As we stand on the threshold of a new decade, we at MV schools are fortunate enough to do so as a part of a community. Our community of local businesses, family farmers, and area government officials stand with us and are poised to invest in our students moving forward, just as they have in the past.

For years, our local businesses have provided opportunities for MSDMV students to take the knowledge they gain in the classroom and apply it in the field. These companies work hand in hand with our business department to provide students with internships and field experience. These experiences not only allow students the opportunity to experience their future career, but to experience it locally, greatly increasing the chances that our graduates will stay in our community. Last school year (2018-19), and the 1st semester of this year (2019-20), students involved in the Career Intern program at MVHS, interned at these Mt. Vernon businesses and companies: Tanner Engineering, RPI, Posey Co. Prosecutor's Office, Pacific Coast Details, Grow Marketing Solutions, Posey County Economic Development Corporation, Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Conservation, Studio B, Astrazeneca, CVS Pharmacy, CountryMark Marketing, Bliss Artisan and Hawthorne's Animal Hospital. Additionally, these local businesses contributed greatly when our students and staff members worked with 14News to collect canned goods for the Tristate Food Bank. Not only did this event benefit the food bank, it brought the community together with a shared goal.

Another facet to our community is the strong network of local farmers. These farmers have been instrumental in developing our future agricultural leaders by working directly with The Future Farmers of America to share valuable knowledge and offer hands on opportunities. Local farmers such as Chris Kaufman with Kaufman Farms have invested a great deal of time speaking with MVHS students and educating them on the intricacies of the industry. Finally, a community isn't complete without its government leaders, and we are so fortunate to have leaders who are willing to work directly with our schools.

So as you can see, we do not enter this new decade in isolation, but as part of a growing and thriving community that is so much greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to continuing our partnerships and creating new ones, supporting our learners and educators, and creating lasting bonds in this community we call home. #WeAreMV

Dr. Matt Thompson