Our Stories

At Visions Unlimited Academy, we aim for success for our students. We always love to hear back from them and our parents. Here are a few stories from both perspectives. If you are interested in adding your story, please click here for more information.

Parents' Perspective

Thankful for Visions Unlimited (Article in the local newspaper)
Roxanne Cleveland
Andrea Grogg

Students' Perspective

Yesenia Macias
Javier Macias
Marcos Macias
Chelsea Thacker

Roxanne Cleveland - Parent

I have three kids at Visions in 3rd, 5th and 6th grade. I keep my kids in Visions because my children are learning more and I know what they are doing every day. I don't have to wait six months to a year to know of any problems that need to be taken care of. The staff listen to my suggestions, respect my opinion and are friendly and approachable.

Andrea Grogg - Parent

I am a one on one aide at Visions Unlimited Academy. I work with Special Needs children. When I arrived in Benson I was looking for a school that could accomodate the needs of my youngest son who has autism and be a nurturing environment for my older son who dealt with bullying issues in Tucson. I like that it is a smaller atmosphere and my kids do not get shuffled about or lost and they receive more one on one attention.

Yesenia Macias - 8th Grade Graduation Letter (2007)

I am given the opportunity to stand here before you tonight ad say a few words. I would like to thank Mr. Valentine for letting Visions Unlimited Academy still stand here today and giving myself and other students a chance for our dreams and goals to be achieved. I would also like to thank a few other special people: Mrs. Damron, who inspired me to write, Mrs. Taeza, who opened my eyes towards reading and now I can't even put down a book. Mrs. Hayes, who taught me to love Science. Ms. Sandra, who always put up with me and the students of Visions. Mrs. Stroupe, who always gave me warm smiles and inspiring compliments, whenever I walked into her office. Mrs. Pierson, who inspired me and helped me with my music. My loving parents, who taught me how to never give up, and the rest of my family and friends, who showed their love and care for me. There's one last special person who I want to thank and that is my best friend Dakota Sigely, who was always there for me whenever I needed her, even though I picked on her a little bit, ok maybe a lot. I am really going to miss Dakota and I can't wait till her arrival to Benson High School. To my family, teachers, friends and the 8th grade graduating class of 2007, I quote these words…

Good luck in everything you do and God Bless.

Javier Macias - 8th Grade Graduation Letter (2007)

Good evening Everyone, I'm here tonight to thank my family, for everything they've done and have helped me with my education every step of the way, Mr. Valentine and the teachers of Visions Unlimited Academy for their support throughout my education and attendance here at Visions. Mr. Valentine thank you for your continued support and keeping Visions alive. Ms. Taeza, thank you for your continued hard work and dedication not only to the school, but to each of your students. Thanks for sharing your fun times and your laughs. Mrs. Damron, thank you for your patience and always being there to lend a helping hand.

Mrs. Hayes, thank you for making the time we shared in social studies, interesting. Mrs. Smith, thank you for teaching P.E., the class I enjoyed most. Ms. Sandra, thank you for making my time here at Visions challenging and giving me the opportunity to pick on you.

Mrs. Stroupe, thank you s o much for always filling up the cookie jar, so I could snatch them without you knowing. This I'll truly miss.

To all those graduates that are seated here tonight good luck in high school and remember these words, By Ralph Waldo Emerson. And I quote…"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."

Marcos Macias - 8th Grade Graduation Letter (2006)

I am given the opportunity to stand here before you tonight to say a few words. I would like to thank Mrs. Shay, and Mr. Valentine for opening up Visions Unlimited Academy and giving myself and other students the opportunity for a great education. It has been a great school. I would also like to thank Mr. Shay who was a teacher who I could always talk to and play basketball with. Also, Mrs. Taeza and Mrs. Hayes for teaching me and supporting me through the year. Mrs. Damron for being there for me and helping me out.

Also Mr. Tim for driving me to school and back and playing good music on the bus. My parents for supporting me all my life. And all my friends this year. The last person I would like to thank is Ms. Sandra for being there for me and putting up with me and the rest of the class this year and since I came to Visions Unlimited Academy.

I will miss everyone and I will never forget the laughs, the cries, and the love between every student here. Chris, and Raul for every ending there's a new beginning, for every memory, there's a dream ahead. The happy times you've had so far, the people you have met will always be a part of your life. You'll never quite forget… But ever better, brightest days are waiting just for you. So dream your dreams, and start it now, to make them all come true.

This year has been great and for some reason I'm not one hundred percent sure I want to leave. I will truly miss Visions Unlimited Academy and I will never forget about it. The three students graduating here tonight will go on now in life and learn new things at a new school. Even though we don't want to leave we have to.

I would like to read a poem now it is titled..
Graduation
A celebration…
A time for looking back on lessons learned,
Adventures share, bright moments filled
With special meaning
A Farewell…
A time for saying goodbye to old friends,
To good times you've known… a time for
Packing away memories, treasures for tomorrow
A beginning…
A time for looking forward, a time to set new goals,
To dream new dreams, to try your wings and see
What lies beyond.

All I can say is guys we made it and it's been hard at times but let's go to high school and see what challenges lie ahead of us this time. We are the 8th grade class of 2006. Thank you.

Chelsea Thacker - 7th Grader

It's a really interactive school. They always have something going on and it's not like most schools where if you are not doing well you are left behind and they go on without you.

Add Your Own Story