The Petroglyph Magazine, Spring + Summer 2018

Petroglyph THE ALEXANDER DAWSON SCHOOL SPRING & SUMMER 2018

CONNECTING THE DAWSON EXPERIENCE How We Help Develop the Next Generation of Change Agents

From the Head of School The Petroglyph is the magazine of The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain.

Its Mission is to celebrate Dawson’s growth and the achievements of its students, alumni and faculty. It is published twice per year.

EDITOR, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Megan Gray Director of Marketing & Communications mgray@adsrm.org COPY EDITORS Rachael Lachhwani Shea Phillips HEAD OF SCHOOL Carola E. Wittmann, Ph.D.

“Challenge and Experience followed by Reflection leading to Learning and Growth.” – The Association for Experiential Education Welcome to the spring and summer 2018 edition of the Petroglyph. In this issue, we explore the why and what behind Dawson’s commitment to experiential learning.

Assistant Head of School Roxanne Stansbury and Director of K-8 Chris Estrella offer an in-depth look at what we call the Dawson Difference: the ability for all our students, beginning in preschool, to engage in high-level academics that are steeped in experiences and hands-on learning.

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL Roxanne Stansbury ENROLLMENT MANAGER Stella Finfrock sfinfrock@adsrm.org DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Cathi Muckle cmuckle@adsrm.org

CONNECT WITH US!

We know that, in addition to classroom learning, 21st century skills require the ability to collaborate, reach consensus, develop situational awareness, and respect what makes us unique and different, both as humans and as learners. Every day, our students are challenged to “commit themselves to being agents of positive change”, one of Dawson’s Core Beliefs.

This edition of the Petroglyph offers unique insight into how we facilitate the parallel paths of academics and experiential education while fostering our commitment to diversity and learning from each other.

FACEBOOK @AlexanderDawsonSchool INSTAGRAM @dawson_bears TWITTER @DawsonSchool

Carola E. Wittmann, Ph.D. Head of School

Experience the #DawsonDifference at AlexanderDawsonSchool.org

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VIMEO alexanderdawsonschool ISSUU alexanderdawsonschool

This page: Dawson’s pre-k students partnered with their third-grade buddies and held the first Farmers’ Market in The Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden.

Cover: Clay scultpture titled “Colored Hands, Warm Heart” by Dawson eighth-grade student Kendall Bear.

4 | CONNECTING THE DAWSON EXPERIENCE How we help develop the next generation of change agents. By Roxanne Stansbury 8 | BEAR DEN NEWS The latest and greatest happenings around Dawson’s campus and in athletics 14 | GREETINGS FROM EVERYWHERE The power of experiential education

By Chris Estrella 18 | DAWSON ALUMNI PROFILE Twins Amanda and Taler Brazell, Class of 2009

Contents 24 | WINNING GRADUATE ESSAY

By Charlie Griffith, Class of 2018

26 | DAWSON GRADUATE PHOTO & TRIBUTES Discover where our 2018 graduates are headed for high school and read their family tributes 36 | WINNING GRADUATE ESSAY

By Ashley Vanek, Class of 2018 38 | STUDENT ART GALLERY A photo gallery of Dawson’s 2018 Scholastic Art Award winners in the category of photography

22 | AN EVENING IN NAPA AT DAWSON

A successful community-fundraising event held in the Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden

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Connecting the Dawson How We Help Develop the Next Generation of Change Agents

P

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oet-in-Residence. We Need Diverse Books Day. Capstone

A common thread for all Dawson educators is the commitment

Service-Learning Project. What do these three Dawson

to providing students with a learning journey and environment

events all have in common? The unpacking of “untold stories�.

that best meets the unique needs of our diverse thinkers and

This year, Dawson used this throughline to help our students

innovators. We know our students will face future adversities

develop global perspectives. Throughout the year, real-time

with reckless perseverance and resilience. So how do we

exposure to speakers and organizations helped guide our

equip them with the knowledge and versatile mindset to

students on their journey toward civic efficacy. This emphasis

thrive in this environment? A deep understanding of how

challenged students to go beyond surface-level research and dig

modern society and workforce needs are changing is the key

deep to gain first-person perspectives of real-world struggles.

to implementing curricula that reflects deep competencies and

The results of these opportunities proved rewarding as their lens

essential capacities. Academic success is no longer mainly about

of the world began to sharpen and become more focused. The

reproducing content knowledge, but about sifting through digital

learning and growth were visible.

bombardment, adapting to diverse situations, and developing

Pictured here: Eighth-grade students with Poetry Promise Founder and Clark County Poet Laureate Vogue Robinson (front, center) and Nancy Nelson (third from right), published poet and major advocate for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

n Experience

By Roxanne Stansbury

creative products or systems that solve real-world issues.

with people who have fallen victim to hardships such as foster

Our teaching practices need to be transformed to respond

care, unemployment, illiteracy, hunger, racism and Alzheimer’s

responsibly to global needs, and relevancy and connections need

disease, our students developed the empathy needed to become

to be established while perspectives are challenged.

passionate advocates. As future change agents, our students will need to carve out time on their path toward solutions to see

Take a look at the service-learning programs that exist in schools

the world from other viewpoints. The eighth-grade capstone

and businesses throughout the valley, and you will find students

service-learning project allowed students to recognize that good

and employees volunteering their time and energy to help those

decision making comes from the interconnectedness of essential

in need. This work is commendable and rewarding. Dawson’s

capacities such as communication, collaboration, resilience, self-

service-learning program encourages students to volunteer their

awareness and creativity.

time and energy after a comprehensive study of root causes that contribute to a social injustice or inequality. Through interviews

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Connecting the Dawson Experience

Digging Beyond the Surface: A Classroom Snapshot

help. The visit became a life-changing learning experience, and students left the center wanting to continue their conversations

In April, our eighth graders selected a service-learning project

with the people who so greatly appreciated their individual

that resulted in a capstone presentation. They were presented

attention.

