Van Buren High School is proud to recognize the eight graduating seniors who earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish! 🎉
The term biliterate indicates that individuals are not only proficient in speaking and listening to another language, but they can also read and write in the language at an advanced level. Our students demonstrated this proficiency through numerous internationally recognized assessments, and as a result, several will also earn college credit for their hard work. We couldn't be more proud of them! ¡Buen trabajo, estudiantes!
The students earning the seal were Anakin Ortega, David Cavera, Maddie Hudok, Ginny Lewandowski, Ava Beuschlein, Madie Hedrick, Emily Clark, and Kate Schroeder. ✨
🎓 Celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉
On Tuesday, our seniors were honored at the Senior Awards Ceremony, and the results speak for themselves. This amazing group earned over $2.7 million in scholarships and financial aid, which is a tribute to them and our staff for preparing them for these opportunities.
We were proud to recognize our students entering college and the military, starting apprenticeships, and stepping into new employment opportunities. Students were also recognized for a variety of academic achievements, including eight who earned the Seal of Biliteracy for their fluency in both English and Spanish, those who earned an Honors Diploma, and those who finished high school with a 4.0 GPA! 🌟
We also appreciate the generosity of our community as they provided these scholarship opportunities to our students.
Seniors, thank you for representing us so well with your accomplishments. Your hard work has officially paid off, and we are incredibly proud of you! 🖤🧡
🎨 A Big Round of Applause for the Juried Art Show Winners!🏆
We are absolutely blown away by the incredible talent showcased at this year's Juried Art Show! Please join us in celebrating this year's award winners:
🌟 Best of Show: Tenley Myers – Cat Portrait
🌟 People’s Choice Award: Geneva Lewandowski – Gentle Giant
🌟 Rockstar Award: Travis Carey
🌟 Rookie of the Year: Lillian Lewandowski
🧱 3D Category
Best of 3D: Travis Carey
1st Place: Lauren Hibbard
2nd Place: Lillian Lewandowski
3rd Place: Amelia Fry
🎨 Painting Category
Best of Painting: Geneva Lewandowski
1st Place: Leah Sheeks
2nd Place: Geneva Lewandowski
3rd Place: Kenna Thomas
✏️ Drawing Category
Best of Drawing: Geneva Lewandowski
1st Place: Travis Carey
2nd Place: Lillian Lewandowski
3rd Place: Serenity Ferguson
💻 Digital Art Category
Best of Digital Art: Karson Rinker
1st Place: Karson Rinker
2nd Place: Owen Swaney
3rd Place: Mario DeLisi
✂️ Mixed Media Category
Best of Mixed Media: Travis Carey
1st Place: Paightyn Craft
2nd Place: Matthew Puperi
3rd Place: Matthew Puperi
🎖️ Honorable Mention
Ella Peterson
Paightyn Craft
We also want to thank high school art teacher Mr. Derek Frey for his dedication, mentorship, and work behind the scenes to develop and nurture the artistic talents of our students.
💵 Real Money, Real World!
On Thursday, May 21, our seventh graders received a realistic and eye-opening sneak peek into adulthood while participating in the Ohio State University Extension’s Real Money. Real World. simulation.
Prior to the event, students were assigned occupations, education levels, and incomes and learned how taxes and retirement savings impact their take-home pay. They then put that net income to the test. Students rotated through various booths, including insurance, food, transportation, childcare, and financial advice, to "pay" for their monthly needs, log their spending in a checkbook register, and see if they could successfully make it through the month. 📊
This was a fantastic introduction to the real world, giving our students exposure to the tools that can help them make smart financial decisions in the future and the potential realities of their post-high school lives.
Thank you to the seventh grade teachers, OSU Extension, and all of the incredible volunteers who made this valuable experience possible for our students! 🌟
On Wednesday, May 20, our high school agriculture education students and teachers Mrs. Hailey Cunningham and Mrs. Kyla Miller hosted a Farmyard Fun Day for our elementary students.
Throughout their visit to the high school, the students received a firsthand look at the value of agriculture in our world. They made seed pods out of shredded newspaper to plant at home and were able to meet some furry friends, including a dairy feeder, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and a pony. 🐐🐓🐎
We also appreciate Streacker Tractor Sales for bringing a tractor for students to see.
We want to send a huge thank you to the agriculture education students and teachers who put together this hands-on learning experience for the benefit of our students!
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!
