May 23, 2024

Hello Steve, Enjoy our Saints News!

HEAD OF SCHOOL MUSING

I often read a few books at the same time. Sometimes I’m reading the final chapters of one while starting the first chapters of another. It’s not much different in the school world. You have to keep your eyes on finishing well – this school year – while starting well – a new school year. Over the last several months, our team has also been planning for the 2024-25 school year. After the 2023-24 school year comes to a close this Saturday with our 25^th Commencement, we will really move into new school year mode.

Earlier this week, I dropped into a STUCO meeting. Of course, our current juniors were running the meeting. The baton had already been passed. Congratulations to new STUCO officers: Hunter Gilbert (President), Reed Garrison (Vice President), and Jasmine Dolcescu (Secretary). I asked the group of juniors – “So when do you actually become seniors – the first day of school?” Their answer that seemed to have the most consensus was “No, the moment this year’s seniors receive their diplomas!” They’re ready to lead!

During June and July, we will be further preparing for the start of a new school year in August. Fall sports and teacher in-service week officially begin the week of August 12^th. The following week, classes begin. These are a few things I’m looking forward to.

I’m excited about the new students and families who will join us – the incoming freshmen class (yes, the Class of 2028) and several transfer students in the 10^th and 11^th grades. As we get closer to the start of the new school year, I’ll introduce you to five new faculty (three men and two women) who will be joining the VCHS team.

A few new courses will be offered: Entrepreneurial Leadership, Introduction to Sports Medicine, Psychology, and possibly Eagle County History. Also, we will build on the positive momentum from PLuS Week this past March and open up PLuS (purpose, service, leadership off-campus opportunities) to the entire student body.

VCHS fall sports (and winter) are already gearing up for their seasons with the summer preparation needed for success. Open gyms start up on June 3^rd for football, basketball, and volleyball. These are open to everyone, including our new students. Summer workouts are the Breakfast of Champions!

So, we’re still living in the moment celebrating the Class of 2024 with Friday’s Baccalaureate and Saturday’s Graduation, but Chapter One of the 2024-25 is already upon us. Finishing well and starting well – that’s the rhythm we want.

Steve O'Neil

Head of School

BRAVOS

Congratulations Class of 2024 on Their

Post Graduation Plans & Accomplishments

Congrats to Christina Fitzpatrick '26 on

Her Involvement with TedX Vail

Christina's comment on her experience with TedX Vail: "Over the course of the 23-24 school year, I had the incredible opportunity to work with a handful of collaborators through TedX Vail and BMHS to give my TedTalk. My talk emphasized embracing loss and the empowerment behind getting help. As a community we have experienced grief in volumes over the last few years. Through my talk I encourage people to think again, and know they are not alone. Life has its ups and downs, but no matter what you are going through it will always get better."

Inaugural "Pump & Run" is a Success!

The first ever VCHS "Pump & Run" competition was run by Jack Watters and took place on Friday, May 17th. It consisted of a body weight bench press and a 1.5 mile run.

And the winners are: