Van Independent School District
After High School Comes Opportunity
October is here, November is near!!
Schedule Release Day!!
Schedule Release Day!!
Congratulations to freshman Blake Boyd for being named the VHS Vandal of the Week!
Get to know Blake:
-Blake is a freshman at VHS and the daughter of Todd and Christine Boyd.
-She participates in theater, basketball, track, student council, and helps with Edom ART Lab in her free time. 🎭 🏀 🏃♀️➡️ 🎨
-As far as her favorite teacher goes, Blake says, “All the teachers are my favorite because all of them already have taught me so much for just starting this year off great.” ❤️
-After high school, Blake hopes to attend Pepperdine University to study business and study fashion and design abroad. She wants to own a brand showing her work in design that can also empower things she is passionate about, like water conservation, the environment, and infrastructure issues.
-Blake says the best thing about VHS is “the community and passion. This is because when I came from the city, it was so different, which was shocking. But everyone was there for me during this transition. Seeing people coming together and using great ideas with determination made me know Van High School is a great school.
📷: Melody Hooks, VHS iTeam
Get to know Blake:
-Blake is a freshman at VHS and the daughter of Todd and Christine Boyd.
-She participates in theater, basketball, track, student council, and helps with Edom ART Lab in her free time. 🎭 🏀 🏃♀️➡️ 🎨
-As far as her favorite teacher goes, Blake says, “All the teachers are my favorite because all of them already have taught me so much for just starting this year off great.” ❤️
-After high school, Blake hopes to attend Pepperdine University to study business and study fashion and design abroad. She wants to own a brand showing her work in design that can also empower things she is passionate about, like water conservation, the environment, and infrastructure issues.
-Blake says the best thing about VHS is “the community and passion. This is because when I came from the city, it was so different, which was shocking. But everyone was there for me during this transition. Seeing people coming together and using great ideas with determination made me know Van High School is a great school.
📷: Melody Hooks, VHS iTeam
🏈❤️ HOMECOMING WEEK IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY IN VANDAL LAND! ❤️🏈
Day 1 of Homecoming dress-up week did not disappoint! Today’s theme was BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom, and our Vandals understood the assignment! 😂👏
From tucked-in polos, grilling gear and dad shades to team shirts, tumblers and full-on soccer mom style, every campus had great participation! We loved seeing all the creative—and hilarious—takes on today’s theme.
🌊🏍️ TOMORROW: SURFER vs. BIKER!
Will Vandal Land be riding the waves or hitting the open road? We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Keep the Homecoming spirit going, Vandals! ❤️🤍
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #BBQDadVsSoccerMom
Full Flickr Album Monday: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5v9V
Day 1 of Homecoming dress-up week did not disappoint! Today’s theme was BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom, and our Vandals understood the assignment! 😂👏
From tucked-in polos, grilling gear and dad shades to team shirts, tumblers and full-on soccer mom style, every campus had great participation! We loved seeing all the creative—and hilarious—takes on today’s theme.
🌊🏍️ TOMORROW: SURFER vs. BIKER!
Will Vandal Land be riding the waves or hitting the open road? We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Keep the Homecoming spirit going, Vandals! ❤️🤍
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #BBQDadVsSoccerMom
Full Flickr Album Monday: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5v9V
🏄♀️🏍️ HOMECOMING WEEK — DAY 2! 🏍️🏄♂️
Vandal Land traded the grill and soccer sidelines for waves and wheels Tuesday! 🌊🛣️
BIKER vs. SURFER, and once again, our Vandals understood the assignment!
From leather jackets, bandanas and biker shades to Hawaiian shirts, beach gear and laid-back surfer style, we had a little bit of everything across our campuses today. We love seeing our students AND staff go all-in and make Homecoming Week so much fun! ❤️🤍
But we’re not slowing down yet...
🐾 WEDNESDAY: PREDATOR vs. PREY! 🦌
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #BikerVsSurfer
Flickr Album for Tuesday: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5GCv
Vandal Land traded the grill and soccer sidelines for waves and wheels Tuesday! 🌊🛣️
BIKER vs. SURFER, and once again, our Vandals understood the assignment!
From leather jackets, bandanas and biker shades to Hawaiian shirts, beach gear and laid-back surfer style, we had a little bit of everything across our campuses today. We love seeing our students AND staff go all-in and make Homecoming Week so much fun! ❤️🤍
But we’re not slowing down yet...
🐾 WEDNESDAY: PREDATOR vs. PREY! 🦌
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #BikerVsSurfer
Flickr Album for Tuesday: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5GCv
❤️🏈 THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE HOMECOMING IN VANDAL LAND! 🏈❤️
Last night, our community showed up BIG for one of our favorite traditions — the annual Van ISD Homecoming Parade!
The parade was HUGE, the streets were lined with Vandal fans, and everywhere you looked, our community was out supporting our students and celebrating together. That’s what makes Homecoming in Vandal Land so special. ❤️
And can we talk about our Vandal Twirlers?! 🔥 Their fire performance was, well… FIRE! 🔥👏 What a way to light up the parade route!
We changed things up a little this year, and while we definitely missed gathering around the bonfire, we sure didn’t miss an opportunity to celebrate our kids! From the parade to the community pep rally, it was a great night to be a Vandal.
Thank you to everyone who participated, helped behind the scenes, lined the parade route, and came out to support our students. This is Vandal Land. This is community. And this is what Homecoming is all about. ❤️
Let’s keep that Vandal spirit going all week long!
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5RRP
Last night, our community showed up BIG for one of our favorite traditions — the annual Van ISD Homecoming Parade!
The parade was HUGE, the streets were lined with Vandal fans, and everywhere you looked, our community was out supporting our students and celebrating together. That’s what makes Homecoming in Vandal Land so special. ❤️
And can we talk about our Vandal Twirlers?! 🔥 Their fire performance was, well… FIRE! 🔥👏 What a way to light up the parade route!
We changed things up a little this year, and while we definitely missed gathering around the bonfire, we sure didn’t miss an opportunity to celebrate our kids! From the parade to the community pep rally, it was a great night to be a Vandal.
Thank you to everyone who participated, helped behind the scenes, lined the parade route, and came out to support our students. This is Vandal Land. This is community. And this is what Homecoming is all about. ❤️
Let’s keep that Vandal spirit going all week long!
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5RRP
🐾 HOMECOMING WEEK — DAY 3: PREDATOR vs. PREY! 🦌🐊
Day 3 of Homecoming dress-up week had Vandal Land on the hunt! ❤️🤍
From Predator to Prey, our Vandals across all FOUR campuses showed up ready for another fun day of Homecoming spirit!
And while everyone else was choosing sides… 📸 our cameras were preying on all the SMILES! 😁
There really is nothing quite like Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🏹
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #PreyVsPredator #VandalAdVANtage
Day 3 of Homecoming dress-up week had Vandal Land on the hunt! ❤️🤍
From Predator to Prey, our Vandals across all FOUR campuses showed up ready for another fun day of Homecoming spirit!
And while everyone else was choosing sides… 📸 our cameras were preying on all the SMILES! 😁
There really is nothing quite like Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🏹
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #PreyVsPredator #VandalAdVANtage
Congratulations VMS Students of the Week! Keep up the good work!
#WeAreVan
#WeAreVan
🦴🐴 HANDS-ON LEARNING IN FIRST GRADE! ❤️
Our J.E. Rhodes first graders had a very special visitor last week! Shanna Wiggins stopped by to give students an up-close look at a horse skeleton and turn their learning into an experience they could see, touch and explore!
