Valwood celebrates Class of 2024

Caison Kirkland, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

May 24—VALDOSTA — Valwood School celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2024 at its graduation ceremony Friday. The event, marked by tradition and heartfelt speeches, provided a memorable send-off for the graduates.

Perimeter Road Baptist Church, the venue for the ceremony, was filled to capacity. The 52 graduating seniors were surrounded by their loved ones and supporters, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

The graduates entered to the song "Pomp and Circumstance," played by pianist Caitlin Parizek. Student secretary Ben Tyrone opened the proceedings with an invocation. This was followed by a warm welcome from class president Woody Woodall.

"Take today as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Today, the hay is officially in the barn. Thank all of you, and thank you, Valwood, for all the amazing memories," Woodall said.

Head of School John L. Davis Sr. officially welcomed the attendees and encouraged and admired the graduates' perseverance and accomplishments. Davis then presented Berkley Elizabeth Burns with the Emily Anderson Scholarship Award, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding academic and community achievement.

Hudson Hsu and Elle Scruggs performed a poignant vocal duet of "Good Old Days." Their rendition, infused with references to the school's culture and life, brought a wave of nostalgia and emotion to the graduating class.

James Godbee, the class salutatorian, reflected on the graduates' journey and growth.

"While we move forward to a different chapter, it's important we remember the good times we had together. We don't need to simply tear out the pages in our book but keep them. Keep them in our book and cherish them while we continue to write new pages. Using them not only as a source of reflection but as a guide for our future," stated Godbee.

Following this, Olivia Brooks, the valedictorian, inspired her peers to embrace the future with confidence and determination.

"As we stand in this crossroads, waiting to go our separate ways, we begin a new chapter in our lives, ultimately dedicated to finding the long-awaited answer to the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this outstanding group of people. And again, congratulations to the class of 2024," she said.

The ceremony's highlight was the conferment of diplomas. Head of School John L. Davis Sr., Dean of Faculty Vallye Blanton and Chad Gallahan, the school's Upper School dean, presented the graduates with their hard-earned diplomas. The ceremony concluded with a benediction by student James Godbee, sending the graduates off with blessings and well wishes for their future endeavors.