Class of 2018 graduates from Haines High School

The Haines High School class of 2018 graduated Tuesday evening. Nineteen of the 21 students attended the ceremony, donning green and white caps and gowns while reminiscing about their school careers.

The Haines School gymnasium was packed with family and friends, young and old, eagerly waiting to watch the seniors receive their high school diplomas. The event began in traditional fashion with the graduands entering the gymnasium to the Haines School Band’s rendition of Pomp and Circumstance. After the students took their seats, principal Rene Martin welcomed everyone in attendance and introduced salutatorian Tulsi Zahnow.

During her heartfelt speech, Zahnow expressed excitement at the prospect of starting down a unique path in life.

“Up to this point our paths have all virtually followed the same direction with our differences blended. Now is the time to make our differences stand out. It’s time to blossom into our own unique forms and add our own colors to the world.”

She urged her fellow classmates to take an active role in creating the life they want to live.

“We will not go through the motions of life. We will be the life. Forever fluctuating movement. Not being dictated by it, but by choosing how we respond to it.”

After concluding her speech, the school concert choir performed two pieces. Graduate Keegan Palmieri led the way with a strong solo during One Call Away.

Then it was time for the commencement address from paraeducator Rachelle Galinski. She has had a long history with the graduating class, having taught them in the fourth grade when she first joined the teaching staff back in 2009. She described how nervous she was that first day.

“The students eyed me up and down. One little girl with big bright brown eyes said, ‘Who in the world are you?’” Galinski reminisced. “’That’s Mrs. Galinski. She’s working with us this year. I think she’s nice. Maybe.’”

During her speech, she looked back on her time spent with the class of 2018 over the years and spoke to each student’s unique qualities. She reminded them that they can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

“You have the one ability to inspire others wherever you may go. Remember that every day presents the opportunity to touch someone else’s life. There will be hard days when it’s difficult to ‘adult.’ But even in those difficult moments, you can inspire,” Galinski said.

After Galinski’s speech, principal Martin introduced several students who had received special honors. Molly Ekstrom, Seth Waldo, Martin Fowler, and Tailor Olsson were recognized for their participation in the National Honors Society. Next, Ekstrom, Olsson and Zahnow were recognized for achieving academic excellence.  

Two students, Karl Schulze and valedictorian Molly Ekstrom were not in attendance due to prior commitments. Student body president Seth Waldo was more than happy to step in and deliver the commencement address on Ekstrom’s behalf. Waldo drew on his basketball announcer skills to hype the crowd.

After delivering some one-liners and recalling funny memories, Waldo became sentimental.

“I would like to thank the parents, the people of Haines, and everyone that has believed in us and helped us get to this point in our lives. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you guys. Don’t worry the class of 2018 and I will make Haines even prouder.”

Diplomas were presented to each member of the graduating class by school board president Anne Marie Palmieri. At the end of the ceremony, each student moved the tassel of their cap from the right side to the left in unison before throwing the hats into the air.