With an emotional, joyful ceremony and surrounded by family and friends, 39 seniors said goodbye to Valley Union High School on Friday, May 25 at the school’s gymnasium.

Valedictorian Cassandra Jane Cornforth shows proudly her High School Diploma next to the school’s banner at the VUHS Graduation Ceremony. Francisco Barrios/Douglas Dispatch

Class of 2012 senior Rachel Claus-Walker expressed on behalf of all graduates her gratitude to the school’s teachers and staff for their endless support through the past four years; she also thanked all parents and relatives, since without their love and support their graduation would not be possible.

Claus-Walker addressed the students by saying it is time to reflect about all the accomplishments made in high school and focus on new projects and goals.

“As our motto says ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’ I think our class has made a clear job of not just going where everyone else is going but we are doing our own way to new things to make a difference out there in the world,” she said.

Valley Union’s Principal, Steve Yoder said to be especially proud because this was his first graduating class as principal of Valley Union. He also thanked the school’s staff for all the good work they did to make this graduating generation a very special one.

“The Class of 2012 has hold the school record for the highest AIMS writing score with 96 percent and the highest AIMS reading score with 93 percent,” Yoder said. “This class also has five students that qualify for the AIMS Honor Scholarship, which means they exceeded on three parts of the AIMS test: Math, Writing and Reading.”

After his speech, Yoder delivered the Valedictorian’s medal to all three Valedictorians Jace Luzania, Cassandra Cornforth and Breanna Watkins, who all said they will miss being with his friends all the time, playing their favorite sport (football and tennis) and being part of the school that gave them so many wonderful times that helped them grow in several aspects of their lives.

Guest speaker Mike Gillespie encouraged seniors to continue the hard work at their new stage and offer important advices to success in any field they choose for their careers; part of those advices are never give up, always dream big, it is OK to fail but always correct the path, use imagination and creativity, follow your heart and intuition and do what you love.

After the presentation of diplomas, seniors gave their final lap through the gymnasium and joined their proud families, who received them among hugs, flowers and smiles of satisfaction because their kids reached their final goal.