with the following organization choices: Friends of Red Rock Canyon, Goodwill, Spread the Word Nevada, Nevada Adult

The next stop was the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Day Healthcare Center, the Anti-Defamation League, the

Students were given a tour of the facility to gain in-

American Bird Conservatory and Three Square. Over the

depth understanding of the how the center is researching

course of the three-day project, student teams created a three-

neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

part capstone project that included a day of research and

They learned that, while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s,

problem framing, a day of service learning in the field, and a

cognitive, emotional, and physical strategies can be applied

day of reflection. For example, one team explored the causes,

to delay the effects of the disease. Students asked questions,

daily management, and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

took notes and explored the center with a determined mindset to further understand how this disease robs people of their

To fully understand the impact of this diagnosis, students

precious memories. With this first-hand glimpse, students were

interviewed Nancy Nelson – Nevada’s Senior Citizen of

hyper-focused on gleaning information that would help them

the Year recipient, poet, and advocate – who was diagnosed

discover the root cause of Alzheimer’s.

with Alzheimer’s disease. When Nancy came to Dawson and shared her untold story, she described the feelings of fear and

On Wednesday, May 2, our eighth-grade service-learning

devastation that initially accompanied her diagnosis, followed

teams reflected upon their experiences and collaborated on

by feelings of determination and hope. Nancy brought a reality

the creation of a capstone project. In their presentations,

that fueled the students’ commitment to finding a solution.

students documented their learning journey and synthesized

Through their research, a focus on word usage emerged as

their research into a forward-thinking strategic plan of how

an exercise that could help people with memory loss. The

to combat their global issue. Each team used Dawson’s Core

students then partnered with Clark Country’s Poet Laureate,

Beliefs to connect what they learned to the values and principles

Vogue Robinson, on a project through the organization Poetry

that shape a Dawson education. The student takeaways were

Promise called The Alzheimer’s Poetry Project – Nevada (APP

powerful.

NV). The mission of this project is to facilitate the creativity of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In

Impactful Learning: The Ultimate Goal

preparation for their visit to the Adult Day Healthcare Center, our students selected classic, well-loved poems and learned how

At Dawson, empowering voice in our young learners is the

to use a call-and-response technique to engage an audience.

fabric of the culture. We Need Diverse Books Day, Poet-inResidence and the eighth-grade Capstone Service-Learning

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At the Adult Day Healthcare Center, our students were greeted

Project allowed students to complement classroom knowledge

by applause and smiles. It was so touching to see how our

and acquire relevant disciplinary and social-emotional skills

students brought such joy to the people at the center. They

by participating in substantive, real-world work. At Dawson,

greeted each person individually, spoke to them with attentive

we believe in creating an educational community that adopts

listening and performed their poems using an interactive

a cohesive climate of care, where the definition of success,

technique. They interviewed Dotty, the center’s activity director,

engagement, and life satisfaction is authentic to the individual

about the needs of the people she served and how they could

experience. k

The Poetry Promise Student Experience

Eighth-grade students help volunteers clean trails at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for their capstone project.

“My expectations of people with Alzheimer’s was totally different than what I pictured it would be.

At the healthcare center, 65 to 75 percent of the people actually had a form of dementia. They were all so positive and happy to talk to us, and I was not expecting their energy level to be so high!”

- Skye Landess “It was incredible to hear everyone’s stories.

Everyone at the AHC was so excited to see us. It was amazing that we could bring that much joy. We also learned so much at the Lou Ruvo Brain Center about dementia.” - Ashley Vanek

Eighth-grade students on-site at the Goodwill headquarters to learn about how the organization assists the community.

“When I saw how excited the people at the AHC were to see us, I realized that simple things can really make a difference. Just by showing up and reading short poems, there were many people who were happy and eager to talk to us about their lives.” - Sophie Gray “When our group first showed up at the Adult Day Healthcare Center, I was a little nervous about what their reaction was going to be. But as soon as I walked in, everybody was so excited to see us and that made me very happy. Everybody was so energetic and I had a wonderful experience.”

- Conor Kelly

Eighth-grade students present their capstone project experiences and findings as a team to their peers, faculty, and parents.

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UNLV SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR DAWSON STUDENTS EARN AWARDS

Five Dawson students – eighth-grade team members Sophie Gray, Camille Oh and Ashley Vanek; eighth grader Vanessa Orton; and seventh grader Abby Shih – had science projects selected by Nevada State College graduate students to advance to the final round of the 2018 K-12 UNLV Regional Science & Engineering Fair, where they competed with hundreds of students from across the valley. Ashley, Camille and Sophie (pictured above with science teacher Dr. Kelly Gooden) took second place in the eighth-grade Invention Team category for their hydroponic garden project. Abby (bottom left) received honorable mention in the seventh-grade Life Sciences Individual category for her poster that explores using pectinase enzymes to determine the juice content of organic versus non-organic apples. Vanessa (bottom right) received honorable mention in the eighth-grade Physical Sciences Individual category for her poster on the effect of temperature on luminal.

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Bear Den News

DAWSON VOTED MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS! The Alexander Dawson School was featured in Business Insider magazine’s list of “Most Beautiful Schools By State” as the most beautiful school in Nevada. As incredible as our campus may look, it doesn’t compare to our truly amazing faculty and students.

It’s the Dawson community, Mission and Vision that make a Dawson education extraordinary. Our beautiful campus is just the icing on the cake.

DAWSON STUDENTS SCORE HIGH ON LANGUAGE APTITUDE EXAMS DAWSON FRENCH & SPANISH STUDENTS PLACE NATIONALLY The Alexander Dawson School is very proud to announce that our sixth, seventh and eighth-grade world language students took this year’s International French Exam and the National Spanish Exam, and the majority of our students ranked in the top 10 nationally.

They earned gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as honorable mention.

