• Denise Andrews, 1981 Blue Valley High graduate
• Robert Azzi, 2003 Blue Valley West graduate
• Tony Biagioli, 2002 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jessica Bodker, 2005 Blue Valley North graduate
• Courtney Buffington, 1997 Blue Valley North graduate
• Laura Cecil, 2005 Blue Valley High graduate
• Rachel Cecil, 2005 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jennifer Danner, 1993 Blue Valley High graduate
• Christie Dawson, 1999 Blue Valley Northwest graduate
• Shelli DuPree, 1985 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jennifer Fimmen, 2005 Blue Valley Northwest graduate
• Seth Freeman, 2004 Blue Valley High graduate
• Kim Gerhardt, 2003 Blue Valley West graduate
• Ashley Gillard, 2003 Blue Valley West graduate
• Jackie Hisle, 2002 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jamie Hisle, 2004 Blue Valley High graduate
• Leslie Hughes, 1985 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jen Johnson, 1997 Blue Valley High graduate
• Jennifer Johnson, 1992 Blue Valley High graduate
• Corby Lange, 1997 Blue Valley Northwest graduate
• Ashley Maximuk, 1997 Blue Valley High graduate
• Abby Neiburger, 1996 Blue Valley North graduate
• Katherine Owens, 2001 Blue Valley Northwest graduate
• Erin Pearson, 1989 Blue Valley High graduate
• Lindsey Rood, 2003 Blue Valley West graduate
• Bill Smithyman, 1996 Blue Valley Northwest graduate
• Diana Tate, Blue Valley High graduate

Q: What is your current position?
A: Oak Hill PE teacher

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Stilwell, BVMS

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major?
A: Baker University, BS K-12 PE, Master's from Webster

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Great, except I did not have enough math

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Peggy McDonald, BVMS PE Teacher. I was her aide 8th grade year!

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: Never was an option, it was a given!

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: My coaches and sports, and I had a wonderful typing teacher (yes, back then we learned typing). Mr. Gary my English teacher. Susan O'Dell led my volleyball team to state my senior year!

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Encourage your students and children to do what you love and to find their passion. Life is too short to be in a job or career that you do not like.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: I attended Harmony Elementary for 4th and 5th grade, Harmony Middle for 6th grade, Pleasant Ridge Middle for 7th and 8th, Blue Valley for my first two years of high school, and Blue Valley West for my junior and senior year.

Q: What college did you attend? What is your degree and what are you currently doing?
A: I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently a first-year law student at the University of Illinois.

Q: How did Blue Valley schools prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I would say the availability of AP classes and a great faculty were the most beneficial things when it came to preparation.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: It is a fairly extensive list, but given my chosen undergraduate major, I would have to say Ms. Grospitch, who I had for Calculus AB and BC, Mr. Alsin, who was my AP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Page, who I had for pre-calculus, and last but not least, Mrs. Linda Collins. Each presented a challenging curriculum, pushing students, even when the students moaned and groaned from time to time. Each of them individually pushing students to take the time and make the extra effort helped me develop both the analytical skills and work ethic to be successful at the undergraduate and post-graduate level.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: To be honest, it was a foregone conclusion. Both my parents attended, and given my interests in life, I knew that a four-year school was the path I was going to be taking.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post secondary education?
A: Again, the challenge of the AP curriculum was a real advantage. The benefit was twofold. First, it provided me with a solid base that others did not have going into college. Second, it allowed me time in my college course schedule to pursue other non-academic interests, as well as take upper-level courses that I would not have otherwise had time to take.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Stanley Elementary, Blue Valley Middle, Prairie Star Middle

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? What are you doing now?
A: Harvard College, A.B. in Government, 2006. Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor, anticipated May 2009

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Advanced Placement classes prepared me for the rigors of a college curriculum. Demanding writing requirements aided me in a college atmosphere where students are expected to communicate clearly, competently, and persuasively.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mr. Riffer because he stressed the importance of preparation before competition.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: Early in life; my parents stressed the importance of college.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Debate because it taught me to deconstruct and critically assess arguments.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Lead a well-rounded high school career, both for college admissions and personal happiness. But, avoid spreading yourself so thin that you fail to pursue any one activity in substantive depth.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Leawood Middle School (I attended a private elementary school)

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major?
A: Tulane University. I am majoring in Psychology and Jewish Studies with a concentration in Communications. My degree will be in Bachelor of Arts despite the change in curriculum at Tulane since Katrina.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: The AP curriculum prepared me for college course work a great deal. The fast pace and challenging exams forced me to learn the study and time management skills that have been necessary in order to find success at Tulane.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you?  How?
A: Ms. Winetraub, my AP U.S. History teacher Junior year. She was the most challenging and demanding teacher I encountered at BVN. Students constantly complained about the amount of work the course required, but in retrospect that class prepared me the most for college. Though I was absolutely terrible at U.S. History, she forced me to not just learn and memorize the information, but to understand it conceptually and as a flowing timeline. The skills that I acquired from that class have been the basis for every success I have had in college academically.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I always knew it was an option. I think I began researching colleges in about 6th grade when I learned that out-of-state universities were an option.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: My experience on the BVN Debate Squad gave me the excellent communication skills that I have used in college. I have learned that secondary education does not solely exist in the classroom, but in internship and job opportunities that arise during those four years as well. Having great communication skills has helped me to develop fantastic connections with professors and future employers, both of which have been extremely beneficial in securing recommendations and internships.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Take at least one AP or Honors course. I know they are difficult, but they will give your student a real idea of how college classes will work. The pace at which material is instructed, how it is instructed, and the amount of homework are all very similar to college courses. You will also be surprised at the amount of college credits you can rack up in each of these courses!

