Dear Editor,

Tippecanoe Valley – our students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community – has been forever changed by the activities that occurred at Tippecanoe Valley High School and Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Feb. 15-17. The week began with a community gathering for prayer at TVHS on Sunday evening, sponsored by the TVHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The gathering eventually spread to TVMS, Akron Elementary School, Mentone Elementary School, and the Burket Educational Center.

Monday morning greeted the arrival of youth motivational speaker and life coach Jeff Yalden, who brought tremendous energy in challenging and encouraging our students and staff during presentations at TVHS and TVMS. Monday evening Jeff Yalden joined the Viking faithful at Wawasee High School in supporting the Lady Vikings as they captured the championship game of the girls basketball sectional. Tuesday Jeff Yalden returned to meet with student leadership groups at TVHS and to provide training to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade at TVMS.

His visit concluded with a Tuesday evening presentation at TVHS attended by an estimated crowd of 1,000 parents/guardians and members of the community. The final event of the evening was the singing of “No One is Alone” by the Rochester High School Manitous and Harmonia choir, under the guidance of Autumn Smith. RHS students Emma Stefanos and Michaila Rodriguez also presented a “Stay Strong Vikings” banner to TVHS signed by the RHS student body and staff.

These three amazing days could not have happened without the faithful support of many, including the area churches, pastors, youth pastors, and mental health professionals that faithfully serve the Tippecanoe Valley Community. Jeff Yalden was brought to Tippecanoe Valley through the generous financial support of Beacon Credit Union, the Bulldog Saloon, Cornerstone Church of Kosciusko, Craig Welding, Dr. Chris Doron, Famers State Bank, Kris & Lisa Fear, First Baptist Church of Mentone, Thomas & Susan Hight, Hoffman Body Shop, K21 Health Foundation, Lake City Bank, Martin’s Super Market, Greg Maxwell, Jim McFadden, O & R Buildings, Pike Lumber Company, Shari Power, Dawn Rowland, SAL SQUADRON #49, Wes Smith, T & J Baker Family Farms, Teachers Credit Union, Tim’s Body Shop, and the staff of TVHS. Brian Frushour and Chris Messersmith of the Rochester Telephone Company recorded Jeff Yalden’s presentation to be broadcast on RTC’s community cable television station.

Special recognition goes to the members of the Tippecanoe Valley Community Mental Health Task Force as they continue to pursue the vision of a community that recognizes, responds, and empowers all citizens to good mental health.

Finally, thank you to Jeff Yalden for sharing his heart with Tippecanoe Valley and touching the hearts of many.

The Tippecanoe Valley Schools and community thank each and every individual, organization, or business that made these three days possible. While mindful of the past, we are excited about the future and ready to move forward with courage and enthusiasm.

Sincerely,
Brett R. Boggs
Superintendent, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation