Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills at VHHS

YLVH_Cit of the Year '12_Final Cut_v2_h264_3000Kbps_720p.mov

In 2012, Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills was recognized by the City of Vestavia Hills and Leadership Vestavia Hills as the Citizen of the Year. This video, which reflects the true spirit of the program, was presented during the awards ceremony.

THE IDEA

Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills (YLVH) is a program born out of a Leadership Vestavia Hills (LVH) group project in 2004-05. Members of the group were given the assignment to create a youth program that would mirror the adult program, but the group realized quickly that VHHS needed something different. The school had been growing quickly in both numbers and diversity. There was not only a need to create a place for students to plug-in but also a need to help students intentionally connect with one another. So the group designed a program that would do just that. Every year in the spring, freshmen are invited to participate in a training retreat as a requirement for entrance into the program. Once they participate in the training, they are a member of the organization. Every year, YLVH averages 200+ new freshmen which has created a critical mass of students who are working intentionally to change the climate of the school. Once in the program, they are eligible for the many other YLVH-sponsored activities including leadership and service opportunities as well as a leadership class.

THE PURPOSE

The mission of Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills is to train students to become leaders who have and show respect for all; who recognize the common ground we share in our humanity, our community, our school; and who accept our differences as strengths in the social fabric of our community. These students are leaders who learn from the experience of walking in each other’s shoes. The YLVH tagline reads Be the Difference. YLVH is an important vehicle in making a big school feel small, a place where every single student feels a sense of belonging, acceptance, and importance.

THE PHILOSOPHY

“Leadership comes from integrity – that you do whatever you ask others to do. I think there are non-obvious ways to lead. Just by providing a good example as a parent, a friend, a neighbor makes it possible for other people to see better ways to do things. Leadership does not need to be a dramatic, fist in the air and trumpets blaring, activity.”

Scott Berkun, Best-Selling Author and Speaker

This concept is exactly what we try to teach our students . . . all have the potential to be leaders so choose to be a good one. Lead everyday wherever you are . . . in the classroom, on the field, in the community. How you interact and treat others is the foundation for all the rest.

THE HISTORY

2004-05

Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills (YLVH) is born out of a LVH class group project. Members of the project team include Kelly Bottcher, Cindy Brown, Bryan Gunn, Ann Jones, Kym Prewitt and Sally Young.

YEAR 1: 2005-06

1st Training Retreat: In the fall of 2005, 40 Sophomores participate in NCCJ training at Shades Mountain Baptist Church (SMBC).

YEAR 2: 2006-07

2nd Training Retreat: 120 Sophomores participate in January 2007 in an overnight retreat at SMBC.

Joining them are the juniors from last year who receive additional training including individual personality and leadership profiles.

The inaugural class of 40 students implements their diversity and leadership training in significant community-based events including:

- In March, YLVH partners with the Pizitz Middle School guidance counselors in conducting Bullying Panels for every single 8th grade student. These powerful sessions consist of YLVH trained juniors sharing a personal experience concerning bullying, prejudice, and stereotyping.
- YLVH partner with the VHHS SGA for a Book Drive collecting 6,500 books for the Children’s Literacy Guild (CLG). Their success wins them first place in a city-wide contest conducted by the Children's Literacy Guild of Alabama.

YEAR 3: 2007-08 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

3rd Training Retreat: 111 Students (Class of 2010) participate in an overnight Retreat at SMBC during the year

First year that the YLVH Class is offered and taught by Lauren Dressback

Activities for the year:

- Two additional training sessions for the juniors include individual personality and leadership profiles as well as team building;
- Training for the seniors by nationally acclaimed leadership specialist, Allison Black-Cornelius, involving case studies in best practices of leadership;
- Conduct Bullying Panels for all 8th graders at Pizitz Middle School;
- Conduct Bullying Panels for all 6th graders at Pizitz Middle School; and
- Conduct Bullying Panels for all 6th graders at Liberty Park Middle School and Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

This year YLVH is offered as a year-long class taught by Lauren Dressback with 40 students enrolled. Through the daily contact with the students and curriculum that includes character education, leadership principles, conflict resolution and current events, the students not only benefit as individuals but are also able to give back to the community through projects such as:

- Writing the Rebel Survival Guide for incoming freshmen;
- Providing Christmas gifts for 10 underprivileged children;
- Sponsoring a Sadie Hawkins Dance raising more than $2,500 for Relay for Life;
- Sponsoring a booth at Relay for Life; and
- Having more than 50 participants in Relay for Life.

YEAR 4: 2008-09 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

4th Training Retreat Year

143 Students (Class of 2011)

3 overnight retreats at SMBC throughout the year

Responsible for Relay for Life Teams

Relay for Life is recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

Bullying Panels are conducted for 8th graders at PMS

Peer Tutoring falls under the YLVH umbrella

2009 Training Retreats (4th) (Begin holding in the summer)

165 Students (Class of 2012)

4 retreats – 2 days at SMBC and Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC)

YEAR 5: 2009-10 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

Lauren Dressback teaches the class

YLVH fully takes over Relay for Life (a semester-long fundraising event in the spring)

Relay for Life is recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

Peer Tutoring falls under the YLVH umbrella

2010 Training Retreats (5th) - Lindy Walker begins working with YLVH

144 Students (Class of 2013)

3 Retreats – 2 days at Camp Coleman/VHUMC

YEAR 6: 2010-11 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

Angie Richardson begins teaching the YLVH Class

Relay for Life raises $161,838

Relay for Life is recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

1st Rebel Connection (First year Pizitz Middle School and Liberty Park Middle School students merge in 9th grade)

1st Year of New Student Committee

2011 Training Retreats (7th)

210 Students (Class of 2014)

3 Retreats – 2 days at Camp Coleman/VHUMC

YEAR 7: 2011-12 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

April – YLVH Named Citizen of the Year by LVH

Relay for Life Raises $191,030

Relay for Life is recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

Bullying Panels for 6th Graders

1st year of Rebels 101 for 8th Graders

2012 Training Retreats (7th)

157 Students (Class of 2015)

3 Retreats – 2 days at Camp Coleman/SMBC

YEAR 8: 2012-13 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

Bullying Panels for 6th Graders

Rebels 101 for 8th Graders

Sophomore YLVH Studies are formed

Freshmen Studies are visited by YLVH sophomores weekly

Relay for Life

Relay for Life recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

2013 Training Retreats (8th)

168 Students (Class of 2016)

3 Retreats – 1-day at Camp Kanawahala

YEAR 9: 2013-14 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

Bullying Panels for 6th Graders

Rebels 101 for 8th Graders

Panel of Students presents to Teachers

Sophomore & Freshmen Studies Visited by Class members

Relay for Life Raises $235,783

Relay for Life recognized as Top 5 Youth Event in the Nation by the American Cancer Society

First Purple People Run to support Relay for Life

2014 Training Retreats (9th)

192 Students (Class of 2017)

2 Retreats – 2 days at VHUMC with portable ropes course

YEAR 10: 2014-15 (Angie Richardson & Amanda Jordan, Sponsors)

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

Bullying Panels for 6th Graders

Rebels 101 for 8th Graders

Panel of Students presents to Teachers

Brown Bag Lunches

Emily Brown and Claire Rhyne lead Relay for Life

Purple People Run

Relay is named a TOP 5 fundraising event in the country by ACS

Julie Harris leads the New Student Committee

3 Training Retreats (10th)

229 students (Class of 2018)

2 days at VHUMC with portable ropes course

YEAR 11: 2015-16 (Emily Brown & Claire Rhyne, Sponsors)

Emily Brown teaches the YLVH Class

Friendship Pizzas to 3rd Graders

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Rebels 101 to 8th Graders

The Mentors Program is piloted in the spring through the class in Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Elementary Counselors

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

Panel of 6 students present to PTO Parent Awareness Meeting

Panel of 5 students present to LVH Class

Revamp the process for selecting officers and committee chairs

Claire Rhyne leads Relay for Life with Emily Brown

Relay for Life raises $264,275 earning the award for #1 High School ACS fundraiser in the country

2016 Training Retreats (11th)

160 Students (Class of 2019)

3 Retreats – 2 days at VHUMC with portable ropes course

1,839 Students Trained to Date/581 currently at VHHS

YEAR 12: 2016-17 (Emily Erwood, Sponsor)

Kym Prewitt teaches the YLVH Class (one class period)

31 students take the class

Full curriculum written (includes public speaking, problem-solving, book studies,

