Graduation 2025: A Celebration of Resilience, Growth, and New Beginnings

On Friday, May 17, 2025, the auditorium at Spring Valley School was filled with joy, pride, and anticipation as we honored the graduates of the Class of 2025. The ceremony marked a profound milestone—not only for the students crossing the stage but for the entire Spring Valley community that supported them on the journey. At the heart of the celebration were powerful reflections on resilience, the school’s word of the year - and a fitting tribute to the Class of 2025’s unique and inspiring path.

A Welcome from Dr. Fiveash

Dr. Laura Fiveash, Spring Valley’s Executive Director, opened the ceremony with heartfelt words that captured the emotional weight and promise of the moment. “Graduation is not just about completing a checklist,” she reminded the audience. “It’s about becoming who you were always meant to be.” She commended the graduates for facing adversity with courage and community, encouraging them to step boldly into their futures with the strength they’ve earned.

Dr. Fiveash also expressed gratitude to the families, faculty, and staff whose tireless support made this moment possible. “This day,” she said, “belongs to every parent who believed, every teacher who adapted, and every student who showed up—even when it was hard.”

Words of Wisdom from Guest Speaker Guin Robinson

Stepping in with warmth and humility, guest speaker Guin Robinson delivered a moving address that quickly became one of the ceremony’s highlights. Representing Jefferson State Community College—where three Spring Valley graduates are headed—Mr. Robinson began by acknowledging the collective effort behind each graduate’s achievement.

“To the parents and families of the graduates,” he said, “this day is very much a tribute to you… Today is your victory too.” 

 

 

Mr. Robinson's speech echoed the school's chosen theme of resilience.  “Resilience is not about perfection,” he said. “It’s about persistence.” He honored the graduates for their ability to rise, adapt, and thrive—especially when the odds were not in their favor.

Personalizing his remarks, Mr. Robinson celebrated each graduate’s future plans individually:

Jack, with his compassion for animals and humor, is poised to thrive in veterinary nursing at Jeff State.

Destini, whose passion for early childhood education was sparked at United Ability’s Hand in Hand program, is ready to make her mark in teaching.

Maya, driven by kindness and curiosity, is preparing to enter the same field with confidence and care.

Mallory, an accomplished dancer and aspiring nurse, is heading to Rhodes College to study biology.

Gideon, whose talents span both the stage and mechanical work, is beginning a new chapter in aviation mechanics at Snead State.

Colin, deeply connected to land and sustainability, is forging a path in agriculture and entrepreneurship with visionary goals.

Ava, embracing a season of exploration, was applauded for her courage to take time, reflect, and chart her own course.
 

Mr. Robinson also left the graduates with life lessons grounded in authenticity and courage: build your tribe, don’t be afraid to color outside the lines, and prove the doubters wrong. Quoting Aristotle, he reminded students that courage is the virtue that makes all others possible, urging them to embrace who they are and use that courage to shape their futures.

 

Voices of the Class of 2025: In Their Own Words

The most resonant moments of the Spring Valley School graduation came straight from the students themselves. In a series of speeches marked by warmth, honesty, and humor, the Class of 2025 reflected on the roads they had traveled and the people who helped them get here.

Gideon Ammons, a passionate writer and music lover, opened his speech with how he came to Spring Valley. “I came here to SVS because, honestly, I was struggling,” he said. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyscalculia, Gideon spoke candidly about the self-doubt he carried from his previous school experience. But at SVS, that changed: “SVS helped by showing me that I can learn. You all helped me see who I am as a person, and truthfully, that changed my life.” His speech was a moving tribute to his teachers and the SVS community that felt like “the truest family” he’d known outside of his home.

Ava Berry echoed that sense of transformation. Reflecting on her academic frustrations before coming to Spring Valley, she shared how the individualized attention made all the difference: “I wasn’t one in a group of twenty. I was able to get more help when I needed it.” She thanked teachers who not only sharpened her writing but also reignited her love for gardening and the arts. 

Destini Blakney, who spent a total of eleven years at SVS, shared a powerful message of gratitude—for reading teachers who patiently guided her across the years, and mentors who believed in her potential. Speaking of her dyslexia therapist Mrs. Alexander, Destini captured the spirit of the SVS faculty: “She has sat beside me and helped me step-by-step because she cares about me succeeding.”

 

 

Jack Hebert described SVS as “a place where I’ve grown more than I ever expected”. Even when things were tough, I always had people around me who cared. That kind of help—whether it came during class or after hours—meant the world. I know I wouldn’t be standing here today without it." To his teachers, he expressed immense gratitude –  “Mr. C, thank you for always making learning hands-on. Mr. Hastings, you pushed me to think deeply. Thank you for being the kind of teachers who don’t just teach subjects, but change lives.”

 

Mallory Smith offered a more philosophical reflection, urging her peers to recognize that true growth isn’t about age—it’s about experience. “Life’s way more fun that way,” she said, describing how growth happens “in the messy stuff.” Mallory spoke candidly about her educational journey, thanking those who believed in her along the way. “Spring Valley helped me see myself differently,” she shared. “Not as a student who struggled, but as someone who learns uniquely—and succeeds with support.” 

 

Colin Soloman reflected on his personal journey with humility and gratitude. “When I first joined SVS, I was a little shy kid with a disdain for learning,” he admitted. But something changed: “I began to realize and accept the sheer fact that I love to learn.” His speech was a litany of thank-yous to teachers who fueled his curiosity, nurtured his love of science and poetry, and “actively supported my artwork.” Drawing parallels between the resilience required in farming and in life, he left classmates with this reminder: “Growth takes time, patience, and faith. We’ve already weathered so much. We can grow anything from here.”

 

Maya Wolff described her years of difficulty learning to read, write, and work with numbers before coming to Spring Valley. “This school was the first school I ever felt comfortable learning in,” she said. Diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, she credited SVS with not just helping her grow academically, but also giving her the courage to grow socially and emotionally. “Looking back, I realize how much we’ve all grown and changed… We’ve faced challenges and celebrated victories… and from it all, we’ve grown stronger and more confident in our futures.”

 

As the tassels turned, the room filled with a collective sense of achievement. Teachers and families looked on with misty eyes and proud smiles. Each graduate walked off the stage not just with a diploma, but with a legacy—one defined by resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief that they are destined for bright futures. 

 

 

Congratulations to the Spring Valley School Class of 2025! We cannot wait to see you change our world for the better.