Longtime Haines middle school teacher Lisa Andriesen will speak at Haines High School graduation Tuesday.
The senior class voted to hear from Andriesen, who has taught language arts and social studies since 1991. She has served as homeschool coordinator since 2012. “I’ve seen these kids through their school career, some kids I’ve known since they were babies,” Andriesen said.
“In middle school she was a big part of our education. She did a lot for us,” said senior Bozhi Sebens. “She makes an effort to have a relationship with every student. She had never been asked (to speak), and we felt that she deserved it,” Sebens said.
Andriesen said she wants to share with the graduates how special and unique they were as middle schoolers and now as they move on from high school.
“The things that they perceived as negative in middle school, that’s not what we remember at all,” Andriesen said. “They’ve already got so much going for them, and they’ll continue to grow as people.”
Andriesen has three children, two in school. Her daughter, Madeline Andriesen, is one of 17 seniors graduating this year. Madeline is the class valedictorian and will speak with salutatorian Alex Habra at the graduation ceremony.
Andriesen also is a member of the Ripinsky Rippers quilt group and volunteers at community events. “I’m really honored that they asked me to be their commencement speaker,” Andriesen said. Haines High School graduation starts at 7 p.m. May 23 in Karl Ward Gym.
Klukwan School will finish its year with preschool graduation 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, Field Day on Wednesday, May 24 and kindergarten graduation and eighth grade promotion at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25.