Class of 2026 Commencement: A Celebration of Persistence at Prince William Sound College
by Vicki Heisser |
Last night, Prince William Sound College came together at the Valdez Civic Center
for the 2026 Commencement ceremony—an evening grounded in pride, persistence, and
the work it actually takes to get to the finish line.
This year’s graduates represent the strength and range of our programs. From Marine
Service Technology and Millwright to Natural Resources Technician, Outdoor Leadership,
and Construction Skills, these students didn’t just complete coursework—they showed
up, stayed with it, and finished what they started.
We also recognized Academic Achievement students through GED and Construction Skills,
underscoring something important about this place: there isn’t just one path forward,
and every pathway matters.
Occupational Endorsement graduates in Marine Service Technology include Antonia F.
Grissett, Sarah S. Hanson, Alexandria Ayse Macknight, Aurora M. Maffin, Monica R.
Merlau, Tristan Taylor, and Lyle B. Watson. Millwright graduates include Dalen A.
Beck, Luke C. Kaderabek, Hattie M. Luckasson, Ashley S. Nova Aventurin, Hayden J.
Packer, William R. Pendleton, Logan W. Ranger, Angel B. Sanchez, Joshua Sonkowsky,
Mamba M.C. Tall, Brock V. Tucker, and Fleming Maximillian Brainerd. Natural Resources
Technician graduates include Sarah G. Dale, Divyne Storm Hall, Elizabeth M. Imperiale,
Elie Land, Asya Leavitt, Ian M. Lingard, Wyatt J. Mason, Cameron A. Passmore, Ramona
L. Smith, Brayden Stanger, Edward Toufectis, and Isabella G. Tulauskas.
Academic Achievement Recognition included General Education Development (GED) graduates
Jade Cook and Hayden J. Packer, as well as Construction Skills Series graduates Jordan
Baars, Jacob Makar, and Jeremy Parsard.
Across all programs, students were also recognized for academic honors and achievement,
reflecting the dedication it takes to succeed in both academic and hands-on career
pathways.
We extend a special thank you to our student speakers—Alexandria Ayse Macknight, Jane
Churchill, and Hattie Luckasson—for sharing their voices and experiences during the
ceremony. Their words reflected the hard work, growth, and determination of the Class
of 2026.
We were honored to be joined by members of our platform party: Fernando Escobar, Regent,
Board of Regents, University of Alaska; Dr. Tom Green, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student
Affairs, University of Alaska Anchorage; Dr. Dennis J. Humphrey, Campus Director,
Prince William Sound College; Shannon Stites, Assistant Director, Academic & Student
Affairs, Prince William Sound College; and Ben Bobowski, Special Projects, Ahtna,
Inc., National Park Service (Retired).
From opening procession to closing recessional, the ceremony reflected what this work
really is—students supported by instructors who don’t let go easily, families and
friends who show up behind the scenes, and individuals who keep moving forward even
when it’s hard.
Commencement is never just about one night. It’s the result of every early morning,
every challenge pushed through, and every decision to keep going.
To the Class of 2026—this was earned. Every bit of it.
Congratulations.