Meyers-Briggs, decision-making, Team-Building, interview skills)

7 guest speakers

3 focus groups

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Digital Citizenship to 6th Graders

Rebels 101 to 8th Graders

The Possible Project Presentation (Idea for a Student Life App)

Student Life App in use by August 2017 (Presented in Pep Rally)

First year of the Mentors Class taught by Emily Brown Erwood (one class period)

YLVH partners with Big Brother/Big Sisters Program

32 students taking the class – each is a mentor for an elementary student

Class presents Friendship Pizza Activity to 3rd graders

Student Panel presents to PTO Parent Awareness Meeting

Student Panel presents to LVH Education Day

Rebel Connection and Personal School Tours

New Student Committee

2-$1,000 scholarships awarded by LVH to YLVH students

Emily Erwood leads Relay for Life assisted by Hanna Nall and Emily Powell

$280,032 is raised for the American Cancer Society and Open Hands Open Heart

VHHS Relay is Named #1 Youth Relay Event in America by the American Cancer Society

By-laws for YLVH are written for the first time

Membership Pledge and Leadership Pledge are written to be used for next year

The First Help the Hills Student Team forms in April to begin work next year

In April, YLVH Level II Class becomes a TED Ed Club for next school year

New Student Committee is sponsored by Laura Daley

90 New Student Committee Members

80 New Students

Sponsored first-ever Senior Field Day (an idea that was born out of the Possible Project)

Development of a new Student Life App (an idea that was born out of the Possible Project)

2017 Training Retreats (12th year)

202 Students (Class of 2020)

2 Retreats – NEW location – 4-H Center of Alabama in Columbiana

Each retreat was a two-day, overnight retreat.

2,041 Students Trained to Date/600+ currently at VHHS

YEAR 13: 2017-18 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

(Hannah Nall & Emily Powell – Relay Sponsors)

(Sarah Kaiser – New Student Committee Sponsor)

Kym Prewitt & Emily Erwood team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 21 students

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Presented Digital Citizenship Panels to 7th Graders

The Possible Project Ideas included Student Voice, 9th Grade Campus, Student IDs,

and Relay Revamp

Level II – 19 Seniors only

Full curriculum for Level II written

8 guest speakers

4 focus groups

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Presented The Possible Project – The Rebel Edge

Rebel Edge Pledge is written

Rebel Edge Pledge posters placed in every classroom

Pledge Wall hung and signed

T-shirts provided by anonymous donor were distributed to every person in the building

Large EDGE letters are made by the class and used at school events

Student Life Mobile App

- - Presented last spring
  - Developed over the summer
  - Launched at fall pep rally
  - Received the Catalyst Award for Community Engagement from BlackBoard, Inc.
  - Students Sloen Zieverink, Lucy Ankenbrandt chosen by Blackboard to present about YLVH and receive the award for the school at the NSPRA convention in Los Angeles in July with Kym Prewitt

Fall Make-up Retreat with 20 students

Spring Make-up Retreat with 27 students

Panel presents to LVH Education Day

2-$1,000 scholarships awarded by LVH to YLVH students

Emily Erwood leads Relay for Life assisted by Hanna Nall and Emily Powell

$253,505 is raised to the American Cancer Society and Children's Hospital Oncology Department

??? YLVH students lead on Relay committees

Students participate on 80 Relay Teams

First year of the Help the Hills Student Team

34 students initially selected

Add more to total 50 mid-year

One Rebel Party for all 8th graders after a Football Game

5th Quarter Event at VHUMC

Freshmen Advisories

8th Grade Talks (November, January, February, March, April)

Speakers Bureau of senior students visited various community organizations to talk about the HTHST

Volunteered at Community Events (Community Night Out, Help the Hills Coalition Forums)

Produces two PSAs to enter Kindervision Contest (one advanced to the finals)

Conducts a “Kick Butts” anti-smoking campaign at both middle schools

HTHST Panel presents to PTO Parent Awareness Meeting

Upgrades made to the YLVH and Relay Websites in the Spring

New YLVH logo and NSC Logo designed

2018 Training Retreats (13th year)

212 Students (Class of 2021)

3 Retreats – 1 marathon day at VHHS (revamped curriculum)

2,300+ Students Trained to Date

Year 14: 2018-19 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

(Sarah Kaiser – New Student Committee Sponsor)