French: More than 23,000 sixth through eighth-grade students took the national French exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Two Dawson students, Charlie Griffith (8) and Christina Podisor (6), scored gold medals and ranked in the top five nationally.

Spanish: More than 40,000 sixth through eighth-grade students took the national Spanish exam, administered by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish. Two Dawson students, Elijah Porras (8) and Andrew Golden (7), placed first in the state.

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Bear Den News

FUTURE CITY COMPETITION DAWSON TEAM PLACES SECOND REGIONALLY Dawson’s Future City team – eighth graders Michael Rosenblum, Patrick McNulty, Charlie Griffith and Carson McCue – won second place overall for the Nevada region, as well as the Best Presentation award, at the Future City competition. Under the guidance and mentorship of Southwest Gas Corporation Transmission Engineer Maria Rushing and Dawson faculty member Matsuko Freeman, the team conducted in-depth research and selected Panama City, in the country of Panama, as the location to design an age-friendly city of the future. Their visionary plans would allow the city’s senior citizen population to be active, independent members of the community.

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DAWSON’S FIRST FARMERS’ MARKET PRE-K & THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS PARTNER TOGETHER In honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Week of the Young Child celebrations, Dawson’s Early Childhood (EC) and third-grade student buddies held the School’s first Farmers’ Market in The Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden. They picked, packaged and sold veggies, fruit, herbs, and flowers from The Ruffin Garden, as well as created herbal bath salts, satchels of lavender, and decorative vases full of flowers and herbs. All proceeds from the Farmers’ Market benefited Barn Buddies Rescue, a local farm animal rescue organization. “It was exciting and wonderful to see our students working together so beautifully,” said Early Childhood Director Amanda Musgrave.

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Bear Den News

Dawson Bears Athletics It was a great spring sports season for our Dawson Bears athletes! Whether on the field, court or track, our student-athletes represented Dawson with pride. Here’s a recap of the Red Rock Athletic Conference (RRAC) season: Basketball

The 7/8 girls’ team had the most season wins in Dawson history! Both the 7/8 girls’ and boys’ teams made it to the RRAC championship finals. The 5/6 boys’ team made it to the RRAC conference playoffs.

The girls’ 5/6 team showed growth and improvement.

Tennis

The boys’ tennis team placed third in the RRAC league for the first time, and the girls’ team worked hard to improve.

Both teams were led by strong eighthgrade athletes who mentored our younger players. Watching our younger players this season, we know Dawson tennis has a bright future.

Soccer

The 7/8 team made it to the RRAC semifinals and lost in overtime. The 5/6 team displayed excellent teamwork and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next year.

Track & Field

Dawson track and field student-athletes finished the season at The Meadows Invitational, securing four first place finishes in the girls’ and boys’ 4x100 meter relay, first and third place in the girls’ 100, third place in the boys’ 1600, and second place in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles.

Cheerleading

Dawson’s cheer athletes support our sports program throughout the year and keep school spirit high. Thank you, cheer!

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Washington, D.C.

Greetings from...

Camp Stevens 14

Camp Surf

EVERYWHERE

THE POWER OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

By Chris Estrella

Camp Pali 15

Experiential Education

T

he alarm rings and zero movement. It’s dark outside.

taught didactically. At Dawson, we recognize the value and

Bleary-eyed, the Dawson sixth grader thinks, “Where is

power of experiential education; this value is supported by

the sun?” She looks over and it’s 5 a.m. “Are you serious? It is

our Core Belief, “Teachers best engage and motivate students

way too early to do anything.” Then, it dawns on her why she is

through encouragement, nurturing, inspiration and inquiry.”

up so early. “How could I forget? I’ve been waiting for this day for weeks. Today is the day we leave for Camp Stevens.” She

“Living it” has become a goal for Dawson. For example,

sprints around her room, collecting last-minute items. She finds

Dawson does not just teach U.S. history and government, or ask

her phone in the kitchen and begins texting her friends. “This is

students to create documentaries to submit to C-SPAN about

going to be awesome! Don’t forget the movies and snacks.”

public policies deeply affecting our nation. Instead, we travel with our students to Washington, D.C., to see the Declaration

As I finish my seventh year at Dawson, I can finally say I’ve

of Independence at the National Archives, tour Congress with

been on every overnight field trip Dawson’s Middle School

a Nevada senator’s aid, explore the magnitude of the Lincoln

offers. Some parents might think I should get a badge of honor

Memorial, and learn at the Smithsonian Museums. Overnight

because, when we pack the undercarriage of the charter buses,

trips in Middle School give faculty the opportunity to integrate

faculty attending the trip are used to hearing comments such

curricular threads into multiple subject areas, and we see that

as, “Good luck!” “How do you travel with 50 eighth graders?”

the development of the “whole child” and character education

“Thank you.” The faculty who attend these trips are “on”

are more fully realized.

24/7, get little sleep, and go above and beyond to make the trip memorable for each individual student. But we do not need a

This is accompanied by brain research indicating that people

badge of honor; the memories, smiles, laughter, collaboration,

learn better when actively engaged in the subject matter, rather

healthy competition, and sense of community cultivated is worth

than passively accepting it. For instance, at YMCA Camp Surf

every wink of sleep lost and planning leading up to the trip.

in San Diego County, the seventh-grade students spend four days participating in hands-on activities meant to build trust

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A rapidly-changing society and decreasing sense of community

and confidence through high-energy, challenging experiences

have reduced opportunities for many youths to receive the

in a safe environment. The idea that some things cannot be

support necessary to become self-sufficient. Consequently,

taught but must be learned through experience is a key element

Dawson overnight trips to Camp Pali, Camp Stevens, YMCA

of youth development and our Core Belief, “Global citizens

Camp Surf, and Washington, D.C. focus on the “whole

investigate root causes, analyze solutions, connect with people

person”. The outcomes of these trips are based on experiences

in need and become empowered activists in the problem-solving

and include complex dynamics, such as the development of

process.” Development is supported through involvement with

character, citizenship, and leadership - things that cannot be

people and places offering intellectual and emotional nurturing.