There’s something special about watching curiosity come to life when students get the opportunity to learn beyond the pages of a book. Our first graders were able to examine the bones, ask questions and learn more about how a horse’s body is put together. 🐴🔎
A BIG thank you to Shanna for taking the time to share her knowledge and give our students such a memorable hands-on learning experience! We love the community members who help make learning fun in Vandal Land. ❤️
📸 Check out a few moments from their visit!
#WeAreVan #JERhodesElementary #HandsOnLearning #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
Our J.E. Rhodes first graders had a very special visitor last week! Shanna Wiggins stopped by to give students an up-close look at a horse skeleton and turn their learning into an experience they could see, touch and explore!
There’s something special about watching curiosity come to life when students get the opportunity to learn beyond the pages of a book. Our first graders were able to examine the bones, ask questions and learn more about how a horse’s body is put together. 🐴🔎
A BIG thank you to Shanna for taking the time to share her knowledge and give our students such a memorable hands-on learning experience! We love the community members who help make learning fun in Vandal Land. ❤️
📸 Check out a few moments from their visit!
#WeAreVan #JERhodesElementary #HandsOnLearning #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
🌿🐾 WILD ABOUT GROWTH — AND THAT INCLUDES OUR OWN! 🐾🌿
Our students aren’t the only lifelong learners in Van ISD! ❤️
While students enjoy a well-deserved break, our teachers are back in the classroom—this time as the students! Today, our educators are participating in professional development sessions designed to strengthen instruction, share ideas, learn new strategies, and ultimately create even more opportunities for our Vandals to grow.
Because when our teachers grow, our students grow. 🌱
We are so thankful for educators who never stop learning, never stop improving, and remain WILD ABOUT STUDENT GROWTH! 🐾📚
Thank you to our teachers and staff for continuing to invest in themselves so they can give their very best to our students!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WildAboutGrowth #WeAreVan #VandalProud #LifelongLearners #VandalAdVANtage
Our students aren’t the only lifelong learners in Van ISD! ❤️
While students enjoy a well-deserved break, our teachers are back in the classroom—this time as the students! Today, our educators are participating in professional development sessions designed to strengthen instruction, share ideas, learn new strategies, and ultimately create even more opportunities for our Vandals to grow.
Because when our teachers grow, our students grow. 🌱
We are so thankful for educators who never stop learning, never stop improving, and remain WILD ABOUT STUDENT GROWTH! 🐾📚
Thank you to our teachers and staff for continuing to invest in themselves so they can give their very best to our students!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WildAboutGrowth #WeAreVan #VandalProud #LifelongLearners #VandalAdVANtage
🏃♀️🏃♂️ MEET DAY, VANDALS! ❤️🤍
Vandal Cross Country is back on the course Wednesday, September 30, as our runners head to Eustace for their next meet!
⏰ Rolling start at 8:00 AM
📍 12569 County Road 2803 | Eustace, TX
Our Vandals have been putting in the miles and the work—now it’s time to RUN, VANDALS, RUN! 💪🔥
#VandalCrossCountry #WeAreVan #VandalProud #runvandalsrun
Graphic Design: Jordan Flodder, VHS iTeam
Vandal Cross Country is back on the course Wednesday, September 30, as our runners head to Eustace for their next meet!
⏰ Rolling start at 8:00 AM
📍 12569 County Road 2803 | Eustace, TX
Our Vandals have been putting in the miles and the work—now it’s time to RUN, VANDALS, RUN! 💪🔥
#VandalCrossCountry #WeAreVan #VandalProud #runvandalsrun
Graphic Design: Jordan Flodder, VHS iTeam
🧹It was a VANDAL SWEEP tonight against Brownsboro! 🔥
Next up, we'll travel to Kemp on Friday.
#VandalVolleyball #VandalProud #WeAreVan #Sweep
Next up, we'll travel to Kemp on Friday.
