Sni Valley Academy graduates celebrated for hard work and perseverance

​by Cole Arndorfer

On a beautiful, mid-May evening in Grain Valley, Missouri, Sni Valley Academy held its commencement ceremony at Grain Valley High School for its 50 graduates. For these 50 young adults, their path to a high school diploma may not have been the easiest route to take, but, through hard work and perseverance, they came out on the other side.

In his opening speech, Grain Valley High School principal, Dr. Jeremy Plowman applauded the work that Sni Valley Academy directors, Ryan Adams and Jill Maxon, do for students.  Plowman noted that across the country, less than half of kids that attend alternative school graduate with a high school diploma. Plowman said that in the Grain Valley School District, that number is over 90 percent thanks to Adams and Maxon.

To recognize his commitment and service to the students of Sni Valley, Dr. Plowman was given an honorary diploma from Sni Valley Academy as a token of their appreciation.

Mr. Adams thanked each of the student’s family and friends for attending as he said, “I know the road to this point wasn’t always smooth, but your support and encouragement helps these graduates cross the finish line.”

Addressing the graduates, Adams said, “you’ve all worked extremely hard to get to this point and it’s very rewarding for us to watch you walk across this stage… you’ve already faced many challenges… overcoming these challenges is the first step in achieving your goals and getting your diploma. Whatever path you choose, be sure you put everything you have into doing it right.”

Mrs. Maxon added on this by saying, “next time you’re going through something hard, remember this exact moment, this feeling, I want you to remember everything about it because things are going to get hard again, but if you believe in yourself and recall this amazing feeling, you will know that all of the hard is worth it.”

Sni Valley graduate Bradley Gildehaus said that graduation was a special moment for him. It was a time of reflection on “all the hard work that went into it. This is an alternative school, so things didn’t go as planned but I made it and I’m happy to be here!” Gildehaus said.

He then added that Sni Valley prepared him well for his future by allowing him to work while attending school. Looking toward the future, Gildehaus said that he may join his father in the construction business now that he has his diploma.

Reflecting on the graduation, Adams says that this night “means a lot, these kids have worked so hard. Their backs were against the wall many times in their student career and for them to overcome that and get to this point, it’s a very cool moment for us to see them do that.”

When asked what is most meaningful to him in his work at Sni Valley Academy, Adams responded, “You get to work with kids that really need your help. The kids that need support, and guidance, and structure. It’s an honor to be able to provide them that."

In his final piece of advice to the graduates, Mr. Adams said, “You’re not alone as you begin your future…remember, success in life is hard to achieve on your own. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.”

Sni Valley Academy students tossed their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on Thursday evening at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Cole Arndorfer