Reed Bailey

Graduation Year: 2019

Post-Graduation Activities:
After graduating from Vanguard, I worked as a courtesy clerk at Tom Thumb, bagging groceries, retrieving carts, cleaning up spills and doing other janitorial tasks. During the pandemic, I chauffeured my grandmother, who is getting older and unable to drive, and have helped her move. I later got a job at Complete Legal, scanning and copying documents and making binders. In late 2021, I moved into an apartment at the Village with two other Vanguard graduates. In April 2022, I was assigned a new job coach and got a job at the Village as an administrative assistant, using the skills I learned at Complete Legal.

What was your favorite thing about Vanguard?
I came to Vanguard in 2013. While a student there, I made many good friends that I keep up with, like George, Liam, Rick, Sarah and Hailey. I even made a trip to California last summer to visit Hailey.

How did Vanguard help prepare you for life after graduation?
With the help of Vanguard and the teachers there, I got my driver license, interviewed and got a job, learned how to manage my finances and was prepared to move into an apartment. They have also worked with are currently working with Work Ready to find a job coach for me so I can find and be successful in a new job.

Do you have any significant Vanguard memories you would like to share?
I have many good memories about Vanguard! I really enjoyed helping with the House Points each week my sophomore through senior years. Every Friday, I got to go around to each classroom and let them know who won. And every quarter, I got to make the announcement over the walky-talky. I also helped Julie with her dog, Hershey. I would take Hershey for a walk each morning and make sure she was ready for the day by the time classes started.

Were there any teachers or staff members that made a special impact on you?
There are too many to list, but a few who were special to me were Allison, Dave, Edith, Frank, Jeremy, Stephanie, Veronica and Beth. Also, Mr. Goodnight was especially helpful to me as a counselor and as a male role model in my life. Since I had lost my dad, both grandfathers and a great uncle, this was a key role he served for me.

Is there any advice you would give to current or future Vanguard students?
Getting your high school diploma is very important! You need it to get a good job. Stay focused and graduate on time.