Alton High School Assistant Principal Vernon Curvey Reflects on Career Putting Kids First

ALTON - Vernon Curvey’s path to an administrative role at Alton High School wasn’t linear, but it worked out exactly like it was supposed to.

Curvey is preparing to retire from his assistant principal position at AHS in Alton Community Unit School District #11. He shared more of his story and emphasized that he has always worked to help students succeed, which is his top priority as an educator.

“I would like for people to know that I always tried to put kids first,” he said. “Everything I have ever said or done in education has been about what I believed was best for the kids.”

Curvey graduated from Alton High School in 1981. He studied electrical engineering at SIU Carbondale and received a certificate to teach secondary math from SIU Edwardsville.

For 13 years, Curvey worked as a claims adjuster. But he wanted something more. He was seeking a way to make a difference in the lives of young people.

This passion inspired him to teach math at the high school level. He ultimately “[made] it back home here at AHS” and took on a position as a math teacher.

While at AHS, Curvey coached cross country and track for 20 years. He went back to school at SIUE to earn a master’s degree in administration. Then, five years ago, he took on the role of assistant principal, knowing this is where he would end his career. It’s been an impressive tenure.

Curvey is proud of his engagement with his students and colleagues. He has made it a point to connect with every student who comes through his classroom or stops by his office.

As he reflects on his career, he’s proud to see so many former students go on to become teachers or coaches themselves. But more than that, he hopes he made a difference for all students at AHS.

“I have met a lot of people — staff and students — who have helped me grow and learn every step of the way,” he said. “I have several former runners that are now coaches themselves, and that makes me smile. I meet former students in the community who always have nice things to say about their time in my class, and that makes the time seem well spent.”

Curvey and his wife, Gilson Brown Elementary School Principal JoAnne Curvey, will retire together at the end of the school year. They look forward to traveling together and spending time with their grandkids. Curvey is also excited to spend time with his “way too many hobbies,” as JoAnne would say, including woodworking and fishing. He has several board games he has invented that he would like to publish.

The past few decades have been deeply fulfilling for Curvey, and he is proud of the work he has done in the Alton School District and pleased he could do it all alongside his wife. Though it’s a bit strange to say goodbye, his legacy as a dedicated educator in Alton will endure.

He encourages his students to remember that they must put in the work to be successful, and he looks forward to celebrating their successes with them even after he has retired.

“A final message would be to not wait for things to come to you,” he added. “Put out the effort to know what you really want and go get it.”

This Featured Article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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