Encourage your student to look at several different types of schools. I know that KU, K State and Mizzou are very popular for Kansas students, but many other universities around the country offer fantastic financial aid packages and drastically different experiences that may suit your student even better! Show your student that there is more than one perfect school. Furthermore, don't let school rankings persuade you or your student. While academically they may be top-notch, your student may not fit in socially and that would be a disaster!

Be sure to keep in mind the course, grades and SAT requirements of the schools your student is looking at applying to. Many universities (especially those out of state) require more years of math, science, English and foreign language than is needed in order to graduate from a Blue Valley high school.

While I know it is far into the future, keeping in mind the long-term goals of your student is also beneficial. Does he/she plan to go to medical school or law school? A specific grad school? Does he/she plan on going to a top business school for an MBA? Are they looking for a larger internship opportunities?  Every university has its strengths, be sure to look at their rates of acceptance into graduate schools and special programs they may offer. If your student is like me and plans to work post-graduation, starting out in a city with many internship opportunities is key to making those lifelong connections in the business world.

When the time comes in the spring of Junior or Senior year, go tour your top three schools. You will be surprised by how quickly you may fall in or out of love with a campus. My sister (a freshman at U of Michigan) and I both knew which school we wanted to attend the moment we stepped foot on our respective campuses. Also, try and spend a night with a current student and get a feel for the nightlife on each campus. Be sure to be fair, however, and spend the same night of the week at each campus - it wouldn't be fair to see School A on a Monday night and School B on a Saturday;, they would be drastically different.

Parents: don't over-pressure your student; we're stressed enough as it is! I will admit, though, I really wish I had finished all my applications by Thanksgiving. There was really no excuse to have still been filling them out during winter break.

Encourage your student to get involved in one or two extra-curricular activities. Admission officers are not impressed by students who do EVERYTHING; they are, however, interested in students who show a passion for a few activities.

Make sure your student establishes a good connection with at least two teachers in their high school career, along with their counselor. Those are the people who will be writing their college recommendations, and those letters can make or break an application!

Q: What year did you graduate and from what school?
A: BVN, 1997

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Valley Park, Overland Trail Middle

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: KSU, Seconday Education, Masters from Baker University

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Jane Sak and Andrea Wichman taught Contemporary Communications, which is the best class I took in school. They were the ones who introduced me to the internet, email and real life skills I use today.
Joe Amos inspired me as a Psychology teacher, through his knowledge and innovative teaching strategies.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College was not an option, it was an expectation – I assume this came from my parents as well as the high school's message

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Contemporary Communications, as I said earlier. As well as having some "not so good" teachers inspire me to be "one less insensitive, uninspired teacher" in the world.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Go with a purpose and a plan for your journey, but understand that flexibility is necessary. Don't continue in a major you hate b/c you feel like it is "in the plan" You will end up spending more time and more money some time sooner or later, attempting to make yourself a happy life!

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Prairie Star Middle School

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major
A: University of Kansas, Major in Pre-physical therapy, Minor in Business

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley prepared me by teaching me good work ethic, and how to balance extra-curricular activities with schoolwork.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mr. Klopfenstein because he taught his AP history class like a college class, so when I got to KU, I was well-prepared for the new style of classes.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I have always thought college was something I wanted to pursue in my life.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: My AP classes and college now credits. I came into college with almost a full year of credits which allowed me to add a minor and still be able to complete my major and minor in four years. If I didn’t have credits coming in, it would have taken me longer than four years if I wanted to add the minor.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: My best advice would be it is never too early to start thinking about college. By looking at schools, and taking AP classes you will be well-prepared for when it is time to pick a school and major.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: I attended Prairie Star Middle for one year.

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major?
A: I am currently a junior at Drake University. I am working toward a degree in business with a double major in Marketing and Advertising-Management.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley was an exceptional resource in getting ready to attend college. It wasn't until I came to Drake that I realized how Blue Valley's academic opportunities and resources prepared me for college in respect to my peers that have come from high schools all over the Midwest. More specifically, The number of AP courses BV offered really helped me in college because I was prepared for the work load, and I didn't have to take beginning classes so I could get right into classes in my major. It also allowed me to skip a semester of college credit, so I was able to travel abroad to Italy for a semester without worrying about getting enough credits to graduate on time.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you?  How?
A: Mrs. Fryer, my guidance counselor, was the most influential teacher/mentor to me during my four years at BV. She was always very helpful in deciding AP courses to take, and even tutored me outside of school hours in Spanish. She was always an excellent resource for any questions I had, and she was always willing to help me with anything I needed. I really appreciate everything she did for me and her other students.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College has always been in my plans, but what kind of college I wanted to attend and what major/career I wanted didn't come to me until second semester senior year.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Taking AP classes was by far the smartest thing I could have done to prepare myeslf for college. I can't stress enough how worthwhile it is in the end to push yourself academically during your time at BV. It gives you a very clear advantage when you get to college in work ethic and opportunities. Becoming involved in different extra-curricular activities at Blue Valley was another great experience that has definitely helped me. The more leadership experience you can gain in high school will be a tremendous asset to anything you do in college and in your career.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Stilwell Elementary, Blue Valley Middle School

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: Baker University, Biology and Secondary Education. Master at KU in Continuing Education

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: The Communication Arts classes helped the most with the reading and writing we did.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mr. Page-he really challenged me to think at a higher level, to work for the answer, to study and understand rather than memorize short term.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I always knew college was an option for me. Big dreams.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Cannot think of anything specific

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college? A: Take advanced courses, college (AP) courses when they are available. Grades are important for grants and scholarships. Most of your testing is in the form of essays, papers, higher level thinking exams. You must understand the concepts, not memorize or cram the night before. Get into that habit in high school.

