In mid-December, Valiant Cross Academy Head of School Anthony Brock took a trip to New York City. He sat in a room with dozens of America’s most innovative educators, all vying for the prestigious, $1 million Yass Prize.

As the announcer rattled off names of finalists, each of whom would receive $500,000, the crowd anxiously leaned in closer and closer. Every person wanted to be the next name called.

Valiant Cross had already been named to the semifinalist category, so the Montgomery all-boys Christian school would receive a guaranteed $200,000 no matter what. Still, a few more hundred thousand dollars would make a huge difference.

Brock prayed to God that he would be called up among the finalists.

“But they actually didn’t call my name among that number,” he said. “They called me after.”

Valiant Cross is the third group to win the Yass Prize since billionaire couple Janine and Jeff Yass launched the award in 2021.

“I’m never surprised at what God does because he’s so faithful. However, when you look at the program narrowed down to 33 semifinalists, and you look at all the other organizations, I think all of them were worthy of winning,” Brock said. “There definitely was some surprise in there.”

The following day, Brock even got to meet Hoda Kotb outside of the Today show and share the good news with her.

Now, about a month since the win, Brock is back in Montgomery. He and Valiant Cross are working closely with the Yass Prize team, preparing to spend the reward money in the most impactful way possible.

He said there’s one word at the center of the plan: growth.

“We’re trying to create more opportunities for our young men,” he said. “We’re looking for opportunities for growth. Whether that’s only here, whether that’s in different states, we just want to impact as many young men as we can.”

Brock mentioned the fact that past Yass Prize winners — the Arizona Autism Charter Schools and Discovery Center Springfield — have scaled up their organizations to reach across multiple states after receiving the award. He also said Valiant Cross never wants to box students into thinking a day of learning has to mean eight hours sitting in a desk.

As of Jan. 5, Brock said he couldn’t share the details of its $1 million plan just yet, but the wait won’t be too long. The Yasses will be in Montgomery on Jan. 18 for a major announcement at Valiant Cross’s Dexter Avenue campus.

That day, Brock said, Valiant Cross will share all the specifics of where the $1 million will go.

In the meantime, leaders across Alabama have taken to social media to cheer on Valiant Cross for the school’s outstanding work.

“Congratulations to Valiant Cross Academy on winning the prestigious Yass Prize! Their dedication to breaking barriers in education is exemplary,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement posted to social media. “Truly, this recognition is due to the hard work of Valiant Cross students, educators and staff.”

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed echoed similar praise.

“Congratulations to Valiant Cross for winning the 2023 Yass Prize,” he said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of our all-boys Christian school for rising above and proving their dedication to education innovation. The process and practice continue to change lives. Keep up the amazing work.”

Since opening in 2015 with 30 students, Valiant Cross has already grown exponentially to more than 200 students, and Brock said the school isn’t done yet. By the end of the month, VCA will announce its full plan.

Hadley Hitson covers children’s health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Valiant Cross to announce $1 million ‘growth’ plans later this month