“Educaion is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community better than you found it.” – Marian Wright

          Wright’s words give us a great example of what MV might look like in the next decade, and one major focus will be balancing tradition with innovation. 

          Principal Dr. Fatheree stated, “We will strive to offer wide curricular offerings, for example adjusting it to the job offers and diverse vocational offers. The world is constantly changing, so adjust to that.”

          Athletic Director Mr. Seth English acknowledged the growth of technology including AI, but still thinks it’s important that we should not be solemnly dependent on it. 

         Mr. English stated, “The rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for education. It could transform classroom instruction, offering personalized learning experiences and innovative teaching methods. However, I hope MV retains its brick and mortar presence, as in person interaction is critical for social development and community building.”

          CTE head, Ms. Tinsley makes it clear that; the importance of human connection in the classrooms.

          Ms. Tinsley said, “The role of teachers will remain vital.”

          Dr. Fatheree explained that the future of the school is not only academic, but also the physical spaces where students gather each day.

          “If we had unlimited resources, I would definitely want to expand the cafeteria. I am in charge of bell schedules, and we have little to no room in our cafeteria, and it would be nearly impossible to make another hour of lunch, especially with the hope of student enrollment going up. Having a bigger cafeteria would be nice; and making our weight room bigger,” stated Dr. Fatheree. 

         Ms. Tinsley explained what CTE would look like if the sky were the limit.

         Ms. Tinsley said, “With unlimited resources, I would expand the CTE department by acquiring the adjacent property on the south end of the campus. This would allow us to add a new shop and agricultural barn, creating the space and capacity needed to serve every student interested in our programs, ensuring no one is turned away due to space or staffing limitations.”

          As our campus evolves and grows, so does our athletics. Mr. English gives his visions of those improvements. 

          Mr. English said, “Physically, I envision the campus expanding and modernizing to meet the needs of students and the community. Located at the intersection of two major interstates in Southern Illinois, MV is highly accessible, making it a valuable school and its community partnerships.”

          Theater Director Mrs. Raquel Bliffen explained: through the arts, creativity, and Ram Pride describes MV.

          “The murals students create, and the general updating of different wings, always make the entire facade amazing,” Mrs. Bliffen added.

          Mrs. Bliffen explained her hope in not only preparing students for college careers, but also for leadership in the community.

          Mrs. Blifen stated, “I would like Mt. Vernon to be a place in which students develop into community leaders, and that those leaders enjoy communicating with MV about the ways in which we can make graduates more involved. Basically, I hope the community realizes its value in making the school better, vice versa.”

          Together, these visions show that while the future of MV will bring new challenges and opportunities, the spirit of growth, creativity, and community will guide the school into the next decade