The graduates of Kenai Alternative High School were recognized for their contribution to the school’s close-knit, “family” atmosphere before receiving their diplomas Wednesday.
Principal John Galahan presented each of his 10 graduates with their own awards — reflective of the pieces of themselves that they’ve given to the school whether they spent four years at Kenai Alternative or only a couple of months. Some of his students secretly are artists, others distinguished themselves by overcoming steep credit deficits or by bringing a bright attitude to the school every day.
Jahzelle Satern, one of the graduates, told her class not to look back — instead to keep their eyes firmly looking forward.
“The future holds endless possibilities for each and every one of us,” she said. Each of them can choose their own paths, and each of them can do great things.
Erica Smyth spoke similarly. The graduates of Kenai Alternative each completed their educations, survived high school and earned their diplomas. If they can do that, she said, “we can do anything.”
Galahan encouraged the students to seek out their futures, but reminded them that no matter how far they go, each will always be a part of their Kenai Alternative community.
“You are a family,” he said. “Take advantage of that.”
Kenai Alternative High School 2025 graduates
Kaden Blake
Cynthia Constantine
Mercy Gephart
Olsen Gray
Abednego Larson
Kentrell Nick
Jahzelle Saetern
Eli Semeraro
Erica Smyth
Kenai Alternative High School graduates process out of their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Katie Hunter high fives Kenai Alternative High School’s graduates only moments before their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates process into their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates process into their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates take their seats during a commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates listen to a speech by Principal John Galahan during their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates listen to a speech by Principal John Galahan during their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative High School graduates stand with their diplomas at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony in the school’s gym in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
