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Education

Photos: Emotions flow during celebration for West High grads

By Anchorage Daily News
Updated: May 10, 2022 Published: May 10, 2022

Graduated West student Bianca Popescu smiles from beneath a pile of leis outside the Alaska Airlines Center Monday. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Spring graduation season in the Anchorage School District, which started last week, continued at the Alaska Airlines Center Monday for some of the largest schools. Three hundred and seventy students graduated from West High School Monday. A total of about 2,400 students will graduate from the eight largest high schools in the district this year.

Lupe'lani Vaaia blows a kiss. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Jorge Cortes wears a stole made by his mother. "My dad sacrificed a lot to come to this country and give me a better life," he said. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Nivionna Branigan dances across the stage. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Savannah Romero's cap is decorated with butterflies and the colors of the pansexual pride flag. (Marc Lester / ADN)

West students file into the Alaska Airlines Center arena. (Marc Lester / ADN)

West's Tea Seuvaai heads to the stage to receive his diploma. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Sarai Candelas wears a flag of Mexico during graduation and is greeted by staff. "I'm doing it for my family," she said. "Me getting this honor to graduate in America, I'm going to show off for my people." (Marc Lester / ADN)

Fehi Latu, left, and Bina Maugaotega kiss before graduation starts. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Leanita Kanongata'a waits before graduation gets started. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Ami Amiatu's gown shows an images of his brother, Lala Amiatu, who Ami said passed away at a young age. "This is for him," he said of his graduation. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Gailen Williams smiles before the ceremony begins. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Graduated West student Lorenzo Umu gets help with his crown and leis after the ceremony Monday. (Marc Lester / ADN)

The West choir performs. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Kimberly Markovich is congratulated by West staff members. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Mulgra "Nelly" Mwamba dries her tears with help from Aunis McLash. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Carolina Aumua, center, hugs friends after the ceremony ends. (Marc Lester / ADN)

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