Kym Prewitt & Emily Erwood team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 51 students

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Presented Digital Citizenship Panels to 7th Graders

Level II – 24 Seniors only

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Presented Digital Citizenship Panels to 7th Graders

Inaugural Year of the Student Voice Committee sponsoring Pizza With a Principal

Fall Make-up Retreat with 35 students

Spring Make-up Retreat with 16 students

2-$1,000 scholarships awarded by LVH to YLVH students (Avery Richardson & Elizabeth Ledbetter)

2nd year of the Help the Hills Student Team

80 Juniors and Seniors selected

One Rebel Party for all 8th graders after a Football Game

8th Grade Talks (November, January, February, March, April)

Volunteered at Community Events (Community Night Out, Help the Hills Coalition Forums)

New Student Committee

105 members of the committee served approximately 65 new students

Had a "Week of Welcome" with activities offered every day

Football Tailgate and Game

Exam Goodie Bags

Valentines Day bot chocolate bar and goodie bags

Pizza party during lunch to celebrate finishing their first year at VHHS

First Year of RISE (Kym Prewitt, Sponsor)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

229 YLVH students lead on 20 RISE committees

1003 VHHS Students and teachers participate on 59 RISE Teams

$250,678 Is raised for the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

Students created an original logo and all branding

Held 8 major events including:

- - Christmas Break Movie Night for Families & Students
  - An Kick-Off Assembly featuring Just Singing and an epic teacher skit
  - Sadie Hawkins dance with 764 students
  - Rebel Run with 557 runners
  - Character Breakfast with 400 children
  - Inaugural Concert for a Cure featuring Riverbend and Walker Burroughs with 830 in attendance
  - RISE to the Rime assembly featuring the UAB Basketball Team in a slam dunk contest
  - 1,232 Luminaries
  - 38 sponsors donated $63,300

2019 Training Retreats (14th year)

220 Students (Class of 2022)

3 Retreats – 1 marathon day at VHHS

2,571+ Students Trained to Date/690 currently at VHHS

Year 15: 2019-20 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

(Sarah Kaiser – New Student Committee Sponsor)

Kym Prewitt & Emily Erwood team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 45 students/2 classes

Students mentor elementary students weekly through NEW Rebel Pals Program

Bullying Panels to 6th Graders

Level II – 40 Seniors only/1 class

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the NEW Rebel Pals Program

Possible Projects - Mental Health & 9th Grade Campus

2nd Year of Student Voice Committee - Change name to Spill the Tea with Dr. B

Fall Make-up Retreat with 20 students

Spring Make-up Retreat with 15 students

Help the Hills Student Team (3rd Year)

86 Juniors and Seniors selected

8th Grade Talks (Vaping Presentation in October, Academics in January, Activities Fair in February)

Volunteered at Community Events (Community Night Out, Help the Hills Coalition Forums)

Created Accountability Groups led by HTHST members. 206 students participated.

2-$1,000 scholarships awarded by LVH to YLVH students (Annie Dodd & Jordan Henson)

RISE (2nd Year)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

Named Finalist for 2nd year by Varsity Brands for Most Spirited Community Event in the US

Raised $201,252 for the AYA Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

47 YLVH students lead on 20 RISE committees with 294 committee members

First ever Fighters Committee with 8 Cancer Survivors and 10 Siblings of Survivors

RISE was featured at Football, Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling

1,297 VHHS Students and teachers participate on 66 RISE Teams

200 Teachers system-wide participated in the Jeans Program

Sold 737 Valentine Surveys

12 Business supported with donation jars

Collected 2200 cans for canned food drive

Sold 1,320 Luminaries

38 sponsors donated $63,300

Held 7 major events including:

- - 1st Annual Witches Ride - Organized by LP Adult Volunteers
  - An Kick-Off Assembly featuring an epic teacher skit
  - Sadie Hawkins dance with 850 students
  - Rebel Run - School was canceled the day before the run due to COVID-19/696 runners pre-registered
  - Character Breakfast with 340 children, 600+ parents, and 48 characters
  - Music on the Mountain Concert featuring Walker Burroughs at Mountaintop Community Church with 520 in attendance
  - 128 Golfers participated in the Sammy Dunn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Baseball Boosters donating $10,000 to RISE.
  - RISE Day and several other events did not happen this year due to COVID-19

2020 Training Retreats (15th year)

258 Students (Class of 2023)

Rescheduled due to COVID-19. Held 1 large retreat at VHHS in November 2020.

