It's one of the few things that everyone makes time for. It's one of the few events that no one wants to miss. It's one of the few gatherings that everyone shows up for.

That's because commencement is one of the most important moments in a young person's life.

Conestoga Valley High School recently provided members of its Class of 2024 with their own very special moment. It was a moment that won't soon be forgotten, a moment that will be cherished for a long time.

The Conestoga Valley School District celebrated its 66th annual commencement on June 4 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster. A total of 298 seniors received their diplomas in the two-hour ceremony.

"This was one of the most important events they experienced so far," said principal Matt Fox. "They got to celebrate with family and classmates. They enjoyed success individually and as a class. It was a great night overall. Everything went off without a hitch. The parents were happy, and the students were happy."

On the day before commencement, students, dressed in their caps and gowns, were afforded an opportunity to visit the elementary schools where their CV educational journeys began.

"Academically, the students learned that they can think for themselves," said Fox. "They learned what they are interested in. They gained skills to be used in whatever fields they're going into, and they learned skills to be productive members of society."

"They are a very close class," Fox continued. "They really cheer for each other, and they want success for each other."

The commencement activities began when the seniors gathered in Calvary Church's fellowship hall and received words of advice from members of the administration. At precisely 7:03 p.m., the students lined up and processed in front of family, friends and faculty members to their seats near the front of the church's large stage.

The seniors and their support staff watched a slideshow of photographs submitted by the seniors' families before student award winners were recognized for achievements in athletics, academics and the fine arts and at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. The school recognized valedictorian Maya Harner, who will be attending Villanova University, and salutatorian Lincoln Dillman, who will be attending the University of Richmond.The gathering was treated to speeches from graduating senior Isabella Torres, class president Nathan Showbaker, school board president Idette Groff and superintendent Daniel Hartman. After the reading of names and the awarding of diplomas, caps could be seen flying into the air.

"Commencement gives recognition to some students who don't normally get it," said Fox, who presided over his first commencement at CV. "It's a unique and special ceremony. It's just as much a community event as a scholastic event. Everyone comes together to celebrate the students and their accomplishments."

Members of CV's Class of 2024 will be going on to 70 different institutions of higher learning.

"I think these students always had goals in mind, and it takes a village to get to those goals," said Fox. "Along the way, if there are blips and bumps, we can come together to get everyone across that finish line."