The Valley Central High School Class of 2024 encountered many challenges and successes over the last four years: They juggled multiple assignments and exams, adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, and spared time for their clubs and sports. These experiences culminated on Saturday, June 29 at the high school’s graduation ceremony, where the senior students celebrated their achievements and reflected on their life journeys thus far.

Starting at 9 a.m., hundreds of attendants entered the school’s track field and crowded the bleachers, eagerly awaiting the graduates. At 10 a.m., the seniors walked to the field’s center while the VCHS Band played “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1.” Once gathered, the class’s choir members sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dannika DeMarco.

Kyle Grimaldi, president of the 2024 senior class, gave an invocation and requested his peers to always remember their time at high school.

“From the daily scents of the hallways to collectively battling senioritis, our journey through school has been a challenge. The memories we have made in this building are both innumerable and priceless,” Grimaldi said. “While we move on from high school, do not forget where you started and never lose sight of where you want to end up. Some of you will want to forget high school forever, but know this: I won’t forget you.”

Adam Elkashef, this year’s salutatorian, recapped his classmates’ experiences throughout their attendance at the Valley Central School District, starting with kindergarten up to Saturday’s graduation. He encouraged his fellow graduates to create more memories during the summer that they can cherish later in life.

“It has been a long trip around the clock, but the time has been well spent. The hands of the clock move slowly, so do the minutes. But those minutes turn into hours, and hours turn into days,” Elkashef said. “If I could give one piece of advice for the class, that is to make the most of this final hour, especially these last few weeks before college. We all ran with time, but a clock only moves forward. Fill the rest of this time with memories to be able to look on in the future.”

Russell Burns, principal of VCHS, thanked everyone who helped the Class of 2024 reach this far, including the faculty, board of education, custodians, and parents. He also recognized the Valley Central Scholarship Council, which will distribute $33,000 to several graduates as financial awards for college.

“The scholarship council has been presenting awards to graduates since June of 1964; including scholarships given this year, a total of $1,059,000 has been awarded to the students of Valley Central,” Burns said. “The purpose of this has been to assist our students with the cost of education and professional opportunities beyond high school.”

Autumn Strobach, this year’s valedictorian, congratulated her class and thanked her friends and family who supported her along the way. She implored her classmates to make the most out of their lives once they step off the school grounds and never stop chasing their dreams, regardless of how difficult or far away they seem.

“No matter what the future holds for you, you are going to be successful, devoted, and diligent in whatever you do. These new beginnings after today will bring you countless opportunities, memorable individuals, and lifelong memories,” Strobach said. “Navigating through life, we must always carry endurance; it is solely up to you to stay on course. With determination, hard work, and passion, you will be able to accomplish any dream or goal you want to achieve.”

Other district officials commemorated this year’s graduating class; Superintendent Evette Avila compared the students’ dedication and work ethic to the Viking spirit, and BOE President Joseph Bond shared his own “survival” story that parents could relate to.

“The graduates today, as you stand on the threshold of your future, remind me of the powerful symbolism embodied by our school mascot, a Viking,” Avila said. “Throughout your journey, the Viking spirit has been a guiding force and symbol of strength, perseverance, and discovery that resonates deeply with each of you. Just as Vikings fearlessly navigated uncharted waters, you too have confronted challenges head-on during your academic and personal pursuits.”

“Over the last few years of graduation, I’ve heard parents talking about how ‘Oh my baby is graduating!’ and how they made it and survived. I’ve always chuckled as I walked by and thought ‘What are these people talking about?’” Bond said. “But this year, I have a child who’s graduating, and I get it now, parents. Let’s give ourselves a round of applause.”

Bond and BOE Vice President Katie McKnight then presented diplomas to the 315 graduates as the onlookers screamed in delight and waved homemade signs. Once the last graduate received their diploma and returned to their seat, the entire track field erupted in cheers: bubbles drifted in the breeze, the bleachers rumbled with stomping, and caps flew high in the air. Everyone was thrilled with this year’s graduates, not just for what they accomplished but for all the amazing things they will do in the future.