Memorial Day Tribute - Matthew Ryan Vandegrift

Vandergrift High School

• Located half an hour north of Austin
• Opened in 2009
• Named after Matthew Ryan Vandergrift, a fallen soldier
• Unique public school
• Drew Sanders is the only coach the Vipers have ever had

Matthew Ryan Vandergrift

• Graduated with honors from Leander High School in 1999
• Participated in extracurricular sports activities
• Number seven was retired in his honor
• Chose to serve in the United States Marine Corps
• Killed in action in Basra, Iraq in 2008

Impact and Legacy

• Vandergrift High School is the only school named after a contemporary hero
• Honoring Matthew Vandergrift is meaningful and significant
• His sacrifice and honorable life make him a hero
• Remembered as the best person that many people ever met
• Drives everyone at the school to be better

Memorial Display

• Awe-inspiring display of Vandergrift's belongings
• Stops visitors in their tracks
• No other school in Texas or elsewhere is named after a contemporary hero
• Honors and preserves Vandergrift's legacy
• Reminds everyone of his sacrifice and influence

Memorial Day Tribute

• Matthew Vandergrift's memory lives on forever
• Administration dedicated to preserving his legacy
• Vandergrift will always be remembered on Memorial Day
• His community continues to honor and remember him
• School staff and students strive to be better in his honor