Valpo Schools Foundation

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

What a fantastic day on the course!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Valpo Schools Foundation Golf Outing. From our golfers and volunteers to our generous sponsors, your support made this event a tremendous success.

A special thank you goes to our sponsors whose partnership helps make opportunities like this possible and directly supports the teachers and students of Valparaiso Community Schools.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the incredible staff at Valparaiso Country Club for their hospitality, professionalism, and hard work in helping make the outing such an enjoyable and successful event.

Because of your support, we are able to continue investing in innovative classroom grants, scholarships, and programs that benefit VCS students and staff.

Thank you for helping us make a difference…we can't wait to see you next year!

06/01/2026

Golf Outing 2026!

05/28/2026

On this last day of school, the Valpo Schools Foundation is proud to recognize our High School Most Valuable Viking winner...Susan Hoffman of Valpo HS 411!

Mrs. Hoffman has spent the past 13 years at VHS making an extraordinary impact both inside and outside the classroom. As a Team LEAD Ambassador, she helps mentor students, supports tutoring and lunch groups, assists new students in adjusting to high school life, and works to ensure every student feels supported and successful. She also serves as the award-winning yearbook and newspaper advisor, helping students create memories and develop lifelong passions.

What stands out most about Susan is her kindness and unwavering positivity. Her students describe her as caring, joyful, funny, supportive, bright, kind, and selfless. Many shared how she creates a classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and valued and where they are inspired to grow and believe in themselves.

Susan says she is motivated by the impact she has on others, and the heartfelt notes from students displayed on her “warm and fuzzy wall” remind her daily that she is making a difference. That difference is felt throughout VHS and our entire school community.

Presenting the award were VCS Administrator Dr. Nick Allison and VSF Board Members Jon Hildebrand, Annie Schoenfelt, and Dave Howlett.

As we close out another school year, we are grateful to celebrate educators like Susan Hoffman who make Valparaiso Community Schools such a special place. Congratulations, Susan, and thank you for being a truly Most Valuable Viking!

05/27/2026

Congratulations to our next 2026 Most Valuable Viking, Valparaiso Community Schools Director of Transportation Rich Spicer!

This morning, Rich was surprised with the Most Valuable Viking award surrounded by many members of the VCS Transportation team along with VCS administrators Dr. Jim McCall, Dr. Judy Barbknecht, Dr. Nick Allison, Jim Holifield, and Samantha Douglas. Presenting the award on behalf of the Valpo Schools Foundation were VSF Board Members Kristin Lewis, Dr. Natalie Krivas, and Donna Battista.

As Director of Transportation, Rich leads with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring students arrive safely each and every day. Whether recognizing staff birthdays, checking in on colleagues and their families, or solving the daily challenges of transporting nearly 4,700 students, Rich has built a culture rooted in care and teamwork.

Rich has served the Valparaiso community for more than 40 years and has been the calm, steady force behind VCS Transportation through some of the industry's most challenging times. His leadership, problem-solving, and willingness to do whatever it takes, including driving routes himself when needed, have made an incredible impact on our schools and community.

Please join us in congratulating Rich Spicer, our 2026 Most Valuable Viking!

05/21/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Middle School Most Valuable Viking, Lisa Ferguson of Thomas Jefferson Middle School!

For 19 years at Valparaiso Community Schools , Lisa has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on students, staff, and the entire school community. Whether it’s keeping “crisis chocolate” on hand, offering a listening ear, or creating a welcoming classroom for EVERY student, Lisa leads with compassion, positivity, and heart.

As a longtime Student Council sponsor, Lisa has helped organize fundraisers supporting organizations such as The Caring Place, Hilltop Neighborhood House, and Lakeshore PAWS, while also helping create many of the traditions and events that make TJ such a special community.

Lisa shared that her students are what motivate her every single day:
“The students! I need to see them, smile and joke with them, and ensure they are doing well mentally, physically, and academically.”

Her nominator described her as “one of those people who makes our school a better place simply by being here” and praised her ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues alike.

