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Congratulations, Valley Regional High School Class of 2018

As looming rain clouds receded into the distance, the Valley Regional High School (VRHS) graduates from the Class of 2018 made their way across the lacrosse field to the bleachers where they would finally receive their diplomas.

“Tonight you are entering into your next phase of life, a step into a world I know you will find exciting and fulfilling,” said VRHS Principal Michael Barile at the June 15 ceremony. “I’ve had the privilege to observe many of your accomplishments; your commitment to success is to be commended.”

Some accomplishments of the students in the Class of 2018 include leading VRHS to receiving recognition as one of the top high schools in Connecticut and the United States, receiving awards in visual arts, completion of community based internships, singing on the stage of Carnegie Hall, producing award-winning productions in theater, and having more than 85 percent of teams qualify for post-season play with numerous league championships.

“These individual talents have made all of us stronger,” said Barile. “This is precisely why this year’s senior class theme, ‘A celebration of individual talents, uniting to form a stronger community,’ suits our graduates well.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy offered her congratulations not only to the Class of 2018, but also to the educators who have retired this year.

“You have impacted the lives of hundreds of children with your knowledge, dedication, wisdom, and selflessness,” said Levy.

The seniors who make up the Class of 2018 have been selfless in giving back to the community, said Levy, citing participation in Sister Cities Essex Haiti, Hike for Hope, Cycle Against Cancer, Local Rotary and Lions Clubs, Top Soccer, and Buddy Baseball and Buddy Track.

“Lose yourself in the service of others,” said Levy. “Continue to leave ripples of hope and positive change as you go out in this world, as you have done here in Chester, Deep River, and Essex.”

Honor Essayist Elise Wilson, spoke of the Class of 2018 as a generation in between generations, one that she said encompasses both the millennial generation, generation Z, and neither. Wilson said that unique space provides members of the Class of 2018 the opportunity to define themselves.

“We, as people, are defined by our actions, so we must act in a way we are proud of, and, in a way that benefits the world around us,” said Wilson. “Today, I challenge each of my classmates to uniquely define our generation.”

Salutatorian Isabelle McDonald compared the Class of 2018 to a blank canvas.

“On the first day of school, we all put our first marks on the canvases. As the years progressed, new colors, styles, and sometimes even mediums were introduced to our paintings as we were introduced to new ideas, topics, and subjects within the classroom,” said McDonald.

Valedictorian Madelyn Evans applauded the Class of 2018 for its impressive ability to handle change and become adaptable to all the high school experiences thrown its way. Evans also touched upon the reality of a real world outside of their High School years.

Evans said there was no denying that these years at Valley have shaped the class into the people they are today. It was during these years that they gained a foundation for their future. Evans ended her speech with words of encouragement to her class:

“I implore you to lead lives full of adventure, of curiosity, of passion, and of depth. Be bold and push yourself to embrace the unknown. While we are at the end of our high school career, we stand at the beginning of our entire lives. The unexpected is only the beginning, the unexpected is what changes our lives.”

Following the speeches and words of wisdom from fellow classmates, principals, and superintendents, Senior Class Treasurer Jacob Decker and Senior Class Secretary Jessica Paholski, presented the senior class gift of water bottle filling stations that will be installed throughout the school.

Class Vice President Maximillian Klin gave the final remarks before the Alma Mater was sung, tassels were switched over, and caps were thrown joyously in the air.