Seniors Isabella Viera, Caleb Metsker, Emmett Morey, and Will Rampe were honored today at a Military Signing Day event recognizing their commitment to joining the armed forces after graduation.
The speaker at the event was Mr. Andy Sterling, a VB parent and retired Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. Sterling served our nation for more than 21 years as both a Combat Engineer and Intelligence Analyst. During his military career, he deployed four times to Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and four Army Achievement Medals. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the Hancock County Veterans Service Commission, where he helps ensure local veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned through their service.
High School Guidance Counselor Mrs. Holli Sattler presented each student with a certificate from the school, and students received certificates, t-shirts, and military challenge coins from the Hancock County Veterans Service Office.
Viera and Morey will both be joining the Air Force, Metsker will be joining the Navy, and Rampe will be joining the Army.
We wish all of them good luck as they begin their military careers and appreciate their service! ⭐
What is it like to perform onstage with The Temptations? In the latest Joust About Careers episode, 2000 VB graduate Dr. J. Michael Weiss-Holmes answers that question and many more.
In episode 114, Michael shares how he developed the skills necessary to become both a performer and professor, why performers typically travel with their own instruments, how he doesn’t fall into the "starving artist" category, and much more.
To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.
Have a great week!
If you live in or are passing through these neighborhoods, look for the signs:
📍Forest Trail Drive
📍Silver Creek Drive
📍Deer Creek Drive
📍Chagrin Valley
Staying "in the know" is easier than ever. When you spot a sign, you can scan the QR code or use this link (https://mailchi.mp/vbschools/sign-up-for-knights-in-the-know) to sign up today!
🎒 A Day in the Life: Middle School Edition!
Last Friday, our middle school hallways were a little more crowded and a lot more fun! We loved welcoming our families to step into the lives of students for the day.
In classrooms throughout the building, our visiting "students" got a true taste of the middle school experience:
-- Making Music: Families grabbed instruments and joined the band or found their pitch in choir.
-- Scientific Discovery: We saw some impressive teamwork experimenting with density and buoyancy during a science lab.
-- Future Entrepreneurs: Students participated in a Shark Tank competition with some serious innovation on display.
-- Game On: Class was competitive (and active!) with games in physical education.
Thank you to all of the families who joined us and to our students for being such fantastic guides. We hope everyone left with a better understanding of the hard work and creativity that happens in our buildings every day!
We are so proud of our students who stepped up to the plate at the recent Hancock County Math Contest to compete against the top math students from across the county!
A huge congratulations to our top finishers:
Lincoln Williams – 4th place overall! 🏅
Gourav Rohidas – 7th place overall! 🏅
We also want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our other participants who represented us so well:
-- Bree Baldridge
-- Carter Finley
-- Lily Kaufman
-- Sadie Thorla-Lopez
Thank you to high school math teachers Mrs. Rachel Rader, Mr. Addison Carter, and Mr. Andrew Hunter for preparing our students to excel at this event!
Students in grades 1–5 took us on a patriotic journey last night for our America 250 Arts Extravaganza! The elementary gym, stage, and cafeteria were transformed into a gallery of impressive student artwork, while the high school gymnasium set the stage for an unforgettable musical tribute.
The evening began with the presentation of colors by the Marine Corps League Color Guard, followed by a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" the first graders performed using sign language.
Our fifth-grade masters of ceremonies truly brought history to life, representing five signers of the Declaration of Independence:
-- Miles as Thomas Jefferson
-- Peyton as John Adams
-- Llewyn as Benjamin Franklin
-- Addison as John Hancock
-- Lillie as Samuel Adams
The crowd was treated to a special appearance from Yankee Doodle (Michael), accompanied by his "pony" (Emerson and Daniel) and "Macaroni" (Peyton and Lillie)! 🐎 From fourth graders strumming "Yankee Doodle" on ukuleles to choral favorites like "Stars and Stripes Forever," the talent on display was outstanding.
The night ended on a high note with a fifth-grade finale of "America, My Home" that ended with a shower of confetti being sent into the air. 🎊
Thank you to art teacher Mrs. Jordan May, music teacher Ms. Darci Van Vlerah, and our entire elementary staff for the countless hours of hard work they put into creating this truly patriotic experience for our students!
🚶♂️📬 Out for a walk around town? Heading to the post office? Keep an eye out for our Knights in the Know signs in the town square and on Elm and East Market.
Scan the QR code to stay up to date on all things Van Buren Local Schools — student highlights, district news, and more! 🧡🖤
Want to just sign up here? Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/vbschools/sign-up-for-knights-in-the-know.
The juniors joined others from across Hancock County today for the third annual Hancock County Junior Mock Interview Day, and we appreciate the professionalism they demonstrated throughout the event!
📋In addition to students having the opportunity to practice interviewing with two area professionals, the first-year apprentices at GROB Systems, Inc., and Tiffin University’s Career Services employees presented sessions about effective interviewing and developing résumés.
Thank you to everyone who donated their time to give our juniors this valuable experience and to Raise the Bar-Hancock County for coordinating the event. ⭐
21 students competed in three different activities designed to develop and measure their communication, collaboration, and leadership skills:
🔹 Work the Room Challenge – students carried on impromptu conversations with judges
🔹 Circle of Doom Challenge – students participated in small-group discussions on a variety of topics
🔹 Action-Based Teamwork Challenge – students worked as a team to solve challenges.
Each round gave students the opportunity to practice real-world communication skills while demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and teamwork.
Congratulations to all of our participants, and a special congratulations goes to Tommy Heintzelman, Camila Ortega-Munoz, and Rikki Sattler for advancing to the final round! 🎉 The remainder of the top 10 included Ainsley Smith, Bryson Reynolds, Caroline Bennett, Daksha Guggllilam, Lilybeth Mimbs, Lydia Kramer, and Thalia Anderson.
Good luck in the finals, Tommy, Camila, and Rikki!
The Knights in the Know signs are on the move! If you are out for a walk or drive on the following streets and see our signs, scan the QR code to sign up for our once-monthly email newsletter so you can stay in the know regarding what is happening in our district:
Byrnwyck Drive 🏡
White Birch Drive 🌳
Hollow Tree Drive 🌲
Magnolia Drive 🌸
Turnberry Drive 🏡
If you would rather join here, visit https://mailchi.mp/vbschools/sign-up-for-knights-in-the-know today!
