Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students were visited by Mr. Mark Leinweaver from Perfect Playcement on Oct. 4. The topics included Why Character Matters and Being Your Own Agent in choosing the right college. Mr. Leinweaver is a Major League Baseball agent who delivers messages to professional and college athletes on the importance of character. He discussed social media awareness on what people post, follow, like, dislike and comment on. He gave specific examples of students who had full scholarships for college and then had their scholarship revoked due to social media posts the individual had made several years earlier. Other topics included sticking up for others, helping others so they are not alone, and giving back to the school and community.

In the last part of the presentation, Mr. Leinweaver offered some tips on how students could narrow down their college search by size, location, majors, campus activities and more. He then gave examples of email and phone messages they could leave for college department chairs, coaches and others to express their interest in attending. He also reviewed questions to be prepared to answer at a college visit as well as what questions to ask the university officials.

According to Athletic Director Mr. Adam Sherrard, the presentation had a great impact on students. Students stayed after school at the conclusion of the presentation to ask Mr. Leinweaver questions about character, perseverance and marketing themselves for college. The following day, students asked for copies of the presentation and were heard discussing the powerful message of Why Character Matters.

Date Added: 10/11/2023