Hidden Lake Secondary School  | Junior

When it came time to select a student for this month’s Student Spotlight, the staff at Hidden Lake Secondary School didn’t hesitate—Vanora Von Lienen was the unanimous choice. Her dedication to academics, artistry, and advocacy for others has left an undeniable impact on the school community. A dozen teachers enthusiastically backed her nomination, recognizing her perseverance and the inspiration she brings to those around her.

"Vanora is a kid that exemplifies all of what we challenge our students to be on a daily basis,” said Mr. Belnay, one of her teachers. “She came to us from a school for the deaf and has dealt with getting cochlear implants while still maintaining an excellence that few students anywhere can challenge. It would be an honor for her to be spotlighted—she is truly a special young lady."

Vanora’s journey has been one of resilience and growth. After transferring to Hidden Lake Secondary School two years ago from Rocky Mountain Deaf School, she faced initial struggles adjusting to a new environment. However, through hard work and the support of her teachers—who have been learning alongside her, even picking up sign language—she has flourished. With her cochlear implants, she has experienced a world of new sounds, deepening her connections with teachers and classmates. “There’s a big difference,” she shared. “I can talk to my teachers and explain my needs. There’s a mutual bond.”

Her teachers describe her as authentic, kind, and deeply passionate about her interests, particularly in the arts. Vanora has a love for stop-motion animation, photography, and art theory, and she hopes to continue her education after high school in pursuit of a career in the arts—possibly as an art instructor. She finds meaning in the way culture and history influence artistic expression, and she enjoys using her own work to explore and communicate powerful ideas.

Beyond her academic and artistic talents, Vanora is also a voice for those who aren’t always heard. “Kindness is everything,” she says, embodying the belief that all students deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. As Mr. Belnay put it, “This is my 32nd year teaching, and I have had very few students who measure up to Vanora. I keep teaching because of students like her. Each day, I want to be a better teacher for students like Vanora.”

Favorite Athlete/Sport/Team:  Denver Broncos

Who is your favorite artist/performer/band:  Citizen Soldier

What is your favorite movie or tv show: Coraline

What music, videogame or podcast are you playing now: The Undertale music

Favorite thing to do in free time:  Watching Youtube videos and drawing

Favorite Animal: Rusty spotted cat

Favorite Part of Being at  HLSS: You can expect to come and have a great day here. You finish the day feeling self-accomplished and happy.

Superpower I wish I had: The ability to draw something and it comes to life.

What has WPS meant to you:  At first I struggled with a disability because of the treatment of folks with disabilities.  But coming back, it is completely different. I appreciate how WPS encourages and empowers their students to grow. If you feel like you are struggling; then, yes, you are struggling. But if you persist and keep growing, you will overcome that and persist. Don’t give up!

Favorite teacher/coach who has inspired you the most: Mr. Belnay - When I saw him I saw a very goofy person. But then I got to know him, and I discovered so much more. He teaches us so much about history, film, and life. I have never had a teacher quite like Mr. Belnay.

What advice would you give to folks who educate students with disabilities?  Support students with disabilities, specifically those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Don’t treat people differently.  It is not their fault they are deaf. What you can control is how you help them and treat them. Yes, follow their education plan, but ensure that the students have as much equal rights as the rest of the students there. That comes from experience.  Just treat everyone kindly and as human beings.