Q: What school did you graduate from and in what year? What is your current position?
A: I graduated from Blue Valley Northwest High School in 1999. I am currently a 6th grade Learning Resource Teacher at Harmony Middle School.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Harmony Middle School - I'm actually an alum of the school I work in!

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: I attended the University of Kansas (Go Jayhawks!) and received a Bachelor of Science in Education with degrees in Mathematics and Social Studies, Middle Grades (5-9). I then received my Masters Degree in Special Education - Learning Disabilities (Grades K-9) also from the University of Kansas.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I believe that Blue Valley did a great job of preparing me for my post-secondary experience. The district provided many different course opportunities, specifically accelerated classes (AP, College Now at JCCC), that helped provide the foundation of skills and prepare me for college.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: One of my most memorable teachers is Mr. Pribyl, who I had for AP English my Junior year. He made learning fun and made students think "outside the box."

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College was always my goal.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Think ahead. Look at prerequisite requirements at the colleges you are interested in attending. Take advantage of opportunities early.

Q:What is your current position?
A: School Improvement Specialist

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: BVMS

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: KU for both undergraduate ( Elem. Education) and Master's (Curriculum & Instuction)

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Encouragement to get involved, become a part of something outside of school. Belonging to a team, group, club, etc. really helps you prepare for dealing with people, working as a part of a team, and helps to develop the interpersonal skills that are so vital in society!!

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mrs. Pintar was amazing!! Her patience made you really felt like she cared for you and wanted you to be successful. She was always available for help and set a standard in class that everyone followed. Mrs. Welch was another teacher whom I spent many hours with throughout my 4 years. She had a way with students that just verified my desire to be a teacher. She treated you like you were the young adult you were and never expected anything less.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I just knew I was going to college, never thinking anything else was an option.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Make sure you spend time learning to write and write often!! Understand how important it is to challenge yourself academically. I did not take advantage of the few honors classes available when I was attending BV and I wish I would have, because I think I could have been more prepared for the demand of college courses and the amount of reading and writing expected each year. I think this is critical in all fields and a must for a successful future.

Q: What is your current position?
A: LKMS 8th grade Algebra Teacher (in my 4th year) and building Math Coach

Q: What other Blue Valley schools (elementary, middle or high) did you attend?
A: Valley Park, Overland Trail Elementary, Overland Trail Middle School, Blue Valley Northwest

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major?
A: University of Kansas Undergraduate Degree (Spring 2003); Majored in Middle/Secondary Social Studies and Middle Math. University of Kansas Graduate Degree (Fall 2007); Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Academically, a large assortment of college courses offered in the high schools prepared me for the higher level thinking skills and for a heavier courseload. I was not invovled in the Honors program, did not take one honors class, but took 8 AP/college credit classes before the end of my Senior year. I was also held accountable by my teachers – they helped make me organized and responsible!

Socially, a great community, great teachers as leaders and great friends(peers). I was involved in a lot of athletics and clubs; these things encourageed my participation in school activities which followed over into my participation socially in college with college clubs/activities, etc.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Karen Stolhmann. Seven words: "The greatest teacher, mentor, person, encourager EVER." She is the reason I became a math teacher – her committment to her job, her sense of humor with herself, students and others, and her expectations of students made you work and believe in yourself. As a student, you enjoyed math – and actually understood it.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: Never – It was always expected of me within my family.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: AP/College Now courses, clubs (especially stucco, athletics (participant and active supporter in the stands)

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Listen to the advice of current/past teachers. Challenge yourself, but be realistic with what you can and want to do. Listen to your heart and plan for a life that you want, not a life that others may want for you. Take advantage of all Blue Valley and its teachers have to offer you. Take AP/College Now classes (It helps you get ahead in and prepared for college). Take classes that relate to your future career goals. Get involved in high school activities and look into possible college activities that interest you. Take ACT/SAT preperation classes and take each test more than once – your score may change for the better!

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: I attended Stilwell Elementary, Blue Valley Middle School, and Blue Valley High School.

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major?
A: I chose to attend Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and am pursuing a B.S. in biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish.

Q: How did Blue Valley schools prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I was very appreciative of the alumni that BVHS brought in to speak on behalf of their respective schools. I felt like I gained a better understanding of what type of institution I might want to attend by listening to those presenters. Counselors were also very helpful when it came to making students aware of their options post-high school, and by providing deadlines for various school/scholarship applications.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: It’s hard for me to think about BVHS without being very grateful to Ms. Schulte for all of her time spent teaching me the foundations of literary criticism and the English language. Although my chosen field of study is not English, I am thankful that I have a strong background in grammar and composition. Many make it to college without having a good hold on those skills, so when one does have them he/she can really stand out in a professor’s mind.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I think I was the type of kid who always assumed that he would go to college after high school, but it really started to sink in after I experienced success in the classrooms of some of my more challenging courses. I give a great deal of credit to my teachers in that they were often the ones to spur me on towards achievement.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: I believe I was most prepared for Truman by taking advantage of the different accelerated courses (honors and Advanced Placement) Blue Valley had to offer. These courses are designed to engage the student in an effort to create study habits that will be useful at the university level, and developing those skills prior to matriculating is vital for collegiate success.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: I would advise students and parents to broaden their horizons as far as perspective schools go. There are many colleges and universities out there that can offer someone a great education. I’m very happy with Truman State in that it has afforded me ample opportunities to be challenged in the classroom, all the while keeping the cost of tuition extremely low compared to the national average for out-of-state schools.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: I attended Morse Elementary, Harmony Middle School, Pleasant Ridge Middle School, Blue Valley High School and finally Blue Valley West HS