Washington Monument Photo courtesy of Jolie Lindley When designing these trips, John Dewey also comes to mind.

A third major idea at the core of youth development and our

For Dewey, it was vitally important that education be not just

experiential education program is expanding students’ comfort

the teaching of facts, but the full integration of the skills and

with being outdoors. From building a fort to playing in a

knowledge that youth have learned into their lives as citizens

stream, we act on the ideas Richard Louv outlines in his book

and human beings. Dewey saw learning as a result of the

Last Child in the Woods. Students progress through a sequenced

interaction between youth and their environment, which

and developmentally-appropriate program integrated into

meant the experience was different for each individual as it

the fabric of the School. We want to make the environment

combined new learning with previous learning and capacity.

practical and personal for students so they make different peer

Sixth-grade students at Camp Stevens in Julian, California, have

connections, appreciate and reconnect with nature, and think

the opportunity to witness what environmental sustainability

about sustainability through a positive and personal experience

looks like on a farm and in a garden. Further, they help camp

with the outdoors.

counselors maintain the fertile land. A highlight of the trip is when students pick from the land and work with their friends to

The basic idea behind Dawson’s youth development and

prepare a campfire feast. Leadership, empathy and collaboration

experiential program is some things cannot be taught; they must

emerge during meal prep.

be learned through experience. Experiences are transformed by participating individuals, development occurs when a person

Psychologist Lev Vygotsky emphasized not only the interactional

is at a level they’ve achieved with assistance, and we learn

nature of learning, but also the importance of relationships with

from observing the actions of others. By putting these ideas

others for learning to be most effective. What makes Vygotsky’s

and Dawson’s Core Beliefs into practice, overnight trips create

theory relevant to Dawson’s overnight trips is the idea that

opportunities for our students to meet their developmental

instruction is most efficient when there are others who can assist

needs in productive ways. Dawson’s approach serves its Mission

in determining the correct balance of challenge and support.

by considering the “whole” child as a central actor in his or

This helps learners complete a task near the upper-level end

her own development. With our focus on environments and

of their ability, or in the “zone of proximal development” as

opportunities, each graduate reaching their individual potential

Vygotsky called it. In addition, they must then systematically

is dependent upon others in the context of family, community,

withdraw support as the learner moves to higher levels of ability.

and society. Dawson’s trips are designed to focus on the positive

For example, our fifth-grade students attending Camp Pali in

outcomes we desire for all young people, such as becoming

Running Springs, California, have the chance to tackle a series

economically self-sufficient, remaining physically and mentally

of ropes course challenges. This encourages students to push

healthy, developing caring and cooperative relationships, and

personal limits, and develop self-confidence and teamwork,

becoming a responsible and contributing member of the

which leaves them feeling accomplished and exhilarated.

community. k

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Dawson librarian Jan Brazell, left, with her Dawson alumni twin daughters Amanda, center, and Taler Brazell

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TWINNING! DAWSON ALUM PROFILE

Amanda & Taler Brazell, ‘09

By Shea Phillips

T

win sisters Amanda and Taler Brazell have been part of

Academy,” says Taler. “I believe it was due to the foundation

the Dawson family since the founding kindergarten class in

I gained at Dawson. Dawson not only pushed me, but it gave

2000. They graduated from eighth grade in 2009 and attended

me the essential study habits and work ethic, and taught me the

The Meadows School, where they succeeded academically and

importance of balance that I believe led to my success down the

athletically. Amanda ultimately graduated summa cum laude

road.”

from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and currently teaches preschool in the Clark County School District through

Amanda chose to attend Wheaton College, in part, due to the

Teach For America. She is also working toward a master’s

small class sizes. “I wanted to go to a smaller school where I

degree in early childhood education at UNLV. Taler graduated

could have...a more intimate campus community. I had gone to

as a Medical Service officer from the United States Military

small schools my whole educational career, and felt I learned

Academy in West Point, New York, and is now a 2nd Lieutenant

best when I could get to know my professors and not just be a

training to be a U.S. military pilot in Alabama.

number in a huge sea of students,” she says.

Though it’s been nearly a decade since they moved on from

Taler says, “The class size [at Dawson] was perfect in that you

Dawson, both recognize the lifelong benefits of a strong

really got to know your classmates and teachers very well. I had

educational foundation and supportive teachers. Academically,

a similar atmosphere in both high school and college, and I

they feel Dawson prepared them for high school and beyond.

honestly believe that is the best way to learn.”

“For instance, first year biology at The Meadows just felt like

While many students choose a college and major during the

an extension of what I had learned at Dawson,” says Amanda.

admissions process, both Amanda and Taler made that specific

Further, she learned valuable study and thinking skills, critical

choice after classes started, based on content and teachers.

to early learning. “I am fortunate Dawson taught me these skills because I was able to know what I need to do to be successful in

“I went into college undecided, and only really decided on my

class and on exams.”

majors and minors after taking a few classes,” says Amanda.

She studied economics and minored in both math and business

“My sister and I were at the top of our class at The Meadows,

because she really enjoyed the course material.

and I graduated ninth in my class at the United States Military

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#AmazingDawsonAlums “My economics professors at Wheaton were awesome!” says

place by herself, she’s grateful for the experience. “I was able to

Amanda. “They were always willing to help and provided

experience a new country, and (I) became more independent

challenging material.”

and confident in myself,” Amanda says. To this day, she recommends any student thinking about studying abroad to take

For Taler, her teachers in the math department at West Point

the chance.

motivated her to major in mathematical sciences with a minor in statistics and a nuclear engineering track. “They went out of

Amanda is now back in the southwest as part of Teach for

their way to make (me) feel like part of their family. Very much

America, which places recent graduates in low-income schools

like Dawson teachers and staff, they wanted to see (me) succeed,

for two years in an effort to minimize educational inequality.

and would go above and beyond to help in any way,” says Taler.

