Hello Steve, Please enjoy our Saints News! 

HEAD OF SCHOOL MUSING

When the last final exam is wrapped up, we gather as a school community to celebrate. The Yearbook and Articulation are unveiled and then we move to a picnic lunch with hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks. It’s not just any hot dog. It’s Chicago-style!

I must give that credit to Pete Nowicki (Lia’s dad, alumni dad of three, and two more on the way). The man talks about Chicago incessantly and do you think he’s excited about having a new pope from Chicago? I don’t remember how it happened but years ago the two of us concocted a final gathering with some Chicago flavor and thus was birthed Chicago-style hot dogs – not too expensive, easy to make, and delicious.

This year’s Yearbook title is The Year in Rewind with Netflix as its theme. Special thanks go to Ms. Venz (Advisor) and the student editors: Addie Chester ’25, Reed Garrison ’26, Siena Kassmel ’25, and Beth Macht ’25.

Articulation is the annual VCHS literary magazine and the theme of this year’s 9^th volume, Dreams is the theme. This is what Editor Maddox Shull ’25 had to say – “Dreams taps into the creative energy of our contributors. Art and writing combine to show our collective aspirations, hopes, and perspectives.” Special thanks go to Mrs. Cofelice, Articulation Advisor.

We are putting a bow on the 2024-25 school year and conclude with Baccalaureate and Graduation on Friday and Saturday. It has been a remarkable school year, and I’m blessed beyond words to be part of such an amazing community of people who call VCHS home.

If you’re a little jealous about us having Chicago-style hot dogs, they are not too hard to make. Here’s the unique but simple recipe, and remember, no ketchup.

All-beef hot dog (not pork, only beef; boiled, never grilled)

Poppy seed bun (slightly heated and a little moist)

Dill pickle spear, quartered

Tomato wedges

Chopped onions, white

Sport peppers (Viena are the best)

Yellow mustard (never ketchup)

Sweet green pickle relish (not dill and bright green)

Dash of celery salt

Voila – Chicago-style hot dog!

Steve O'Neil

Head of School

SPORTS

BRAVOS

Congratulations to Denae O’Neil, recipient of the Colorado AP Teacher Award, 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to advanced coursework education in our state.

As an exceptional AP Chemistry teacher, Denae exemplifies dedication to student success and academic excellence through her rigorous instruction, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering commitment to fostering a love of learning.

Beyond the classroom, Denae goes above and beyond by leading study groups outside of class hours and sponsoring the VCHS Science Olympiad Club on weekends, providing invaluable enrichment opportunities for her students. Her tireless efforts and inspiring leadership have made a lasting impact on our school community and influenced the broader impact our graduates make in their chosen fields.

AP Season 2025: A Summary

Congratulations to the students who participated in AP exams this month! By the end of this week, 121 Saints will have completed a total of 249 AP tests this academic year. It is no wonder that VCHS has earned the College Board's Platinum Award, the highest honor given by the College Board, for the outstanding performance and overall participation of VCHS students. 

AP scores will be available to all students on the student AP scores website starting Monday, July 7. Additionally, for those students who may earn a score of 2 or lower, research supports the long-term benefits of AP course and exam participation: "AP students who earn a score of 1 or 2 have better college outcomes than academically similar college students who did not take an AP course and exam" (https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/). College and career readiness aligns with a wide range of academic concepts and skills, and we are proud to have administered AP exams in 16 subject areas during the 2024-2025 academic year. Our final thanks go to our AP teachers for being experts in their field, modeling continued learning, and providing constant encouragement. - Mrs. Verratti

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS & SUPPLY LIST

Click here to view the English Department Summer Assignments

Click here to view the 2025-2026 School Supply List which includes links to all other summer assignments

Thank you Parent Association for feeding us for finals and for all you have done to enhance our school community this year!

REMINDERS

COMMUNITY NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Start the summer off giving back to the community and building your resume! Grab a friend and volunteer at the Go Pro Mountain Games on June 5, 6, 7, or 8th!

Please reach out to Mrs. Hochtl (shochtl@vchsweb.org) if you are interested in volunteering with the Vail Valley Foundation at the Mountain Games and she will get you all set up with a volunteer opportunity open only to local high school students. All high school student volunteers get a Go Pro swag bag to say thank you! 

For more information on the event, please visit Volunteer Ambassador Program

God created us to be creative! Faith & The Arts Academy is a 5-day experience designed to help teens, ages 12-17, explore creative arts they are interested in and learn how these interests are part of God's design, can grow their relationship with God, and be used as a testimony of their faith.

Attendees will participate in two tracks of their choosing for the week from the following: Music (songwriting and instrumental), Painting, Theater (stage and film acting), Building (with a focus on architecture). Each of these tracks will be led by a specialist in this area. On the final day of the Academy, we'll have a special lunch and expo for students to show what they've been learning.

Faith & The Arts Academy

June 9-13 • 9am-12:30pm • Trinity Edwards

(there will be an extended lunch and expo on Friday until 2pm)

Click here to register

Click here to view 2024-2025 Calendar

Click here to view 2025-2026 Calendar

Click here to visit our Website Calendar

*All calendars subject to minor changes