A 5-Way Conversation on The FNB Community Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament Artwork

Vandalia ONE

The Vandalia ONE Podcast is a conversation with and about the Vandalia CUSD 203 school community. Each month we sit down with game-changers within this community and we talk about the differences they’re making, are a part of, or are witnessing. We talk with teachers, students, administrators, parents, community volunteers, alumni, coaches, and others who are committed to making the absolute most of educating the kids who attend our schools. The Vandalia ONE initiative is a joint school and community idea that emphasizes both personal and community-wide Ownership of the way forward, the Naming of that way forward, and the Embrace, or commitment, to that path or those pathways. These three important words drive Vandalia ONE, and the Steering Committee, made up of partners from the community and from the school, will meet regularly to discuss and refine our work to stay on task in our mutual commitments. If you’d like to become more directly involved in the work we’re doing, just reach out to Dr. Jennifer Garrison’s office at 618-283-4525. You are also invited to submit your ideas for how we can improve our podcast and make suggestions for guests you think we should have on. Reach out to us at the school or through our producer, Journey12 at info@journey12.com. We are all committed to being responsive to the needs of our community and, if you’re listening, that’s you! We’re glad to have you with us!

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Vandalia ONE

A 5-Way Conversation on The FNB Community Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament

December 20, 2022 • Journey12 • Season 1

As the 50th edition of the Vandalia Holiday Tournament is cued-up, I have the opportunity to speak with several of the keepers of one of Vandalia’s great traditions—the FNB Community Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament, arguably one of Illinois’ finest Basketball traditions in a state that is dripping with small-town basketball traditions. I sit down with Vandalia’s Coach Brian Buscher, Brian Kern, Carl Clymer, and Hannah Edgar, four people who have basketball in their blood, and who know this tournament well. I’m curious to find out what makes this particular tradition so special to the community. Because when friends, former classmates, old teammates, and neighbors from a thousand square miles come together in a storied gymnasium in Vandalia, Illinois in late December, it’s clearly about much more than basketball. I think it must be about an extended family, wrapped-up in the love of the game, good conversation, wonderful memories, and a tradition to carry-on. Give a listen and let’s get the story from this group of Vandal Alumni.