Conestoga Valley /townlively
MAY 27, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: HUMANE LEAGUE EXPANDS SERVICES page 5
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 24
Celebrating EVERY Student CVHS Plans Memorable Events By Ann Mead Ash
“The goal is to not just replicate the excitement of a traditional graduation, but truly celebrate each and every graduate of the Class of 2020,” Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD) superintendent Dave Zuilkoski wrote to students, families, and friends of Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) seniors in early May. Zuilkoski went on to outline plans for events that would “try to maintain as many traditions as possible,” while creating a memorable celebration for the Class of 2020. The district has kept the reservation of Calvary Church for Friday, May 29, but also prepared to present speeches and diplomas in ways that work within COVID-19 guidelines.
The alternative plans include recorded speeches by principal Michael Thornton, Class of 2020 president Simonne Legette, Jamie Glick, Sophia Steed, CVSD school board president Todd Shertzer, and Zuilkoski. Jamie and Sophia auditioned for the graduation speakers committee and were chosen to speak. In addition, the presentation to the Rill Medal of Honor winners and the acknowledgement of the class valedictorian and salutatorian, top 10% of the class, and students entering the military will also be recorded. Jamie is the daughter of Dean and Jeanie Glick of Lancaster. Jamie said that she is glad she attended CVHS because of the positive relationships she was able to develop there. “Not only (relationships) with my classmates, but with my teachers as well,” said Jamie, who recalled that she was excited to go
to school each morning knowing she would be welcomed with smiles and hellos from the teachers. “The teachers are always willing to help you in any way they can to make you successful,” she noted. “I would not be the person I am today without their guidance.” Her speech reads in part, “I have been a Buckskin my entire life, and I have been cheering you on through wins and losses. I’m here to cheer all of you on one last time.” In the fall, Jamie plans to attend the Penn State Berks, Division of Undergraduates. Sophia is the daughter of Jeff and Kathy Steed of Lancaster. Her time at CVHS has been enhanced by the connections she has made with others. “The school does a very good job at presenting students with plenty of opportunities to be involved and be successful,” said Sophia, who listed
Bridge Of Hope Opens Lancaster Office Neighboring Volunteers Sought To Help Fight Homelessness
Bridge of Hope Lancaster County director Audrey Metzler (left) and national executive director Edith Yoder stand in the new office the organization has opened at 255 Butler Ave., Suite 205, Lancaster. Bridge of Hope, which fights homelessness through neighborhood volunteer programs, is hoping to increase the number of families it helps in the county.
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sports, the drama department, and clubs among those opportunities. “I have made some incredibly impactful relationships with my fellow students, teachers, and mentors,” she shared. “Each of the students I walked the halls
with was an inspiration to me in different ways, and I will remember the relationships I made … for the rest of my life.” In her speech, Sophia will encourage her classmates to face the future without fear. “We have to stop See CVHS pg 6
Community Invited To “Adopt” A Senior As part of an effort to recognize and honor graduates at Conestoga Valley (CV) High School, the community is invited to “adopt” a senior and send them congratulatory yard signs, gift cards, candy and other special gifts. As of mid-May, 210 seniors had been adopted. “Currently there are 316 seniors, and that includes two exchange students, students graduating early, those that completed their course load after the first semester, students from the vo-tech programs and students from the cyber programs,” explained Tracy Holmes, whose daughter Kaitlin is among the graduates. Holmes heard about a similar effort to adopt seniors at a school in California. “I looked into it and I checked with (CV High School) and started the group on April 28,” she stated. “As the parent of a senior, I was struggling with the senior year ending so abruptly and seeing all the seniors struggling with it as well. I wanted to do something that could lift their spirits and show them that they were loved and supported by everyone See “Adopt” A Senior pg 3
The community is invited to “adopt” a Conestoga Valley High School senior by providing him or her with surprise gifts. Among those who were “adopted” was Kaitlin Holmes, who recently received a gift box complete with balloons and flowers.
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Sophia Steed
By Francine Fulton
By Ann Mead Ash
In August of 2019, Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties and Good Samaritan Services parted ways. Bridge of Hope, a national organization that fights homelessness through community support efforts, made the decision to operate Bridge of Hope programs separately in both Lancaster and Chester counties. In Lancaster County, Audrey Metzler became the county director, moving into the organization’s new offices at 255 Butler Ave., Suite 205, Lancaster, in December. Metzler worked for Bridge of Hope for more than a decade, leaving her post in 2008 and returning to the organization and to Lancaster in late 2019. In her new role, she will handle some case management and train and coordinate local volunteer groups through churches and other faith groups, such as Bible studies and small groups. “I will be recruiting and training Neighboring See Bridge Of Hope pg 4
Jamie Glick
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