As the new school year begins, there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of things to be excited about here at Vantage. We've got over 430 students in our building (almost 250 of which are in their first-year) and a brand new program (Criminal Justice) to go along with our 16 other programs which have already established a solid reputation for molding excellent employees and leaders in our communities. To go along with this excitement, you may have also been seeing a new term being thrown around by members of our staff and our students on social media. It's two simple words that, when put together, can mean so much more than the sum of their parts. We've begun putting them together in a "hashtag" (or the number/pound sign to those of us who may be a bit out of touch, like myself) to try and share all of their potential meanings with everyone on the community. Those words are "Vantage Will" (#vantagewill for those who have Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook).
#vantagewill, I'm told, is an English teacher's dream because of it's potential as a phrase. It's a declarative statement in which we can tell you about all of the opportunities Vantage Will provide for you (or your son/daughter). For example, #vantagewill provide our students with a safe and positive learning environment! Or #vantagewill get our students college and/or career ready! Or even #vantagewill help our students earn credentials that all industries will recognize and appreciate in their employees.
However, #vantagewill can also be a state of mind. As in, when our students show the #vantagewill, they're showing a willingness to help others and be a positive contributor to their community. Or a student's courage to leave an amazing home-schoool (which all of our home-schools are), great teachers, and good friends to come to Vantage and pursue their chosen skill shows they have the #vantagewill.
As always, this moniker was inspired by our students, and is modeled by our staff. We see our students doing extraordinary things for themselves and eachother every single day. Our idea is to share these stories with our communities using #vantagewill on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We're encouraging our students to share their successes by using the #vantagewill.
If you're a former student, teacher, parent or just a Vantage supporter; we invite you to share what #vantagewill has meant in your life. If you don't have social media, that doesn't mean you don't have the #vantagewill. Share your #vantagewill story with a friend or neighbor (that's usually the most efficient and effective means of communication anyway, right!?).
As I finish my thoughts, I'll share what #vantagewill continue to do for me. #vantagewill provide me the opportunity to work with Juniors and Seniors to help them prepare for life after high school and I will always try to display the #vantagewill in overcoming any new challenges that come our way in this journey.
Thank you all for your time. And if you're an organization or leader searching for volunteers or assistance on a project or initiative within one of our communities, please always remember that #vantagewill always be glad to help! Have a great week and enjoy your Labor Day weekend.
