Boundless energy keeps Mifflin County Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner on the move
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LEWISTOWN - It's Saturday night and Vance Varner is still going sporting his savoir-faire.
That's not a brand of ties or favorite cologne.
Varner, the ever-so-popular superintendent of schools for the Mifflin County School District, is visiting Mifflin County Middle School and finds himself with rock-star status. Students offer shout-outs as he records them lined up waiting for the school doors to open. Once inside, Varner circles the cafeteria a few times.
Camera in hand, Varner makes his rounds taking photos and recording videos that show the droves of students decked out with glowing necklaces, glasses and sticks that packed the school cafeteria on this chilly night.
On social media, Varner writes, "There are a lot of students present and they are having a great time. Way to go MCMS students."
Every post also ends with "#GoHuskies!"
On this particular night, Varner is hardly treated more like a rock star than a superintendent. The middle schoolers yell and scream as they are photographed but remain respectful in their antics.
Varner feeds off their energy as he works tirelessly after hours to show his support for school activities. That's as important to him as many of his administrative responsibilities during the school day.
Varner is everywhere but sticks to his agenda, spending part of his Friday night at the school's annual "Glow Dance" then taking in some high school hoops.
Driving across town, Varner pops in at the Mifflin County High School gymnasium just in time for player introductions for the Huskies' boys basketball game with visiting Red Land. It's no coincidence that it’s also Glow Night. The game is teased with a "Glow Huskies" banner.
He arrived at Mifflin County High School in time to trade high-fives with Brayden Bedlyon, when the Indian Valley Elementary Center fourth-grader nailed a three-point shot to win $400 during a halftime moneyball contest.
Varner shares a few exchanges then goes back to work, taking photos of students in the stands and game action. The Huskies eventually lost the game, falling a few points short.
Mifflin County finds itself in a see-saw battle. The stands are full, especially in the student section, where most teens are dressed in either neon or sporting blinking bright shades. The school spirit on display and the athletes' sportsmanship are the takeaways for Varner.
As one of the Huskies' biggest cheerleaders, Varner's posts always have a positive spin. "We lost an exciting game, 48-42," he wrote. "Head coach Wade Curry has the varsity team playing solid basketball."
Always on the Move
Whether it's athletes on the playing field or students of any age in the classroom, Varner is on the move daily to capture their shining moments.
Playing cameraman is not anything new for Varner, who says he is never one to sit around. "As a child and teenager, I was the type of person that was always on the go," the Juniata County native said. "I was involved with different sports, activities, etc."
He could only be the type of superintendent that he wanted to be - involved and supportive - by putting himself among the masses of students and teachers.
"Going into the superintendent position, I believed the students, employees and community members would appreciate a superintendent being visible and approachable," Varner explained.
"I have a genuine interest in all aspects of the school district," he added. "Being out and about within the school buildings during and after school is something I feel is important to do. You learn a lot by simply listening. It is easier to learn about what is going on in the district, if you are out interacting with students, employees and community members frequently."
Getting to know his students is only half the battle for Varner. He also wants to meet their families - parents, grandparents and younger siblings - as well as other community members.
"I personally believe it is important for me as the superintendent to be involved with the students," Varner said. "I enjoy visiting classrooms and the buildings, K-12. It is important to be in the buildings. I also try to attend as many band and chorus concerts, art shows, school plays, school dances, 4-H Youth Fairs, Key Club community service events, MCHS Mini-Thons, STEM/STEAM fairs, athletic events as possible."
Certainly, a tall order for one person. He also is a huge supporter of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology and its student projects.
These activities are in addition to his regular workday schedule, which includes meetings for the Mifflin County School District Board of Directors and the Academy's Operating Committee.
"Many times, at these various events, I will have the opportunity to speak with parents, grandparents and community members," Varner said. "Many individuals consider the schools as a focus point of our community.
"Attending these events is a great opportunity to speak with individuals you would not normally see during a traditional school day," he added.
Social media part of the game plan
His powerful presence on social media was always part of his game plan when he became superintendent in September 2021. As part of his entry plan, Varner met with the staff of each building and asked them what areas the district could improve or expand.
One of the overwhelming responses by many of the staff was the need for a district-wide presence on social media. No one needed to tell Varner hashtag twice.
