So much excitement in the air with all of the recent graduation activities. Oakdale High School Class of 2014 graduation ceremonies commenced on Friday evening with several graduates being from right here in Valley Home. This event is always bittersweet as it is the beginning of a new chapter yet also the closure of another. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing a bit about the recently graduated Valley Home young people.

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We are thrilled to begin with news of our very own Alanna Jones. On May 17, 2014, Alanna graduated from Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Athletic Training and Psychology. Alanna graduated in the top five of her class with the award of Summa Cum Laude. She received the college 2013-2014 Minnick McCoy Award for the second time in her four year college career. The first time was in 2011-2012, her sophomore year. The Minnick McCoy Award is for the student with the highest grade point average at the end of the school year in the Exercise Science Academic Program. Alanna has been accepted to Chapman University in California where she will receive her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. She attended Davis and Elkins College with a four year academic/athletic scholarship. She was just as successful on the softball field as a pitcher as she was in the classroom. Alanna ended her Senator softball career with the most wins and strikeouts of any softball pitcher in the history of Davis and Elkins. We are all very proud of Alanna and all her successes at Davis and Elkins. Congratulations Alanna, we here in Valley Home are excited to see all of the many more successes that await you.

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Valley Home School celebrated the last day of school with a fabulous barbecue and yearbook signings. It was great fun for all!

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Celebrating Birthdays are...the talented actress Katelynn Lignowski who graduated from Oakdale High School Friday evening, Gracie Roseberry who gets sweeter each day, and handsome Clay Verdegaal who turns heads everywhere he goes! Happy Birthday to each of you!

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You may reach me at winniemullins51@gmail.com. Until next time “Happy trails to all...”