Kianna Patterson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian Schools for AZPreps365.com.

Over 20 years ago, Clint Sanniec was a fourth grader with an older brother who he looked up to. Kyle was a freshman at Valley Christian School's high school and already a standout student who played soccer and football for Valley Christian and excelled at both.

Clint wanted to attend Valley Christian just like his older brother, but Clint had some learning disabilities that had him at a school better suited for his needs. Many people, including his parents, tried to convince him that Valley Christian probably was not the best fit for him. Clint had other ideas.

After repeatedly pleading, Sanniec’s parents met with the school’s administration and received a grant from a family friend. As a result of this grant, the administration was able to develop the VINE Program to allow Sanniec to attend Valley Christian. This program has helped change many lives ever since.

VINE is an acronym for “Valley’s Individual Needs Enhancement.” The program helps special needs students improve and enhance their classes while submerging them with the rest of the student body. Thanks to the VINE Program and Sanniec, other special needs kids can feel like the rest of the student body and be able to attend classes and play sports. Sanniec was able to be on the football team as a starting kicker in 2009.

As of today, many students have been involved in extracurricular activities at Valley Christian due to the VINE Program when they would not be able to at other schools. With the program, students are able to participate in sports, fine arts and other major clubs. More than two dozen students have been able to experience life through the program.

“I didn’t take this job at first due to the passing of my daughter,” American Sign Language teacher Carla Morgan said. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I love it here and I love the kids, it makes me smile to help make a difference in their lives.”

Over the years, the VINE Program has grown significantly. The program currently averages between 40-60 students per year, a huge increase from when Sanniec first started the program.

Director Barbara Hunsaker has been in charge of the VINE Program for over nine years. Under Hunsaker, students have been given the opportunity to be a star and stand out just like everyone else. With Hunsaker as the director, the program continues to elevate and find new ways to improve.

“The VINE Program allows us to meet the needs of a variety of learners,” Hunsaker said. “I value and believe in a Christian education and many of the students would not be successful at Valley Christian without the support they receive through the VINE Program.”

Valley Christian’s VINE has given many special needs students the chance of normalcy. They have set the tone for many Christian schools who did not have any sort of program that helped bring in special needs and be able to give them a Christian education. Now more than ever, there are special needs programs around Arizona that followed Valley Christian’s lead.

“It’s just a blessing to see all the students be able to get an education that is suited for them,” assistant head of school Troy Thelen said.

Through the VINE Program, Hunsaker and her program team have made it peaceful and easy for many different students to come through Valley Christian and receive a Christian education. While they play many different roles in these students' lives, they are also ensuring that these kids get their own opportunities to live life and go through school while chasing their faith. And for that, it makes it all worth it.