Encouraging Hope and Hard Work!

Flexibility and personal support just when you need it at school can be the difference in succeeding or not. Someone taking the time to advocate, tutor and connect students, changes the course of the lives.

This kind of dedication and support is at the heart of Friends of Youth Leadership Award. December 4th, 2020, Kristi Thao, Student Support Specialist at Minnesota Virtual Middle and High School was inducted into the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame for her leadership and tireless commitment to youth.

Since 1999, the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame includes individuals that go above and beyond in their service to youth in need and recognizes them for their accomplishments. Over the years, only 89 individuals have achieved such status in the Youth Intervention field.

“I enjoy my work—connecting with students and trying to encourage hope and hard work. It’s an honor to be nominated and recognized for the work I do.” Kristi shared.

Kris, a fellow teacher and colleague who nominated Kristi for YIPA’s distinguished award, talked with a number of staff about Kristi’s distinguished work. “Kristi is an exceptional person. She is a linchpin for staff and she shows exceptional commitment to students. She blows me away.” Kris said.

Here are some of the things people said about Kristi’s passion for her work and students:

  • Kristi has a great sense of decency about her. A quiet authority to do the right thing.
  • She is not afraid of uncomfortable conversations and is fearless in her advocacy for students.
  • If she sees a need, she jumps in.
  • Kristi spends hours tutoring students and connecting them to resources.
  • She has a passion and is always looking for ways to support students and connect them to resources.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a big deal,” said Paul Meunier, the Executive Director of the Youth Intervention Programs Associations (YIPA). “We know that everyone who devotes their career to helping our most vulnerable youth is a superstar, but Hall of Fame members stand out as incredible people that we should all try to emulate.”

Youth Intervention connects young people with caring adults to develop their unique abilities and individual talents so they become productive, contributing members of their community.

Students at Minnesota Virtual High School and Middle School benefit from the personal support and tireless advocacy of staff, so they not only get through school, but learn and thrive in flexible ways to the very best of their abilities. It is because of people like Kristi Thao, that MNVS is such a resource to Minnesota students.

Kristi Thao at Minnesota Virtual Schools Inducted into the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame