Wrangell's self-reliance shines in graduating class

Another school year is almost done and, once again, I’m truly impressed by the caliber of young people Wrangell produces.

For the past two years, I’ve interviewed the students of the senior class for their graduation projects. Each story revealed unique characters who were all equally prepared to walk into adulthood, albeit by different paths.

I have a list of five standard questions I ask in the senior project stories: What’s your name? What’s your project? What are your plans post-high school? What will you miss about high school? What won’t you miss about high school?

Anyone who has read these stories will see that structure, but what I try to capture is the personality and the spirit of every subject. Though they are as diverse as the contents of a Whitman’s Sampler, they all have one thing in common: They know how to get things done.

Growing up as the third of three sons, each of us glommed on to certain aspects of our parents’ abilities. My oldest brother got the construction and mechanic genes from my dad. My older brother got the anal-retentive housekeeping qualities of my mom with some mechanical abilities (sharing a bedroom with him was like a daily reenactment of The Odd Couple). And I got my mom’s artistic, writing and baking skills.

Even though being able to creatively express myself through art and writing has served me well, I always lamented not getting the same skills as my oldest brother. Yes, I can still fix things around the house or change a car tire, but I can’t re-roof my house or replace a transmission.

That’s what impresses me about the kids in Wrangell. The number of them that dive into learning how to weld and build things, hunt and fish or accomplish just about anything else they put their minds to is admirable.

It shouldn’t be that surprising, since living in rural Alaska demands we make adjustments if we need something done or if it will take longer than we want. Either that or it just doesn’t get done.

That do-it-yourself mentality seems second nature in this state, especially in Wrangell.

Students are given the tools beyond what they already learn at home to achieve their goals in life, even if they don’t know what those might be upon graduation.

I’ve already cited the examples building and fixing things, but students are also taught technology skills, communication and leadership skills, what it takes to run a household, cooking and so many other things. Every time I learn about another class offered by Wrangell’s schools, I’m amazed at how much our educators are able to impart given funding and staff shortages they face.

This community really does give its kids a fighting chance as they head into the future, which is also proven in the adults who grew up here and chose to stay. The self-reliance found here continues to inspire me.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go figure out how to build a camper for my Chevy.