Q: What college did you attend? What is your degree and what are you currently doing?
A: I attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I'm currently a first-year graduate student at Marshall University earning a Masters in Forensic Science

Q: How did Blue Valley schools prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I feel that the most beneficial preparation I received in high school was the ability to earn college credit. I didn't receive a lot of credit but it got most of the entry-level classes out of the way, and I could take other classes that I found interesting rather than having to take those classes again.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: There were so many teachers in the Blue Valley school district that I would say influenced me, many of them were in high school, but I can still remember a few in grade school. All of my teachers in elementary school influenced me by supporting my work and encouraging me in my interests. The most influential teachers I had in middle school were most like Mrs. Carden (Pleasant Ridge), Ms. Rowland (former teacher at Pleasant Ridge). I feel both of these teachers prepared me not only for my next journey into High School but also for the real world. My most influential teachers in high school were: Mrs. Tate (now principle at PRMS), Mr. Ashen (BVWHS), Mr. Putnam (BVHS), Mrs. Lawhorn (BVWHS), Mrs. Kahn (BVWS), Mr. Halfmann (counselor at BVWHS) and Ms. Harris (BVWHS). All of these teachers have influenced me as a person and my understanding of the world. I also view them as not only teachers, but mentors and they have continued to influence me even though I'm no longer in high school.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College was always what you did after high school

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Being a part of the schools, belonging to activities and programs. Learning leadership skills as well as meeting friends and teachers that were trustworthy and supportive.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Have fun. Don't take classes cause they're easy, because when you get to college you don't get those decisions anymore. Get to know your teachers, they're still in their classrooms even after the bell rings, and you never know when you might need someone to write you an excellent recommendation letter! Don't skip out on your last year as a senior. I was only required to take two classes in my last year, and while others were leaving school early in the day, I took a full course load and filled it with classes that I thought were interesting.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Prairie Star Elementary, 5th grade only; Prairie Star Middle, 6-8th; Blue Valley High, 9th-10th grades

Q. What college did you attend and what was your major? What are you currently doing?
A: I went the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. I graduated in three and a half years with double majors in psychology and women's studies. I am now a first-year law student at the University of Wisconsin.

Q: How did Blue Valley schools prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I feel Blue Valley prepared me for my college experience by laying the foundation for what was ahead. For example, some teachers prepared us for the work load and some critical reasoning skills. While writing, reading, learning and everything is different when you get to college, I felt ready to learn these new skills after graduating West.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: It is really difficult for me to name one teacher. I was lucky to have so many great teachers at West, but they each taught me something different. Ms. Grospitch helped develop my confidence that I could tackle any math problem if I just took the time to really think about it. Mr. Bandy taught me self-discipline when approaching large quantities of material to learn. Mr. Bingman taught me that you can't just memorize; you need to understand what you are trying to learn.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I think I always knew college was an option. I don't remember ever thinking that it was not. I am very grateful that I took advantage of the opportunity to complete my four-year degree straight out of high school. I have a few close friends who took some time off during undergrad and now they are trying to go back to school. I have seen how difficult it is for them to balance both work and school. Also, school has taken a greater commitment both in time and in personal determination because they are stretching the process over a much longer period of time.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: First, I think I greatly benefited from my classes where my teachers challenged me to do better. While at the time I did not appreciate the extra work, I now feel it prepared me to s succeed in college.

Also, and I feel most importantly, I was involved in extra-curricular activities while taking a full course load with honors and AP courses. Needless to say I was busy. However, that experience, of balancing work, school, activities, family and friends forced me to learn how to balance my life. I found those lessons extremely valuable when I reached college and there was less outside discipline helping me balance my life. In college you get to regulate your own life to an extent and if you get a little practice at it in high school, it will seem a lot easier when you get to college. I am not saying that you must take AP courses or run for an office in every student organization, but do what you enjoy and learn to balance that with your other responsibilities.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: In choosing where to go to college, evaluate what is important to you. A big-name school does not mean anything if you aren't happy there. When I was applying to colleges, I had no idea what I wanted out of a school. At first I thought the most important thing to me was to get out of state. But as the decision time came, I realized I wasn't ready to go that far away from home yet. I spent my first year at KU and by the end of first semester I had a much more clear idea of what I wanted my undergraduate experience to be like.

Hence, I applied to transfer to two schools and that is how I ended up in my dream school – Carolina. Interestingly enough, both of the schools I applied to as a transfer were not schools I even considered as a high school senior. Thus, when thinking about colleges think about location, public vs. private, how large of a student population, quality of academics, living situation, etc. But again, think about what fosters the best environment for you to learn and be happy. If you don't know yet, that's okay, too. I don't think anyone told me about transferring when I was applying to schools, and it is important to know that is an option as well.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Stilwell Elementary, Blue Valley Middle, Blue Valley High

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? If you graduated what was your degree and what are you currently doing?
A: I attended Arizona State University. My major was Business Marketing and I graduated with a Bachelor of Science – Marketing degree and an International Business Certificate. Right now I am currently working for Wunderman Chicago Sponsorships & Events (formerly VML Sponsorship and Events) and absolutely love it!

