As the 2024-2025 school year ends, many people are looking back on what they did. For some, this year is their last at Pleasant Valley High School. For most, they are looking forward to next year. Whether that be college, another year at PV, or neither, the fun of life still continues. People looking both back to what they did and in the future to what they will are bound to have both ups and downs, but no matter what, PV’s favorite memories shall be looked at, remembered, and continue making great new memories. Even if not at PV anymore, prior PV students still carry an amazing legacy.
Looking back at PV’s favorite memories is an amazing trip, one full of fun, farewells, and life-altering events. A senior at PV, Dylan Gelles, recalls one of his favorite memories from this school year when playing as Wadsworth in the Clue play, back in October 2024. He says “I really enjoyed playing a funny, British, ‘double agent’”, but also adds that he has “taken theatre all four years and is really gonna miss it”. For Dylan, “ending [his theater legacy] with not only such a big role [as Wadsworth], but also a fun [role] was really memorable and nice” for him. Another senior, Alexis Oliver, mentioned that some of her most memorable events in this school year were the school events and extracurriculars. For Alexis, “going to prom with all [her] friends, … competing in the Academic Decathlon, … [and] being a region officer for FCCLA” were all incredibly memorable and fun. One of her favorite memories this year though, was “being the writer on the PV Almond Bowl,” and “going onto the off limits field areas to take photos and get interviews, which is a once in a lifetime experience for [her]”. For sophomore Alan Schaffer, they said that one of their favorite memories was “being on set crew for The Little Mermaid,” PV theatre’s last production for this year. Alan Schaffer finds this their most favorite part of the school year due to working with all the great people in PV theatre, such as Dylan Gelles.
However, PV is not only looking back at what they did. PV is also looking forward to next year and what they will be doing then. For students staying at school, such as Alan Shaffer, they are looking forward to the different classes they will take. For Alan Shaffer, that is “not having to take science or physical education and being able to do more things that make me happy,” such as fun activities during open periods. A graduating student, Dylan Gelles, is “looking forward to moving into college and learning how to navigate things all over again,” adding that he’s also hopeful to “run into some of my friends who have previously graduated PV”. Dylan Gelles is looking forward to his future with college and all of the memories that will bring, similar to Alexis Oliver. She is looking forward “to see[ing] what other extracurriculars [college] has in store,” due to them being her “favorite way of making friends and getting to grow as a leader”. Alexis Oliver also adds one final note, that she “plan[s] to continue travelling more with [her] friends, because that’s something senior year taught her,” that she “loves to do something new every day”.
Students at PV look both back and forwards in different ways, but no matter what, they are always thankful for what they have learned. Whether that is doing something new every day, having fun, making new friends, or the bittersweet goodbye to fellow students, memories keep being formed. No matter what, there is always something to look forward to, and to remember forever. And for students at PV, that is a beautiful thing.
