Reflect not just on past, but also on future, says Shen. Valley valedictorian
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Shenandoah Valley Salutatorian Kaleb Maksimik hugs his mom, Trish Maksimik, a Life Skills teacher at the high school, after receiving his diploma at graduation on June 2, 2023.
SHENANDOAH – During Friday’s graduation ceremony, Brandon Breznik departed somewhat from his traditional role as valedictorian to speak on reflections.
The top student in the class, Breznik took inspiration from previous valedictorian speeches, noting that they were all similar but true.
Traditionally, Shenandoah Valley’s valedictorian, salutatorian, and class speaker are tasked with preparing a speech on reflections, respect, and responsibility, respectively, for graduation.
Breznik noted that the prior speeches all focused on the past.
“What the previous speeches haven’t done, though, is reflect upon our futures,” Breznik told his 73 other classmates in the high school gym. “We are a class that had the arduous task of dealing with COVID from our freshman year until our senior year.”
“We are the future,” Breznik said. “Every one of us will play some role in this world. We are the future fathers, mothers, doctors, engineers, truck drivers, and barbers who will shape the world.”
Kaleb Maksimik, salutatorian, spoke on respect and its importance, both self-respect and respect for others.
“Respecting every human being is essential,” Maksimik said. “Respect is something that I was taught at a very young age by my parents.”
He also spoke of learning respect in sports, learning to respect his teammates, coaches, officials, and spectators.
Jennifer Selbi, class speaker, said her and her graduates will see their responsibilities grow and become more challenging as they leave high school.
She called back to Pre-K, asking her classmates to remember when their biggest responsibility was selecting which color crayon to use.
“Now, we’re deciding our futures,” Selbi said.
Superintendent Brian Waite described graduation as “A day of recognition for our honored students who are soon to become our honored graduates.”
“A day where dreams begin, a day of new beginnings, and a day of promises yet to be filled,” Waite continued.
Waite also spoke of the class’s accomplishments and achievements of the class, and its outlook.
“Your quality of character has been defined,” Waite said. Yet, your desire to improve yourselves, ability to impact others in a positive manner, and contributions you make in society are still developing. It is my hope that the Shenandoah Valley School District has helped set the foundation for continued growth in these areas.”
Principal John Brennan congratulated the class and also highlighted student accomplishments, specifically recognizing students who had completed dual enrollment courses, were named student of the month, achieved sports accomplishments, and more, as well as students who are going to college, entering the workforce, or joining the military.
“Class of 2023, continue to work hard. Believe in yourselves,” Brennan said. “Never quit, never give up, and continue to have that strong work ethic.”
Friday’s graduating class was the 152nd from Shenandoah Valley High School and its predecessor Shenandoah High School.
The graduating students also heard from three accomplished Shenandoah Valley alumni who were inducted on the Wall of Fame this year. You can read about them and their induction here.
Although a thunderstorm forced Friday’s ceremonies to move indoors, the weather cleared and allowed a planned fireworks display following the ceremonies to be held at the football stadium.
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