team to state. Sieverts, Pahno, Trenten Frieberg, Kjell Nilsson, Nick Woodard, Michael Wilps, Logan Smith, Kris Hettick, and Reid Broughton all led the football team to their first playoff game in years plus the title of Conference Champions. Academics and athletics have played a huge role in the seniors’ final year. They’ve finally achieved greatness. Now, on to new heights.