Vern Says, “Finish Strong” (CtbG Y3:E13)

~ Angelo DelliSanti

“FS”

I first met Vern on a phone call three years ago when I was trying to decide which direction my life was heading. He asked me great questions about my story, motivations, and ambitions. He wasn’t just interested in what I did as an educator but what drove me as a person. I remember how well he listened to me, as well as how happy he was to tell me that he was going to be spending some of the Christmas holiday in New York City with his daughter Alexandria. Over the past three years, I’ve noticed his face lights up most when he talks about her. Before ending the call, he made me promise two things: to honor the team’s culture and to live out the process. Additionally, just as we were hanging up, he left me with two words: Finish Strong!

Since then, I’ve exchanged countless texts and emails with Vern, who has now become my friend, my mentor, and my brother. I’d guess he signs more than 90% of them with, “FS.” They function as a constant reminder and challenge to not take what’s been done for granted and to finish well.

I’ve met a lot of really intentional people in my life and Vern is right at the top of that list along with one or two other people. He never seems to forget and always makes time to call. He pushes himself for those he serves. He’s the kind of person who never fails to reply to emails he’s simply cc’d on, not because he has to, but because he sees it as an opportunity to encourage and lift up his team. He models, day in and day out, what it means to Finish Strong.

It’s December 2 and there are just a few weeks before the semester break. I wonder: What’s your plan to Finish Strong? How will you motivate your teams and colleagues to do the same for their kids and themselves? What’s one task, if done well in the next few weeks, that could have a great impact for kids?

I trust you have answers to those questions or that you will quickly work to find them over the next couple of days. Remember, even with the best start, you can’t achieve greatness if you don’t Finish Strong.

#ChooseToBeGreat & #FinishStrong

Angelo

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Published by Angelo DelliSanti

“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career. Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018. In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017. Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.

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