ThE MuStAnG MeSsEnGeR

Congratulations are in order for our Mustang Magic Dance Team and their coach, Ms. Nikki Stoudt. They have been chosen to perform at halftime of the KSHSAA 2A State Girls Championship game on Saturday, March 15th, 2025! This is a fantastic honor and we know they will represent Valley Heights in the best possible manner! A dreamer can dream! Mustang Magic at halftime of the championship game with our Lady Mustangs on the same floor!! Let’s go!!

Our FFA program put together a fantastic week of activities to celebrate FFA! The trouble is that we had to spread the activities out over two weeks due to the weather! On Tuesday, the organization treated staff, students and community members to their annual pancake feed. This was a great way to start our morning and we want to thank everyone who came out to join us for breakfast. On that same day the staff was treated to a grilled hamburger lunch! Thanks goes out to our FFA members and to their advisor, Ms. Carrie Husband for the food and for everything you do for our school and communities.

Our FACS program put on their annual fundraiser meal and entertainment night on Wednesday, February 26th. The students prepared and served a menu of Lasagna, Caesars Salad, Green Beans and Chocolate Cake. Our entertainment for the night were a variety of songs from Kloee Martin and Carter Germann and forensics pieces from Lawson Stryker, Carter Germann and Harmony Conti. It was a great night for everyone!

The high school basketball season for our boys came to an end last night, February 27th, with a road loss to Valley Falls. We would like to congratulate our squad and coaches for all their hard work! This year’s squad battled through a number of injuries and just in the final weeks did we have all of our players in their jerseys and on the floor! This was never an excuse! They played hard every night and we are proud of their efforts. Our girl’s squad will start postseason play tonight with a home game against Jeff County North. Game time is 6:00 pm. Since this is a KSHSAA activity we cannot accept any passes. Only those people on the pass gate list can get in at no charge! We hope to see you here tonight to cheer on our Mustangs!

Parents – we have two weeks until Spring Break and more importantly, the end of the third nine weeks. It is important that our students are turning in all assignments and keeping their grades at a passing level!

Upgrades to our building continue to happen out here thanks to the SVPP grant we received early this year. A crew has been out here this past week working on the new lock system and intercom system. When you visit you will also notice that we have new signage throughout the building. All of these things are making us a safer school for everyone.

Mike

Have a great week and Let’s go Mustangs!

Mr. Savage

Mustang Forensics was ready to compete today at Marysville! Here are our results: Harmony - 2nd Prose Carter - 1st Prose Lawson - 2nd Solo Acting Humorous Abigail - 5th Solo Acting Serious Janelle - 4th Solo Acting Serious Carter - 1st Solo Acting Serious Kynadee - 6th Informative Julia - 2nd Informative Harmony & Dino - 4th IDA Lawson & Julia - 1st IDA Abigail - 3rd Poetry

This week, we recognize Senior, Saige Wilcox as our ARTIST OF THE WEEK! As a dedicated senior, she has shown unwavering passion for the arts, using creativity to bring stories to life through her work. With each piece, Saige captures emotion, meaning, and even tribute, making art that speakes beyond the medium. Saige's favorite thing about art is, "That it's never the same and sometimes I can portray serious topics in my projects."

Next year she plans to start her journey at Highland Community College and then Emporia of becoming an ART TEACHER!

JEREMIAH 29:11.

This bible verse, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,’” has spoken to Lillian because even though she may not know what her future looks like sometimes, she knows God is in control and He has her whole life planned out. Lillian Grace Busey was born on January 11, 2007 in Topeka, KS to Chrystal Woodyard and Tim Busey. Later when Lilly was 11, she moved to Blue Rapids. Lilly has three siblings; her older brother, Aaron Keagy, her older sister, Samantha Ayon, and her younger sister, Juliet Busey.

Lilly has been involved in KAYS 4 years, Band 4 years, All School Play 4 years, Volleyball 4 years, FACS 3 years, Art Club 2 years, Journalism 2 years, NHS 2 years, Vocal 2 years, FCA 2 years, Cheer 2 years, Mustang Tough/Mentor 2 years, Dance 1 year, Forensics 1 year, and was KAYS President 1 year. Outside of school, Lilly values the simple things in life like attending football games on Friday nights or spending her weekends with family and friends.

After high school, Lilly plans to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma to gain a degree in Ministry and have the opportunity to spread the word of God to those who may not know him. She has other goals like travelling and trying new things. Lilly almost always says yes to any chance that’s given and one thing she will never say no to is, trying new Hispanic foods or sushi.

Lilly hopes to be remembered as someone who was kind, caring, helpful, and someone who shows others that you can be your own person and not follow suit with everyone else. Some advice Lilly would give to younger classmates is to not live for tomorrow, but live for today and give it all you’ve got.

Article by Kaitlin Hemry

Senior Parents: Here is a list of scholarships through the Kansas Board of Regents along with a PDF to describe scholarships and grants you could potentially be eligible for. These have all been sent to the seniors emails but please let Mrs. Gallimore know if you need help. https://www.kansasregents.gov/resources/PDF/Students/Student_Financial_Aid/State_Aid_Brochure_2025-26_Application.pdf https://www.kansasregents.gov/students/student_financial_aid

COUNSELORS APPRECIATION WEEK. The day in the life of a counselor ranges from helping arrange college visits for students as a group or individually, scheduling, and helping students with their mental health. When asked why she chose this job, Mrs. Gallimore responded, “I chose this job because I was really interested in helping students with different aspects of their life including mental health and academics. The academic part kind of just fell in my lap and then I realized I really enjoyed it.” She continued, “My favorite part about this job is the students I get to see everyday and help them with whatever they need.” Gallimore reflected on the things she learned most saying, “Everyday is never going to be the same and what happens today doesn’t have to impact tomorrow.” We just want to give a huge thank you to Mrs. Gallimore for everything she does for the students and staff.

Article by Blaise Hogan

Valley Heights NHS 3-on-3 tournament is April 5th. Sign up now to save your spot! Contact bturner@valleyheights.org for more information and to get your team registered or you can register your team using the Google Form below: https://forms.gle/g8jRS3xwwbUfZS6T7

VH girls looking for a formal dress for an upcoming event such as prom or Jr High dance can try on dresses after school on March 12 and April 10. Bring your bestie to get her vibe on the dresses you like! Some shoes and jewelry also available. First come first served.

Blue Rapids, KS 66411

785-363-2508

Principal-Mike Savage

Athletic Director-Jordan Broxterman

1. Come to the HS office between 8am and 4pm

2. Email msavage@valleyheights.org

3. Call the office (785)363-2508

Email: vhhs@valleyheights.org
Website: valleyheights.org
Phone: (785)363-2508
Facebook: facebook.com/vhusd498
Twitter: @usd498