Eighty SV grads reminded to reflect, respect, and be responsible
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Jaythian Garcia poses for a photo after he accepts his diploma at Friday's graduation ceremony at Shenandoah Valley.
SHENANDOAH – “As we exit the field today I can only hope that you remember that it is important to respect yourself, respect others, and respect the opportunities that are presented to you.”
As class salutatorian for the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2024, Emma Aftuk was tasked with speaking about Respect.
“As seniors, we have fulfilled our duties in showing the underclassmen the importance of hard work and dedication,” Aftuk said. Without our self-respect and our determination, we would not be here today.”
The Class of 2024 is the 153rd graduating class from the Shenandoah Valley Jr./Sr. High School and its predecessors, the J.W. Cooper Memorial High School and the Shenandoah Borough High School, according to historian Andy Ulicny.
Valedictorian
Alex Kozlosky
Salutatorian
Emma Aftuk
Class Speaker
Benjamin Mentusky
Aftuk’s speech was part of a longstanding Shenandoah Valley tradition. The top three in the class speak about Reflections, Respect, and Responsibility.
She spoke about how she and the class had learned, given, and received respect throughout their formative years.
“As children we reciprocated the concepts of self-respect and respect for others simply by observing those around us,” Aftuk wrote. “When we were little, we were told that it is important to treat others the way you would like to be treated, and these ideals have stuck with us throughout our lives up until this very moment.”
Valedictorian Alex Kozlosky described reflection as “a method of learning, a tool used by someone to correct the mistakes of their past, and a medium for remembering the moments that defined them.”
“If you do not like the reflection you see, you have the power to change it,” Kozlosky said.
“With the memories each of us have made during our time with the Shenandoah Valley School District, we should remember equally our successes and failures,” Kozlosky continued. “In reflecting on the successes we have the ability to feel proud and to understand what it was we did right.”
“In reflecting on the failures, we have the ability to learn and to understand what it was that we did wrong,” he added. “Failure is not a wall, but a step on the staircase to success. It is important to remember this so that we can sculpt the best versions of ourselves without fear.”
Benjamin Mentusky, Class Speaker, told his classmates that “responsibility isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege.”
“It’s a chance to make a difference, to leave a mark, and to be more than just a bystander in our own lives,” he said. “Then, we have to step up. When we make a mistake, we need to own it. When we see a problem, we need to address it. And when we are given a chance to lead, we must take it.”
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Following the graduation ceremony, Principal John Brennan took the podium and recognized retiring teachers, as well as student achievements.
“Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and determination,” Brennan said. “Each of you has overcome challenges during your years at Shenandoah Valley. Because of that, you will become stronger and better prepared to take on even larger challenges and opportunities later in life.”
“As you prepare for the next chapter of your lives, I want you to remember the memories you have made, the lessons you have learned while you attended Shenandoah Valley,” Brennan added.
He recognized a wide range of students, listing off an accomplishment and asking those students to stand. Students who have taken dual enrollment courses, students who have taken all such courses offered by Shenandoah Valley, students of the month, Schuylkill Technology Center students, extracurricular participants, students going into the workforce, the military, and much more were recognized.
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