She recently completed her first year teaching preschool. “The kids really make the job what it is,” Amanda says. Even on

Taler was also able to travel during her college years. She spent

rough days where students don’t make the best choices, “they

three summers working with a Harvard research lab, one of

are smart, creative, funny, and I know they are capable of

which was spent in Korea. Her math background helped her

anything they put their minds to.”

assist graduate students on nanofiber research, and she brought data back to work on during the school year.

Amanda is also continuing her education at UNLV. “Being a student and working full time has its challenging moments,

Beyond academics, building relationships with peers and holding

but what I like about it is I can take what I am learning in my

a leadership role were also a big part of Taler’s experience at

lectures and apply it to my classroom. It has also opened my eyes

West Point. In her junior year, she was a platoon sergeant for

more to how my students learn and think, and has shaped my

her company and was in charge of 50 students, ranging from

teaching.”

freshman to seniors. As a senior herself, she went on to be the Adjutant of the Corps in charge of 4,000 cadets. But she loved

After she completes her two years with Teach for America,

being platoon sergeant. “Every day I had face-to-face contact

Amanda would consider coming back to Dawson to teach. “I

with everyone in my platoon, and I loved just getting to know

think it would be really fun to come back to Dawson and be

each and every one of them. That’s one experience that really

at the same school as my mom,” she says. Ms. Jan Brazell has

got me excited to lead soldiers once I joined the ‘big Army’

worked at Dawson for 17 years as a librarian, and as part of the

when I graduated,” she says.

health and fitness and technology teams.

Now, she looks forward to being the best pilot possible in the

Amanda’s earliest memory at Dawson was playing dress up that

force, fighting for her country and caring for soldiers. She will

first year in Mrs. Hibler’s kindergarten class. “It’s funny because,

eventually go on to fly Blackhawks (UH-60s) as a MEDEVAC

as a teacher, I dread opening this station in my classroom

Pilot.

because it always results in a huge mess and the kids pretending a little too far sometimes (i.e., putting fake food in their mouth

“Our mission set is unique and important in that we are going

and pretending to eat it), but I just remember having so much

out to pick up the injured soldiers and potentially save their lives

fun playing pretend with my other classmates,” she said.

in hostile areas,” she says.

One of Taler’s earliest memories in Mrs. Hibler’s class was

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A college highlight for Amanda was the opportunity to study

career day. “I dressed up and wanted to be an ice cream seller. I

abroad. During her junior year, she went to the University of

never would have expected my life would be where I am today,

Edinburgh in Scotland. While it was challenging to be in a new

though I will say I still love ice cream!”

Top: Taler, middle, before flight training. Botton: Amanda, who is a vegan, and Taler are both proponents of health and fitness.

Top: Amanda in her Teach for America classroom. Bottom: Taler, third from right, celebrating her graduation from West Point.

Looking back, Amanda and Taler recall Mr. Josh Keilty’s

gut instincts is also important. “You will know what school is

science classes having a major impact on them: pushing them

right for you,” she said.

as individuals who think outside of the box while caring about each students’ progress.

Also, explore. “Study abroad, take time to visit a friend in a nearby town (or) city, do something fun on the weekends!

“We dissected worms and pigs, learned about human anatomy,

Studying is important and times will be challenging, but making

and did lots of engaging projects. Though I am not in the

memories is also really important,” she says.

medical or science field currently, I am still so fascinated with the human body and always try to read about it!” says Amanda.

Taler says, “Life takes you places you will never expect, but just

“I think Mr. Keilty made a difference because he was the first to

always strive to work hard and earn everything you want. The

expose me to this subject and it sparked my interest.”

continuous theme I learned at Dawson, West Point and even in flight school is that caring that little extra bit – whether it be

Other special memories include hanging out in the Library

to cheer someone up when they are having a bad day, choosing

after school with their mom and participating in annual events,

to take a harder class rather than the easy A, taking extra time

such as the Fall Festival and Gingerbread. Like many Dawson

to proofread a paper, go out for a run after a hard day or shine

alumni, they like to volunteer at these events whenever possible.

your shoes – can go a long way.”

When asked what they wish someone would have told them about high school and college, both Brazell twins say to keep an

Both Brazell sisters are also extremely appreciative of their

open mind.

parents. “I was very fortunate and thankful to my parents for allowing me to attend Dawson,” says Taler. “All of their

“My advice would be to trust the process because, somewhere

sacrifices...allowed me the opportunities I’ve had. I cannot be

down the line, there is a reason,” Amanda says. Trusting your

more grateful.” k

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An Evening in Na p We want to thank our wonderful Dawson community for helping us celebrate April’s An Evening in Napa at Dawson event. It was a beautiful night with great food and wine, garden décor, and support from our families and faculty. Thanks to our participants, VIP sponsors and auction donors, we raised thousands of dollars for the Dawson First Fund and funded two of our new innovation grants!

Thank you to the families and businesses that donated to our incredible auction baskets: Anne Mazzola & Russell Rosenblum, Anthem Country Club, Barry Shulman, Beer Park, Bonanno Family, Canyon Gate Country Club, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Cathi Muckle, Cece Ventura, Chien Family, Cirque du Soleil, David Saxe Productions, Dee Berkley, Dennis Uniform, Don & Lori Forman, Eclipse Theater, El Dorado Cantina, Evel Pie, Hexx Kitchen + Bar, HUE Salon and Spa, Jayne Kelly, Jessica Gitlin, Jessica Gordon, Kim Katunis, La Strega, Las Vegas 51s, Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas Lights FC, Live Nation, Mary Murphy and Les Ottolenghi, Micatrotto Family, Michael Stamm, N. Kluger Designs, Nadine Kluger, Nick & Heather McCabe, PBR, Phil, Oleksandra, Richard & Malena Ruffin, Pure Barre Las Vegas, Raising Cane’s, Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub, Rogers Family, Shake Shack, Shelly Gregory, Shivon Geeb Square Salon, SPI Entertainment, Sweat Squared Xtreme Pilates, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Trattoria Reggiano, TruFusion, Vegas Golden Knights, Warner Family, & Xcycle.

