Emily Flora | SWoCo

Three of Cave Spring High School's valedictorians, Ann Zimmerman, Caitlan Swaffar, and Samantha Snyder.

The Roanoke Elks Lodge No. 197 held the 31st annual Valedictorian Night on Thursday, May 21, to honor the valedictorians from schools in the area.

Cave Spring High School, Hidden Valley High School, North Cross School and Faith Christian were all recognized during this event.

The lodge also awarded five scholarships to area students.

During the ceremony, Damon Williams served as the guest speaker. Williams is a 1986 graduate of William Flemming and attended VMI.

He now works for First Citizen's Bank. While at VMI he played basketball, and he was inducted a few years ago into the VMI Hall of Fame.

Williams spoke about the valedictorian's purpose of life, saying, "finding out what your purpose in life is, is a life long journey."

He also told students to share their talents, academically and athletically, and to give back to their community.

He told them to enjoy their next few months off, wished them luck, and asked them to make Roanoke proud.

The following students are 2009 valedictorians:

Cave Spring High School

Derrick Barnes, Alea Bier, Monica Boatwright, Rachal Crum, Rebecca Davis, Ashley Hodges, Natalie Iannello, Andrew Jones, Jordan Key, Kathryn Lawryszek, Jordan Long, Kelsey Martin, Carter Mull, Heather Pearson, Kristen Robinson, Samantha Snyder, Caitlan Swaffar, Tatum Tyler, Parker Vascik, Marion Whisnant, Emily White, Taylor Woodrum, Ann Zimmerman.

Faith Christian School

Joanna Bayliss.

Hidden Valley High School

Nadia Aly, Cynthia Blaker, Thomas Boettner, Lindsey Burton, Jessica Church, Richard Coro, Natalia Data, Eva Delaney, Miriam Elias, Bryan Finch, Colin Forbes, James Gills, Emily Gooding, Kelsie Houck, Jennifer Huffman, Hoa Huynh, Mark Jones, Dylan Kidd, Kathryn Kronau, Casey Landey, Bryan Lewis, Andrew Morris, Torren Nanz, Abigail Redick, Kathryn Reichel, Andrea Rodgers, Eunhyung Ryoo, Gregory Scialabba, Dayton Steele, Benjamin Strickler, Jessica Strokus, Steven Sweeney, Jessica Wang.

North Cross School

Merritt Boyd.

Tim Rowe, a Hidden Valley High School senior, was also one of the Elks Lodge Scholarship recipients.

Dave Ross, a member of the Roanoke Elks Lodge said, "being valedictorian is the pinnacle of what you can be. I do this because it's the closest thing I'll ever be to being a valedictorian. Say thank you to someone who has made a difference in your life."

Faith Christian

Faith Christian School recently chose Hannah Roller, an 18-year-old senior and daughter of Amy and Dr. Bill Roller Jr., to represent the graduating class of 2009. Roller will be attending Liberty University in the fall to study nursing.

"My sister goes there and at first I didn't think I wanted to go there, but after I visited I really liked the atmosphere and the people there and they have a really good nursing program. My mom was a nurse; my dad is a dentist, so I've always been interested in the medical field. This year I got to shadow some nurses and that really got me interested in nursing," Roller said.

Roller served as SGA President and hiY through the YMCA. She is also Co-President of the Spanish Club and Vice-President of Faith Christian's Honor Society. She has also been a member of the Roanoke College Children's Choir for 10 years and very involved in her church.

But Roller said that she did experience some challenges during her last four years at Faith Christian.

"Three of my really good friends decided not to come back to Faith Christian for their senior year," she said. Also, "we have to do a senior thesis in order to graduate and so we all did that together. It was tough and I'm just glad it's over," she said. "We got done with ours in January and presented them."

The thesis is required for all seniors to graduate. Students choose a topic and write a 19- to 22-page paper.

"The whole senior year has been really fun. We are really close and it's really neat the close friendship we have with one another."

Faith Christian is graduating five seniors on Friday, June 5.

Roller said that one of the highlights of the senior year was the gala, a formal dinner at Hidden Valley Country Club. Roller said the gala was a time to honor the seniors with a senior slide show of pictures and the juniors put on a skit to make fun of the seniors; then the seniors do one to make fun of the teachers.

With graduation right around the corner, Roller is still excited to begin a new chapter in her life.

"I'm really excited. For a while I was kind of nervous. I'm kind of sad to be done with high school but at the same time I'm super excited to go to Liberty to start a new chapter and meet new people."

