It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming a new year on this incredible island we are so blessed to call home. Wrangell is more than a place — it’s a family. Each person here adds something extraordinary to the vibrant life of our community.
This past year, we celebrated milestones that reminded us of the strength of these bonds. During the Fourth of July, 30- and 40-year high school reunions chose Wrangell as their gathering place — not just out of tradition, but because here, everyone knows your name, arms are open wide, and every accomplishment feels like a collective victory.
We honored Kay Larson, selected by the Alaska Children’s Trust as one of four Champions for Kids statewide in 2024. Her devotion to Wrangell’s children — teaching virtues, resilience and kindness through weekly classes and countless activities — has made a lasting impact on the next generation.
The spirit of community was evident in so many ways. From our sports teams that shined brilliantly in region and state to afterschool programs to building the haunted house fundraiser where people of all backgrounds — varied faiths and races — came together, raising funds for The Salvation Army’s community services.
These acts of solidarity teach our children profound lessons: That a diverse, colorful social fabric woven with love, humility and selflessness creates something lasting and beautiful, wrapping us all in its warmth.
We also held space to grieve and heal, marking the one-year anniversary of a tragic landslide. Together, we broke bread, held hands, hugged loved ones and painted rocks for a memorial mural — a heartfelt tribute to those we lost. Letters of support from Alaska’s U.S. senators, the Native community, our mayor and faith leaders offered comfort, while Wrangell’s unwavering love and solidarity carried us through.
This year, we also celebrated creativity and ingenuity. The staging of “You Can’t Take It With You” brought us to our feet in appreciation of local talent. Our schools uplifted us with beautiful concerts and artwork, showcasing the boundless gifts of our children and youth.
And Wrangell made history when an 80-foot-tall spruce tree from the Tongass National Forest became the official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Thanks to the care and ingenuity of our youth and local engineers, the tree arrived well-nourished and alive. It was sent off with Native blessings, prayers and good wishes, with local florist Artha DeRuyter representing Wrangell on the White House decorations team.
Moments like these remind us of all we’ve built together — a haven of peace, unity and harmony. As we step into this new year, let’s continue to strengthen the bonds that hold us together and honor the values that remind us we are, above all else, one family — the human family.
Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with joy, love and hope.
Omid Rahmanian is a Wrangell resident and business owner.
Reader Comments(0)