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I believe Blue Valley teachers, classes, extra curricular activities – everything prepared me to be a well rounded student and to keep pushing myself to do better. I strongly encourage anyone who can to take advantage of the AP classes – by taking them in high school, you have more resources available to you to help you when you have questions, you have a closer relationship with the teacher and it also lets you bypass classes in college. By doing that, it frees you up to take other classes you are interested in during college, so you can figure out what you really want to do. Taking AP classes was one of the best ways to prepare me for the type of studying and deeper thinking that some college classes required.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Senora Lemons – Blue Valley High School Spanish teacher. She was one of the most caring, thoughtful and involved teachers that I had throughout my secondary education. She challenged me to think, to use what I knew to figure things out and was always there, should I need help or just to talk and ask questions.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College was never not an option; my parents always encouraged it and as I started taking AP classes in high school, I realized the value of higher education.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Being involved in sports, clubs, etc. and taking harder classes really taught me how to balance school and other activities. The high school experience is something that you get as much out of it as you put in and it is really a time that you have a chance to try anything!

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: My advice would be to really think about the types of classes you are taking and how they are going to help you post high school. Utilize the counselors and teachers to help you with what classes you could be taking. Take advantage of AP classes and college credit. Dream big – Blue Valley classes, teachers, administrators and counselors really prepared me for college and beyond. I will never forget all the lessons I have learned.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: I attended Stilwell Elementary, BVMS, and BVHS

Q: What college are you attending and what is your major?
A: I am attending the University of Nebraska and will be graduating in May of this year with a degree in Biological Sciences. I plan on attending Pharmacy school starting this fall to pursue a Doctorate of Pharmacy.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley prepared me for my post secondary experience by encouraging me to take AP classes. They also had a lot of resources available for people interested in college, like college recruiters, student panels, and counselors available to talk to about college options.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mrs. O'Bryan at BVHS – she was such an enthusiastic teacher and really cared that her students took something out of her classes. She got to know her students as individuals as opposed to just a member of her class, and knowing that a teacher has a personal investment in you makes you want to try a little bit harder!

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College has never not been an option for me; ever since I was old enough to know what it was, it was just assumed that I would be going.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post secondary education?
A: I think that taking AP classes and experiencing a little more challenging course load prepared me for college. Knowing a little bit of what I was getting myself into in college allowed me to not be as nervous and be more successful in my college classes, especially my freshman year.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Look at all your options – there are so many out there! Don't limit yourself to what you only think you can do. Push yourself and take classes that may seem hard, because they will pay off in the long run, whether it is getting college credit for them or learning study habits that you can take with you to college. Take advantage of the resources that are offered at your school, like college counseling and information sessions. They can give you valuable information you might not find other places or answers to questions you would never think to ask.

Q: What is your current position?
A: 1st grade teacher

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Blue Valley Middle School (we moved her from Chicago in the 7th grade)

Q: What college did you attend and what was you major? Masters?
A: Emporia – major: Elementary Education. I have my master’s degree from Webster University.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I was well prepared by some great teachers like Jim Payne, Al Hanna, and Sherrelyn Smith!

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: I had an advanced English course taught by Betty Pennington. She was memorable for her unique approaches to learning.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: In my family, college was never not an option! I thought it was the law!

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Challenging coursework, high expectations, caring counseling staff

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students beginning to prepare for college?
A: Overall, I felt well prepared for college. Don’t worry!

Q: What other Blue Valley schools (elementary, middle or high) did you attend?
A: Morse Elementary, BVMS, BVHS

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: KU. Undergrad: Math Education. Graduate: Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Certification: Provisional License in Gifted Education (will become a full license this summer)

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley did a great job preparing me for college. When I was in high school, there was not as much of an emphasis on AP Exams. So, I completed most of my 21 college credit hours through College Now instead of doing the AP Exams. I knew I was going to KU (since I wanted to stay close to home and go where my brother was going), so I knew College Now would be great for me. I did not have to take quite the load some of my friends were taking at KU each semester, since I already had many credit hours completed during high school. Being a perfectionist, having a head start helped my stress level in college.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: There are two teachers who influenced me the most in high school; since both had a big impact on my life, I must include both.

Les Page was my math teacher for Honors Algebra 2 and Pre-calculus, and he was also my JV softball coach for 3 years. So, I knew him as a teacher and as a coach. I always loved math, but he is the reason I originally went to school to become a high school math teacher. I had always wanted to be a teacher, but I originally thought I would be an elementary teacher. After having him as a teacher and coach, I discovered my true passion of working with older kids (teenagers). He helped me realize how much of an impact someone can have on the lives of teenagers, and that teaching older kids is what I was born to do.

The second teacher who had a profound impact on me was Kristin (Kolb) Asquith. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to have her as a teacher, but I did get to have her as a coach. She was my cheerleading sponsor. I was not the stereotypical cheerleader or stereotypical teenager. Because of this, I did not always fit in with my peers. Kristin always helped me feel comfortable with who I was, and that it was okay to be an adult in a teenager's body. She also helped me realize the importance of the words, "Sometimes, good is good enough." I have used this expression on countless occasions since high school when my perfectionistic tendencies have reared their ugly head. Kristin was the teacher/coach who I knew was always thinking of me.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I knew I was going to college someday very early on in my life. My family stressed the importance of education when I was very young.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?

