Get to Know: Vaiva Neary '03

Vaiva Neary is a 2003 alumna of VASJ and an (almost) lifelong resident of Collinwood and feels fortunate to be able to both work and live in this wonderful community. She graduated summa cum laude from John Carroll University in 2007, and was a member of the Honors Program, Phi Beta Kappa and the Student Education Association. Vaiva began teaching at The Intergenerational School in Cleveland in 2008 and has been involved with this organization in various capacities ever since. She became a founding faculty of Lakeshore Intergenerational School when it opened in the Collinwood neighborhood in 2014. Her roles at the Intergenerational Schools have included primary grades teacher, science teacher, mentor for student teachers and new staff, and Title 1 Literacy Specialist. She has served on the Board of Directors for various local organizations as well as planned community events for children and families. Vaiva is currently studying Literacy Curriculum and Development at Cleveland State University and plans to specialize further in reading intervention and students with special literacy needs. She lives with her husband Tim and three children.

Where did you grow up while attending VASJ?

I grew up in Cleveland less than a mile from school, in the Coronado Beach community. I was spoiled by having a park to run and play in at the end of the street, caring neighbors, fun park club events, breathtaking sunsets over the lake to enjoy every evening, and friends a short walk or bike ride away in the neighborhood.

Where did you go to school before VASJ?

I attended St. Jerome School from kindergarten through eight grade. Because my parents were Lithuanian immigrants who were committed to passing on their heritage, I also attended Lithuanian Saturday School at St. Casimir in the neighborhood. Although exchanging Saturday morning cartoons for more schooling wasn’t always something I looked forward to, I feel very fortunate to be bilingual and have the skills and opportunities that come with this.

Which teacher or class at VASJ do you remember most and why?

The most influential teacher for me was Mrs. Dayton, who taught English. She connected the content she taught to our teenage lives and emphasized meaningful literature discussions. The works we read stuck with me because she made them so relevant and regarded her students almost as fellow book club participants, not youth who need academic content poured into their heads. Completing written assignments in her class inspired me to find art within the writing process. Every class period was interesting, challenging, and pleasant. I didn’t want English class to end!

Did you have a favorite spot to hang out and what did you like about it?

During my high school years, I felt that the neighborhood was my oyster. My two legs, sometimes with rollerblades attached, were my main transportation device. The area around VASJ was and is very ‘walkable’, and I took full advantage of what it had to offer. There was a coffee shop on E. 185th street that my friends and I stopped at frequently on the way home from school. Warm weather afternoons were spent rollerblading or biking along the lakeshore and hanging out at park clubs and the beach, now a part of the Cleveland Metroparks.

What, if anything, about your experience at VASJ would you do over?

If I could do my high school years over again, I would participate in sports. As an adult, I have taken up running, biking, and weight training and couldn’t imagine life without exercise as part of my daily routine. My family is also currently involved with school and Junior Olympic volleyball, as our oldest daughter plays competitively. Watching her, I realize there are so many advantages to being on a team — learning leadership, discipline and cooperation, building fitness and healthy habits, and creating lifelong friendships. I wish I would have participated in sports and developed these qualities more fully during my high school years.

To participate or nominate someone for a VASJ Alumni: Get to Know column, contact Cheryl Stashinko at alumni@vasj.com.