UTVA Honors 198 Graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremony with Keynotefrom Rep. Cory Maloy

Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA) celebrated the graduation of 198 seniors on Thursday,
May 22, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The in-person ceremony
brought together students, families, and faculty from across the state to honor the Class
of 2025—a group defined by perseverance, adaptability, and purpose.
Utah House Representative Cory Maloy, who chairs Utah’s House Business, Labor, and
Commerce Committee, delivered the keynote address. Speaking directly to the
graduates, Maloy shared a deeply personal story of a traumatic bicycle accident that led
to the unexpected discovery of a brain tumor. Rather than derail his life, the experience
clarified it.
“You don’t always see the path ahead,” he said. “Sometimes it takes something hard,
something you never would’ve chosen, to help you find it. What matters is how you
respond when the unexpected happens.”
Maloy encouraged students to embrace resilience, stay grounded in purpose, and trust
the quiet strength they’ve already built through their education at UTVA.
Valedictorian Aaboli Samant of West Valley City also addressed the class. Born in
Mumbai, India, Aaboli moved to Utah at age six and became a standout leader at
UTVA. She served as Student Body President, FBLA Chapter President, and a member
of the National Honor Society. This fall, she will begin studies at the University of Utah,
majoring in Biochemistry and likely adding a second major or minor in Linguistics.
Two students were recognized as Salutatorians. Camden Pratt, a National Honor
Society member and accomplished martial artist, earned his black belt while completing
a Software Development program through Ogden-Weber Technical College. He plans to
pursue computer science at Weber State University. Desaryah Kummer, also a National
Honor Society member, began college coursework in 10th grade and recently earned a
General Education Certificate from Snow College. She has been accepted to UC Davis,
where she will study biology and work toward becoming an all-species veterinarian.
Executive Director Meghan Merideth praised the graduating class as a group of
students who “grew in ways that go beyond academics.”
“Their stories are filled with grit, creativity, and compassion,” Merideth said. “Every
graduate at UTVA has taken a unique path to success. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The ceremony was livestreamed for families across Utah and included personal
reflections, student achievements, and the ceremonial turning of tassels. More than a

graduation, the event marked a turning point; one filled with possibility and shaped by
strength built through challenges.
UTVA is a public, tuition-free online charter school serving K–12 students across Utah.
It offers flexible learning, certified teachers, and individualized support to help every
student succeed in school and in life.