Training Retreats

Students wishing to be a part of YLVH are required to attend a training retreat where they participate in low ropes courses, small group discussions, games and team building activities.  It is a unique and intensely powerful experience. At any given time, there are approximately 600+ students in the high school who have completed this training – plenty enough for critical mass to change the climate of a school.  Cliques, stereotyping, ally, inclusive society, change agent, sympathy/empathy, bonding, bridging, bullying, trust . . . This is just a small sampling of the vocabulary used reflecting the content of this training. Retreats are open to all freshmen. Older students may choose to participate in a shorter version of a retreat. 

To apply, click here for an application. Applications for summer 2019 are due _____. 

Help the Hills Student Team

The Help the Hills Student Team is a select group of juniors and seniors who are held to a high standard as they represent our school and community in the fight against drug and alcohol use and abuse.  Not only do they pledge to set a daily example by being alcohol and drug free, but they also directly mentor middle school students in the school system in small groups settings, through “clean” social events, and by interacting during lunch/study periods. 

Leadership Class Level I

The Leadership Level I class is a year-long course open to juniors and seniors who have completed Youth Leadership training as a rising sophomore. This is a project-driven course that focuses on leadership training, communication skills, and community service. Students are required to participate in individual and small group presentations, including public speaking. These presentations are outreach/mentoring projects for younger students in the school system including those in 3rd, 6th, 7th grades.  Another component to this class is one-to-one mentoring with elementary school students. Class members are assigned an elementary student in the system and are trained to mentor them on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Leadership Class Level II

The Youth Leadership Class Level II is a year-long course open only to seniors by application who have completed Youth Leadership training as a rising sophomore and have taken the Leadership Level I class or are otherwise approved. This is a project-driven course that builds on the concepts and skills learned in the Leadership Level I class, focusing on the premise that leaders affect positive change. The class focuses on ideas that improve our community. Students will participate in individual and small group projects and presentations. These students will also help in the mentoring presentations conducted at the lower schools by the Level I class. Another component to this class is one-to-one mentoring with elementary school students. Class members are assigned an elementary student in the system and are trained to mentor them on a weekly basis throughout the year.

New Student Committee

This student-led committee pairs each new student at VHHS with two YLVH students who have something in common.  It is the job of the YL students to help the new student feel welcome and comfortable and to better assimilate to his/her new environment.  This particular program has received rave reviews from new students who cite it as the single most helpful part of being “new.” This committee not only works on a one-to-two basis but also hold many new student group activities during the year including a welcome pizza party, a tailgating event, and other activities at the school that help connect these new students with other new students.

Rebel Life Tours

Every August, a new crop of tenth graders prepares to enter the VHHS Main Campus. In order to calm those nerves and introduce the new class to the high school,  all tenth graders are offered the chance for an individually-guided tour of the school and their classes schedule. These tours are led by YLVH student volunteers. Tenth graders will receive notice of this day in advance and will sign up for a specific time slot for their tour.

RISE

YLVH is the lead organization in the planning and execution of RISE, a community-wide fundraising event for select local charities.  This is a highly successful and massive undertaking with countless leadership opportunities through student teams and RISE committees.  More than 75% of the student body participates annually making RISE the highest-attended event of the year. Not only does this event promote the concept of philanthropy and service, but it also gives students a place to belong and serve, making new friendships and gaining leadership experience along the way.  Other events under the RISE umbrella include the Rebel Run,  Kids (Princess/Super Hero/Character Meet & Greet), and the Sadie Hawkins Dance. 

Kids Day (RISE Event)

Kids Day is another event favorite as it brings the younger citizens of the community together with high school students for a character meet and greet. Senior YLVH students dress many of the most popular Disney characters and super heroes. And the children are thrilled! No where on earth is there as much joy as in the VHHS gym during this winter event that supports the spring charity.

Rebel Run (RISE Event)

In the spring of 2014, YLVH held it's first annual 5K & Fun Run to benefit the spring charity. The original name was the Purple People Run because it was a color run using the signature color of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. In 2018 the name changed to Rebel Run. This event is student-planned and led in every aspect. The run has grown to 600+ runners per year and is held in March.

Sadie Hawkins Dance (RISE Event)

Sadie Hawkins has become a favorite tradition at VHHS since 2008. It is an opportunity for the girls to ask the guys to a dance. The funds raised by the event go to support RISE. The dance is sponsored and planned by YLVH students.

Service Opportunities

YLVH promotes community service through its point system where members are required to earn points by participating in YL events/committees and through community service.  There is always work to be done and opportunities for students to be assertive and accountable. The point system is a great way to promote accountability, personal responsibility, and service to others. Some of the service opportunities include helping at community and school events, helping teachers with specific projects, and participating in one of the YLVH programs.