Gabrielle Michele Reifsnyder, an early childhood education and special education major from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was named the Waynesburg University valedictorian and delivered the valedictory to the Class of 2024 during the Commencement ceremony. She is the daughter of Michael and Sharon Reifsnyder.
As we all head in our separate directions and embark on what is next, I hope that we will lead with courage and ‘keep our cool’ as we continue to grow, learn, serve and prioritize our faith in our next chapters as well.”
In her speech, Reifsnyder touched on the many ways the Class of 2024 had grown in faith, service and knowledge.
“When I consider the accomplishments and overall character of the Class of 2024, my mind goes to one word: growth, a word that is thoroughly appreciated and valued within the community here at Waynesburg University,” she said. “This idea of growth is not only for our graduates, but for the University itself. As a class, we moved into Waynesburg, many of us having never attended our high school graduation, bearing masks and attending occasional classes via digital platforms. But, we have grown and we have adapted. We sit here today, many of us at graduation for the first time, saying goodbye to a university that has grown with us over the past four years.”
During her time at Waynesburg, Reifsnyder was an active member of the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field and Cross Country teams, also serving as Captain. She served as President of the Council for Exceptional Children and also served as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) and was a Waynesburg University Student Ambassador (WUSA) for the Office of Admissions.
In addition, she was a recipient of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship and also received the Indoor Track Sportsmanship Award.
Over the spring semester, Reifsnyder completed her student teaching experience. As she prepared her valedictory address, she said she decided to enact the help of her elementary students for advice to share with people “entering the adult world.”
“The piece of advice that really stood out was both simple and meaningful: ‘be brave and keep your cool,’” she shared. “This is what I hope for us all.
“As we all head in our separate directions and embark on what is next, I hope that we will lead with courage and ‘keep our cool’ as we continue to grow, learn, serve and prioritize our faith.”
Reifsnyder’s plan after graduation is to secure a special education teaching position for the fall and continue to grow in the field of education.
Waynesburg University honored the Class of 2024 Sunday, May 5, on the Lawn of Miller Hall. More than 350 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students were honored.