A: The experiences that were the most beneficial were my Honors/AP classes. I felt extremely prepared for the intellectual challenges in college. Also, as I said above, the college credit I received during high school was very beneficial.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: My advice would be to take as many Honors/AP courses as you can handle while still being sane and happy and balanced at the same time. Keep yourself challenged, but also have fun!

Q: What is your current position?
A: Currently teach CA at BVW.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Attended Stilwell Elementary (K-5) and Blue Valley Middle School (6-8).

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: University of Kansas, BS Education, 1996; MSE Curriculum and Instruction, 1998

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post secondary experience?
A: I feel that Blue Valley helped prepare me academically for life at KU.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Mr. Martin Dunlap, the band director at BVHS influenced me to try new things and to not whine about things when they didn't go my way. He taught me that hard work and perseverance pay off and that I had the ability to do anything I put my mind to.

Mrs. Joyce Katstra, English teacher at BVHS taught me how to think. She was always pushing my classmates and I to dig deeper into the text, to look at the social context of the literature to discover the author's purpose.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: Going to college was never not an option. I was raised believing that I would go to college.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Taking a full course load every year. I took four years of English, math, social studies and science. I took honors classes that pushed me to think beyond what the text book asked. I graduated from BVHS with 15 college credit hours that transferred to KU which helped me because I could take some lighter course loads my first two years of college. It helped tremendously.

Being involved outside of school. I was active in band and my church youth group all the way through my senior year in high school. Being involved in outside activities helped me to be responsible in balancing my time, being organized and working well with other people.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Take a full course load. I know that has been a big deal in BV lately to take a half day of class and go work or sit on the couch at home or something, but the benefits of taking classes that teach you to think critically far outweigh being lazy or making a few extra dollars.
Try, be motivated, think for yourself, go above and beyond, get extra help, work with your teachers, don't settle for second best, don't give up.

Q: What year did you graduate and from what school?
A: 1997

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Indian Valley (Kind), opened Valley Park (1-3), opened Tomahawk Ridge (4-5), opened Overland Trail Middle (6-8), opened BVNW (9-12)

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: Coe College 2001, Mid America Naz 2005

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley was a great place to grow up. Blue Valley school district helped to build values such as work ethic, team work and accountability. I also received a top notch education that prepared me to achieve at the next level.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Many, many teachers…to name a few Steve Harms(high school coach), John Masterson(high school coach and teacher), Pat Swanson (high school coach), Ken Thomas(ms coach, high school coach and teacher), Wayne Burke(HS & MS basketball -coach), Pam Lee (1st grade), Truman Snow, (teacher), and many more…Most of them believed in me, showed me I could become great, valued me even though I was a below average athlete and just an average student. Most of them made an effort to get to know me and motivate me to become better through dedication to something (either personal or greater than myself)

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I was always made to believe that college was my destiny, mostly from my parents. I don’t remember teachers emphasizing college, not a bad thing, just don't remember it. I do remember my parents telling me repeatedly that I needed to get to college to make it where I wanted to go in life. My dad took great pride that I would be the first on either side of my family (in very large families to graduate college).

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: I know it sounds silly to some but really it was the time I spent on athetic fields, not necessarily at games…games were fun and I have great memories there. The time that was most valuable was the time spent with coaches in the weight room, the 6am practices, the two-a-days in august. All of the hard work and dedication that it took to be a part of such groups and team achievements. That has taught me so many lessons of perseverence, overcoming adversity, dealing with dissapointment, the unending quest for success and achievment that the road to it has many difficult but worth while sacrifices that are necessary to be truly great. I also learned humility…you aren't better than anyone else, everyone on the teams were important, no matter their role. We were all in it together, or at least most of us were. Looking back on high school now, I wished I would have pushed myself more as a student, but that wasn't me. I wasn't a high academic achiever. I was good enough. I liked class and my teachers. I never skipped anything. I remember looking forward to certain acitivities and lessons. I just wasn't mature enough at that point to see the correlation between grades and success in life. I wasn't organized enough to be the great student I should have been. I see it today in my AP kids. AP is very much like a team and sports environment. It teaches a lot of the character traits that the sports and activities arena reinforce. I wish I would have been mature enough to handle that environment in high school, but I wouldn't have made it that that time…Now, maybe, but not the mentality I had then. That is why sports and activities were good for me and kids like me. I learned the lessons I should have learned in AP classes on the athletic fields. That way when the day did come that I matured. I had the character traits and tools to be the successful student and college graduate, professional employee I should be…am I perfect, not by a long shot, but I am still trying to improve everyday…yet another thing I learned through my coaches and teachers. I graduated from high school with a 2.95 GPA and college with a 3.54. Numbers don't tell the whole story, but they do provide some indication of my growth and development.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Every experience can be beneficial to your growth, keep the big picture in mind, don't get short sided with indvidual achievments or recognition. Don't over focus on test scores or grade points. Do care about them, take them into account and learn from them…but they are not the overall end all of a person and they are only an indication of where one is at, at the current time. A better measure is do you know where you are going and how what you are doing this year this day, this semester and this season or activity can benefit you in the future or you as an overall person.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Blue Valley Middle School

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: Kansas State University - BS in Elementary Education, minors in both Business and in Leadership Studies. Mid American Nazarene- MS in Education

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I was able to take advanced/college courses during my junior and senior years to prepare me for college. This allowed me to go in with almost a semester of credits before my freshman year at K-State

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: I was actually most influenced by my 2nd and 4th grade teachers prior to coming to BV.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: When I was in Elementary School and wanted to be a doctor when I "grew up."

