“Let’s Graduate Already”

Moapa Valley High School Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2009 were held on Friday, June 5. The Gary Batchelor Gymnasium was filled to capacity with proud family and friends.

The graduating class of 2009 is made up of 145 students. The class included six Valedictorians and one Salutatorian.

Valedictorian Christina Earon spoke about the lessons she has learned from her many

Valedictorian Anthony Jacobsmeyer started his speech by mentioning how much parents have to endure to raise a child. “So I thank you parents for being good sports and showing up tonight,” he said.

Valedictorian Grant Mecham made the point that learning from failure is the best way to learn. “We will all have success and we will all have failure, we should learn from those failures” he said.

Valedictorian Ben Paul then delivered a humorous speech. “Well, we have the best looking group of kids in one congregation,” he said. Taking a serious turn for a moment he said, “I wouldn’t be standing on this stage had I not worked hard, you have to balance sanity with insanity”. Paul explained that what you do outside of the classroom is just as important as what you do inside the classroom. Paul concluded by stating… “Class of 2009, let’s graduate already!”

Valedictorian Noelle Rust in her speech referred to the three words that hang above every classroom door at MVHS, Dream, Believe, Achieve. “We have lived this pattern for the past 13 years” she stated. “This class is known for its strong drive to achieve, those three concepts will be true as we move on in our life,” concluded Rust.

Valedictorian Jonathan Xie talked about the Class of 2009 as a team and how each of them bring out the best in each other. “The Class of 2009 will always be associated with greatness,” stated Xie.

Salutatorian Jonathan Oglesby took the podium in character as the well known and loved Jonny Thunder. Oglesby joked that it was only fitting that the “most vocally active kid” went last. “Hey having the lowest GPA on stage counted for something” he laughed. Oglesby told his story which began in Moapa Valley in 1994. “Remembering your past is important to your future” he explained.

Principal Grant Hanevold then spoke about the accomplishments of the graduating class and didn’t forget to ask Coach Lewis for a “threepeat” of the Football State Championship. Hanevold spoke about the tradition of excellence at MVHS and commended students for earning a total of $1.7 million in potential scholarship funds.

Hanevold also took a moment to recognize Mrs. Kim Delgadillo for her 25 years of service to MVHS. “She is truly one of the best educators I have ever worked with,” stated Hanevold. Mrs. D has recently accepted a full time position at Mack Lyon Middle School as Counselor and will be leaving MVHS. She was recently awarded with the “Heart and Soul” Award from the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. D received a standing applause for her dedication to the students of MVHS.

School Board Trustee Chris Garvey congratulated the Class of 2009 on their accomplishments. Garvey pointed out to students the great support they have been given by their parents and reminded them that support will always be there. After Garvey accepted the Class of 2009, students were presented with their diplomas.

MVHS graduate Emily Call led her class in the ceremonious turning of the tassels. Anthony Jacobsmeyer then led the entire gymnasium in the Alma Mater accompanied by Shelby Bennett and Erin Williams.

Following the ceremony, graduates enjoyed an evening of celebration at a graduation party planned and supervised by parent volunteers.