Roller hopes that even after all the seniors leave and go their separate ways, that they won't forget where they come from and all they've learned.

"I would say everything that we've learned and just the close knit community and what a special place Faith Christian is. I think right now we take for granted what a special school it is and how close we are. I hope we would take away what a wonderful time we've had and wonderful teachers and how blessed we are to go to Faith Christian."

Until she moves to Liberty, Roller plans on going to the beach with her friends, a family vacation to Ireland and a summer trip to Chicago with the Roanoke College Children's Choir.

"I would like to thank my teachers and my school because we've been really blessed to have such wonderful teachers. Because our school is so small, we really get to know them and the importance and impact they have on us. I really want to thank the whole school," Roller said.

MIT bound

Merritt Boyd, son of Cliff and Donna Boyd of Riner and a new graduate at North Cross, had a tough decision to make when he found out he had been accepted into MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Cornell, Cal Tech, Carnegie Mellon, UVA, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University of California at Berkeley. But he chose MIT.

"I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to study, but I'm thinking some kind of physics," Boyd said.

"I've always been interested in MIT. From what I understand it's a very creative place. It seems like a good blend, where there is a lot to do and a good balance between good academics and research opportunities and a really neat culture."

Boyd said that this year has been a great one for the graduating class of 2009.

"It's been a good year. I think a lot of poeple have gotten into a lot of really good schools. We were all excited about our admission -- most of us got into our first choice."

North Cross School commencement

North Cross School graduated 30 seniors on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. in the Carter Athletic Center at North Cross School. Upper school English and drama teacher G. Gates DeHart III addressed the North Cross School community during the School's 46th annual Commencement activities. North Cross was proud to announce also that 100 percent of their students will attend college.

"It's a tight group. Everyone gets along," Boyd said about his senior class.

"I think a lot of what makes our school really neat is you get a lot of opportunities to grow as a person," Boyd said. "I hope that the seniors will keep in mind that they are still capable of the same degree of personal integrity."

Boyd will take with him the great experiences he said he has had at the school and he hopes that other students will as well.

"It's been a really great experience at North Cross. I've been here since fifth grade. I think that speaks a lot about the quality of the people here. I think that's really the core component of the school."

In 10 years, Boyd hopes to be in graduate school. Although he is not sure what he will be doing, he said he thought it would be nice to be doing academic research.

"Hopefully I'll be doing something useful and something fun."

Andrew Morris bound for College of William & Mary

Andrew Morris is more than ready to graduate from Hidden Valley High School and begin his college career. In fact, he says he is "counting down the days."

Morris, the son of Chris and Jill Morris, is one of 302 students who will be walking down the aisle and accepting a high school diploma on Tuesday, June 9, at the Salem Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

And although he is excited to begin a new part of his life, Morris recalls some of the challenges, and of course the joys, of the last four years.

"I think Brenda King -- her passing has brought us close together and her passing has made us look at ourselves and find out who we are as a senior class and helped us come together. I lost my great-grandfather a year or two ago and that was rough on me, and then this. I was really close to Mrs. King; she was a great person to be around. When this happened I was just shocked."

But joy came out of that too, Morris said, when the boys basketball team made the final four and came together to remember Coach King.

"We were a Cinderella team and so I think that was a happy moment where we all came together and remembered Coach King. Our senior class is really close. We are all buddies and we walk around the hallways and it's a lively atmosphere. People should remember all the friends they made over the years and all the things we did together as a class."

Morris has been involved in many activities in the last four years at HVHS. He was the Varsity Boys Basketball Team Captain, one of the Titan 12, on senior council, Beta Club, and of course basketball, which Morris said really took up a lot of his time. Morris is also a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, volunteers at Roanoke College basketball camps and tutors math.

In the fall, Morris will attend the College of William & Mary and although he isn't sure what he will major in, he is looking into the pre-med program or studying biology or some sort of math major.

"It's going to be pretty much a fresh start. I really like the atmosphere up there. It's really a homey feel. Everything on campus is really close. The campus is like one big group that gets together. I'm definitely looking forward to that and it's going to be challenging academically."

"I had it narrowed down to JMU or William & Mary. I planned on going to JMU because I didn't think I was going to get into William and Mary. But then I did and you can't really turn down an offer from William and Mary. I thought it would be cool to meet all new people and have a fresh start."

