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Greetings Everyone,
As I prepare to write a few words for our June Newsletter, I find myself a bit nostalgic and contemplative. Everything these last few months have been ‘lasts’…and on June 6th I attended my last Vanguard School graduation. I hope everyone involved enjoyed seeing our graduates walk across the stage on June 6th. There were tears of joy and many examples of how neurodiverse students have abilities and drive similar to neuro-typical students. I was proud of every graduate! About one week later, the staff luncheon was held and it was extremely rewarding and fun. From our winners of the annual awards, Christine Magister and David Blake to the fabulous farewell I received from staff, it was a day to remember.
I have spent 12 wonderful years at Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES). In that time we have experienced many wonderful events and have tackled a few hurdles, but always in the end, our students and adult participants always came first. Staff have risen to every difficult occasion (think Covid) there was during my tenure. I want everyone reading this to know that The Vanguard School and Adult and Recreation Services are two of the most qualified, engaging and forward-thinking programs in this region. Our students not only learn and grow, they laugh and make friends along the way. Our adults experience the rewards of employment, but equally important, they too have laughed and made friends along the way. This is why providing social and recreational activities for adults is almost as important as developing employment skills. I want to emphasize that the services delivered are all due to the commitment and dedication of the staff.
I will miss much about this place, however, I am also aware that at some point it is time to move along and pass the baton to the next leader. Mr. Tom Quinn began his tenure as Executive Director of VFES on June 12th. We have worked side-by-side during his first few weeks. And while I will still be here the week of June 24th, Tom will officially assume full leadership of VFES as of Monday, June 24th. My role will be to support Tom and to close out a few remaining items. I am very comfortable leaving the good works of VFES in the hands of Tom. He has worked in an Approved Private School and has a similar vision to mine: expanding adult services throughout the community while sustaining the quality of educational programming provided through The Vanguard School.
I hope you will all remain supporters of our efforts and contribute to the Annual Appeal or our more recent campaign, the Program Sustainability Fund. Be sure to follow VFES on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Thank you for your support throughout the years.
I wish all of you health and happiness!
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