.png)
Yaaḵoosgé Daakahídi High School graduation a mix of laughter and pride from students, teachers and families
- Jasz Garrett
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
'The amazing thing about this class is that no matter what life threw at us, we kept going'
By Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
The 2026 graduating class of Yaaḵoosgé Daakahídi High School was recognized for their humor and resilience on Sunday.
“In the end, what the class of 2026 really taught me is that resilience is built with love, community care and a whole lot of humor, and I can assure you this class is full of it,” said Electra Gardiner, a YDHS advisor and teacher.
Graduates chose her to be the staff speaker — but Gardiner mentioned with a laugh that they also voted her the teacher they’d most like to pie in the face.
“Congratulations to the class of 2026, I am endlessly proud of each of you,” she said after giving a speech about the 10 lessons students taught her, which ranged from fashion advice to the importance of Hot Shot Coffee.
The alternative high school’s ceremony is unique because each graduate is recognized by their assigned advisor, who recounts their personal achievements.
YDHS allows students flexible course offerings, including independent study courses, Voc-Tech and UAS dual enrollment. Staff work to develop student-centered curriculum, including a learning and graduation plan to meet their individual needs.
Ira Anstine played a significant role in helping set up a clothing boutique so students could access donated clothes free of charge and helped organize and distribute food bags at both YDHS and Montessori Borealis.
“Ira became someone who you could count on, not just for stories, but for real support and action,” his advisor, Lindsey Cassidy, said. “Since leaving Yaaḵoosgé because he got his credits early, Ira has continued building that responsibility through his work at Fred Meyer.”
He received a scholarship on Sunday for his volunteer work. Graduate Mackenna Galvin continued efforts to uphold the school clothing store and food pantry after Anstine’s early fall departure.
Ira Bear, who plans to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts, and MaJohnieca “Mari” Ruiz, who enrolled at the University of Alaska Southeast, also received scholarships that were announced during Sunday’s ceremony.
Ruiz served as the Yaaḵoosgé representative to the Juneau Board of Education and took a dual-credit course through UAS.
“She has a strong sense of right and wrong, and she often encourages people around her to make good choices,” Cassidy said. “Her positive attitude is contagious, and Yaaḵoosgé has truly been a better place because of her presence.”
Cassidy also remarked on Ruiz’s commitment to walking to school, even throughout Juneau’s record-setting winter of snowfall and cold.
Other graduates were congratulated on motherhood, plans to join the military, and for entering the trades. Many advisors highlighted seniors for their kindness, perseverance, creativity and work ethic. Inside jokes were also shared on stage.
The Woosh.ji.een dance group welcomed the 34 seniors to the Dzantik’i Heeni gymnasium to begin the ceremony. The dance group welcomes college graduates annually at the University of Alaska Southeast’s commencement. Xeetli.eesh Lyle James, Woosh.ji.een group leader and a YDHS teacher, said it was their first time performing at a high school graduation.
“It’s important our youth know where they come from,” he said.
Áak’w Kwáan Tribal Spokesperson Seikooni Fran Houston gave a land acknowledgement.
Graduate Raynona Fraker Tyler was the YDHS student speaker. She signed a letter of intent Tuesday to attend Edmonds College in Lynnwood, Washington, and be a soccer goalkeeper for the Tritons. She is planning to major in sociology.
“High school was more than assignments, grades, and deadlines,” Fraker Tyler said. “It was early mornings, long nights, friendships we never expected to gain, friendships we never expected to lose, memories we’ll never forget, and lessons we didn’t realize we were learning at the time.”
Fraker Tyler is the first student-athlete from YDHS to sign for a college sport. Students who attend Yaaḵoosgé can participate in sports, activities and dances at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé.
She said Sunday was not just about celebrating a diploma, but also “every obstacle we overcame to get here.” Fraker Tyler added graduates may not remember every assignment or lesson, but they would remember the care and support their educators provided.
“There were moments when things felt easy and moments when they felt impossible,” she said. “We all faced challenges that people may never fully understand. But the amazing thing about this class is that no matter what life threw at us, we kept going. We grew stronger, wiser and more resilient because of it.”
Fraker Tyler told her classmates that although they are heading in different directions, she hopes they never forget the memories made together. She reminded them success is not about having everything figured out right away.
“It’s about continuing to grow, continuing to try, and continuing to believe in ourselves even when things get hard,” she said.
She said standing on stage in her cap and gown felt unreal, “at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.” Fraker Tyler led her fellow graduates in moving their tassels from the right to the left, taking care in lifting the feathers dangling from her own cap.
Interim principal Lori Hoover encouraged the class to throw their caps in the air, officially concluding Sunday’s ceremony.
• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.
.jpg)
.jpg)