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As we wrapped up our 25th school year with all types of traditions and ceremonies for students and graduates, the faculty and staff did something similar earlier this week. The Tuesday after Memorial Day End of Year Breakfast has become a tradition in which we take time to honor faculty/staff years of service to VCHS and to say goodbyes to those who are departing (or should I say, graduating).
We recognized Brian Hall (Digital Media) for 5 years of service and Tyler Jager (Math) for 10 years of service. Then we celebrated Tim Pierson (Athletic Director, Coach) for 20 years of service. After my remarks, I opened the floor for others to offer words of encouragement or roastings to Coach Pierson, and what was most often said were things like – he always puts students first, he’s steady, and you can count on him. Way to go, Coach!
We then took time to say goodbyes to a few special people who will not be part of the VCHS family in the same way next school year.
Luke Vlaar ’20 (IT Director) began working at VCHS at the beginning of the COVID shutdown and helped guide and support our faculty with Saints Anywhere DTEN technology. His mixture of ‘can-do’ spirit, technical expertise, and relational thoughtfulness will be missed.
Camille Cooper (English), now living in Summit County, finished a distinguished VCHS teaching career, serving 14 years. Through her leadership, she set the standard for an exemplary English department ensuring VCHS graduates were (and are) prepared for college and life with strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
Mindy Larson (Principal, Biology) is moving to Florida to be near family BUT I’m incredibly excited to announce that she will serve VCHS in a new role – Director of Alumni Engagement, as we seek to build stronger connections with our 571 alumni, tell their stories, and foster one of our mottoes – Family Forever. Finishing her 17th year, Ms. Larson has left an indelible mark on VCHS, perhaps mostly through her example in setting a personal tone with our school’s mission – ‘lives of purpose, service, and leadership.’
As we closed out our time together, we circled up, held hands, and prayed together. We then moved into a group photo pose, turned on the camera’s self-timer, and voilá – we closed an amazing chapter – the 2022-23 school year.
And as we prepare for the 2023-24 school year, we can’t wait to celebrate the past 25 years – God’s faithfulness towards VCHS and all of the VCHS Saints on whose shoulders we now stand.
Let’s Go Saints!
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
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