The staff sought a much-needed platform to "share the great things that are happening with the district as well as consistently communicating with all stakeholders," Varner said.
Few could blame Varner for being a bit intimidated by social media. "I never had a social media account until I became the superintendent, so the entire social media presence was new for me," he said.
Not even a Myspace page. Now, he's a platform-posting machine.
"I am often stopped by parents, grandparents and community members telling me how much they appreciate the social media presence," Varner said. "We do have great things taking place in the MCSD and utilizing social media is one avenue to share this information."
Few could conceivably follow Husky Nation like Varner. If he's not reading to elementary school students in Lewistown, he's donning a costume for an East Derry Elementary School skit of "Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory" encouraging reading or attending third-graders' Mifflin County Ag Tour and attending homecoming festivities or graduation ceremonies.
It's all documented on social media. If you haven't checked out his Mcsd V Varner account on Facebook, you don't know what you are missing. It's there from day one of the school year.
His other platforms are:
• Instagram: MCSD VVarner
• X: @MCSDVVarner
"I could never have predicted the positive responses I have received about the social media presence we have in the district," he said.
Focus on student successes
Varner downplays his efforts - his focus is on the students and their success. Win or lose, he remains steadfast as their biggest fan and supports them just as much in defeat.
Sometimes, Varner admits, he forgets he is the adult in the room.
"I do often feel like a big kid when visiting the classrooms as well as the various events within the district," Varner said. "I get energized and excited when I get to see 'first-hand' what is going on in the classrooms across the district."
He does have some favorite moments from his time as superintendent.
"For the past three years, I have been asked to come to Lewistown Elementary School the week before Thanksgiving break and read "Turkey Trouble" to all the kindergarten classes," Varner said. "This is always one of my favorite things to do.
"When reading the story, I have the students practice making turkey calls and other various animal sounds from the story," he added. "Then any time I see these kindergarten students at LES or out in public, these students will say, 'Hey, you're the guy that makes those turkey sounds, do that again for me!'"
The bond between administrator and student is genuine.
Efforts noticed by others
Varner's efforts are noticed by others, including those like Mifflin County School District Board of Director Diane Stewart, who worked in the district for 35 years, including 30 as a teacher, and had two sons graduate as well.
"He goes out of his way to connect with students," Stewart said. He learns their names and interests. He champions their successes. He encourages students to do their best.
"I've seen him acknowledge musicians, athletes, artists and authors," she added. "I've seen him work with kindergarten students through seniors. He makes it a point to champion students at all levels and all academic abilities. He is very proud of the students who attend MCSD."
Others outside the education circles also have come to hold the job Varner does in high regard.
"I deeply respect Superintendent Varner and his commitment to the students of Mifflin County," said Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rhonda Kelley. "Enough so, that the chamber awarded him the Chamber Community Impact Award in 2023.
"This award honors a person who has an infectious passion for their community and strives daily to make it a better place for its residents. It is my belief that Superintendent Varner does just that. His position is not an easy one, he has many difficult decisions to make, but does so with the welfare of his students and staff being his number one priority."
Kelley has also worked with Varner on the chamber's Business and Education Committee. She's thankful to glean his insight.
"Superintendent Varner sees the value in our committee and takes the time out of his busy schedule to attend our meetings," Kelley said. "He also gives back to his community by sharing his educational leadership knowledge with the students participating in our Chamber Leadership Institute during our Education and Workforce Development Day."
Varner explained how the educational system works with other local entities to develop the future workforce. "We are fortunate to have him at the helm of our school district,” Kelley added.
Through it all, Varner does not consider himself as a rock star or pop icon - let alone a hero. For him, the reward is simply student success stories. From the trophies and accolades to gymnasiums full of fans and smiling students.
'I'm not a hero'
"I wouldn't consider myself a hero," Varner said. "To me, a true hero is someone who puts their life on the line day after day for individuals they may or may not know.
"I am an individual that is honored to work with all stakeholders to lead the Mifflin County School District in the relentless pursuit of excellence," he added.
However, the role he plays with students is so much more. Perhaps, one of his interactions convinced a potential drop-out to stay in school or another to continue with an extracurricular activity when quitting crossed their minds.
Maybe even others want to become more involved at school, motivated by the example set by Varner.