🚀 Student Entrepreneurs in Action! 🚀
Brock Wittler, Brooklynn Coon, and Tyfani Willis recently competed in the Ogallala Commons Virtual Entrepreneurship Fair—developing full business plans, delivering pitches, and completing interviews. 💼✨
We are incredibly proud to celebrate their success:
💥 Brock Wittler – Ballin Posters | $300
🕯️ Brooklynn Coon – Everlite Handmade Candles | $300
🥇 Tyfani Willis – Willis Catering | 1st Place & $1,000
These students are putting their creativity, leadership, and real-world skills into action—what an accomplishment! 👏🔥
Brock Wittler, Brooklynn Coon, and Tyfani Willis recently competed in the Ogallala Commons Virtual Entrepreneurship Fair—developing full business plans, delivering pitches, and completing interviews. 💼✨
We are incredibly proud to celebrate their success:
💥 Brock Wittler – Ballin Posters | $300
🕯️ Brooklynn Coon – Everlite Handmade Candles | $300
🥇 Tyfani Willis – Willis Catering | 1st Place & $1,000
These students are putting their creativity, leadership, and real-world skills into action—what an accomplishment! 👏🔥
April Menu
So incredibly proud of Lynley Pettinger and Adalyn Pettinger for their participation in the Regional Civics Bee! 🐝✨
A huge thank you to Lamar Community College for hosting and bringing this fantastic event to SE Colorado. It’s so important for our students to have a platform to showcase their knowledge and civic pride. Way to go, girls! 👏🎓
A huge thank you to Lamar Community College for hosting and bringing this fantastic event to SE Colorado. It’s so important for our students to have a platform to showcase their knowledge and civic pride. Way to go, girls! 👏🎓
Elementary students are loving the fishing unit! 🎣 We’re so thankful to be a recipient of the Fishing in Schools grant and for the opportunity to bring hands-on learning to our students. More pictures to come as students continue to learn and grow through this experience!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Ty Allen Brooks 🎓
Ty brings a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things that makes him stand out. He’s the kind of student who quietly leads by example and takes advantage of every opportunity in and out of the classroom.
We’re proud of you, Ty—excited to see where your journey takes you next! 💙👏
Ty brings a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things that makes him stand out. He’s the kind of student who quietly leads by example and takes advantage of every opportunity in and out of the classroom.
We’re proud of you, Ty—excited to see where your journey takes you next! 💙👏
Join a team where relationships 🤝, innovation 💡, and student opportunities 🌟 matter every day.
Brock Wittler had the opportunity to join SaddleRock Sports Media and learn more about sports media while attending the state basketball tournament. 🎤🏀📹
What a great experience to see behind the scenes, build new skills, and explore opportunities in student broadcasting and media. We’re proud of Brock for representing Vilas and taking advantage of this hands-on learning opportunity!
Our elementary students had a wonderful opportunity today to connect with a classroom in the Philippines! 🌎📚 Our students gave a presentation and shared about life and learning at our school. They also enjoyed listening as students from the Philippines shared about their education and daily school experiences.
Because of the time difference, the students in the Philippines joined their school at 6:00 a.m., which was 4:00 p.m. for us. ⏰ We truly appreciate their effort to connect with us and make this learning experience possible!
We are especially thankful for the international cultural experiences that Ms. Mary has brought to our elementary students. 🌍✨ Opportunities like this help broaden perspectives and build connections beyond our community. 🤝📖
Because of the time difference, the students in the Philippines joined their school at 6:00 a.m., which was 4:00 p.m. for us. ⏰ We truly appreciate their effort to connect with us and make this learning experience possible!
We are especially thankful for the international cultural experiences that Ms. Mary has brought to our elementary students. 🌍✨ Opportunities like this help broaden perspectives and build connections beyond our community. 🤝📖
We wrapped up Destination Imagination today with a fun skit and hands-on engineering challenge! Students showcased their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through both performance and engineering activities.
Our students have loved participating in this after-school program and exploring their creativity in new ways.
Our students have loved participating in this after-school program and exploring their creativity in new ways.
Our JH girls recently attended Girls in the Middle, where they explored exciting career opportunities in the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Students participated in hands-on activities and learned from professionals about the many pathways available in these growing industries. Opportunities like this help our students see what’s possible for their futures and inspire them to pursue their interests and talents.
Students participated in hands-on activities and learned from professionals about the many pathways available in these growing industries. Opportunities like this help our students see what’s possible for their futures and inspire them to pursue their interests and talents.
Our Vilas 4th–6th grade students had a great experience this week participating in AmeriTowne alongside students from Campo and Pritchett!
Students first learned about civic responsibility and personal finance in the classroom, and then had the opportunity to put those skills into action while running their own town. From managing businesses to earning and spending money, students experienced what it takes to make a community work.
We are grateful for opportunities like this that help students build real-world skills in teamwork, leadership, and financial literacy. Great job, students! 👏
Students first learned about civic responsibility and personal finance in the classroom, and then had the opportunity to put those skills into action while running their own town. From managing businesses to earning and spending money, students experienced what it takes to make a community work.