But before Morris moves to William & Mary he plans on spending some time with his family, by going to the beach. He also plans on working at the basketball camps at Roanoke College.

"Congrats to all my fellow senior class," Morris said.

Alex Zuber off to JME

Alex Zuber, son of Tim and Kelly Zuber, a senior at Cave Spring High School, member of the CSHS marching band, jazz band, pep band, symphonic band, pit orchestra, senior student representative for the school board -- and the list goes on and on.

Zuber will be attending James Madison University in the fall as a Health Science Major, Pre-Med.

"It felt right," Zuber said about JMU. "It came down to a really tough decision between JMU and South Carolina. I just had a good gut feeling and I loved the environment and the spirit. The whole atmosphere was electric."

Cave spring is sending nine seniors to JMU this year, Zuber said.

"I have some friends that are up there now. I haven't heard anyone say they didn't like JMU so I am really excited about that."

Zuber, who was very active in all types of band offered at CSHS, will be part of the Royal Dukes Marching Band at JMU. He will check in at JMU on August 16 to attend band camp. Zuber plays the trumpet.

"At school I'm involved in every band I could get into. I am the trumpet section leader and band president this year."

Zuber, along with his other credentials, was not only the student representative for the Roanoke County School Board this year but was also elected to a student council representative. He is active in his church, plays in praise band at his church, a youth representative for his church council, attends mission trips, youth group on Sunday night and has been in the Boy Scouts since he was in the first grade and recently received his Eagle Scout.

"That's been huge. I went to Philmont [Scout Ranch in New Mexico] this past summer. That was a lot of fun."

When asked about the challenges and joys of his senior class and their experiences over the last few years, Zuber had only positive things to say.

"We had the new lobby being constructed this year, so the entire year we had to use the side entrances. It was frustrating for a while dealing with the lobby. It's been a really competitive class and we all worked really hard getting into college and friendly competition for the best grades. Everyone is trying to go to the top schools. It motivates everybody.

"This class has seen some awesome years -- just a lot of good things going on. We won the State Championship in basketball and a couple of volleyball championships in the last couple of years. We took a lot of kids down to the basketball championship game for basketball to cheer for our team and a lot of us are going to remember that."

Zuber's hope for his classmates -- the class totals 220 -- in the coming years is that they will always remember where they come from and the community.

"Just knowing there is a great network of friends here and in the whole Roanoke Valley and Cave Spring. We've had great teachers and a great four years of learning here and taking away the fact that we are going to be well prepared -- more than many schools in the country because we've had a great school and great friends."

In 10 years, Zuber hopes to be out of medical school and getting through residency. He also hopes to continue to serve and do international mission work in impoverished countries.

"I would love to thank the teachers. They have been great and really supportive. The teachers at Cave Spring are so outgoing and are friends with the students and develop relationship with them. My fours years here have been awesome and I'm indebted to all the teachers and faculty that are here at the school."

Graduation is at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at the Salem Civic Center.

Cave Spring Cave Spring holds second annual Knight's Morning Buzz

The SCA at Cave Spring High School held their 2nd Annual Knight's Morning Buzz in the gym Thursday, May 28, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 8:25.

Students and community members came out today to get their hair cut for only $10. The SCA helped raise $1,443, which will all go to Susan Kern, a teacher at Back Creek Elementary School with cancer.

SCA President Greg Mackey said that David Kaplan, a 2008 graduate, came up with the idea last year and was so successful that they decided to bring it back this year. Last year the Knight's Morning Buzz brought in about $1,200 for the American Cancer Society.

"We just wanted to do something small for Ms. Kern," Mackay said.

During the Knight's Morning Buzz, students, teachers, and the community enjoyed a free breakfast from Famous Anthony's and music from Jammin' JJS.

Principal Steven Spangler said, "I'm very proud of these kids -- I have been proud of them all year. When it comes to community service, they go above and beyond. These kids come up with these projects. This year it hits close to home, helping Ms. Kern at Back Creek Elementary. It's a good thing."

Jourdan Markey, a freshman at CSHS, said she came out because it's for a good cause and to help out SCA.

Even Kaplan came home for the event from Sryacuse, where he just finished up his first year of college.

"It's great to be back here and see what this has turned into," he said. "We started it last year and it's good to see it grow."

7 educators retire with 250 years' experience

After 44 years of experience in education, Cave Spring Elementary School Principal L. Thad James says it's time to retire. Out of his lengthy educational experience, 42 of which was served in Roanoke County and 37 as a principal for a Roanoke County School, he spent the longest at Cave Spring Elementary School.