There to present the award were Valpo Schools Foundation board members Annie Schoenfelt, Dave Howlett, and Chloe Kiser along with VCS administrators Dr. Erin Hawkins, Dr. Judy Barbknecht, and Dr. Nick Allison.

Thank you, Lisa, for the incredible impact you make on the students, staff, and community of Valparaiso Community Schools. We are so fortunate to have you as a Viking!

05/14/2026

Last night, we had the privilege of celebrating the incredible students of Valpo HS 411 at Scholarship Awards Night!

The Valpo Schools Foundation was proud to help administer just under $94,000 in scholarship funds for VHS seniors, including more than $37,000 awarded directly through Valpo Schools Foundation scholarships.

These scholarships represent the generosity of donors, families, memorial funds, and supporters who believe in investing in the future of our students. Events like the Harlem Wizards game help make opportunities like these possible by raising funds that go directly back to Valpo students and classrooms.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients! Your hard work, dedication, and achievements have truly paid off, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the future.

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding Vikings!

05/12/2026

Congratulations to our second 2026 Most Valuable Viking recipient and the first of our two staff honorees, Kari Gearhart from Parkview Elementary School!

Kari was recognized for the incredible impact she makes each day in the Parkview library and throughout the entire school community. Now in her 15th year with Valparaiso Community Schools, Kari is known for creating a welcoming, engaging environment where students are excited to learn and discover a love of reading.

After stepping into the role of media center aide this school year, Kari spent countless hours over the summer “genrefying” the library to help students more easily connect with books they love. She also goes above and beyond through Robotics Club, K-Kids, Book Club, breakfast duty, school-wide reading activities, and special events that build excitement and belonging for students and staff alike.

Colleagues described Kari as passionate, joyful, encouraging, dependable, and someone who truly makes Parkview a better place every single day. One nominator shared, “The kids love library because of her!”

Presenting the award were Valpo Schools Foundation board members Dr. Natalie Krivas, Donna Battista, Crystal Wagner, and Dave Howlett, along with VCS administrator Dr. Judy Barbknecht.
Parkview principal Gina Wagenblast and the entire Parkview staff were there to help celebrate and recognize Kari for her outstanding impact on the school community!

Congratulations, Kari, and thank you for the difference you make for Valpo students every day!

05/07/2026

Introducing our first “Most Valuable Viking” of 2026!

Congratulations to our Elementary School winner from Central Elementary Valparaiso...Mr. Kevin Wallace!

Mr. Wallace goes above and beyond each and every day to support, encourage, and inspire his students. His dedication to his students extends far beyond the classroom walls. He regularly attends athletic events and activities to continue cheering on former students, writes recommendation letters for college applicants, and stays connected with many former students to continue offering support whenever needed.

Over the years, he has quietly served the Central community in countless ways, from helping maintain the school landscaping, to returning to school after hours so students could retrieve forgotten homework, to personally delivering books and assignments to families when transportation was a challenge. Early in his career, he even arrived before sunrise to help clear snow from sidewalks to support the school custodian.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Wallace spent 39 years running a mowing business in the community, often donating his services to families facing illness or financial hardship. He has also coached youth sports through Valpo Parks and the Valpo Soccer Club.

What motivates Mr. Wallace most is his students. His goal is not only academic success, but helping students learn to be responsible, work hard, and become good citizens: lessons that will serve them for life.

Joining in the celebration were Valpo Schools Foundation board members Kristin Lewis, Donna Battista, Chloe Kiser, Annie Schoenfelt, and Kerry Walker, who helped present the award. Also there to celebrate was the entire Central Elementary staff, who proudly wore special t-shirts in honor of their coworker! Administrators Dr. Nick Allison, Dr. Judy Barbknecht, and Dr. Erin Hawkins were also present to recognize this well-deserved honor.

Thank you, Mr. Wallace, for all you do for the students, families, and community of Valparaiso. We are proud to celebrate you as a Most Valuable Viking!