Dr. Jennifer Garrison, Superintendent

There is a common thread running through the stories in this issue—one that speaks clearly to who we are as a school community.

It is the belief that no one moves forward alone.

You will see it in students like Kiersten and Sebastian, who found themselves at difficult crossroads, unsure of what came next. In both cases, someone stepped in—offering support, structure, and belief when it mattered most. What followed wasn’t immediate perfection, but something more meaningful: progress, confidence, and a renewed sense of possibility.

You will see that same spirit in the work of our Student Assistance Program team, whose mission is simple but powerful—to notice, to reach out, and to help students find their way forward before they fall too far behind.

At the same time, these pages highlight the importance of opportunity—making sure that when students are ready to move forward, there is a place for them to go. Through programs like OKAW, students like Mackenzie and Ava are discovering pathways that connect learning directly to purpose, building skills, confidence, and careers long before graduation. And through the leadership of those who believe in expanding access, we continue to make room for more students to find that path.

You will also see the power of community in its most enduring form.

Many of the educators featured here once sat in our classrooms as students. Today, they have returned—not by chance, but by choice—to invest in the next generation. Whether it’s the sixth-grade team working in unison to guide students through a critical transition year or the second-grade “Dream Team” shaping the moment when reading truly comes alive, their work reflects a shared commitment that extends far beyond any single classroom.

And woven throughout it all are the voices of our youngest students—like Emma, Ruby, Grady, and Kaz—reminding us what this work is ultimately about. Curiosity. Kindness. Growth. The simple joy of learning and the early formation of character.

These stories are different in detail, but they are unified in message.

In Vandalia, we show up for one another. We create opportunities. We step in when someone needs help. And we celebrate the growth that follows.

Together, we are building something that matters.

And together, we are better.