What began as a skeptical inquiry into whether a field trip was the best use of time for eighth graders, has blossomed into a powerful annual tradition that is changing how students view their education, their habits, and their potential.
From Skepticism to Inspiration
"I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first," Vignon shared. "Since the MVCTC is a junior and senior year program, I wondered if our eighth graders would even remember the experience in two years. I also had that old stereotype, that vocational school was a 'limiting' path."
One visit was all it took to change her mind.
"I was very wrong," Vignon said. "It doesn't limit them; it opens doors."
Thanks to field trips like this, students can see what’s possible for them after Pathway and learn more about future careers.
The same habits Vignon encourages every day at Pathway—attendance, positive behavior, and consistent effort—are routines that lead students to success.
"Our expectations reinforce everything we try to teach them," Vignon explained. "The messaging is consistent: the habits you form early on determine which doors stay open for you in high school. It connects what they are doing in our hallways right now to where they want to be down the road."
Seeing is Believing
During the visit, students aren't just lectured by instructors; they are mentored by the high schoolers currently in the programs. This peer-to-peer engagement allowed Pathway students to see themselves in the roles of the students they met.
While interests were diverse, ranging from Cosmetology and Business Ownership to Pre-Law, one student’s experience stood out to Vignon this year.
"We have a student who is passionate about media production and music," Vignon recalled. "When he walked into the professional recording studio at MVCTC, he asked, 'Can I just go in and stand in here and close the door?'"
For that student, experiencing a real-world sound room transformed a dream into a tangible goal. He left the campus not just inspired, but asking how he could structure his high school years to achieve this career.
More Than Just a Day Out
The trip has also served to demystify the transition to high school. Students returned to Pathway with a new sense of maturity, having seen a thousand high schoolers focused and working hard toward their goals.
"They come back motivated to buckle down and finish eighth grade strong," said Vignon. "They realize that high school isn't just another building, it’s the next step toward a career."
At Pathway School of Discovery, the goal is to ensure every scholar is college and career ready. Through experiences like this one, Vignon is ensuring that when her students finally reach those future doors, they find them wide open.
About Pathway School of Discovery
Pathway School of Discovery is a tuition-free, public charter school in Dayton, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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