We are grateful for opportunities like this that help students build real-world skills in teamwork, leadership, and financial literacy. Great job, students! 👏
That’s a wrap on Homecoming Week! 🎉
Spirit days ✔
Senior & Parent Night ✔
Homecoming ceremony ✔
Dance ✔
Thank you to Student Council and everyone who helped make it happen! Small school. Big spirit.
Spirit days ✔
Senior & Parent Night ✔
Homecoming ceremony ✔
Dance ✔
Thank you to Student Council and everyone who helped make it happen! Small school. Big spirit.
✨ Homecoming Night is Here! 💃🎉
We’re looking forward to a great evening celebrating Homecoming, Senior Night, and Parents Night!
Join us as we kick of the night with Pep-Rally at 3pm, BB games start at 4:30pm, and we honor our seniors and families between the varsity games, after the games will be our Homecoming ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony, we will kick off the Homecoming Dance and continue the celebration!
It’s going to be a special night full of Patriot pride, memories, and community. 🤍
We’re looking forward to a great evening celebrating Homecoming, Senior Night, and Parents Night!
Join us as we kick of the night with Pep-Rally at 3pm, BB games start at 4:30pm, and we honor our seniors and families between the varsity games, after the games will be our Homecoming ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony, we will kick off the Homecoming Dance and continue the celebration!
It’s going to be a special night full of Patriot pride, memories, and community. 🤍
🔥✨ It’s Homecoming Week at Vilas! ✨🔥
Celebrating with TWO great community events — and we want everyone there!
🔥 VILAS BONFIRE
📅 Thursday, February 26
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Vilas School Parking Lot
Bring a side dish and a camp chair — we’ll provide dinner, s’mores, hot cocoa, and school spirit!
South Baca Cheerleaders will lead us in cheers and we’ll announce the winner of the door contest and spirit stick.
If weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the fun inside the gym!
🏀💡 HOMECOMING PEP RALLY
📅 Friday, February 27
⏰ 2:30 PM
📍 Vilas Gym
Come get hyped and show your Patriot pride!
🏀 Games begin at 4:30 vs Kit Carson
🎉 Parent Night/Senior Night between Varsity games
🏀 3rd/4th South Baca Rec game at halftime of Girls Varsity
👑 Homecoming Ceremony after the game
💃 Dance hosted by Vilas Rec (Elementary may stay for the first hour)
Let’s pack the gym, fill the parking lot, and show what small rural school spirit looks like!
🌾🤝 Rural Exchange – Vilas & Cañon City 🎤✨
We wrapped up our exchange with Cañon City as students from both districts presented together at the CASE (Colorado Association of School Executive) Conference!
Our students highlighted the differences between our districts, what they learned from the experience, and how this partnership broadened their perspectives. Most importantly, they shared why they hope exchanges like this continue — building understanding, leadership, and pride in rural education.
So proud of their courage, professionalism, and student voice on a statewide stage!
We wrapped up our exchange with Cañon City as students from both districts presented together at the CASE (Colorado Association of School Executive) Conference!
Our students highlighted the differences between our districts, what they learned from the experience, and how this partnership broadened their perspectives. Most importantly, they shared why they hope exchanges like this continue — building understanding, leadership, and pride in rural education.
So proud of their courage, professionalism, and student voice on a statewide stage!
📚✨ 99th Day of School! ✨📚
Our Elementary students celebrated the 99th day with reading buddies and a fun scavenger hunt led by Student Council! Class projects inspired by Dr. Seuss reinforced the joy and value of reading.
The big surprise? 🎉 Ms. Edna joined as a special guest reader!
99 days smarter and still growing! 💙
Our Elementary students celebrated the 99th day with reading buddies and a fun scavenger hunt led by Student Council! Class projects inspired by Dr. Seuss reinforced the joy and value of reading.
The big surprise? 🎉 Ms. Edna joined as a special guest reader!
99 days smarter and still growing! 💙
🎓 College Rep Visit – Fort Hays State University!
Junior High and High School students had the opportunity to visit with a college representative from Fort Hays State University!
We love providing our students with real-world exposure to postsecondary pathways and helping them explore what their future can look like beyond Vilas.
Thank you to Fort Hays State University for investing time in our rural students and helping them see what’s possible! 💙💛
Junior High and High School students had the opportunity to visit with a college representative from Fort Hays State University!
We love providing our students with real-world exposure to postsecondary pathways and helping them explore what their future can look like beyond Vilas.
