On May 16; 1000 plus family members, friends, and coworkers filled the gymnasium of the Valley Heights high school. Each person waits in anticipation for the graduation of the 36 member class of 2009. 1:30pm, the gym is packed, the seniors begin to arrive. Hidden away in their designated hallway or room they get dressed in their caps and gowns, take a group photo and wait with apprehension for the ceremony to begin.

2:00pm, Pomp and Circumstance begins, the graduates line up, the time has come. Ushers Tim Laughlin and Hailey Mann (class of 2010) set the pace and the graduating students followed; one after the other in left to right fashion. The final student falls into place and in unison they turn to the stage and await the signal. Principle Don Potter walks to the podium and rests his hands gently but with authority onto its top. All at once 36 graduates sit. Potter gives the opening speech; he congratulates the class, wishes them well with their future, thanks them for the memories and the time they put in at Valley Heights. At this time the Mix Chorus accompanied on piano by Kim Oatney sang An Irish Blessing by Donald Moore. Superintendant John Bergkamp is next to the stand he lets everyone know that they’ve made it, that they are ready and can at this point accomplish whatever they set out to do. Next came the top 10%, four outstanding students were selected to give commencement speeches. Samantha Andersen, Rebecca Christie, Darrin Jacobson, and Shelby McNary; as they walk up on stage each one is noticeably nervous and as each person gives their speech the next inline gets increasingly more nervous. They start to fidget, sweat, and get the nervous giggles, but as they walk up to that podium a sense of poise and composure is lifted from within and they all give grand awe inspiring speeches. The speeches highlight, they classes struggles with adversity, memories they’ve made whether good or bad, and the pride in knowing that this is the class they belong to and this is the class that has finally made it.

A video dedicated to the graduation class was presented by Emily Gunn. It featured photos of the students, a song of their choosing, a message to their loved ones, and their future goals. The video was created by the Advanced Computer Applications class who were guided by Gunn. After the presentation Potter presented to the congregation the "Graduating Class of 2009". Next began the presentation of diplomas by Bergkamp, Stephen Hendrickson and Terry Roepke. Each student walked across the stage with their head held high and a look of pride in their eyes shaking the hands of each presenter and filing back into their seats. When every graduate reached their seat Potter once again presented the "Graduating Class of 2009", and for the first time in Potters 5 years as principle the caps came off. Started by Levi Jenkins a sea of purple mortar board flew into the air, the audience cheered; the class that never left a moment dull once again and once and for all lit a spark, one that they will take with them forever.

The graduation came to a close with the Mixed Chorus accompanied on piano by Kim Oatney singing I Believe I Can Fly by Mac Huff. The 36 graduating seniors filed out of the gymnasium and lined up along the perimeter of the commons as people greeted, and congratulated them. There were tears, hugs, and long goodbyes as these now graduated individuals embark on their new life long journey.