VVHS Celebrates Class of 2022 Graduates

By CHERYL JENSEN

The Progress

Virgin Valley High School Commencement was held on the school football field on Wednesday, May 25, with 177 graduating seniors.

The processional of “Pomp & Circumstance was played by the Virgin Valley High School Band under the direction of Brittany Wagner. Senior Class President Erin Ofori led the audience in the pledge of allegiance followed by Shaynie Abbott singing the National Anthem.

VVHS Principal Riley Frei introduced the guests, Sonya Holdsworth, Region 1 Superintendent and Katie Williams, CCSD School Board Trustee and principals from local elementary and middle schools.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the students at Uvalde, Texas.

Valedictorian Willa St. Germain spoke about the class’ long road to this moment. “We have given a lot of effort and commitment,” she said. “And as we walk away from here, our future will expand as we make goals and find our careers. It will make our efforts at VVHS worthwhile.”

Valedictorian Maya Solis-Stokes was next to speak. “This may be the last day we will ever see our class mates,”she said. “But I challenge you to give yourself time to say goodbye to good friends. We had amazing memories here at VVHS; remember the dances, the plays and performances. Thank your teachers for pushing you and seeing the best in you. I want to thank my parents for being my best cheerleaders. Now, graduates go forth and create a life that will make it hard to say goodbye.”

Frei recognized Malin Swahn, a foreign exchange student from Sweden.

He presented Ethan Mendenhall’s mother an honorary diploma in memory of her son who would have graduated with this class but passed away at the age of 12 due to cancer.

Malia McOmie, student body president, led the turning of the tassels. “As we turn the tassels it is the end of an era, the symbol of a new one!” she said. “With faith and hope we can go on to great things.”

The audience and graduates all joined in a rousing rendition of the VVHS fight song. Then the graduates filed to the center of the field making an impressive line that stretched from goal post to goal post so they could be greeted by parents and family.

Earlier in the evening, the seniors were honored by the community in a parade held along Mesquite Blvd. The antique fire truck led out the parade and the new fire engine closed it spraying confetti.

The seniors decorated their trucks, jeeps, and side-by-sides with balloons and Bulldog flags and banners.
One group filled a trailer with water and had a “swimming pool” along the parade route. Another had a “Jurassic Park” jeep with a dinosaur in the back bobbing its head at the crowd.

Seniors who played drums put them on a trailer and entertained the crowd with their rhythmic abilities.
Green and white balloons and streamers decorated golf carts and cars including fancy Chevy Camaros, a red Corvette and a 1950’s-era Ford convertible.

A large crowd lined the street cheering for the graduating seniors.