Teo Dickey Gears Up for Graduation at VVS

In the summer of 2024, the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Lions Club facilitated a student exchange program that enabled Verde Valley School students Teo Dickey and Neve Gebhardt, along with Northern Arizona University student Natalia Wilson, to travel to Italy. Simultaneously, the program hosted Italian students Gianmarco Godino and Anchea Donati in the Sedona area.

Teo Dickey, who serves as the captain of the Verde Valley School basketball team and excels in soccer, caught the attention of Head of School Ben Lee with his outgoing nature. “Teo’s a delight; he’s incredibly friendly and connects kids from different backgrounds,” Lee noted, highlighting the importance of such students in the diverse school community.

Dickey described his time in Italy as an enriching experience that enhanced his communication skills. He is contemplating enrolling at the University of Arizona in the fall, where he plans to major in business or marketing. “Communicating cross-culturally is essential in international marketing, and this experience has prepared me for that,” he said.

While navigating the language barrier, Dickey employed Google Translate but found value in the challenges that arose. His experience included staying with a host family on a farm in southern Italy, where he learned to cook traditional dishes, including carbonara. Notable highlights of his trip were visits to galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery, where he saw Botticelli’s famed painting “The Birth of Venus.”

Emphasizing the impact of cultural exchanges, Dickey encouraged other students to pursue similar opportunities. “It’s an adventure that fosters personal growth, challenges comfort zones, and creates lasting memories and friendships,” he stated.

As the spring semester approaches, Dickey looks forward to participating in track and field at Verde Valley School. Reflecting on his school experiences, he noted the significance of teamwork in sports and the educational value of field trips, like a challenging camping trip to Utah that taught him to appreciate warmth and comfort.

Looking ahead, Verde Valley School and the Lions Club will collaborate to provide prescription eyeglasses clinics in Malawi following the school year. The Lions Club is also committed to offering college scholarships to graduating seniors, and they invite community members aged 18 and older to join. Interested individuals can reach out to the club at (928) 282-4126.