#VandalVolleyball #VandalProud #WeAreVan #Sweep
❤️🌸 HOMECOMING TRADITIONS + HANDS-ON LEARNING! 🌸❤️
Some of our littlest Vandals received a little extra Homecoming spirit last week thanks to some of our biggest Vandals! 🥰
Students in the Van High School Floral Design classes put their creativity and skills to work creating Homecoming mums and garters for some very special elementary students. And judging by these smiles, we’d say they were a hit! ❤️🤍
We love seeing learning extend beyond the classroom—and we especially love when it creates connections between our campuses. From designing and assembling each piece to seeing them proudly worn by our younger Vandals, this was such a sweet way for our high school students to share a Texas Homecoming tradition with the next generation.
📸 Take a look at these little Vandals showing off their one-of-a-kind creations!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #FloralDesign #CTE #VandalsSupportingVandals #VandalAdVANtage
Some of our littlest Vandals received a little extra Homecoming spirit last week thanks to some of our biggest Vandals! 🥰
Students in the Van High School Floral Design classes put their creativity and skills to work creating Homecoming mums and garters for some very special elementary students. And judging by these smiles, we’d say they were a hit! ❤️🤍
We love seeing learning extend beyond the classroom—and we especially love when it creates connections between our campuses. From designing and assembling each piece to seeing them proudly worn by our younger Vandals, this was such a sweet way for our high school students to share a Texas Homecoming tradition with the next generation.
📸 Take a look at these little Vandals showing off their one-of-a-kind creations!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #FloralDesign #CTE #VandalsSupportingVandals #VandalAdVANtage
⚾️❤️ FALL BASEBALL IN VANDAL LAND! ❤️⚾️
Vandal Baseball is taking the field TONIGHT for some fall league action right here at home! 🍂⚾️
The Vandals will welcome Bullard to Van for an evening under the lights!
📍 Van
🆚 Bullard
⏰ 6:30 PM
#VandalBaseball #WeAreVan #VandalPride #FallBall
Vandal Baseball is taking the field TONIGHT for some fall league action right here at home! 🍂⚾️
The Vandals will welcome Bullard to Van for an evening under the lights!
📍 Van
🆚 Bullard
⏰ 6:30 PM
#VandalBaseball #WeAreVan #VandalPride #FallBall
🏐❤️ GAME DAY, VANDAL LAND! ❤️🏐
The Lady Vandals are hitting the road this evening as they travel to Brownsboro to take on the Bearettes! 🔥
📍 Brownsboro High School
📅 Tuesday, September 29
🏐 JV1/JV2 | 5:00 PM
🏐 Varsity | To Follow
🎨 Graphic Design: Valeria Sanchez, VHS iTeam
#VandalVolleyball #WeAreVan #VandalPride #GameDay
The Lady Vandals are hitting the road this evening as they travel to Brownsboro to take on the Bearettes! 🔥
📍 Brownsboro High School
📅 Tuesday, September 29
🏐 JV1/JV2 | 5:00 PM
🏐 Varsity | To Follow
🎨 Graphic Design: Valeria Sanchez, VHS iTeam
#VandalVolleyball #WeAreVan #VandalPride #GameDay
🍂❤️ FALL BREAK REMINDER! ❤️🍂
As you’re planning your week, Vandals, be sure to make note of our upcoming Fall Break!
📅 Wednesday, September 30 — Student Holiday
📅 Thursday, October 1 — School Holiday
📅 Friday, October 2 — School Holiday
After a busy Homecoming Week in Vandal Land, we hope our students, staff and families enjoy a few days to rest, recharge and spend time together!
District Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/3pcd79kb
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #FallBreak
As you’re planning your week, Vandals, be sure to make note of our upcoming Fall Break!
📅 Wednesday, September 30 — Student Holiday
📅 Thursday, October 1 — School Holiday
📅 Friday, October 2 — School Holiday
After a busy Homecoming Week in Vandal Land, we hope our students, staff and families enjoy a few days to rest, recharge and spend time together!
District Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/3pcd79kb
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #FallBreak
👑❤️ YOUR 2026 VANDAL HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN! ❤️👑
Congratulations to 2026 Vandal Homecoming Queen McKenzi Crawford and 2026 Vandal Homecoming King Sebastian Gonzales! ❤️🤍
McKenzi and Sebastian were crowned Friday night by our 2025 Homecoming King Guadalupe Sanchez and Queen Averi Crouch, continuing one of our favorite Vandal Homecoming traditions. 👑
Making the evening even sweeter were our adorable Ring Bearer Aaron Bullington and Flower Girl Laila Moree, along with Mr. Giles, as Vandal Land came together to celebrate this special moment.
And the Vandals put the perfect finishing touch on an incredible Homecoming Week with a 50–30 VICTORY! 🏈🔥
Congratulations, McKenzi and Sebastian! What a special night and an unforgettable way to celebrate Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🤍
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #VandalFootball #VandalAdVANtage
Congratulations to 2026 Vandal Homecoming Queen McKenzi Crawford and 2026 Vandal Homecoming King Sebastian Gonzales! ❤️🤍
McKenzi and Sebastian were crowned Friday night by our 2025 Homecoming King Guadalupe Sanchez and Queen Averi Crouch, continuing one of our favorite Vandal Homecoming traditions. 👑
Making the evening even sweeter were our adorable Ring Bearer Aaron Bullington and Flower Girl Laila Moree, along with Mr. Giles, as Vandal Land came together to celebrate this special moment.
And the Vandals put the perfect finishing touch on an incredible Homecoming Week with a 50–30 VICTORY! 🏈🔥
Congratulations, McKenzi and Sebastian! What a special night and an unforgettable way to celebrate Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🤍
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #VandalFootball #VandalAdVANtage
🔎 FIND YOUR PLACE FRIDAY: VAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL ❤️🤍
If you walked the halls of Van High School during Homecoming Week, you probably noticed they looked a little different! Our VHS Student Council took on the task of decorating the halls for each grade level, helping turn the entire campus into a Homecoming celebration!
But STUCO is about much more than decorations. These students are elected by their peers to represent their classes, giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills while planning activities, serving their school and building Vandal spirit throughout the year.
Led by Leah Crow, our 2026–2027 Student Council includes:
❤️ Officers
President — Melody Hooks
Vice President — Maddison Johnson
Secretary — Khloe Velazquez
Treasurer — Makynna Mink
Historian — Savannah Bethcourt
🤍 9th Grade: Blake Boyd, Charleigh McClendon & Donna Alvarez
❤️ 10th Grade: Molly Rolison, Annabelle Reed & Shaelyn Owens
🤍 11th Grade: Shilah McKinney, Reagan Reynolds & Adely Ellison
❤️ 12th Grade: McKenzi Crawford, Ashlin Mande & Elizabeth Martinez
We love seeing our students take ownership of their school and put their leadership, creativity and school spirit into action. Judging by these halls, they understood the Homecoming assignment! 👏
At Van High School, there are so many ways to get involved, lead and make an impact. Find your people. Find your passion. Find your place. ❤️🤍
📸 Check out each class showing off the hall they helped transform for Homecoming Week!
#FindYourPlaceFriday #WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalHomecoming #VHSStudentCouncil #VandalAdVANtage
If you walked the halls of Van High School during Homecoming Week, you probably noticed they looked a little different! Our VHS Student Council took on the task of decorating the halls for each grade level, helping turn the entire campus into a Homecoming celebration!
But STUCO is about much more than decorations. These students are elected by their peers to represent their classes, giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills while planning activities, serving their school and building Vandal spirit throughout the year.
