Students in Suzanne Bishop’s Advanced Placement Language Arts class wrote these profiles of the Class of 2026 graduating seniors.
Sierra Mullikin
By Maggie Guess
Sierra Mullikin is 18 years old and has lived in Alaska her entire life. While technically she lives in Anchor Point, she says that she has always considered Homer to be her true home.
Some of her hobbies include drawing and doodling whenever she can, and Sierra plans on taking these talents to the University of Fairbanks Alaska to major in art. When asked to describe herself in three words, she said, “artistic, friendly and consistent,” and from my personal observations she is completely correct with the word “friendly.”
Even though she is majoring in art, one of her favorite subjects in school is biology. This was highly influenced by Margie Blanding, seventh grade biology teacher at Homer Middle School. Sierra credits her for being the reason that she first got into and enjoyed science.
A book that has highly influenced her is “Loveless” by Alice Oseman. Sierra enjoys this book because she can easily connect with the main character, Georgia, who is exploring college and learning new things about herself.
In conclusion, when asked what her favorite part of high school was, Sierra answered, “I really enjoyed the different teaching styles of teachers,” and of course, “art class.”
Brennan Steen
By Tilea Lockwood
Brennan Steen was born in Homer in 2008 and has lived here his whole life.
Even at a young age, he found joy and excitement in school, mostly because of his influential fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Dunn. She taught him that math wasn’t just about numbers, but about patterns, engineering and, most importantly, that math was fun.
As an avid athlete, Brennan was running before he could walk. He has competed in various sports throughout high school such as soccer during his freshman year and, later, both track and cross country.
After Brennan graduates, he plans to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. He will also complete minor studies in biology. His fascination with the ocean extends beyond the Kachemak Bay as he wishes to one day participate in Arctic exploration after college.
Brennan’s love for exploration is also seen in his favorite piece of literature, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It captures the journey of a shepherd boy that discovers everyone has their own unique destiny and, if one truly believes in it, the universe will help them achieve it. After reading it, Brennan stated, “it was uplifting, almost like a modern Bible story.”
As Brennan concludes high school, he looks back with fond memories of sports trips and playing foursquare in Mrs. Stineff’s classroom after a test. He also looks forward to the future and what unique opportunities the universe will reveal.
Donovan Milstead
By Swift Blackstock
Donovan Milstead has impressive aspirations to further his academic and athletic career at California Lutheran University. He plans to major in chemistry to fulfill his dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and will represent the school on their football team.
Athletics have been Donovan’s passion from early on, and he believes they play a key role in building life skills such as leadership, cooperation and supporting others under pressure. After being a crucial piece of leading the Mariner football team to multiple state championships, Donovan has seen firsthand the importance of grit and dedication.
Donovan views his history of changing schools and homes as an advantage. He has been able to adapt to new communities and “meet more people than he would have growing up in the same town.” This has allowed him to see opportunities outside of Alaska, as well as have increased appreciation for the state.
A novel that Donovan recommends is “The Samurai’s Garden,” which has a powerful message of the importance of finding strength and connection with others, and appreciating the beauty of nature. He finds it relatable to living among the presence of nature in Homer, and hopes that others will find the message influential in their relationship with the natural world and others. Donovan’s favorite song is “Truckin” by the Grateful Dead. He finds the message of moving forward despite challenges to be inspiring, and a trait he hopes to continue to instill into his own journey. Wherever life finds him, Donovan’s gracious personality and commitment to excellence will ensure his success.
Tait Ostrom
By Britta Velsko
Tait Ostrom states that his high school career has greatly revolved around and been defined by running in many forms. So, it comes as no surprise that he plans on continuing this pattern later in his life, by competing on the cross country and track and field teams while studying an undecided major at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
Running is the “core experience” of his life so far, and has been a place where he has met nearly all of his friends. It provides something solid in his life to deeply care for, and is something that has ultimately changed his perspective on doing other difficult things. Over the summer, he will mainly continue running routinely to prepare for his college endeavors, while also completing training to become a full employee at the local bike shop, Cycle Logical.
Literature-wise, Tait felt deeply moved by Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic, “Frankenstein.” It piqued his interest in other classic literature and helped him appreciate the fine detail and thinking that is required to create a novel of that scope.
His greatest mentor has been his dad; more than just always being there for him as a father, Bob Ostrom has coached Tait’s team in track and cross country for several years.
To incoming freshmen, he reveals: “High school is a mixture of good and bad — but it will be over sooner than you think!”
Gunnar Pinsky
By Reid Rauch
Meet Gunnar Pinsky, an 18-year-old senior who recently graduated from Homer High.
Gunnar spent his first two years of high school in Asheville, North Carolina. He spent most of his time “reaping souls” on the pitch and his post-game pleasure involved “Krispy Kreme domination,” where his entire team would engage in high-stakes rap battles on the way to Krispy Kreme before gorging themselves on mounds of sugar. When he returned to Homer, he quickly earned the captain’s armband and led the Mariner soccer team with a level head and light heart.
His friends in North Carolina are still very special to him, and he plans to visit them during his gap year after graduation.
After four years in high school, Gunnar knows what works and what doesn’t. He advises upcoming freshmen to do their busywork and “avoid upperclassmen,” claiming, “I didn’t, and got punished.”
