The Class of 2013 embarked on Senior Survival, September 12-16, 2012, for Camp Mohaven which is located near Mount Vernon in northeast Ohio. The purpose of Senior Survival is to set aside time at the beginning of the school year to focus on life's basic issues. No other environment allows for self-explorations and revelation of God quite like nature. Seniors are challenged in ways they have never been before. Upon arrival at the camping site, they are given basic materials (such as plastic, duct tape, etc.) to build their shelter for the next five days making sure it will withstand the wind and/or rain. This experience is part of their Senior Bible grade and includes journal writing, group activities, participation, attitude and attendance as measured through the evaluations of both staff and group members. The team-building activities are designed to challenge seniors individually and strengthen them as a class or as Sean McCartney put it, "The team building activities are like no other!" "Senior Survial was an amazing experience.  I feel so much closer to my classmates and I know that I can trust all of them now!" said Cheyene Silvers. "My favorite experience was the time I had with my classmates around the campfire...I died laughing everytime I got to spend time with them! I also loved those crazy rap battles!" exclaimed Sophia Papaioannou.  And Aliane Kubwimana summed it up well, "I went into Senior Survival thinking that I knew my classmates and friends but after this experience my class grew closer than I ever thought was possible.  It was an overall lifechanging experience!"

CLASS OF 2013: 
Karli Black, Ryan Bovee, Helena Carmon, Trevor Cassell, Ahjenae Cathey, Lindsey Conkle, Anthony DeFranco, Thomas Dodds, Matthew Doucette, Spencer Harris, Brad Hotelling, Kelsey Klipfel, Aliane Kubwimana, Eric Lindfors, Lynn Amber, Sean McCartney, Jacob Muhlenbeck, Sophia Papaioannou, Zachary Pauls, Alexus Ramey, Daron Raynor, Elisabeth Schell, Cheyene Silvers, Kerstin Smith, Alexis Wininger, Caleb Wright, Jimin Yu 

The clear blue skies of June 3 were quite fitting for the graduating class of 2012 as seniors look forward to a bright future ahead. While this class may have the distinction of being the smallest graduating class to date, they are no less driven for their future goals. The class Valedictorian is Michelle Nieb, Class Vice-Principal and winner of The John Philip Sousa Band Award and The Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award. Taylor Bartram is the Salutatorian and also received The Caring Heart Award presented each year by the Columbia Union Office of Education for a junior or senior that possesses an exemplary character active in witnessing and service activities throughout the year and, of course, possess a tender heart. Toni-Ann Ross, Class President, is the recipient of The National School Choral Award. In addition, The Class of 2012 includes the following distinctions:

• two received an Honors Diploma
• three are members of the National Honor Society
• four have been at SVA for Grades 1 through 12 while five attended all four years of high school at SVA
• one parent is an SVA alumnus
• two earned the President's Education Award for a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and a standardized achievement test score at the 85th percentile or higher in math and/or reading
• three have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher
• four received a College Preparatory Diploma
• six were recognized by the Community Blood Center for being a life-saving blood donor donating blood three or more times during their high school career
• eleven seniors were awarded a combined total of more than $700,000 dollars in scholarships!

Spring Valley Academy extends sincere congratulations to the Class of 2012 and pray God's Blessings be upon each and every senior as they embark upon their future endeavors!