Alaska Department of Labor and Statistics report last month tracked the percentage of 2005 high school graduates who remained in the state after graduating. Haines graduates bucks the trends.
About 48% of statewide graduates live outside of Alaska, a pattern that’s nearly identical in Juneau. In Haines, only 33% of 2005 graduates left the state. Of the 32 graduates of the class of 2005, about six still live in Haines.
“It’s interesting that a higher percentage of the Haines grads were still Alaska residents compared to the state overall and also to Juneau,” said Dan Robinson with the Department of Labor and Statistics. “Some of that may just be because the numbers are small and small numbers tend to bounce around more, but a few other possibilities come to mind, that people in Haines have deeper generational roots than other parts of the state and also that Haines is a unique enough place in positive ways that it draws people back to a greater degree than some places.”
Two 2005 graduates remaining in Haines cited both those reasons as to why they continue to live here.
Haines’ unique outdoor opportunities and the recreation community is a reason Alixanne Goodman said she still lives in her hometown, a place she’s left and returned to more than a dozen times.
“There’s just a draw to this town and I think it has to do with the wilderness and my community,” Goodman said. “There’s always something to go out and do and have a big adventure. Nobody is bragging about the things they’re doing. People do it with such a humble attitude. There’s so many world class athletes here and so many intelligent people. I’ve never lived in a community like that.”
Kaitlin Combs said she values being surrounded by family, both hers and her husband Bryan Combs’ .
“I absolutely love having the big family get-togethers and seeing how the cousins are all so close, like siblings,” Combs said. “It’s pretty special.”
Similar to Goodman, she also said Haines offers outdoor experiences that are unparalleled. “I feel like it’s one of the last places where you can go out and enjoy nature without needing a permit to go camping or four-wheeling or exploring somewhere new.”