Shen-Val-Lore The Student Voice of Shenandoah Valley Academy
October 16, 2024
Shenandoah Valley Academy
Volume 94, Edition 1
Upcoming Events
Senior Dedication Tamar Hamilton The night of Senior Dedication, September 6, unfurled in a whirlwind. Earlier that afternoon, the junior class officers had started cleaning up the student center and placing black-covered tables outside as decor. The first call time for seniors was at 6:00 that evening and went on until 7:00, when the entire class was called to be lined up and have a short practice. As the seniors lined up, with officers in front and then everyone else alphabetically in order behind them, lots of nerves were in the air as this official ceremony made the dawning reality of seniorhood become increasingly real. Dressed in blue and black, colors of sophistication and intelligence, two by two the senior pairs started to walk in. Parents, family, fellow students, faculty, and more watched as this defining moment that every student at SVA waits four years to experience commenced. After making his way to his place on the stage, Mr. Short gave a short welcome which was followed by the invocation done by class pastor Caley Rae Smith. The senior praise team then took the stage to welcome the congregation to join them in
song. After singing “Open the Eyes of my Heart,” “Graves into Gardens,” and “So Will I,” senior village senator Faith Richardi came to the front to read the Bible text of class 2025. “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my ways perfect,” Psalm 18:32 (NKJV).
in the military. He finished off with important principles about leadership for the seniors to use not only this last year of high school but all throughout their lives.
After that very encouraging talk for the night, soloists Tamar Hamilton and Nolynn Dahlberg sang a The speakers for the beautiful rendition of “Take night were Mr. and Mrs. it to Jesus,” accompanied by Vardiman, parents of senior Mr. Daniel Biaggi on the Ian Vardiman. So, following piano. The next portion of Faith, Ian took the stage to the ceremony is called the proudly welcome his parents. Sacred Charge, in which Mrs.Vardiman started with a the seniors are faced with story about a farmer who was multiple statements and having trouble plowing his respond with the agreement, fields straight. The story goes “By God’s grace we will.” that one day his neighbor, Afterwards, Pastor Timothy who was older and more Harley prayed the Prayer of experienced, spent some Dedication, and Michael time watching him and told Herold played an absolutely him that the problem he was stunning piece called having was because his head “Meditation” on violin. was bent down towards the Senior girls’ senator Juridia grass, instead of held high Castellanos then had the so that he could see. Mrs. benediction. Following that, Vardiman related this to the seniors walked out to the the senior class aim, “Rise sound of the “Triumphant above, rise to God,” and how March.” With that, it was they should keep their focus time for the reception in the upward and God will then student center. make their paths straight. Mr.Vardiman then began When approaching the to tell some personal stories about leadership that he has doors, the first thing seen were about 2-3 bouncers. accumulated from his time
Table of Contents 1
Senior Dedication
5
Week of Prayer
2
Who is Your Student Association?
6
3
Welcome New Staff
The International Camporee Experience
7
Officers
4
Senior Survival
8
Crossword
Their job was to keep the younger SVA student body out of the party since it was for only seniors and their families. Mixed lemonade and punch drinks, cookies, pita chips, humus, little sandwiches, and fruit were spread out on the back table. The room was full of happy families and high spirits. Parents took photos of their children, and seniors took pictures with their friends. Outside, the black tables had fairy lights centered on them, adding to the ambiance. When asked about her feelings at the ceremony and reception, Dean Kristi gave three words, “It was good.” Which seemed to be the overall theme of emotions surrounding this event. SVA can add another successful dedication to the books. Until next time ;)
October 18
First Quarter Ends
19
Church Campout
20-21
Academy Days
22-27
NACA Tournament
23-27
Homeleave
30-1
Ringfest
November 2
NAH President’s Concert
7
Underclassmen & Staff Photos
15
Faculty Family Vespers
23
Music Outing
24
SA Banquet
26-2
Thanksgiving Break
December 3
Giving Tuesday
5-8
Journey to Bethlehem
13-14
Candlelight Concerts
14
Pops Concert
17-19
Semester Exams
19
Second Quarter Ends
19-5
Christmas Break