Geno Allport
Lead Preceptor / Alumni Coordinator

Testimonials

Since graduating I’ve started my own family, I’ve overcome a lot of battles and disappointments, I spent years trying to figure out what I want to do, I’ve enrolled to HVAC School, I’ve worked many different fast food restaurants, I even started a delivering business. One thing I would say to anybody that’s about to graduate or that’s just trying to find your way is don’t rush it. Take your time and enjoy the little things because I promise once you step into this world after graduating you can never go back to the what was. Congratulations to those that are almost there or those that are there, I wish you guys the best. – Alex

Vertus played an important role in helping me get to where I am today. My experience there taught me the importance of discipline, accountability, perseverance, and continuing to work toward my goals even when life becomes challenging. The staff pushed me to recognize my potential, take my future seriously, and understand that success requires consistency and hard work. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to help me grow both professionally and personally.

I would encourage current students to appreciate the stage of life they are in and make the most of every opportunity available to them. Once you graduate, life becomes a completely different ball game. You begin gaining real-world experience in every area—from work and finances to relationships, responsibilities, and personal growth. Enjoy your time in high school, listen to the people who genuinely want to see you succeed, and take advantage of the guidance and support around you. The habits and decisions you make now can have a lasting impact on the person you become.

At the same time, don’t feel pressured to have your entire life figured out immediately. After graduation, your plans may change, you may experience setbacks, and you may discover new interests or career opportunities along the way. What matters is remaining willing to learn, adapting when things don’t go as planned, and continuing to move forward. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, build connections, or take advantage of opportunities that can improve your future. Appreciate the moment you’re in, but also use it to prepare yourself, because the discipline and habits you develop today will follow you into your career, relationships, finances, and every other part of adulthood. – Di’Juan

Vertus High School helped me build the foundation as a man also as a player; this school was a great school where they led me to pursue my goals. Today, I’m attending Judson University, where I’m pursuing nursing while playing football. Vertus taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and believing in myself. The lessons I learned there continue to help me grow both on and off the field, also in life. – VJ

I graduated from Vertus in June 2023. Before coming to Vertus, I struggled to pass my classes. During my time at Vertus, that completely changed. I went from struggling to consistently earning 90s and 100s.

One of the biggest reasons for that change was being paired with Geno Allport during my two years at Vertus. He took the time to understand how I learned and adapted his approach to my learning style. Having someone who was willing to work with me instead of expecting me to learn one specific way made a huge difference.

Vertus also gave me opportunities that helped me discover skills I still use today. The business class helped me develop communication and professionalism, while the freedom I was given during field trips allowed me to explore video editing and develop those skills through hands-on experience. Although I ultimately chose a different career path, those experiences taught me how valuable it is to be given the opportunity to explore and learn.

After graduating, I began working at AutoZone as a part-time Retail Sales employee in September 2023. Since then, I’ve progressed through several roles — becoming a Parts Sales Manager, Commercial Specialist, and, in May 2026, Store Manager.

Looking back, Vertus helped give me the confidence, skills, and opportunities to figure out what I was capable of. It taught me that your starting point doesn’t have to determine where you end up.

If I could give one piece of advice to a current Vertus student, it would be to remember three things: focus, time, and fresh air.

Focus — If you’re not focused on something, you may not achieve it.

Time — If you can’t make time to work toward your goal, you may not achieve it.

Fresh air — If you never step away and give yourself time to breathe, you can burn yourself out before you reach your goal.

The world isn’t perfect, and your path isn’t always going to be perfect either. But if you can focus on where you want to go, make time to get there, and remember to take a breath along the way, you can accomplish more than you might think.

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