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Again, being able to have the opportunity to enroll in college courses at JCCC. This allowed me to "test the waters" of college courses and work. I also felt better prepared in my entry level English courses (writing papers etc.)
    
Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Take advantage of AP and college courses that are available. With the college populations growing, entry-level courses are difficult to get into. Any credits you can take prior to attending would be beneficial!

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Leawood Elementary, Valley Park Elementary, Leawood Middle, Overland Trail Middle.

Q: What colleges did you attend and what were your majors?
A: Washington University in St. Louis, BA in math and secondary ed. MLS from Emporia State University

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Extremely well. I still needed to learn a lot in college but I felt well prepared and most importantly, I already knew how to study.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Ms. Roufa in kindergarten, so nice and always remembered me. Joe Amos, Mike Koehler, Jan Cyr, and Hedda Winetroub are really experts in their fields and we knew that as students.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: It was never not an option.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: AP U.S. history and AP statistics. Playing high school basketball and being involved in everything.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Do not be single minded in your future plans. Participate in as many things as possible and be willing to change your mind once you get there. Play multiple sports, join multiple clubs, try everything!

Q: What school did you graduate from and in what year? What is your current position?
A: Graduate of BVNW 2001, currently employed as a Learning Center Teacher at BVW

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Oxford Middle School for 8th grade

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: Central College, Pella, IA – BA History, certification to teach 7-12 Special education, 7-12 World History, 7-12 US History. MSE from KU 2007 – emphasis in special education transition.

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: I was extremely prepared for the reading and writing demands a liberal arts college curriculum required. I also felt willing and able to accept leadership roles both in class and out of class.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Rick Pribyl, CA Teacher at BVNW. He constantly challenged us as thinkers to do more. Understanding the obvious was not enough. He also required that we put forth our best effort on all activities, writing was never more fun or challenging, as it was when I was in his class.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: I do not know that I ever thought college was not an option.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: AP U.S. History, AP CA, peer tutoring, playing varsity athletics helped prepare me for the time management aspect of college that many of my peers struggled with. Interaction with my teachers also allowed me to feel more comfortable approaching my professors in college.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: To widen their college search beyond the obvious schools and universities. There are so many small schools that have so much to offer students. I think students will learn more from being at a smaller school where their opportunities for leadership positions are greater.

Q: What is your current position?
A: Today, I am living the dream: coming back to Blue Valley and teaching. I currently teach Communication Arts at Blue Valley Northwest, co-chair the Mentoring program, am part of the AVID site team and co-chair the NCA (though this is not active right now) and am the former Dazzler Dance Team coach, a position I enjoyed for 13 years.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Since moving to the area as a third grader, I attended Stanley Elementary (in what is now DO) and Blue Valley Middle School before my time at BVHS.

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: I am a graduate of Emporia State University - I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from ESU. My Master's is in Counseling (K-12).

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: When I left for college, I felt incredibly prepared academically. Teachers' expectations, along with my parents' expectations, were incredibly high. Work was to be done to quality, be in line with parameters given and was not to be late. Any detours from these expectations resulted in, often times, zero credit. Thus, at an early age, I learned to manage my time and create work I was proud to put my name to and these skills clearly filtered into post secondary experiences. Communication skills were also heavily emphasized when I was in school - be it written or verbal. In college, I was not afraid to speak up in class and could be poised when doing so. Quite honestly, when I think back to my days in college, the people who attended Blue Valley schools just seemed more disciplined overall. It was expected in all classes - it was what set BV students apart in college.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: I am from the Jim Payne era of English. He was, perhaps, my most influential teacher as he challenged students to think beyond the obvious. It was never enough to simply read a piece of literature and discuss it. Mr. Payne insisted we assert our own thinking and challenge ideas of the author as well as each other's ideas. We had to analyze and prove our ideas. Today, the Internet and all of the resources that come along with it are how many of our students think. Original thinking where you need to go out on a limb and come to a conclusion on your own is rare these days. Our students today are great when it comes to tracking information down…when I was in school, we had to be great about using information to create new ideas of our own or ideas that were not given to us by another source. Another influential teacher would be my former principal, Dr. Steven McIlvain. As an administrator, he created an environment of respect and trust among students and staff. With such an environment, there was a unified feeling among everyone - it is something I have tried to emulate in my classroom with each class each year. When everyone is "in it together," that's when the greatest successes can be discovered.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: In my family, it was an unspoken expectation - but we had to pay for our own college education so we knew that, if we wanted to attend college, we would have to have the grades and the money. This approach certainly affected how I handled my college experience and what I hoped to gain as a future educator. In high school, I cannot say that I consciously remember any teacher talking about college but I am do remember teachers always asking for more and helping us reach further - and that reach was, obviously, different for each student.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Certain classes I took rank up there but many of my "additional" activities or opportunities were beneficial. Being the member of a team (soccer, dance team) was invaluable for experience in cooperation, achieving a common goal, understanding everyone has a role to play. Being a class officer helped me learn to get things accomplished in a timely and thorough fashion. There were musicals and oratory contests and more that all contributed to who I am today. Working with teachers in various capacities taught me how to relate with others - even those who were not my equal but were my superiors. So, though I would like to zero in on one particular experience, there is not only but, rather, a combination of many experiences.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Encourage your student to work beyond his/her limits. Often times, the well we have within us is untapped and potential is left undiscovered. Do not be afraid to let your kids stand on their own. If there are consequences to be had, then let students experience them. There is a fine line between helping and harming a student and what may be perceived as helpful may actually hurt a student in the long run - when he/she is at college and there is no safety net and how the proverbial real world works is a shock. When I was in high school, if a student was not ready to go to college, he/she did not go or would take community college classes first. The educational goal was for students to grow - be it moving on to college or the work force, etc. College is a critical step in a student's academic growth but also his/her independence. Help your student now by supporting deadlines, quality work, involvement, and being a contributing member in the school/local community. Students do need some freedom but the freedom should be within the guidelines and boundaries of diligence, responsibility, pride, civic duty, etc.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Morse Elementary, Harmony Middle School, Pleasant Ridge Middle School, Blue Valley High School