pa at Dawson We’d like to extend a special thank you to our new Innovation Grant Sponsors: Five Sound Recording Booths: Joseph Family Light Lab: Abin Family, Carol Lamb, Garcia Family, Ketchum Family, Lefkowitz Family, Mazzola & Rosenblum Family, Lubas & Nadal Family, Melendez Family, Shulman Family, Vernon-Olivera Family, and Vonderahe Family Thank you to our Evening in Napa Planning Committee for donating their time and talents to the event: Corri Backman, Christy Shulman, Jayne Kelly, Laila Spiegel, Laine Warner, Les Ottolenghi, Suzanne Richardson, Crystal Lone, and Carli Snyder

Thank You!

Winning Graduate Essay

DAWSON GRADUATE ESSAY

Charlie Griffith, ‘18

N

elson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible

then, they made it a duo so somebody could keep an eye on me.

until it’s done.” This speaks especially true to me. If you

Little me felt betrayed, and so I came to the conclusion that the

had told me eight years ago that I would actually manage to

only solution was to kick a hole in the wall of the cafeteria in

keep my grades up long enough for me to graduate, I would

rebellion. That’s another story.

have laughed. Probably because eight years ago, I wasn’t the best student. I didn’t sit still or stand in straight lines, and I had a

Experiences like these have brought me closer to the people in

bad habit of pushing my teachers just a little bit too far when it

my graduating class right now than I have ever been. I am very

came to my antics. I was a proud kindergarten delinquent, and I

lucky to have shared these kinds of moments with the people

have the pink slips and office referrals to show for it.

sitting in front of me today. We’ve been through a lot if you think about it. We were stuck in an airport in Washington, D.C.

Then, the fateful day arrived. My teacher said we would put

for five hours! We went surfing in freezing, kelp-filled California

on a performance of the story The Little Red Hen. You know,

water in October! We passed math! And all of this was possible

the story of a single mother hen with awful animal friends who

thanks to some very special people who deserve some very

don’t help with anything, even though she is simultaneously

special praise. So excuse me for a second while I give back to

raising children and making bread from scratch. It was a perfect

those who have given us so much.

tale to tell innocent six year olds on a stage. I’ll be honest; I

7 24

didn’t really know what we were doing but I had to be the star!

Mr. Hennemann’s gift for storytelling and upbeat attitude

I was going to be the best mother hen in the galaxy – no, the

transformed math into an adventure. I’m not a fan of math

UNIVERSE! So naturally, my teachers laughed and made me

but I loved his classes. He had such a big influence on my

a miller, who – for the record – only appears once. And even

outlook on life and he is truly one of the nicest people I know.

“Dawson has helped us grow into powerful, lifelong learners. Just like the Dawson Mission Statement, we have done our best to achieve excellence in mind, body, and character, and only together have we made that a reality.”

Mrs. Donohue, your classes helped make my sixth-grade year

who started it all for me. Mrs. Stoehr was my ECEC teacher

incredible. You make history come alive right before your

and, if it weren’t for the loving environment she and the other

students’ eyes with fun and interactive activities. You helped me

Early Childhood teachers created, I would never have stayed

learn Mesopotamia was the cradle of civilization and history

and met the rest of these fantastic people.

can be fun if you make it fun. Dr. Gooden, I know I am – in your eyes – a walking fire hazard, but your love for science and

Now that I’ve finished my thank yous, there are some people

the exciting activities you planned for us left me a bigger fan of

to whom I need to apologize. Mr. Burby, I am so sorry I made

science than I was.

you sit through that one-man show I made for financial literacy.

That was a mistake and we both know it. I hope you’ll forgive

Possibly the funniest teacher I ever had, Mr. Ellis, takes

me, Dr. Gooden, for that one science class where Alena and I

education to another level. “El Supremo’s” ability to create a

burned pieces of rope soaked in lighter fluid “in the name of

lighthearted and caring environment wherever he goes makes

science”. Hopefully, the smell has left your room by now. Mr.

learning fun. I’m really going to miss him in high school.

Finfrock, a few years ago I wrote on your floor in Sharpie so I hope it’s gone by now. I know I gave you that sled on your

Mr. Burby, your faith in USC, combined with the integration

birthday, Mr. Ellis, as a replacement for the one I buried in your

of English into your history classroom, creates an interesting

backyard last year, but I just wanted to make sure we’re cool.

dynamic. Your “CNN 10” quizzes may be difficult, but your

Mrs. Boyum, I promise I will never stack all of the stools in your

class greatly improved my writing skills and gave me a smile

room on top of each other and climb atop them ever again.

every time I walked through the door. Ms. Lindley, your class

Mrs. Freeman, I couldn’t apologize for everything if I tried.

was one of my favorites, with your great book recommendations and witty comebacks. I wish I had more of your classes this

Let’s revisit what Nelson Mandela once said: “It always seems

year, and I do hope future students have novel studies more

impossible until it’s done.” Graduating seemed impossible

often than we did. I’d be lost without Mrs. Boyum. She helped

but Dawson made it a reality. Dawson has helped us grow

me find what I wanted to be in life, and I can never thank her

into powerful, lifelong learners. Just like the Dawson Mission

enough for the fun times and experiences she shared with her

Statement, we have done our best to achieve excellence in

classes. Mrs. DeRidder is the reason I love science. She made

mind, body, and character, and only together have we made

the experiments we did fun and her class was always my favorite

that a reality. We’ve laughed and cried and through it all; we

part of the day. Although it has been a long time since we played

kept going. I look at you all and I remember all of the fantastic,

with snails or tested the buoyancy of wood, I’ll always have

difficult, incredible, hard, amazing times through which we

memories to make me smile.