Gunnar both works and plays on the water, fishing in Prince William Sound during the summer and filling his free time with seasonal paddleboarding. He even plans to join the Coast Guard, following in his father’s footsteps.
He wants to thank all those who supported him along his journey, especially his family.
Aiden Crane
By Lukas Renner
Aiden Crane is a majestical man of music from Anchor Point. When he is not singing as a tenor in the Homer High School Concert Choir and Swing Choir, he listens to every genre of music “except country.” He enjoys music because, in his words, “it is an outlet for my energy” and because he can “convey stories and messages to the audience” through it.
Outside of school and singing, Aiden runs, reads and draws. As a runner, he stayed busy with the Homer High track and field team. As a reader, Aiden recommends that everybody read “Scythe” by Neal Shusterman “because it hints to deeper ideas on morality.” As an artist, he likes to doodle abstract designs which arise from his imagination without a specific plan.
Aiden also has lots of work experience moving wood and clearing lots. After high school, Aiden will most likely go to AVTEC to become a welder. He plans to work in welding, construction or on the Alaska North Slope.
Some of his role models are his dad and Mr. Brege, who hold him accountable. Additionally, Aiden appreciates Mr. Schneider, who inspired his interest in music.
Cassidy Hardyman
By Alana Crane
Cassidy Hardyman is a Homer High School graduate of 2026 and has been part of the community since October 2020. She has participated in many activities at Homer High School, including cross country, track and field, and the concert band.
Cassidy was born in Saint George, Utah, and is set to attend Brigham Young University in Utah for nursing and health science. Cassidy has also been to all seven continents, and her travels to Kenya and Peru have influenced her career goals in medicine.
Her time in each different continent helped her explore what she truly wanted to do with her future. Cassidy’s journey to Peru involved helping children in local orphanages, and her trip to Kenya enabled her to build a clean water system and a library for the community. Each journey helped another person.
During her high school years, Cassidy’s favorite work of literature was “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, “because it’s such a deep book, and the author wrote in a way that I was always kind of hooked.”
Her dedication to Homer High and its after-school activities has had a positive impact on our community.
Claira Booz
By Fiona Ahern
Born and raised in Homer, Homer High School senior Claira Boozhas excelled in school, sports and extracurriculars. She has a particular love for running for the cross country and track teams due to the team atmosphere and her ability to be a role model for younger athletes. She moved to Finland for seven months when she was 14. Upon returning to Homer, she discovered “there’s no better place than Alaska,” and she intends to find her way back after exploring college and career options.
Claira is a true Alaskan, enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking and backcountry skiing. Her experiences in the outdoors have led her to favor survivalist books such as “81 Days Below Zero” by Brian Murphy.
Claira maintained all A’s throughout her high school career, taking multiple AP classes and finishing in the top three of her graduating class. In addition, she served as an active member of the student council and National Honors Society. Through these organizations, she helped improve student life and supported the community by volunteering, and has been inspired to give future students opportunities she never had regarding Homer’s limited scope of flight training resources.
When she was younger, her father taught her how to maintain machinery and vehicles, which inspired her dream of pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering technology, which she will do beginning this fall at Purdue University. Claira set her sights on being a pilot at the age of 12 and took her first flight lesson during her sophomore year. In college, she looks forward to flying planes, joining clubs and “making new friends with similar interests.”
Johannes Bynagle
By Lucien Faucher
Johannes Bynagle is more than just a tall glass of water; he is an outgoing senior who has expanded his geographical boundaries past Homer to France and the Netherlands, and plans to attend college in Montana.
Whether he’s playing sports or hanging around friends, Johannes is a catalyst for friendly competition, in which he pushes others to strive to be better.
The book he read in his sophomore year, “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, has ignited a passion for “breaking the natural barrier of human endurance” in cross country running and skiing, which has influenced him to win multiple state championship titles. This passion will continue into his college years at the University of Montana, where he’ll use his gazelle-like stature on the cross country team to leap over the competition, whilst pursuing an education in physical therapy.
Johannes’s deterministic attitude is also reflected in his favorite poem, “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas. It represents his will to “rage against the dying of the light,” so much so that he has made it his senior quote.
He also brings a competitive nature to his more quirky interests like Warhammer and D&D. Coupled with his favorite snack, black licorice (double-salted), these unique preferences represent his authentic personality and his ability to go against the norm.
Caleb Bunker
By Vincent Black
Caleb Bunker is a senior who graduated this year from Homer High School. He has been in Homer since he was a year old after being born in Texas, and said this place has given him a great appreciation of nature and unique experiences like working as a bear sightseeing plane tour guide.
Through this job, he has grown comfortable around planes and he hopes to explore a path branching from his aviation background at MESA, as long as he is able to walk onto the cross country running team.
Caleb is confident in his running skill after the team won state and he specifically took third place. His fortitude while on the trail can be traced back to his coaches, Adam Diaz and Bob Ostrom, who really inspired him to grit his teeth through the pain and never give up.
While running isn’t easy, he has learned to enjoy the runner’s lifestyle and mindset through a book by the title “Born to Run,” by Christopher McDougall.
Fueled by chocolate chia seeds, his favorite super-food breakfast, Caleb will surely grow into a strongwilled and inspiring young man as he leaves behind high school and enters adulthood.
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