Day Ten Write Alaska: Graduation, Poetry Performances, and Closing Events

The last day of Write Alaska! was a bit bittersweet. Yes, it was the end of class. The end of waking up early in the morning and the end of long bus rides. It was also, however, the last day of what many people in the class referred to “the best time I have ever had in school.” In only ten classroom days, we spent over 100 hours together, participating in lessons in the traditional classroom and learning things about ourselves and our environment in Southcentral Alaska that aren’t always a part of the curriculum. In two weeks, we teachers got to spend as much time with students as would normally happen in an entire semester – from August to December.

We got to see students who “hate” to write become writers (as evidenced by the many, many posts on this blog). We were able to see reluctant writers become poets and teenage poets refine their critical analysis skills. We also got to see these nineteen amazing students outside of the classroom. We watched many of you gain the self-confidence to do big hikes like Bird Ridge and Alyeska. We got to see you take on new challenges and then reflect on them outdoors. We were able to see you learn skills in rod and reel fishing and then stand in a stream and perfect your casts – even when the fish weren’t biting.

We also got to learn together. We had a few bumps in the road, like with what it means to be an ethical outdoorsman or outdoorswoman. We looked at the philosophies of two very different thinkers about the outdoor world, and we discussed those in depth. We had more than a few safety discussions, and the end result will hopefully be that you all go out and explore these places in AK, even after this class, but that you will also be safe while doing it! We also got to talk about books with you and be reminded from you, teenagers, how wonderful it is to be young.

We also were tired. Very, very tired.

On the closing day of the class, all of the students presented their poetry performance projects. At Valley of the Moon park in Anchorage, after a few intense games of Ultimate Frisbee and other assorted forms of park revelry, everyone gathered in the picnic area to watch poetry performances. I suppose we might have looked a bit odd: nineteen teenagers and a handful of adults, the teenagers standing on the picnic tables two at a time, reciting poetry.

Each group started with the background info on their chosen poet and some information on the analysis of each poet. Then – we got to the best part. From memory (or almost memory in a few cases) each group performed the piece. As I write this, I can hear Scott’s line of “are you still smoking?” in "Afraid So" by Jeanne Marie Beaumont, performed in that voice of Marge Simpson’s sister. It was a great day. My nerdy English teacher heart swelled with pride!

Back at the ASD Education Center, we arrived to see a beautifully decorated area in the atrium. Barb, Leah, Rhiannon, and crew had been hard at work while we were gone to set the stage for a memorable closing ceremony, and even more important: a graduation.

Parents, relatives, and friends showed up to cheer on the young intelligent people they love. Administrators and staff from the Ed Center peered over the railing to watch our class as the students once again performed their poems. This time they had a much more formal setting, with a podium and microphone. The performances were even better than the first time.

The last students to perform were Kyle and Juan. Upon successfully completing this last assignment, Juan’s high school career had come to a close. Ms. Huber from S.A.V.E High School spoke at Juan’s commencement ceremony. She told stories about Juan’s dedication, both to his schooling and to the many hours he had spent working on his car in the school parking lot, even in freezing temperatures. Two more of Juan’s teachers from S.A.V.E. also attended in support of Juan.

Juan—we are very proud of you. You worked hard in this class, and you have a clear path for your future ahead of you. Good luck at Universal Technical Institute in Arizona! I know that based on your entrance scores to this school, they are VERY much looking forward to you attending their school.

On the heels of that excitement from the graduation ceremony, we concluded the class with the awards ceremony. The awards highlighted the "best of" moments in the class, ranging from Most Prolific Poet to the "Top of the Mountain" award. With that, we said our goodbyes and thank you’s and went on our separate ways.

This blog will remain up and live. Please keep posting your poetry, short stories, thoughts, and comments throughout the year. Of course, as we discussed in class, this is an academic site. Remember to capitalize you I’s and self-police your language and content.

I know that as a teacher, this has been one of the most powerful and authentic learning experiences that I have ever had. From the feedback, you students gave us in the Google Doc exit survey, you clearly shared this sentiment.

To all the students:

Thank you so much to all of you for your commitment, energy, and enthusiasm. You were willing to write, write, and re-write to meet my grammar junkie standards. You dove into tough poems at Ben’s lead, and you researched and memorized them in less than a week. You gave it your best on every hike that Cameron, Kevin, and Jamie took you on. You did your best to out-fish Spade on the river. And whatever Barb and Leah asked of you, you did your best to be representatives of Write Alaska! and of the Anchorage School District when you were out in the community.

We had better all get invites to the remaining eighteen graduation ceremonies for the students in this class over the next three years. We look forward to being there in the audience at those ceremonies to celebrate your successes too!

You all rock,

Sonnet