Fun in the Valley
On Tuesday, the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School came together for a powerful and heartfelt Veterans Day assembly, honoring the men and women who have served our country. Dr. Bertolini, Superintendent of Maple Valley Schools, served as the emcee for the event and opened with a warm welcome speech that set the tone for a meaningful afternoon of gratitude and reflection.
The ceremony featured a moving keynote speech by Jeremy Monasmith, who spoke about service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms.
The High School Choir beautifully performed the National Anthem, filling the gym with pride and reverence. The High School Band honored veterans from every branch by playing the traditional service songs, followed by additional selections performed by both the band and choir in tribute to our nation’s heroes.
A highlight of the assembly was hearing from the Top 3 winners of the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay/Speech Contest. This fall, 45 high school students from five different classes participated in this nationwide competition. This year’s theme, “How do you show your patriotism for this country?” inspired thoughtful reflection and heartfelt responses.
After peer judging, the top 11 essays and recorded speeches were sent to the local VFW post, where the top three were selected. At the assembly, the following students read their essays aloud and were recognized with a certificate, cash prize, and medal from the VFW:
3rd Place: Junior Audrey Burpee
2nd Place: Sophomore Will Whitford
1st Place: Junior Kaylee Williams
Kaylee’s essay and recorded speech will now advance to the district level, moving her one step closer to the prestigious national competition.
Senior Highlights
TJ Pierce
This week, we shine the spotlight on TJ Pierce, a member of the Class of 2025. After graduation, TJ plans to enter the workforce and take some time to find the right job that best suits him.
TJ shared that Mr. Carpenter has had the biggest impact on him at Maple Valley, explaining, “I talked to him the most about stuff.”
Looking ahead, TJ is excited to take some time off and explore his career opportunities. His advice to incoming freshmen is simple but meaningful: “It goes fast.”
When asked about the highlight of his senior year, TJ didn’t hesitate: sports!