2,829+ Students Trained to Date/809 currently at VHHS

Year 16: 2020-21 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

***This was a COVID year with many restrictions. We were unable to operate as normal.***

Kate Dismukes – New Student Committee Sponsor/98 students on the committee

Holly Robinson & Laura Casey assist with Help the Hills

Kym Prewitt & Emily Erwood team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 92 students/3 classes

Students mentor elementary students weekly through NEW Rebel Pals Mentoring Program

Level II – 37 Seniors only/1 class

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Rebel Pal Mentoring Program

TED Talk Presentations

The Sisterhood Project was piloted by Blakely Berryhill.

Help the Hills Student Team (4th Year)

171 Juniors and Seniors/2 study periods

9th Grade Talk (Why I Don't Drink/Plus) in the Fall

Created Accountability Groups led by HTHST members.

RISE (3rd Year)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

Raised $136,113 for the AYA Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB and the Rucker Collier Foundation

47 YLVH students lead on 20 RISE committees with 294 committee members

167 Mailbox Bow and 105 Yard Signs placed

1,110 VHHS Students and teachers participate on 67 RISE Teams

Sold 347 Valentine Surveys

16 Business supported with donation jars

Collected 2,000+ cans for canned food drive

Sold 1,700 Luminaries

26 sponsors donated $27,975

Major events included:

- - 3rd Annual Witches Ride - Organized by LP Adult Volunteers
  - Rebel Run - Superhero Fun Run with 153 elementary students in the stadium and 232 5K runners.
  - 1st ever Kids Day with 380 children, 600+ parents, and 62 characters and a parking lot full of trucks.
  - Golfers participated in the Sammy Dunn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Baseball Boosters donating $7,200 to RISE.

2021 Training Retreats (16h year)

Entire Freshman Class (Class of 2024) 412 participants (80 remote/68 absent)

Held 1 large retreat during a regular school day at the Freshman Campus of VHHS on March 9, 2021.

Students Trained to Date: 3,241+

Year 17: 2021-22 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

***This was a COVID year with some restrictions through January. We were unable to operate as normal.***

Kate Dismukes – New Student Committee Sponsor

Holly Robinson & Laura Casey assist with Help the Hills

Kym Prewitt & Emily Erwood team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 84 students/3 classes

Students mentor elementary students weekly through Rebel Pals Mentoring Program

Level II – 43 Seniors only/1 class

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Rebel Pal Mentoring Program

TED Talk Presentations

Help the Hills Student Team (5th Year)

Juniors and Seniors/2 study periods

RISE (4th Year)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

Raised $226,900 for the AYA Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

60 YLVH students lead 23 RISE committees with 302 committee members

1,450 VHHS Students and teachers participate on 88 RISE Teams

Sold 847 Valentine Surveys

Local Businesses supported with donation jars

Collected 2,000+ cans for canned food drive

Sold 1,884 Luminaries

50 sponsors donated $74,210

Major events included:

- - 4rd Annual Witches Ride - Organized by LP Adult Volunteers
  - Rebel Run - Superhero Fun Run with 119 elementary students in the stadium and 394 5K runners.
  - Kids Day with 300 children, 600+ parents, and 70 characters and a parking lot full of trucks.
  - Pinkie's Up Tea Party sponsored by the Sisterhood Project
  - Santa Celebration
  - Community Yard Sale
  - Sadie Hawkins Dance
  - Golfers participated in the Sammy Dunn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Baseball Boosters donating $10,000 to RISE.

2022 Training Retreats (17th year)

Entire Freshman Class (Class of 2025) 500+ Participants with 200 New Members Joining

Held 1 large retreat during a regular school day at the Freshman Campus of VHHS on DATE

Students Trained to Date: 3,741+

Year 18: 2022-23 (Kym Prewitt & Morgan Jones, Sponsors)

2022 Training Retreats (18th year)

This year the retreat took place in September and was comprised of the entire Freshman Class.

