Unsung Heroes and Heroines

On Tuesday, August 31, VCS faculty and staff gathered together on Corbit Field for their Opening Day meeting, the official kick-off of the new school year. It was the first time this group has been together in person since August 2019, and the first time they held their Opening Day meeting outside!

This year, VCS brought back its Unsung Hero and Heroine Award ceremony, a tradition where peers nominate one another (the highest compliment!) for going above and beyond their jobs. Congratulations to the following staff. Their exceptional work makes VCS a better, brighter place! Read what some of their nominators had to say about them!

Jack Potter 
Transportation Department
Employed since 2016
Without people like Jack we would not be here literally! Jack is a terrific bus driver who is friendly and helpful to everyone and constantly goes above his responsibilities related to the job. He is great with children and willing to take trips that no one else will. Jack always goes the extra mile. He even comes in early and shovels all the snow between the buses. He always volunteers and says nice things about everyone. In short, he defines the word ‘hero.’ 

Michele Loffredo
Clerical
Employed since 2017
The Junior High does not run without Michele Loffredo! She is simply the best person and always puts others first no matter how much she has going on. She is always there to cheer people up when they are having a bad day or to find the positive in any situation. She has, without ever complaining, taken over two jobs alongside all of the COVID protocols and procedures, and on top of her daily duties. Michelle is a true heroine!

Tracy Tonias
Food Services 
Employed since 2012
During an extremely important pandemic year of supporting families with food, Tracy unselfishly stepped into the manager role at the Intermediate School to make sure nutritious and fresh meals were provided to students. As manager, Tracy brought new ideas, motivated her crew and supported the end of day meal distribution to students with ease and compassion. She has been an inspiration to the food services team, not only in her building, but in all the buildings. 

Phil Rodas
Facilities and Grounds
Employed since 2008
Phil is the consummate employee, ready and willing to take on any task, despite any obstacles that might get in the way. When it snows, he is one of the first people here in the early morning to clear the way for a safe and productive school day. When he is asked to deliver mail when our regular mail carrier is out, he does it with a smile. Outside, he maintains the grounds with the pride of a homeowner. Inside, he maintains buildings and relationships with staff members with the pride of a VCS employee. 

Polly Alexander 
Teacher Aide
Employed since 2013
Polly Alexander is an incredible aide in the Intermediate building. She consistently puts students first! As a 12:1:1 program aide, Polly consistently takes initiative and is always looking for ways to help others. She has also worked as a 1:1 aide to students with severe academic/behavioral/emotional needs. Using her Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools training, she is able to de-escalate tricky situations and help to teach students important coping skills. Polly makes a difference every day!