Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) held a commencement ceremony for more than 300 members of the Class of 2022 at Calvary Church, Lancaster, on June 4 at 11 a.m.
CVHS principal Michael Smith opened the ceremony with the presentation of the class. Student speaker Gabrielle Rappa spoke on the topic of "Failure." "No one is immune to failure because of past success," she noted. "I challenge you (to develop) a will to keep going when it seems like there is no hope."
Student Jayden Stokes spoke on "The Meaning Behind a Buckskin." Her speech detailed the work she and other students have done to promote inclusivity, and she quoted Angela Davis, saying. "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."
Class of 2022 president Christopher Needham pointed to the difficulties of the past few years, saying, "It has been a trying time for our class. We should be proud of the life and spirit we have brought back into our school environment."
Dave Zuilkoski, superintendent of Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD), addressed the gathering, saying that he was impressed with the members of the Class of 2022. "The word 'potential' has never been more appropriate," he stated. "They face extremes, but they understand the challenges that await them, and they have a core belief that everyone should feel a sense of belonging."
Idette Groff, CV school board president, asked students to recall their first days of school. "The journey started then was the start of a partnership between you and the school district," she said, adding, "Parents, we can't let today pass without thanking you for the privilege of working with your children."
Smith oversaw the presentation of awards. Before introducing the awards, he noted that the Class of 2022 has left its mark on CVHS. "Never accepting the status quo characterized this year's class," he said. He announced that members of the Class of 2022 will attend 75 colleges, universities, and technical schools. Smith also recognized four members of the class who will serve in the military following high school. The CV Rill Medal of Honor was given to Groff, Needham, and Delaney Castagna. The Conestoga Valley Education Association (CVEA) scholarships were presented by CVEA president Tara Flick to Jayden Hartlaub, Jarvis Lee, and Halie Rich. Students who placed in the top 10% academically were asked to stand and be recognized, as well as students who attended Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. The salutatorian was Annika Bredeman and the valedictorian was Lexie Kauffman.
Following the awards, the senior graduation choir performed "The Call."
Smith presented the candidates for graduation, noting that they had met the requirements, and the students were invited forth to receive their diplomas from Zuilkoski and Groff. When all the diplomas had been presented, Zuilkoski asked students to move their tassels from the right to the left. "Congratulations to the newest alumni," he said, as graduates' caps began to fly into the air.
To view the entire CVHS graduation ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com, and search for "Conestoga Valley High School - Class of 2022 - Graduation Ceremony."
Leave a Review