The 2024–25 seniors of Hidden Valley High School are graduating this spring, and among them is Caitlin Musser. She attended Hidden Valley for all four years and has been a remarkably successful student. Caitlin has been accepted to William & Mary, where she will major in history.
After spending four formative years at Hidden Valley, Caitlin has plenty of fond memories. When asked about her favorite high school experience, she said, “My favorite memories have to do with time spent with my friends and getting to see some of the projects I’m most passionate about come to fruition—including a history blog I wrote in my sophomore year and the print edition newspaper that we pursued in journalism this year.”
Leaving high school is bittersweet, especially after forming deep friendships and connections. Caitlin said that one of the highlights of her high school career has been building life-long friendships.
The next chapter of Caitlin’s life is just beginning. She has officially graduated and is preparing for college in the fall.
“I will be attending William & Mary this fall to study history! I’m so excited to meet new people and challenge myself academically,” she said. “Leaving Hidden Valley is very bittersweet for me: I have formed deeply meaningful relationships with both friends and teachers over the years, but I know it’s time to move forward and create new relationships at college.”
Before she heads to Williamsburg, Caitlin is looking forward to a fun-packed summer with friends, spending time with family, and getting ready for college life.
Caitlin credits much of her success to the support she received at Hidden Valley.
“I am so lucky in that almost every teacher I’ve had at Hidden Valley has left a positive impact on me in some way, shape or form,” she said. “To name a couple, I would have to thank my junior-year English teacher, Ms. Griffin, and my journalism teacher of four years, Dr. Neale.”
She added, “Ms. Griffin and her class were instrumental in developing my critical thinking skills, understanding of nuance, and motivation to put my best foot forward in my senior year. Dr. Neale has been a constant support throughout high school, always allowing me to discuss and write about issues I am passionate about.”
This year, Dr. Neale supported Caitlin and her classmates in their effort to reestablish the Titan Times as a print edition. “He has been a staunch advocate for the Titan Times—supporting our hopes to enter the VHSL online news competition, our desire to freely express student voices, and our mission to complete the Titan Times‘ first senior print edition since publication moved online.”
“Journalism has allowed me to develop my own voice and advocate for others in doing so,” she said. “Leaving the Titan Times will be one of the hardest parts of graduating, but I am so proud of all that we accomplished this year and know that the future of the program is bright.”
As a community, Hidden Valley is proud of Caitlin and all her accomplishments. She will be missed as a thoughtful, passionate, and engaged student. We support Caitlin Musser in her journey ahead at William & Mary and wherever her future takes her.
