Valley man rises from bad grades to escorting First Lady

The Army has opened some doors for former Valley student Matthew Haar.

The 2005 Valley Pathways School graduate now serves in the Secretary of Defense’s Protocol Office.

He credits some of his success to the education he received at the Palmer alternative school where he was able to get a grip on his education.

Since then, Spc. Haar, 22, has had several unique opportunities within the military such as working with the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, “traditionally known as the ‘Old Guard’ is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving the nation since 1784,” according to the regiment’s website. The Old Guard is recognized as dealing primarily in ceremonies, funerals, celebrations, inaugurations, presentations and escorting the First Lady and President.

Haar was the personal escort to First Lady Michelle Obama during Sept. 11 ceremonies honoring the nation’s fallen men and women.

He now works for the Protocol Office for the Secretary of Defense.

“I help do inventory, coordinate special events, and organize tours,” adding, “it is a pretty cool job. It presents the unexpected and is pretty fast paced. I really like it.”

He said one of the more humbling experiences in his life was being able to witness the Medal of Honor recipients receive their honors.

Before he was promoted to work in the Protocol Office, Haar gave tours of the Pentagon.

“It was nice. I had the opportunity to meet a bunch of pro golfers, foreign dignitaries, and high ranking officials.”

Now living in Alexandria, Va., Haar considers himself lucky to have been offered some of the excellent opportunities he has capitalized on in the military. But he also acknowledges his education at Valley Pathways as a reason for his success.

His mother, Linda Rudolph, said she recognized her son was struggling at a large public school and realized a change was needed.

“He had several poor report cards in which he was failing multiple classes,” she said.

Haar acknowledged his academic struggles.

“I was distracted and my grades slipped a lot. At a larger school you can just fall between the cracks, and I did.”

Both mother and son knew a change was needed.

Following another lackluster performance on his report card during his sophomore year, both decided to investigate Valley Pathways as an alternative source of schooling.

After applying and interviewing, Haar was accepted for the following semester.

His mother was thrilled with the results.

“By the end of his senior year he was making all A’s.”

Haar gave the school credit.

“Valley Pathways was great program for me, it just fit well. I had a great counselor, and the teachers kept up with me. I was encouraged by the teachers and they really made it a point to be personally invested in me.”

He acknowledges, however, that the school is not for everyone.

“It is just a different style of learning, public school just was not working for me, at Valley Pathways I was more invested and more committed to my education.”

Although thankful for his time serving in the Army, Haar said he is unsure if wants to pursuer a military career, but he’s committed to more education.

“I definitely would like to take advantage of the new GI Bill and go to college.”