2 02 2 - 2 02 3 G RAT I T UD E R EPO RT
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GRATITUDE FO R T H E M U STAN G COM M UN I T Y
Dear Mustang Community, Every year, I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be a part of the Denver Academy (DA) family. After 36 years here, I continue to be grateful for our extraordinary community. Collaborating with cool, smart, fun, and funny people to transform lives and empower young people is a privilege worthy of celebration. Everyone, from teachers to trustees and gift-givers to graduates, contributes to each student’s success. I’m always impressed to see how our community commits to being kind, caring, and professional to create a sense of belonging for everyone. We see and appreciate people for who they are. I am so thankful for each of you in the DA community who came together, contributed, and celebrated in the 2022-23 school year. I hope you enjoy seeing a few things you helped make possible last school year. Gratefully,
Mark T. Twarogowski Head of School
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FIN AN CIALS & FU N D RAISIN G TOTAL REVENUE: $17,108,000
9.7%
4.8%
Operating income (tuition and other fees) $14,616,000 Contributions (restricted and unrestricted) $1,667,000
85.5%
Other $825,000 Total: $17,108,000
TOTAL EXPENSES: $14,360,000 3.9%
Educational programming $11,220,000
18%
General and administrative) $2,580,000 Other supporting services $560,000 78.1%
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Total: $14,360,000
We are celebrating our amazing supporters throughout the DA community. Our core revenue source is strong and your generosity enables growth. Each of you make an impact in creating a transformational educational experience for students. Thank You! Grants are an essential component of many programs. Denver Academy was fortunate to receive grants from several foundations in the 2023 fiscal year.
Campos Foundation
$207,000 High School Campos SmartLab
Anschutz Foundation
$35,000
Tuition Assistance
Virginia W. Hill Foundation
$35,000
Tuition Assistance
JK Mullen Foundation
$10,000
Tuition Assistance
FIN AN CIALS & FU N D RAISIN G TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Denver Academy Tuition Assistance Program provides financial assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to attend DA. The funds for tuition assistance come from four main sources: operating budget, gala earnings, grants and individual contributions, and endowment disbursements. The 2023 gala, “Give Gather and Groove,” raised $335,000 for tuition assistance. The DA Tuition Assistance Program awarded almost $1.7 million for 123 students, with an average award of $13,500 in the 2022-23 school year.
THE FUND FOR DENVER ACADEMY
Thank you to all 402 community members who participated! We raised almost $300,000. The Fund supports student success throughout the year and is used for the greatest needs- everything from teacher salaries to WiFi.
LEGACY SOCIETY
Legacy Society members have honored Denver Academy with a planned gift, often naming DA as beneficiaries in their estate planning documents. As of June 30, 2023, 74 Legacy Society members had received their membership pins.
THE ENDOWMENT FUND
The Denver Academy Endowment Fund exists through the generosity of over 700 donors and foundations. The DA Endowment is invested as a single entity and is a perpetual source of support for DA’s mission, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the school.
ENDOWMENT GROWTH SINCE INCEPTION $7,000,000
$6,588,000
$6,000,000
$5,354,000
$5,000,000 $4,000,000
$3,257,000
$3,000,000
$2,382,000
$2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0
$729,000 $32,000
1998
2003
2008
2013
2018
2023
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CE LE BRAT IN G CO M M U N IT Y T RAD I T I ON S Occasionally, Mustangs take a break and come together to laugh, play games, dance, and eat! Embracing the spirit of togetherness took on new meaning as DA was able to rekindle favorite traditions such as Grandparents and Special Friends Day.
Other festivities included High School Prom and Homecoming, Middle School yard games, and Elementary holiday parties.
One of our favorite aspects of Denver Academy is the community and feeling known by everyone and feeling that everyone knows our children. – Toni Brenzikofer, Parent 4
CE LE BRAT IN G CO M M U N IT Y T RAD I T I ON S
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E NG AG IN G IN H AN DS-O N LE AR N I N G DA students expand their knowledge and skills inside and outside of the classroom. These experiences foster great engagement and friendships. They also expose students to a broad range of ideas. Middle and high school students participate in Experiential Education Immersives with extended field trips, exploring local highlights, and oncampus adventures. 2022-2023 immersive experiences included working with animals, visiting New York City, and Renaissance games. High school students also explore college and career options with shadow days and campus visits.
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During STEM week, high school students tested their understanding of physics by designing devices that will protect an egg when dropped off the roof. Middle school students built bridges out of popsicle sticks strong enough to withstand a big stack of books. Younger students experimented with what type of structures fare better with natural disasters. Elementary students got up close and personal with raptors with HawkQuest sponsored by DAPA and learned about the history of dance forms with an interactive dance program by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
E NG AG IN G IN H AN DS-O N LE AR N I N G
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CREATING CO MMU N IT Y T H RO U G H ARTS, AT H L E T I C S , A N D S E RV I C E Students in the 2022-23 school year explored new passions, pushed the boundaries of their comfort level, and helped others. Classes, clubs, and activities centered on arts, athletics, and service are integral to the Denver Academy experience. Participating in these
opportunities nurtures students’ sense of respect and responsibility toward themselves, others, and the environment. Working together towards a common goal also fosters deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM DA’S ATHLETIC COMMUNITY Students DJ H. and Bodin B. medaled in the Colorado Track & Field State Meet.
