|
We’re a few days away from the start of Homecoming Week, or what we also call Spirit Week. It seems a good time to look back and be reminded of our school’s history, especially the people who shaped it.
A mentor once shared a quote with me, “We live in houses we did not build, and we drink from wells we did not dig.” I asked him, “I think I know what you’re saying but explain more.” He added, “It puts into perspective that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, and we should respond by likewise enlarging and enhancing our school and maintaining its mission for those who follow us.”
At VCHS, we live in a ‘house’ we did not build. Let me take you on a quick ‘house’ tour and highlight some of our school’s story. Although founded in 1998, the campus we call home had its grand opening almost 20 years ago. Before that, at the groundbreaking ceremony, the campus was dubbed Living Waters, Jesus’ words found in John 7:38. Founders Rock next to the flagpole bears the names of those who financially sacrificed to build the campus we know today. They were purposeful in keeping the Christian faith stamped on our buildings and campus with two Douglas Fir wooden crosses at the main entry and choosing the address 31621 Highway 6, a reference to John 3:16-21.
Before entering Barry Family Academic Building (West Building) take a look at the inscription on the cornerstone by the door. It reads Believe! 2006, the name of the campaign and date in which the building opened. On the lower level, you’ll see Rohlwing Commons and the HIVE (Home of Innovation, Validation, and Excellence). Exiting outside at Rohlwing Commons, notice tributes to Saints who have gone before us. Flowing out of Lake Wilmore through a culvert with an attached cross and into the Eagle River, you’ll see the names Dick Gyde, Lauren Mutter ‘05, and Dan Rohlwing. At the river’s edge, you’ll see a statute of a boy reading a book, the Caleb Pearson ’07 Memorial.
Continue walking the sidewalk along the Eagle River and enter the Wheeler Arts and Athletic Center (East Building) that bears the name of Thomas Morgan Wheeler whose portrait is hung inside the gym’s upper level entrance. Look down on the volleyball and basketball courts, you’ll see that the courts are named after Coach Alexander and Coach Kuhns. On the building’s lower level, sits the Ristow Brothers Weight Room not far away from the Dance and Art Studios. Capping off the tour, let’s enter Grace Auditorium named after Grace Graunke and an intended additional reference to God’s grace. Adjacent is the Ode to Joy Music Room supported by the Marchbanks and Davis families.
Next week, we will dedicate the Student Union, a newly refurbished space on the upper level of the Barry Family Academic Building. This was made possible through the generosity of so many who understand that ‘we live in houses we did not build, and we drink from wells we did not dig’ and that we must continue to sustain and advance VCHS for this generation of Saints as well as the next one.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
| 
