UVC Prepares to Send Off Their Seniors

One local school continues to adjust and make the most of this school year interrupted by Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the school year all across the country, including traditional graduation ceremony’s. Umpqua Valley Christian school however is still hoping to have a physical graduation ceremony while honoring state and local guidelines for social gatherings. “Our hope is to have a physical graduation commencement ceremony in June,” UVC Head of School Adam Armstrong said. “In addition, we are making plans for a drive through awards ceremony to focus on the graduating class of 2020 accomplishments.” The date and location for the graduation event is currently not finalized. Last week, teachers and administrators visited the seniors’ homes with gift bags and yard signs to communicate to each senior how proud they were of them in the midst of such a difficult time. Original senior trip plans were cancelled so students and advisors are also planning an after-graduation event if travel is still restricted at that time. The UVC Future First Citizen award finalists were announced this past week, with the first place winner to be announced at graduation. Dylan Jewell, Gianna Landes and Kylie Lehne were the finalists recognized for having high academic standing, volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Applications for the awards are assessed by local civic leaders to see who will be the most involved in their community. The first place recipient receives $5,000 and the two runner-ups receive $2,000. This scholarship is paid to the recipient’s school of choice to aid them with college tuition. In lieu of their annual banquet fundraiser, they’re hosting the UVC Day of Giving – online – this Thursday, May 21, but anyone wanting to donate after May 21 is free to do so. UVC is also posting videos all week called Monarch Moments to help people see what the school is doing. These are brief interviews with UVC students to showcase what they think about their school. “Were trying to help the donors who don’t get to come to an event, to see what the school is producing,” Armstrong said. “This is the product were producing and it’s worth producing. Instead of getting to present in a banquet, we’re producing videos for people to see online.” To learn more check out www.uvcs.org/donate.cfm Or you can call the school office at 541-679-UVCS (8827). UVC has already raised over $9,000 dollars as of May 20 at 11:30 a.m. UVC operates their school based on tuition income and donations. This fundraiser has helped to keep UVC affordable for all families who desire to have a Christian education.