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Great Valley SD board honors student artists, Environ teams, state champion swimmer and long‑serving staff
Summary
At its May 18 meeting, the Great Valley School District board recognized student achievements (art awards, Environ competition placements, a PIAA adaptive swimming state champion), honored retirees and long‑service employees, and heard student council and student representative reports.
The Great Valley School District board opened its May 18 voting session with an extended recognition program honoring students and staff across the district.
Board President Rachel Gyos announced that 34 student works from Great Valley High School were displayed at the annual Chester County High School Art Exhibition and the PA 6 District Congressional Art Competition; of more than 500 works from 16 high schools, five Great Valley students placed in three categories. "We're proud to recognize our award winners," Gyos said as she called forward Angelina Wang (first place, photography, "Plant Life"); Samantha Parsons (second place, computer art, "Tissue Paper Cat"); Margaret Dibble (third place, print, "New Territories"); Lucas Majiano (honorable mention, computer art, "Seal"); and Noel Scott (honorable mention, print, "The Man on the Moon").
An Environ coach introduced and celebrated the district's 2026 Environ teams, explaining the statewide competition combines classroom learning and outdoor activities about soils, water quality, forestry and local wildlife. Team A (Teddy, Ruel, Sebastian, Nora and Lola) won third place overall in the Chester County Environ Competition and received the Gayen Chris Spirit Award; Team C (Gamya, Hannah, Xavier and Samvi) achieved the highest soils score.
The board also recognized Great Valley High School freshman Sabrina Mccurio for a historic result in PIAA power swimming. The board announced she won the 100‑yard freestyle power event with a time listed at 123.14 seconds and congratulated her for the accomplishment as she prepares for additional state competition.
District administrators read a long list of retirees and noted employees reaching 25, 30 and 35 years of service; a separate retiree ceremony is planned later in the week. Superintendent Dan highlighted additional staff honors, including the district’s "four heart" award winners who were singled out for exemplary service.
Student voices were featured: a 56 Center student council report said a February canned food drive collected 475 pounds of food for the People's Pantry (described at the meeting as serving about 245 families), and high school representative Anna reviewed spring athletics milestones, sustainability club activities (Go Green GV and Great Valley Waste Warriors), the spring art show and upcoming events such as Stringfest (May 27), prom, senior stroll (June 2) and graduation (June 4).
The recognitions portion concluded before the meeting moved on to routine business and public participation.