All freshman 500+ participated and 180 New Members

Kate Dismukes – New Student Committee Sponsor

Emily Bedgood - Help the Hills Student Team Sponsor (5th Year)

Kym Prewitt & Morgan Jones team teach the YLVH Classes

Level I – 72 students/2 classes

Students mentor elementary students weekly through Rebel Pals Mentoring Program

Level II – 56 Seniors only/1 class

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Rebel Pal Mentoring Program

RISE (5th Year)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

Raised $230,023 for the AYA Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

Hit $1,044, 996 at the 5-Year Mark!

67 YLVH students lead 20 RISE committees with 237 committee members

More than 1,000 VHHS Students and teachers participate RISE Teams

Sold 827 Valentine Surveys

Local Businesses supported with donation jars

Collected 2,000+ cans for canned food drive

Sold 1,516 Luminaries

38 sponsors donated $80,850

Major events included:

- - 5th Annual Witches Ride - Organized by LP Adult Volunteers
  - Rebel Run - Superhero Fun Run with 68 elementary students in the stadium and 364 5K runners.
  - Kids Day with 341 children, 600+ parents, and 80 characters and a parking lot full of trucks.
  - Golfers participated in the Sammy Dunn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Baseball Boosters donating $8,215 to RISE.
  - A Night with the Alabama Symphony including a Fine Art Auction
  - Pinkies Up Tea Party Sponsored by the Sisterhood Project
  - Sadie Hawkins Dance

Students Trained to Date: 4,241+

Year 19: 2023-24 (Morgan Jones & Mary Virginia Sweeney, Sponsors)

2023 Training Retreats (19th year)

This year the retreat took place in September and was comprised of the entire Freshman Class.

All freshman 500+ participated and 240 New Members

Kate Dismukes – New Student Committee Sponsor

Emily Bedgood & Kenslea Carter - Help the Hills Student Team Sponsor (6th Year)

Mary Virginia Sweeney teaches the YLVH Classes

Level I – 62 students/2 classes

Students mentor elementary students weekly through Youth Leadership Mentor Program

Level II – 60 Seniors only/2 class

Students mentor elementary students weekly through the Youth Leadership Mentor Program

RISE (6th Year)

RISE - Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement

Raised $227,164 for the AYA Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

6 Year RISE Total: $1, 272,160

44 YLVH students lead 12 RISE committees with 190 committee members

More than 1,000 VHHS Students and teachers participate RISE Teams

Local Businesses supported with donation jars

Collected 2,000+ cans for canned food drive

Sold 1,700 Luminaries

35 sponsors donated $76,150

Major events included:

- - 6th Annual Witches Ride - Organized by LP Adult Volunteers
  - Rebel Run - Superhero Fun Run with 73 elementary students in the stadium and 494 5K runners.
  - Kids Day with 272 children, 500+ parents, and 80 characters.
  - Golfers participated in the Sammy Dunn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Baseball Boosters donating to RISE.
  - Pinkies Up Tea Party Sponsored by the Sisterhood Project
  - Sadie Hawkins Dance

Students Trained to Date: 4,741+

THE IDEA

THE PURPOSE

THE PHILOSOPHY

THE HISTORY

2004-05

YEAR 1: 2005-06

YEAR 2: 2006-07

YEAR 3: 2007-08 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

YEAR 4: 2008-09 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

YEAR 5: 2009-10 (Lauren Dressback, Sponsor)

YEAR 6: 2010-11 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

YEAR 7: 2011-12 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

YEAR 8: 2012-13 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

YEAR 9: 2013-14 (Angie Richardson, Sponsor)

YEAR 10: 2014-15 (Angie Richardson & Amanda Jordan, Sponsors)

YEAR 11: 2015-16 (Emily Brown & Claire Rhyne, Sponsors)

YEAR 12: 2016-17 (Emily Erwood, Sponsor)

YEAR 13: 2017-18 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

Year 14: 2018-19 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

Year 15: 2019-20 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

Year 16: 2020-21 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

Year 17: 2021-22 (Emily Erwood & Kym Prewitt, Sponsors)

Year 18: 2022-23 (Kym Prewitt & Morgan Jones, Sponsors)

Year 19: 2023-24 (Morgan Jones & Mary Virginia Sweeney, Sponsors)

Year 20: 2024-2025 (Mary Virginia Sweeney & Merryl Cooper, Sponsors)