With the conclusion of our daughter’s 2014 school year and graduation from Nikiski High School, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank the staff of Nikiski North Star and Nikiski High School for their service to our children over the years.
Over 25 years ago, we chose to live in Nikiski because of the community, its ability to work together and help those in need, and that hometown feeling. What we found in the schools was just as rewarding.
These educators are not individuals who travel distances for a job. Instead, most of these teachers have made Nikiski their home, and have invested themselves and their families into this community. They have shown us that their commitment goes beyond an 8 to 5 job.
While others chose to move their children to Kenai so they could get the benefit of classes and extra-curricular activities that were not available at NHS, we chose to stay because we found there were standards and values being taught that could not be found elsewhere. For us the decision was the right one. We never expected the schools to provide everything to our children. That was our job.
Our children have turned out to be individuals we are proud of; they are contributing citizens to the community, and after time away, are choosing to return to Nikiski to make it their home because they see a community they want their children to be a part of.
We have seen many changes of the last 20 years within the schools, but throughout those changes, the integrity and dedication by staff has remained the same. We have watched them take time out of their lives to mentor and guide students who have struggled. We have watched them develop (against odds) sustainable community programs. We have watched them join in our success and share in our sorrow.
One individual’s actions do not determine the integrity of a school or a community. Unfortunately, that’s the only publicity that seems to be heard. For us, the good far outweighs the bad. And, in the end, if we were to do it all over again, we would make the same decisions.
From us, a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of NNS and NHS, for your commitment to our children, our youth and our community.