Led by Leah Crow, our 2026–2027 Student Council includes:
❤️ Officers
President — Melody Hooks
Vice President — Maddison Johnson
Secretary — Khloe Velazquez
Treasurer — Makynna Mink
Historian — Savannah Bethcourt
🤍 9th Grade: Blake Boyd, Charleigh McClendon & Donna Alvarez
❤️ 10th Grade: Molly Rolison, Annabelle Reed & Shaelyn Owens
🤍 11th Grade: Shilah McKinney, Reagan Reynolds & Adely Ellison
❤️ 12th Grade: McKenzi Crawford, Ashlin Mande & Elizabeth Martinez
We love seeing our students take ownership of their school and put their leadership, creativity and school spirit into action. Judging by these halls, they understood the Homecoming assignment! 👏
At Van High School, there are so many ways to get involved, lead and make an impact. Find your people. Find your passion. Find your place. ❤️🤍
📸 Check out each class showing off the hall they helped transform for Homecoming Week!
#FindYourPlaceFriday #WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalHomecoming #VHSStudentCouncil #VandalAdVANtage
❤️🤍 VANDAL PRIDE COMES IN ALL SIZES! 🤍❤️
From one of our littlest Vandals, Ana Pena, to one of our biggest Vandals, award winning offensive lineman Caleb Pickrell, there’s room for everyone in Vandal Land! 🏈
They may have a slight difference in height, but they have one very important thing in common—VANDAL PRIDE! ❤️🙌
We love seeing our students, from the littlest Vandals just beginning their journey to the big kids they look up to, sharing that special Vandal connection.
Big or small, once a Vandal, always a Vandal! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalFamily #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Photo Credit: Leah Rice
From one of our littlest Vandals, Ana Pena, to one of our biggest Vandals, award winning offensive lineman Caleb Pickrell, there’s room for everyone in Vandal Land! 🏈
They may have a slight difference in height, but they have one very important thing in common—VANDAL PRIDE! ❤️🙌
We love seeing our students, from the littlest Vandals just beginning their journey to the big kids they look up to, sharing that special Vandal connection.
Big or small, once a Vandal, always a Vandal! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalFamily #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Photo Credit: Leah Rice
🏐❤️ GAME DAY IN VANDAL LAND! ❤️🏐
The Lady Vandals are HOME and ready to take the court against the Mabank Lady Panthers! Come out, fill the stands, and help us bring the energy for a great night of Vandal Volleyball!
📍 Van High School
🏐 Van vs. Mabank
⏰ Varsity | 4:30 PM
⏰ JV1 & JV2 | To Follow
#VandalVolleyball #GameDay #WeAreVan #VandalProud #GoVandals
Graphic Design: Olivia Coleman, VHS iTeam See less
The Lady Vandals are HOME and ready to take the court against the Mabank Lady Panthers! Come out, fill the stands, and help us bring the energy for a great night of Vandal Volleyball!
📍 Van High School
🏐 Van vs. Mabank
⏰ Varsity | 4:30 PM
⏰ JV1 & JV2 | To Follow
#VandalVolleyball #GameDay #WeAreVan #VandalProud #GoVandals
Graphic Design: Olivia Coleman, VHS iTeam See less
🏐❤️ GAME DAY IN VANDAL LAND! ❤️🏐
The Lady Vandals are HOME and ready to take the court against the Mabank Lady Panthers! Come out, fill the stands, and help us bring the energy for a great night of Vandal Volleyball!
📍 Van High School
🏐 Van vs. Mabank
⏰ Varsity | 4:30 PM
⏰ JV1 & JV2 | To Follow
#VandalVolleyball #GameDay #WeAreVan #VandalProud #GoVandals
Graphic Design: Olivia Coleman, VHS iTeam
The Lady Vandals are HOME and ready to take the court against the Mabank Lady Panthers! Come out, fill the stands, and help us bring the energy for a great night of Vandal Volleyball!
📍 Van High School
🏐 Van vs. Mabank
⏰ Varsity | 4:30 PM
⏰ JV1 & JV2 | To Follow
#VandalVolleyball #GameDay #WeAreVan #VandalProud #GoVandals
Graphic Design: Olivia Coleman, VHS iTeam
