Viking News

On November 11, 2019, the Valley R-6 School District hosted their annual Veterans Day assembly. Isaiah Phillips and Garrett Redinger began the assembly with the presentation of the colors. The national anthem was then performed by the Valley High School band, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Heath Rhyneer. The kindergarten, first, and second grade classes sang two songs to honor our veterans. The first was “Red, White, and Blue,” and the second was “Oh, I Love America.” Joe Snyder, Bismarck VFW, presented essay winners for both the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy, who both wrote to the same topic of “What Makes America Great.” For the Patriots Pen essay contest, Brylee Redinger received second place, and Carlie Loughary was awarded first place and was asked to read her essay. The Voice of Democracy essay contest had three winners. Third place was awarded to Ethan Moses, second place was awarded to Carleigh Jackson, and the first place winner, Heath Rhyneer, read his aloud. Following Joe Snyder, the fifth and six grade classes sang, “For the Good of Many.” The Valley High School band performed "Armed Forces on Parade" directed by Kayla Price. For their final song, the fifth and six grade classes performed, “Proud of Our Veterans.” The hospitality tourism management program put together a military family slideshow which featured all past and current veterans who have served our country. The third and fourth graders sang their two songs at the end, “Thank You Soldiers” and “Americans We." At the program’s conclusion, a moment of silence was held for all fallen soldiers, and Kayla Price performed “Taps.” The Valley R-6 School District was honored to have so many service men and women in attendance.

Valley R-6 High School, along with Washington County Health Department, were honored to have Jude Hassan speak at an assembly for Red Ribbon Week. Jude Hassan, a substance abuse and drug prevention speaker, came to Valley R-6 High School on October 24, 2019, to speak to the students about addiction and the struggles that came with it. Jude has overcome a near-decade long struggle with addiction to become a trusted source of help and information in the region. Unfortunately, peer pressure and the need to fit in got the best of Jude. At the age of fifteen, he began abusing drugs. Needless to say, Jude had lost everything. With hitting countless dead-ends, Jude finally turned his-self around and recently celebrated eight years in recovery. Jude has told his story over 150 times to audiences of all sizes. His story serves as an emotional plea to avoid the mistakes that he made and to never succumb to peer pressure. In addition to speaking, Jude works as an outreach coordinator for Bridgeway Behavioral Health in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Suburban Junky: From Honor Roll to Heroin Addict. 

On Thursday, October 17, 2019, the Valley R-6 High School had their annual Halloween dance beginning at 7:00 p.m. The dance was put together by student council. They did an amazing job decorating and organizing the dance. The costume contest also turned out very well. Heith Walton came in first place wearing a ventriloquist dummy costume. Jake Gaston and Emily Bryan, who dressed as characters from Blues Clues, and Kirstin Francis and Skylar DeClue, who dressed up as Velma and Shaggy from Scooby Doo, tied for second place. Student council members also had snacks and drinks for sale available to students during the dance. The dance concluded at 9:00 p.m. Many students danced and appeared to have a great time. 

On October 24, 2019, the Valley R-VI National Honor Society chapter had their annual induction ceremony in the high school gym. The president of the National Honor Society chapter, Emily Bryan, started the evening off with explaining the society’s emblem. Following that, Molly Comfort, vice president, explained character. After Molly, the microphone was handed the secretary, Tyler Courtway, as he explained scholarship. Next, the chapter’s treasurer, Carleigh Jackson, described leadership. Finally, Emily Bryan defined the term service. These are the four qualities of every National Honor Society member and inductee. The 2019 inductees included: Alexis Brooks, Nancy Brown, Keegan Boyer, Skylar DeClue, Kirstin Francis, Lane Hampton, Emily Haworth, Corben Laramore, Stetson McCoy, Ethan Moses, Jalynn Orrick, Hayley Rawlins, and last but not least, Heath Rhyneer. As their names were called each new inductee received their induction card given by the chapter advisor, Ashley Jones. The ceremony was followed by cake, refreshments, and many pictures. 

On Monday, October 14 the Valley R-VI School District recognized the senior volleyball girls as they played their last home game. Senior players were recognized for all of their hard and wonderful work that they as athletes have put in during their high school careers. We have seen the amount of dedication among each and every athlete, and it is an example to all upcoming athletes. Most of all, we want to thank the parents for all of their dedication that they have put forth to make each year possible. We wish all of our girls good luck in all of their future endeavors.

• Emily Bryan, daughter of Cristen and Nick Bryan
• Carleigh Jackson, daughter of Joe and Abi Jackson
• Molly Comfort, daughter of Bernadine and John Comfort
• Jalynn Orrick, daughter of Jeremy and Bobbi Orrick
• Kirstin Francis, daughter of Dorothy Marker and Glen Francis
• Liz Morris, daughter of Melissa Francis

On October 1, 2019, our junior high girls volleyball team had their annual pink-out game to raise awareness for breast cancer. They competed against one of our biggest opponents, the Bismarck Indians, and even though they lost, they had a great time playing and giving it their all. 7th grade went a full three sets, and 8th grade went two sets. Both teams raised money to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and all of the teachers were able to pay $10 to wear jeans for the day to raise even more money for the foundation.