To recognize a team of highly-skilled individuals within Valparaiso Community Schools, the Valpo Schools Foundation (VSF) created the Most Valuable Viking (MVV) award.
Community members first nominate people within the schools to be considered for the award. Then, the foundation carefully reviews each nomination and screens nominees based on the following criteria:
- Creates and contributes to a supportive, positive school environment.
- Goes above and beyond through participation on committees, club sponsorships, coaching positions, etc.
- Demonstrates admirable leadership qualities.
- Develops positive/ inspiring relationships with students, fellow teachers/staff, and families.
- An exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled member of the VCS community.
Five individuals received the award for the 2021-2022 school year (not pictured: Pete Sattler, a science teacher at Valparaiso High School).
Foundation Members Marilyn Hanson and Jonathon Hildebrand have been the driving force behind the award. Hildebrand serves as VSF vice president and chair of the Staff Recognition Committee. Hanson has served on the board for over eight years and previously worked at Valparaiso High School as an art teacher.
Now, Hanson and Hildebrand, with the help of the rest of the foundation, work to recognize the teachers and staff that make the Valparaiso community a better place.
“The winning nominees stood out among the nominations as people who excelled at their work. Many were nominated by numerous people across the community (fellow staff members, students, parents, and the general public). The winners all shared a passion for the work they do and were involved in activities in and out of the school building that made them stand out as assets to Valparaiso Schools and the community as a whole,” said Hildebrand.
Recipients were recognized during a VSF school board meeting and were notified of the award during a surprise presentation at their school.
The MVV award is just one of the many actions that VSF takes to boost morale and positively impact the school corporation. Each year, VSF provides scholarships and grants to deserving teachers and students to help aid in their educational endeavors.
“The best part of being a member of VSF is seeing the impact we have on the community. VSF raises money to support teacher grants and provide scholarships to graduating seniors. Seeing the amount we give away every year is impactful - knowing that each dollar is going to support worthwhile projects and people in the school community,” said Hildebrand.
To get involved with VSF, visit https://valposchoolsfoundation.org/index.html, or check out its Facebook page here.