have lived. So before we embark upon the next great part of our journey through life, look around you, for this may be the

Madame Griffith gave me my passion for French, and she

last time we ever meet together. As you leave campus for the last

encouraged me with such an earnest love for teaching that it’s

time, look for what has made this school special for you. Take

impossible for me to imagine anybody else as my language

a moment to appreciate all that Dawson, our parents and life

teacher. The way she creates a group of semi-fluent students in

in general have given us so far. So please, as you leave, look at

just a few years is incredible. You can’t find that at other schools.

this moment not as the end of your childhood, but merely the beginning of the rest of your life. k

Lastly, I need to give some very special thanks to the woman

25

2018 Dawson Graduates

WHAT DAWSON MEANS TO OUR GRADUATES

“What did Dawson do for me? Well, Dawson gave me a variety of people. Some who love sports, such as basketball, volleyball

“My teachers and advisors helped me become the person I am.

or tennis. Or even people who want to do well in school and

They have taught and led me to be successful. From ECEC

actually like learning. But what Dawson really gave me was

to eighth grade, my teachers have always been there for me

friends, friends who have stuck with me.”

from teaching me how to tie my shoe or do complicated math

- Sofia Pelaez

problems. I have always felt like I had support if I needed it.”

- Jake Chang

“Dawson gave me the best and most powerful mindset I would ever find anywhere. It gave me the spirit of hope, joy, responsibility

“I think this is a very important narrative that is pushed at

and, most importantly, independence. It gave me an education

Dawson. The school teaches students how to question everything

that has transformed me into the person I am today.”

and how to ask questions to obtain knowledge, to understand

- Dominik van den Branden

not just other people but the world. Imagine people being able

26

to understand each other, not necessarily by agreeing, but by

“At Dawson, I have the kinds of friends who give positive peer

understanding. In my opinion, that could create a much more

pressure – the kind of pressure everyone needs to make them

caring community of people and, here at Dawson, we believe we

overcome their fears, try new things, pursue their passions, and

are a family.”

to grow mentally and emotionally.”

- Dedric Calhoun

-Sophie Gray

WHERE ARE THEY GOING? BOARDING SCHOOLS

Camden Bachochin, Holderness School, NH Katie Hamilton, Forman School, CT Conor Kelly, The Thacher School, CA Elijah (Eli) Porras, Phillips Exeter Academy, NH Justin Tarquino, St. Paul’s School, NH Michael Rosenblum, Stevenson School, CA

BISHOP GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL Deen Afifi Noor Afifi Jake Chang Kamran Grover Anya Gururaj Michael Maini Nikki Mahmoudzadeh Rachel McDonald

Zachary Monkarsh Bohdi Norvell Emily Rowland Gianni Serrano Stella Spiegel ChaseThompson Dominik van den Branden

FAITH LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Kendall Bear Emily Cutter Jack Routh Silberman

Charlotte Wilkes Ashley Vanek

INDEPENDENT STUDY Carson McCue

THE MEADOWS SCHOOL “I would like to thank everybody who has made an influence in my years at this school. Thank you to all of my classmates for your friendliness and for supporting me throughout my three years here. Thank you to my teachers for providing the best-of-the-best education and for molding me into who I am today. Thank you to the administration, faculty and staff for being the backbone of such a wonderful school.”

- Elijah Porras “Dawson has been a home for me for the past 10 years. That’s 10

Payton Buchmiller McKenzie Gross Madelyn Katz Ming Yi “Cameron” Liu

CLARK COUNTY MAGNET SCHOOLS A-Tech Treyson Le Patrick McNulty

Las Vegas Academy Charlie Griffith Skye Landess

years of comfort, laughs, uniqueness and opportunities. The one thing I shall never forget about this school are the people. The people here are extraordinary. I mean everyone - the students, teachers and staff. The memories I have made over the years are ones I will remember forever..”

- Anya Gururaj

Alena Pasha Sofia Pelaez Nicholas Ruybal

West Career & Tech Dedric Calhoun Evan Fife Cole Garney Sophie Gray Camille Oh Nalin “Coco” Poopat Junior Reynolds

CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Brayden Bayne, Centennial High School Vanessa Orton, Palo Verde High School Makenzy (Kenzy) Smith, Palo Verde High School Ella Pesqueira, Spring Valley High School

ADELSON EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS Judah Hafter

27

2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes DEEN & NOOR AFIFI

BRAYDEN BAYNE

Deen has blossomed

This is just a new beginning for

into a smart and confi-

you! We love you and can’t wait

dent young man. He is

to see what the future holds!

always inquisitive and

Let’s go, B!!!

insightful and can have

Love, Mom, Dad, Cameron &

a discussion with any-

Makenna

Brayden,

one about anything. He is attentive toward others and has great focus and ambition. His strong sense of self-motivation is inspirational to others and draws the potential of those around him. He is driven and will succeed in any goal he chooses. Noor is also one of four brothers and is the twin of Deen. He is a sweet, caring and intelligent young man.

His personality shines and brings brightness to those around him. His adventurous tendencies as a child have evolved into a creative and gifted young man. Those who are around him are struck by his compassion for others and his lighthearted social personality. A considerate young man, he always puts others first. Our family wishes Deen and Noor the best in all their future endeavors.

CAMDEN BACHOCHIN

KENDALL BEAR Congratulations, Kendall. We are so incredibly proud of your dedication to school, friends and our community. What we treasure the most is your kind and loving nature that brings a smile to everyone that knows you. We know that you will continue to bring love and light to our world. Your future is so bright, both on and off the stage our little, shining star.

We love you so much.

- Mom, Daddy & Makenna

“Live the wonderful life that is in you! Be afraid of NOTHING.” -Oscar Wilde Camden, First, I Love You More! Secondly, I am SO blessed and thankful to have you as my daughter. You possess incredible talents, a strong will, infectious spirit, contagious laughter and have a generous heart. I am so proud of the young woman you’ve become. As you prepare for high school, always remember that each day provided to you is a gift, so use it by doing something you genuinely love. Congratulations, Wammer, on your graduation!

