Memorial To Honor Great Valley Grads Who Died In Military Service

MALVERN, PA – At least four Great Valley School District graduates died serving in the United States military, and the Great Valley Alumni Association and the Foundation at Great Valley are looking to raise money to establish a memorial for graduates who lost their lives in service to the country.

The two groups have launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to set up a memorial on the Great Valley High School campus.

The four Great Valley graduates who lost their lives during the Vietnam War have already been identified. They are Gary D. Jefferis, Class of 1965; Lewis R. Valentine, Class of 1967; Nicholas L. Venditti, Class of 1966; and Robert J. Nixon, Class of 1965.

Organizers said the Class of 1968 has already shown interest in supporting the project, but other classes are also welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Anyone who knows a Great Valley alumni who died in military service or would like to volunteer with the project should email gvsdalumni@gvsd.org.

Organizers said they hope to dedicate the memorial at the October homecoming event.

The monument has been designed by retired owner of Malvern Memorials and Great Valley alumni Michael Scheibe

So far, nearly $3,000 of the $10,000 goal has been raised. Funds will be use for the memorial and for landscaping around the site.

You can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign here or send cash or check donations to Great Valley Alumni Association, C/O Abby Linderman, 47 Church Road, Malvern, PA 19355. Makes checks payable to Great Valley Alumni Association.

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