Memorial Day 2011 In Unalaska

Memorial Day 2011 is a cold and blustery one in Unalaska, But that never stops this town from coming out in Remembrance on this Holiday.
Brian Rankin sports his dress Uniform while his mum AB and daughter join the crowd.
About 100 people joined together, standing near the beachfront on this remote island, one of the furthest extensions of the United States to remember those who gave all so that we could be here today.
The US Coast Guard MSD Unalaska raised the Colors,
While Scout Troop 561 Raised the Service flags.

Mayor Shirley Marquardt began the program with introducing some of the Religious leaders of Unalaska Including
Father Andrew of the Holy Ascension Orthodox Cathedral,
Frank Kelty of Saint Christoper by the Sea Catholic Church,
And Roger Rowland of the Aleutian Bible Church.
Emil Berikoff of the Unalaska Native Fisherman's Association read a Fisherman's Poem while the Scout Troop Presented a wreath to the Fisherman's Memorial.
Lt. Mark Labert of the USCG presented a History of the Bering Sea Patrol before presenting a wreath to the Coast Guard Memorial

And Sam Svarny, WWII Veteran, with the Scouts presented a Wreath to the World War II Memorial. Also the Names of the Unangan Survivors of World War II were read off, which always brings tears to my eyes.


A 21 Gun Salute is provided by the Unalaska Department of Public Safety

Samuel Winters and Aiden Sandel Provided a stiring rendition of Taps.

ally Mayor Marquardt gave closing remarks on this ceremony where there was not a dry eye in the Crowd

And Finally a shot of the Wreaths against the Memorials.

So On this Day of BBQ's and Shopping Sales lets all take time and remember those for who this day was made:

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is The Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us Freedom of the press.

It is The Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us Freedom of speech.

It is The Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us Freedom to demonstrate.

It is The Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is The Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Unalaska Prom and Graduation 2011!!!!

Ok, As everyone on the island knows, May is the craziest month of the year for all of us who actually live here. From City events, to open houses, to Clean Up Week, to Prom, to Graduation, to Memorial Day it does not seem like there are enough Hours in the day to get everything done, and that's with it starting to be light out until Midnight! So, Sorry for no blog updates, but I an the rest of the island have been busy! I'm going to be going backwards here so bare with me.....

First off, The All Night Senior Graduation Party was held this year at the Grand Aleutian. Surprisingly the secret was kept and they did not know what to expect till they got here.
And Neither will you. This is a Secret Party and No one but the attendees gets to know about it, lest it be spoiled by Sophomores or Freshmen knowing about it.
The Kids all Gathered in the Lobby awaiting their all night bash.
Ok, Maybe One little Hint..................And Congratulations to Gina and Nancy and the rest of the Senior Parents for pulling it off!!!
Same as last year the ceremony was held in the Big Gym at the High School.
There was so much going on and so much to talk about I think I am just going to be very short and sweet in my comments
Graduate Daisy
Graduate Cassidy
James and Cass
Noah (Valedictorian) and Kim (Salutatorian)
Alyshia and Zac
Ben
Ben and Tau
Eric
Eric and Meda
Timo and Liz
John and Jonah

John Conwell, Superintendent of Schools
Kim Balbarino
Noah Betzen

Noah's Proud Mum And Dad
Eric Do

Susan Lynch, who as a guest speaker still managed to work dog poo into the speech.....

Terri La Grand
Reid started the scholarships


Yudelaka, more scholarships
Aleutian Arts Council Scholarship
Unisea Scholarships with Michelle

Bethany with National Honors Society Scholarships

Phil-Am Scholarships
Ballhoo Lions Scholarships

More School Scholarships
Art Club Scholarships

Safeway Scholarships
The Mayor with City and Delta Western Scholarships



Terri With MORE Scholarships
Last year over $160,000 was handed out. This years totals are not in yet but might be greater.
Noah got the most though.
And in another tradation the Graduates Pass out flowers to those who mean the most to them.
Like Mums and Dads

Sisters

Friends
And in Cass's Case even to pesky little Brothers!

ANd Of Course Mum And Dad.
So that was all Last night. What Was up the week before that? It was PROM!!!
Dylls and Natalie (Who also helped me with decorating)















Bethany was in Charge of the Prom Committee this year and Deserves special recgonization for all her hard work and Dedication! It was Fabulous!

















It was an Under the Sea Theme and it turned out amazing!



But of Course it took a lot to get it there. We started the Day Before, me with a crazy plan to Make Balloon Seahorses at the entrance.
Well, From a distance they look like them, and I learned a lot for next year!

And the rest of the Hallway my helpers and I did looks great!

With the Lights all on

The Late Night Light helps out with keeping us going decorating until late. Here is 7pm
Of Course when you start with a bare gym there is a lot of work to do!




My Little Helpers!!! Actually they were all Fabulous, Smart Amazing and Beautiful young women!

Pizza Break! (Notice on the Table, I brought a 36 pack of Mountain Dew to keep the kids Energized!)
8Pm it was actually lighter

Yup, we were blowing and tying up balloons for hours.

With only Brief stops to try on Crowns and Tiarras



9pm a hint of sunshine came through











And Even at 11 there is still a hint of Blue in the sky.
Congratulations to all the Graduates, Prom Attendees and Scholarship winners!
Have a great Day everyone!