"This has been a good place. Everyone needs their own spot and I always felt this was my spot," he said.

James also served as principal at Bent Mountain Elementary, Clearbrook Elementary and Green Valley Elementary.

On Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Cave Spring PTA honored the seven employees, including James, that will be retiring this year from Cave Spring Elementary. Susan Marchi, the vice principal, will also be retiring this year.

The following is a list of those retiring from Cave Spring Elementary:

Arlene Billet: 1986-present at CSES (teaching since 1971)

Kathi Carr: 1973-present at CSES

Jayne Perala: 1989-present at CSES (teaching since 1974)

Carolee Dudley: 1969- present at CSES

Anne Perrin: 2001-2009 at CSES (teaching since 1978)

Vice Principal Susan Marchi: 2002 - present at CSES (education 39 years)

Principal Thad James: 1983- present at CSES.

James said that the retirement night went great and that he had the opportunity to see some of the past PTA Presidents, whose kids have long grown up and left Cave Spring Elementary School and have become successful.

"I remind the teachers when I hear about these cases that this is why we keep doing this. Long after the students have forgotten what we teach them, they remember how we treated them."

James said that what he will miss most about being at Cave Spring Elementary School is "the kids, seeing them grow and the lights come on. Plus the challenges of providing materials and programs to fill the need."

Which is exactly what James feels he has accomplished during his years as an educational provider.

"One of the best things for me, is when I hear people say there is a warm feeling when you come into this school."

James spoke about the great parent participation and support he has seen as Cave Spring Elementary School over the years and said, "I think the school mirrors its community. They want their children to be successful and they value education."

Some of James' highlights as an educational provider included high state testing scores, the explosion of special education, and the development of safety plans.

But he plans to continue working with the schools long after he retires as a substitute or as administration.

"I will keep my finger in the pond. You can't just walk away from something you've done for 40-plus years," James said.

He does plan to use his time to travel and he plans on taking a cruise to Europe this summer.

James also hope that the other teachers that are retiring leave the school with their high standards and high expectations and caring of the children in the school.

"Two hundred and fifty years of experience is hard to replace," he said. "I worked with all of them for 15 to 20 years. I feel like I grew up with them and I went through the most important parts of their lives with them, their marriages, divorces, and birth of kids. I feel good about the replacements across the board and I'm happy with my replacement, Jodi Poff, who was a student teacher here."

And although James is going to miss being principal at Cave Spring Elementary, he is proud in all that the school has accomplished during his 37 years.

"I'm a firm believer in being kind and fair to children. This is the only business with a guarunteed customer base. I'm proud of the school here. We have some exciting programs here and good technology. I'm going to miss being needed, the staff, and the students. It's been good. Roanoke is a good place to work and they've been very supportive. I couldn't ask for a better place."

Roanoke County is retiring 109 employees in the school system, amounting to 2,800 years of experience.

North Cross School students excel in music program

Sophomore Stephanie Till has earned a seat in the flute section of the coveted Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra. There were only two openings in the flute section for next year and Stephanie made it, despite the very competitive auditions. Till is the third North Cross School student to audition for, and be accepted into, the group. Oboe player Lauren Oddoand percussion player Nicholas Rehmus are also members of the RYSO which practices for three hours on Sunday afternoons and performs several concerts throughout the year.

Many other North Cross School band and choral music students have auditioned for, and made, other competitions, over the past several years, including:

All-District Middle School Chorus

All-District High School Chorus

All-District Middle School Band

All-District High School Band

The Roanoke Youth Symphony

The Roanoke Children's Choir

Donnini, who is the acting chair of the School's Fine Arts Department, credits the School's emphasis on the fine arts for these successes.

All 520 NCS students, from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, are required to take a fine arts class each trimester. There are eight faculty members in the Fine Arts Department.

"Music is a discipline which enhances all other academic areas and creates well-rounded students," said Donnini.

About 200 students are involved in the school's instrumental music programs.In addition to a middle and upper school art show held in year in the Student Art Annex in New Slack Hall, band and choral students perform in several concerts, as well as the fall drama production and the spring musical. Each spring the School hosts a Combined Private School Honor Band Day, in which students from other area private schools visit NCS to perform. Other fine arts offerings include: Contemporary arts classes such as web and graphic design and the more traditional classes of instrumental and vocal music.

Submitted by Reagan Thomas, North Cross School intern