Coach V - Why educate? By Brady Moss

There will always be impactful educators we can think back on. For me, there is one who has had an influence on me already. Coach Vaifanua wasn't just my 9th-grade biology teacher; he is someone who wants to make a difference in student’s lives. He teaches science, as well as coaches volleyball and softball at Jasper High School, but that is not all that makes him special. He has this remarkable way of making every student feel recognized, appreciated, and capable of doing much more than they can imagine. Since the very first class, it was evident that Coach V , as he is better known around the halls of JHS, doesn't want us only to learn about science but life. When asked what he loves about teaching, Coach V stated, “ it’s having the opportunity to teach and guide the younger generation and ultimately building relationships with the students. " You really can tell that's true. In his classroom, learning feels exciting. He finds ways to make every lesson fun and meaningful. Whether we're doing hands-on labs, group projects, or even just

talking about how biology connects to real life; it's never a dull moment. He never just lectures; he

involves us, challenging, and helps us understand why what we're learning matters. You can tell he loves what he teaches, and that passion makes everyone around him want to learn more. But what stands out most about Coach V is how much he cares about his students. If someone is struggling, he doesn’t give up on them. After class, he can be seen explaining it again and helping you to see that you can get it. He’s patient and kind but also pushes you to do better. He doesn’t let you settle for less than your best. Because of that, I have learned to have more confidence in myself not just in biology, but in everything I do.

Coach V is no stranger to the life of an athlete. As I interviewed Coach V , he commented, “I have

always loved and always been a part of sports,

" and "I take pride in developing young athletes and

helping them reach their full potential and goals.

" As a coach, he exhibits the same dedication and

care seen in his classroom. He teaches that to be successful, it is not just about winning the game;

it takes hard work, discipline, and teamwork. He always reminds us of the lessons learned on the

field: staying focused, supporting each other, and never giving up-are the same lessons that help

us succeed in life. He even turns losses into lessons of growth and resilience. A mindset like that

just makes you want to keep improving no matter what.

Many people have had him as a coach and they speak very highly of him. They describe him as motivating, engaging and inspiring. People that I know who have played for him, say he is very calm. He holds his temper and rarely gets mad. They also describe him as encouraging and always trying to build you up. His main focus is development with his athletes and striving for them to be the best they can be. He prioritizes attitude over performance. He does not care if you make a mistake, he just wants his athletes to have a good attitude in all they do. Growing up, Coach V came from a big family: two parents, one brother, and four sisters; all were heavily involved in sports, and that is where his passion for athletics started. He mentioned, “The passion of sports grew through my younger life, which then led to my coaching career.” Originally, he’s from Carson, California but later moved to Long Beach for better living with bigger opportunities. After graduating college, he looked for chances to coach and ended up

coaching four years of Rugby before finding an opportunity in smalltown Jasper, Texas. This

move was made easier with his brother, nieces and nephews living in Jasper, which guided him to

take a coaching spot there.

When asked if he likes teaching at Jasper, Coach V said, "Yes, and I'm forever grateful for the opportunities that I've had here in Jasper because this was my first step into high school athletics. " His own hard work in the classroom paid off as when he was named Educator of the Year in 2024 by Jasper Public School Foundation . This not only shows how proud he is to be part of this community but how thankful this campus is to have him. To me, Coach V is more than just a teacher or coach; he's a role model. He has taught me that success is never about being perfect, but it is about putting in effort, caring, and never giving up. He’s one of those teachers who leaves a lasting impact long after the class is over. Because of him, I’m a better student and a better person. Every school needs a teacher like Coach V , someone who

truly inspires his students to be their best on and off the field