The Unalaska City School District is celebrating the Class of 2024

After the inspiring speeches and words of encouragement, 23 Unalaska students removed their hats and tossed them into the air, a time-honored tradition to celebrate high school graduation and the beginning of the next chapter in their lives.

Unalaska City School District graduates were honored May 18 in the high school’s great hall. Students gave speeches, handed out roses and received diplomas. Jolen Mangyao graduated valedictorian and Luois Amora graduated salutatorian.

Graduates also participated in a celebratory parade on Thursday. The students piled into decorated cars, trucks and trailers and took a tour around the island as members of the community turned out to applaud their achievements.

Many of the students are headed to universities and colleges in Alaska and the United States, while others plan to enter the trades. The class collectively won around $175,000 in scholarships.