Goodbye, Mr. Stern!

It’s rare when student teachers choose to do their assignment at Vanguard School. Mr. Stern is one of only six in Vanguard’s 15 years, according to Ms. O’Neill. “He’s pretty hardcore,” says Eli Martinez.

New student Paige Fuentes said, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t even realize he was a student teacher. I thought he was always here.” The truth is he’s only been here since January, but it feels like he’s always been a permanent part of the Vanguard family. Stern’s done more than taught classes. He’s organized trips, gone to Treehaven, and even dominated our 3-on-3 basketball tournament in February.

Andy Stern is an English and Education major at U of I at Urbana-Champaign. During his time here, he has taught many English classes either by himself or integrating courses with Ms. O’Neill, Mr. Markos, Ms. DeMeo and Dr. Koralik. He designed an English class about mythology and famous court cases during his time here as well. “I’m really going to miss him. He’s a great teacher,” stated Diana Gonzalez.

Since today is Mr. Stern’s final day here at Vanguard, staff and students gathered in the tech center during team this morning to have cake and say our goodbyes. Student Rachel Reza says, “He was very involved with every student. He interacted with us very well.”

We say goodbye to Mr. Stern with high hopes of seeing him again. “Why is he leaving?” asks Kayla Woodward. “He should come teach here at Vanguard next year.”

Good luck, Mr. Stern!

Story by Annemarie Schaefer

Let the shaving begin!

March 17^th wasn’t just St. Patrick’s Day. It was also St. Baldrick’s day.

St. Baldricks Foundation is a non-profit that raises money and awareness for children with cancer. Schools, bars, businesses, and many more take part in this charity by shaving their heads and collecting donations for cancer research.

"It's humbling to know that the work you do on behalf of the St. Baldrick's foundation could ultimately change the course of a child's life," stated Vanguard's coordinator Bobbi Felfle.

Students and staff through out the building gathered in the theater that morning to hear Forest View staff member, Mr. Schwarz, speak on behalf of children around the world battling pediatric cancer. He really opened everyone’s eyes to what a horrible disease cancer is, and what horrific things these small children have to live with on a daily basis. Tears, tension, and applaud filled the room. After all that, the shaving began!

"The only pin I could find was the 'Ask me why I'm bald' pin, not the 'Ask me why my hairline is receding' pin," said Pasta.

Our own Matt Beutel shaved heads along with many other students from Empire Beauty School. Students and staff from around the building flooded through the theatre throughout the day.

"It was really moving to see the sense of community and togetherness on this special day. A real memory maker. Hope we do it every year," said service coordinator Amy O'Neill who shaved her head at the event last year.

Mr. Schwarz speaks to the crowd.

The shaving took off.

Rachel Reza cut off a whopping 6.5 inches of her hair and donated it to another organization, Locks of Love, that makes wigs for kids fighting cancer.

Students whose hair wasn't long enough to donate, still showed support by shaving their hair like Hector Martinez.

Matt Beutel got the honor of shaving Mr. Kain's hair.

Vanguard math teacher, Ms. Gregornik-Garcia, chopped off 6 inches of her mane.

Future staff member Dr. Johns showed his St. Baldrick's spirit.

Jessica Oglesby cut off all her hair, leaving just barely one inch.

The final result. Jessica also served as the chairperson of the event as a service project, along with the super assistance of Ms. Felfle.

Photos by Olivia Gabcova Captions by Annemarie Schaefer