Q: What college did you attend? What are you currently doing?
A: University of Kansas, BA in English. I am currently an Event Coordinator for EPIC Entertainment Inc., a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of The Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City.

Q: How did Blue Valley schools prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley, especially the AP program, helps students to focus on post-secondary education as not only an option but a reality and a logical next step. As early as your freshman year, students are exposed and encouraged to participate in and expand their education in ways that are not only beneficial in an immediate way, but also in preparation for education beyond the high school level.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Marilyn Brewer changed the way that I saw the world, in addition to teaching me the importance and power of the written word. She influenced my decision to be an English major in college, and my realization that one can major in one thing and transfer those skills to any occupation. She, more than any other teacher, stressed the significance of practical application of skills, which forced students to think realistically about the skills they garnered. Education was no longer confined to the classroom, but rather applied to the world in meaningful and tangible ways.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: College was not so much an option as a logical and planned next step. Now, how and where I achieved that step was more of a question. However, Blue Valley West always presented the college search as a plethora of options. No matter where you wanted to go, you could achieve that goal, through study, scholarships, etc. It was through the PSAT and the National Merit program that I was priveleged to attend a fantastic 4-year university on a full-tuition scholarship, graduate in 3.5 years and land a superb corporate job in the field of my choice three months out of college. I would not have been prepared or as capable in my test-taking skills were it not for the Blue Valley school system.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: The endless opportunities to be involved in a myriad of different activities that benefitted me both personally and academically was the most beneficial in pursuing a post-secondary education and in achieving it. Beyond that, the AP program allowed me to enter college with credits under my belt, which then allowed me to graduate college early and start working sooner, granting me the self-suffiency that a degree promised and which I desired.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Do not think in terms of limits. Do everything you can to give yourself the widest variety of options. As a parent, realize that your student's mind will change, and that that is not only okay, but good.

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Oak Hill Elementary (for 4th, 5th) and Oxford Middle School

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major? Masters?
A: Drake University - Double majored in English and Secondary Ed. Masters in Secondary Education (MSE) from Baker University

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley pushed me to make my own choices for school and to get the most out of every class - I definitely felt prepared as I got to campus and started my classes. The rigor, most of all, is what I felt prepared me.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: Truly, they all did - in unique and different ways.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: From 6th grade - I recall my parents dragging me to a college fair in middle school.

Q: What Blue Valley experiences were the most beneficial in preparing you for post-secondary education?
A: Unique relationships with my teachers and counselor - Jan Draper arranged for me to have an independent study where I observed and helped to teach a 6th grade class at Oxford during my senior year. Those kind of experiences definitely set me on the right track.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: It's never too early to begin - and widen your range of school choices early!

Q: What is your current position? Graduated from Blue Valley High School
A: Currently Principal at Pleasant Ridge Middle School

Q: What other Blue Valley schools did you attend?
A: Stilwell Elementary, Blue Valley Middle School

Q: What college did you attend and what is your major? Master's?
A: Kansas State University for Bachelor's in English Education, UMKC for Master's in Educational Administration

Q: How did Blue Valley prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
A: Blue Valley gave me so many opportunities to excel in areas of interest. I was able to take business courses that fostered my interest in business skills, management and accounting. I was able to take English classes that fostered my love of literature and writing. But most importantly, I was able to diversify if I wanted to take classes or be a part of an activity/athletic team that gave me life-long skills to use in every day life - the healthy aspects of an aquatics class, the study skills required to use in a difficult literature or math class, the psychology and real life application of a child development class, the teamwork and joy derived from being a part of a cheer team…the list goes on and on. All of those classes helped me to see the value of diversity in my education, my life, and my relationships. It gave me confidence to go to a 4-year college on my own and thrive as a member of the campus community as well as the academic community.

Q: Which Blue Valley teacher influenced you? How?
A: What Blue Valley teacher didn't influence me? I could name twenty teachers - many of which still teach in the district - and still not even scratch the surface of those people who truly influenced me. Luckily, each and every one gave me the gift of something different to teach me; the commonality is that they all cared about me and my future and did whatever it took to help me achieve my goals.

Q: When did you begin realizing college was an option?
A: My parents instilled the value of education and the expectation of higher education at a very early age, so college was always the only option.

Q: What advice would you have for current Blue Valley students or parents beginning to prepare for college?
A: Take advantage of the 4-year plan and discuss the options for enrollment early in the high school career. It's helpful to have an idea of what you want to do in the future, but it's not absolutely necessary. I encourage all my students - as well as my own kids - to take a rigorous course selection. Learning how to study difficult material while you are in high school and have caring, helpful teachers at your disposal is much easier than learning those skills on your own in a college setting.