Matthew Vandegrift
Vandegrift Traditions
School Facts
“Second to None”
Fun Facts
100

What branch of the military did Matthew Vandegrift serve in?

United States Marine Corps

100

What annual event honors Matthew Vandegrift and his legacy?

Valor Day

100

What is Vandegrift High School's mascot?

The Viper

100

What does “Second to None” mean?

Being the best or having no equal.

100

What sport-related activity was Matthew known for participating in during school?

Extracurricular sports/athletics

200

What year did Matthew graduate from Leander High School?

1999

200

On what date is Valor Day held?

April 21

200

What year did Vandegrift High School open?

2009

200

Where does the school's “Second to None” connection come from?

It connects to the slogan of Matthew Vandegrift's Marine Corps unit.

200

What unusual thing did Matthew do with a cat as a child?

He dropped a cat from a second-story window to see if it would land on its feet.

300

What university did Matthew attend?

Texas A&M University

300

What do students and staff traditionally do with their pinkies during the school song?

They hold pinkies together.

300

Who is Vandegrift High School named after?

1st Lt. Matthew Ryan Vandegrift

300

How many stars appear on the Vandegrift school crest?

Five

300

What movie inspired Matthew to put an emergency brake on a rolling car?

A James Bond movie.

400

What did Matthew study in college?

International business

400

What object do Vandegrift football players touch before games for good luck and to honor Matthew?

Matthew's military saber and scabbard.

400

What was Matthew's high school class?

Leander High School Class of 1999

400

Why are there five stars on the crest?

Vandegrift was the fifth high school established in Leander ISD.

400

How old was Matthew when he passed?

28

500

What was Matthew's military rank?

First Lieutenant

500

What award recognizes students who represent the qualities and character associated with Matthew's legacy?

The Second to None Award

500

What is Vandegrift High School's motto?

Second to None

500

What does the school's crest represent besides the school itself?

It is modeled after Matthew Vandegrift's military unit patch and connects the school to his legacy

500

How many days after his 28th birthday did Matthew die?

Four days

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