Middle school and high school soccer players developed and improved teamwork skills on and off the field.
Cross-country runners pushed themselves and recorded several personal bests.
Volleyball players showed off impressive gameplay with serves and blocking leading to exciting competition.
When I played basketball on the team, I got to make better relationships with my friends – Ella C. 8
CREATING CO MMU N IT Y T H RO U G H ARTS, AT H L E T I C S , A N D S E RV I C E A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM DA’S ARTISTIC COMMUNITY Thespians made the audience reflect and laugh with imaginative productions of “She Kills Monsters” and “Mamma Mia!”
The DA Drumline once again entertained spectators at the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Artists submitted entries of various mediums to the Sixth Annual Juried Art Show. Soleil R. and Zoie B. received the Best in Show Viewer’s Choice Awards, respectively.
CELEBRATING DA’S SERVICE-MINDED COMMUNITY Students at Denver Academy embrace the idea of helping others through donation drives, volunteering, cleaning, and providing a welcoming environment.
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A FO N D FARE WE LL On June 2, 2023, families gathered on the Quad to celebrate the triumph of 43 graduates. Smiles and applause abounded. Cherished teachers spoke about each graduate’s special qualities while the audience reflected on the stories that included themes of the power of community and personal growth. Almost 90% of our graduates had college plans, and a few planned to explore options during a gap year. The graduates throwing their caps into the air symbolized one of the most significant transitions in their lives.
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Valedictorian Zane Harnetiaux celebrated community in his graduation speech, saying, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to those who have supported us throughout our educational odyssey. Without their unwavering guidance and belief in our abilities, we would not be standing here today.”
CLASS O F 2 02 3 Nathaniel Anisimov Bode Benenson Jed Bloomberg William Butler Logan Butts Dashiell Cooper Noah Coronado Jonah Galanits Patrick Harbaugh Zane Harnetiaux
Valedictorian Zane Harnetiaux
Farah Hasan Chase Hyland Brady Jenkins MacKenzie Jensen Peter Kealey Devin Lane Marissa Lee William Lewis Audrey Lord Evangelos Lowe Emma Lucas
Salutatorian Farah Hasan
Sean Lutz Nolan McGuirk Cameron Meegan Maria Merkel Liea Mitchell Blake Peterson William Plank Alana Pollack Noah Pratt Patrick Preece Peter Reichardt
Alumni Senior of the Year William Plank
Phil Johnson and Lou Raders Community Service Scholarship Award Audrey Lord
Nicolas Repinski Emerson Rice Henry Rosales Andrew Sagel Eli Schanman Mya Scholz-Coen William Stewart Ella Vandal Bancroft Whitehouse Kieran Willock Mickey Wilson
Emma Lucas holds the record for attending DA the longest-12 years!
Denver Academy is life-changing. They have an open-door policy and create a sense of belonging. – Stephanie Newson, Parent 11
H O NORING AM AZ IN G E D U CATO RS AN D L E A D E R S STAND OUT FACULTY AND STAFF
Teacher of the Year Wanda Zimmermann (left) Staff Member of the Year Monet Duhamel (right)
Wings of the Future recipients Janet Woolley (left) and Tammy Curran (right)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022-23 Trustees
Kristy Taddonio Mullins ‘94, Board Chair Kent Berke Chair-Elect Polly Breit Dr. Ed Callahan Jim Friedberg Dylan Geller ‘92
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Adam Goldsmith
Mary Lester
Dr. Aliya Hasan
Dr. Karen McNeil-Miller
Bryan Hassler
Amy Messenger
Tim Healy ‘06
Kim Pankratz ‘90
Vanecia Kerr
Dr. Sheryl Stefaniak
Dr. Deb Knobelman
Reed Stilwell
Dr. Jim Langley
Burton “Barney” Wilson
Ex-Officio Trustees Mark Twarogowski Head of School
Amy Stettner Alumni Association President Barrie Bodden Faculty Representative Greg Johnson DAPA President
Emeritus Trustees Dr. Ed Callahan Jim Dierker Dr. Nancy Gary Phil Johnson Steve Mooney Tim O’Connor (deceased)
CE L E BRAT IN G O U R G E N E RO U S COMM UN I T Y MERRIMENT AT “GIVE, GATHER, AND GROOVE”
The DA community showed their fun and generous spirit on April 23rd at the Sports Castle. The outfits and decor sparkled, conversations flowed, and the flexible seating with small plates delighted everyone. New friendships blossomed, and laughter and groovy music filled the air. Most importantly, funds were raised for the Tuition Assistance Program, making attending DA possible for many students who would otherwise be unable to afford tuition.
A GYM TRANSFORMS INTO A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The old gym came down with a wrecking ball, and thanks to many generous donations, a performing arts center began to take its place. Hidden in the structure are messages and signatures written on a steel beam.
We really appreciate that the school helps with financial aid. If the school is the right fit for the child, the school tries to make it happen. – Kate Kellogg, Parent 13
Donate today at denveracademy.org/give
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Publication photo credits: Our Family Clicks Photography, Carol MacKay Photography, MileSplit Colorado, and Rockin’ A Studio
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