Hello to each of you; I hope you are each doing well.

It has been a very busy last couple of weeks in Valley Home. Our Valley Home eighth graders, 23 of them to be exact, graduated on Wednesday, May 21. It was truly a special night in Valley Home. Our kindergarteners had graduated mid-afternoon! The next few years will go by in the blink of an eye … and soon our kindergarteners will be graduating from eighth grade.

The years have gone by so fast for our Class of 2025. Our eighth graders have made lifelong friends at Valley Home School. One of the many things I noticed with this very special class of eighth graders was their closeness. They truly cared very deeply for each other. They were very proud of the love they shared with their classmates. I am sure over the years … and especially this eighth grade year … there were times where their friendships were tested. Growing up, going to a very small country school brings a closeness and a special bond, no disagreement will ever come between them for very long. Memories of their time together at Valley Home School will always make them lifelong friends.

Scott Sachau and Tristan Bond led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jissel Juarez, Millie Cox, Jayce Lopez, and Jordyn McNatt shared class memories. Ashlan McCurley and Piper Nunes shared a beautiful poem and an inspiring speech. The entire eighth grade class introduced each other. One at a time, each graduate shared stories about the next graduate … the closeness of this class brought tears to my eyes. It was amazing to see them hug each other, shake hands on and off stage. It was interesting to see the wonderful mix of the graduates’ interests. There were prize winning rodeo cowgirls and cowboys, there were highly skilled motorcyclists, motorcyclists who made history riding from home to graduation on their bikes. Talented softball players, incoming Oakdale High School freshman cheerleader, artists, and so many more amazing graduates. Although most will be heading to Oakdale High this coming fall, some will head to Escalon High and some will be going even farther. In fact, at least one beautiful graduate will be heading to Oregon to start her high school career; we will all miss you, Piper Nunes.

Our 2025 Valley Home eighth grade graduates are: Kinley Bolduc, Tristan Bond, Avery Cornett, Millie Cox, Payson Cox, Max Gradilla, Daniel Guzman, Daisy Haynes, Grady Hirdes, Jissel Juarez, Ryder Kistler, Kash Kuhlman, Jayce Lopez, Ashlan McCurley, Jordyn McNatt, Leighton Musick, Piper Nunes, Jenesis Rangel, Kevin Rocha, Scott Sachau, Nick Simko, Aubrey Stafford, Eli Titus.

A huge “Thank You” to every Valley Home School staff member; your dedication and love for these graduates have set them on a path to amazing success!

God bless our Valley Home graduating class of 2025.

As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.