Thank you to Fort Hays State University for investing time in our rural students and helping them see what’s possible! 💙💛
🎉⚽ CONGRATULATIONS, OSMAN YANES! ⚽🎉
We are incredibly proud to congratulate Osman Yanes on being selected to participate in the CHSCA All-State Boys Soccer Games! 🏆
This is a huge honor and a testament to Osman’s hard work, dedication, and talent on the field. He has been recognized as one of the top senior soccer players in the state of Colorado and will represent our school at the 70th CHSCA All-State Games this summer at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Way to go, Osman! Your Vilas community is cheering you on every step of the way! 💙⚽ #VilasGrit
We are incredibly proud to congratulate Osman Yanes on being selected to participate in the CHSCA All-State Boys Soccer Games! 🏆
This is a huge honor and a testament to Osman’s hard work, dedication, and talent on the field. He has been recognized as one of the top senior soccer players in the state of Colorado and will represent our school at the 70th CHSCA All-State Games this summer at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Way to go, Osman! Your Vilas community is cheering you on every step of the way! 💙⚽ #VilasGrit
🎉 Science Fair Winners Celebration 🎉
👏 A huge thank-you to the staff and families for supporting our students . We are incredibly proud of ALL of our participants—your curiosity and dedication are what science is all about!
Regional Science Fair Winners:
Elementary:
Eli Beecham- Best Filtration Cloth- 1st Elementary Engineering
Landen Pettinger/James Sullivan- Mentos Explosion- Go Getter Award from Dolly Morrow
Junior High:
Adalyn Pettinger- How Much ACTIVATED CHARCOAL is needed to PURIFY Water?- 1st JH Chemistry, State Qualifier
Delainey Thompson- What Fertilizers are YOU Using?-2nd JH Biology
Elizabeth Sullivan- Illuminating the Crime Scene- Forensic Award Bob Morrow, 2nd JH Chemistry
Kaliub Bear- THE BATTLE OF NUTRIENTS! Leaves vs Grass Clippings- 2nd JH Earth/Environmental
Brooklynn Coon-Design and Test Your Own Hydrating Mask- 2nd JH Engineering
Lynley Pettinger- “Mint” al Reaction: Peppermint’s Impact on Speed-3rd JH Behavior/Social
Maddyson Forgey- Trustworthy is YOUR Testimony?-Forensic Award from Bob Morrow
High School:
Nelia Yanes- Fabrics Under Different Conditions- 1st High School Living, State Qualifier
Tyfani Willis- It’s Written All Over Year Face: The Science of Facial Expressions- 3rd High School Living
Izaiah Hebberd- Making Homemade Cologne- 1st High School Non-Living, State Qualifier
Kalob Carter- Build a Circuit to Automatically Water Your Plant- 2nd High School Non-Living
Osman Yanes- Wind Turbines: Does the Blade Matter?- High School Reserve Champion- State Qualifier
Brielle Bond- Conducting Blood Splatter-Forensic Award from Bob Morrow
State Qualifiers:
Adalyn Pettinger, Izaiah Hebberd, Osman Yanes, Nelia Yanes will represent Southeast Colorado at State Science Fair April 9-11th in Fort Collins at Colorado State University
👏 A huge thank-you to the staff and families for supporting our students . We are incredibly proud of ALL of our participants—your curiosity and dedication are what science is all about!
Regional Science Fair Winners:
Elementary:
Eli Beecham- Best Filtration Cloth- 1st Elementary Engineering
Landen Pettinger/James Sullivan- Mentos Explosion- Go Getter Award from Dolly Morrow
Junior High:
Adalyn Pettinger- How Much ACTIVATED CHARCOAL is needed to PURIFY Water?- 1st JH Chemistry, State Qualifier
Delainey Thompson- What Fertilizers are YOU Using?-2nd JH Biology
Elizabeth Sullivan- Illuminating the Crime Scene- Forensic Award Bob Morrow, 2nd JH Chemistry
Kaliub Bear- THE BATTLE OF NUTRIENTS! Leaves vs Grass Clippings- 2nd JH Earth/Environmental
Brooklynn Coon-Design and Test Your Own Hydrating Mask- 2nd JH Engineering
Lynley Pettinger- “Mint” al Reaction: Peppermint’s Impact on Speed-3rd JH Behavior/Social
Maddyson Forgey- Trustworthy is YOUR Testimony?-Forensic Award from Bob Morrow
High School:
Nelia Yanes- Fabrics Under Different Conditions- 1st High School Living, State Qualifier
Tyfani Willis- It’s Written All Over Year Face: The Science of Facial Expressions- 3rd High School Living
Izaiah Hebberd- Making Homemade Cologne- 1st High School Non-Living, State Qualifier
Kalob Carter- Build a Circuit to Automatically Water Your Plant- 2nd High School Non-Living
Osman Yanes- Wind Turbines: Does the Blade Matter?- High School Reserve Champion- State Qualifier
Brielle Bond- Conducting Blood Splatter-Forensic Award from Bob Morrow
State Qualifiers:
Adalyn Pettinger, Izaiah Hebberd, Osman Yanes, Nelia Yanes will represent Southeast Colorado at State Science Fair April 9-11th in Fort Collins at Colorado State University
🎉 Vilas 2026 Homecoming – Oh, the Places You’ll Go! 🎉
Homecoming week is almost here, February 23-27th, and we’re ready to celebrate our students, school, and community! 🌟
Feb 27th Homecoming Basketball game vs Kit Carson at 4pm
Homecoming week is almost here, February 23-27th, and we’re ready to celebrate our students, school, and community! 🌟
Feb 27th Homecoming Basketball game vs Kit Carson at 4pm
