Dr. Strecker shared his fond memories of the Class of 2024. Four classmates took to the microphone to share words written to their fellow eighth-graders, reminiscing about the times they shared as a class and reminding each other of their peers’ positive attributes. The eighth-grade advisors Mr. Mark McNeil, Mrs. Cassie Nolfi, and Mr. Brandon Snyder shared three wishes with the graduates: to be kind, to be resilient, and to have the courage to follow their passions. Next, Dr. Strecker and Mr. David Kirkland presented the School Prize to the highest academic achieving student. Dr. Strecker and Mr. Ralph Artuso ‘71 (Board of Trustees Vice President) then gave the Founders’ Award to the student who best carried out the founders’ mission and vision for Valley School, including the four Valley Core Values. Next, Ms. Allie Arendas honored the students who completed over 50 hours of community service with the Rosemary Smith Award. Finally, the graduates received their diplomas and cords from Dr. Strecker, Mr. Artuso, Mr. Kirkland, and Ms. Arendas. The ceremony concluded with another blessing from Rev. Bryan Jarrell and the orchestra playing “Pomp and Circumstance” as the newly graduated students processed out of the auditorium, ready for the next step in their educational careers.