Love, Mom, Chance & Master Sudoku

28

PAYTON BUCHMILLER Payton, We can’t believe our baby boy is graduating from eighth grade! It seems like just yesterday you were racing around the ECEC playground on your tricycle, with that sweet, little giggle filling the air. You’ve made us incredibly proud of the stellar student you are and, more importantly, the amazing person you are becoming each and everyday. Continue to work hard, stay focused, find joy in everything, be a kind human and strive for excellence in all that you do. We know you will.

Love, Mom, Dad, Gracie & the Bean

DEDRIC CALHOUN

COLE GARNEY

Dedric, it seems like just yesterday

Dear Cole, We are so incredibly

I was enrolling you in ECEC. Your

proud of you! Congratulations

goal was to graduate from Dawson

on your graduation from

and move on to West Tech. So far

Alexander Dawson. A new city,

you are two for two! Always contin-

new school, new friends and

ue to dare to do great things in life.

so many adventures this year.

Keep on growing and developing

May you always keep your zest

those unique dreams and talents

for life and learning, and for

that make you who you are. Never

travel and adventure. We are

stop learning, exploring, growing and challenging yourself to be

honored to be your parents and

your best. Your biggest cheerleaders...Mom, Grandma, PaPa,

have loved every minute watching as you grow into an amazing

Uncle Greg, Erine and Juliet, Deanna, DJ, and a host of many

person. We love you! Mom, Dad, Eme & the rest of the family!

are shouting congratulations from the rooftops!

SOPHIE GRAY Mr. Lewis said it best: you are

JAKE CHANG Congratulations, Jake! You have come a long way in the last 10 years at Dawson! We love you and we are super proud of you.

Mom, Dad, Chloe & Snickers

a true gem and a beautiful soul inside and out. We cannot wait to see where your curiosity and creativity take you! You constantly amaze us and we are so proud of you. No matter what you choose do, we know you will make the world a better place.

All our love, Mom, Dad, Stella, Weezer & Pups

EMILY CUTTER Congratulations, Emily, on your graduation from Dawson!

We’re grateful you have great memories and have met great teachers and made friends. We can’t believe you are graduating from Dawson already – it feels like you just started yesterday you were in sixth grade and excited to go to middle school. One day, you will look back on what a wonderful time it was. We want you to enjoy and push yourself to be the best version of you, which sometimes causes conflicts between us, but you should know we love you always and want the best for you.

Love, Mom & Dad

MCKENZIE GROSS Congratulations, McKenzie! I am so proud of you! You embraced our move from Minnesota to Las Vegas and transitioned seamlessly into your new environment. You excelled academically, courageously participated in new activities and openly built some amazing new friendships.

Your hard work, dedication, selfdiscipline and determination will help you face any challenge that lies ahead. Everyday, I am proud of the person you are becoming and know you will make a difference in this world. Follow your dreams and reach for the stars.

Love you to the moon and back! Mom

29

2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes KAMRAN GROVER

CONOR KELLY

Congratulations! What might

“The only person you are destined to

have seemed like a lifetime to you

become is the person you decide to be.

was a blink of the eye for us. We

What lies behind you and what lies in

are very proud of the young man

front of you pales in comparison to what

that you are growing into. Your

lies inside of you. Do not go where the

firm values and beliefs and your

path may lead, go instead where there is

dedication to not compromis-

no path and leave a trail. Dare to live

ing them has been impressive to

the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams

watch. You have overcome many obstacles in these last few years

come true.” We hope these Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes inspire

and have emerged a strong young man. We watch with anticipa-

you! Love, Mom & Dad

tion as you continue to grow and develop. May you be blessed with academic success and surrounded by amazing friendships as

SKYE LANDESS

you embark on your high school years at Bishop Gorman.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

JUDAH HAFTER

efforts and accomplishments. This one, like most, is entirely on

-Eleanor Roosevelt Congratulations! We are so proud of all your

Judah, your light shines bright in

you. Congratulations on serving

all that you do, from your passion

two years as StuCo secretary,

on the field and on the court, your

achieving high honor roll and

tenacity in academics, the relation-

NJHS, all with endless hours

ships you create with your peers

spent at Nevada Ballet Theatre.

and adults, the dedication and

We encourage you to continue

loyalty you have for the people who

to take risks and benefit from

you love, to your smile and laughter

the rewards. Enjoy skiing the

that illuminates every room you enter. As you embark on the

black diamond bumps and

next part of your journey in life, remember what Maya Ange-

powder of life - where no one

lou said, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

else has yet gone. Love, Mommy and Daddy (aka Super Steve)

LYSC, Abba, Ima, Gabriel, Aviva & Sofia

KATIE HAMILTON

TREYSON LE

We are so proud of the smart, courageous, curious, creative and

I’m so proud of my son. He has grown into such a kind, lov-

kind person you are. We admire your strength to stand up for

ing, humble and generous kid. Everyday he teaches me so much

what’s right and your determination

about life. He is right so many times when he tells me, “Mom, it

to follow where your talents lead.

is not a big deal.” His perspective surprises me many times be-

The world is a better place because

cause I cannot believe his mature

you’re in it! Thank you for bringing

mindset. It is truly an honor to be

dedication, joy and wisdom to all

his mom. My hope for Treyson

you do. We love you, we applaud

is he continues to be confident in

you and we look forward to support-

himself, be open to new oppor-

ing how you’ll choose to thrive.

tunities and know he is loved by

Love forever, Mom and Dad

so many people. I love you son!

Congratulations!

30

CARSON MCCUE

ZACH MONKARSH

Carson, when you were scheduled

Zachary, we cannot believe

for “delivery” in 2003, your brother

how fast the years at Dawson

pondered the size of the FedEx

have flown by! You have

truck in which you’d arrive. Now,

made us all very proud as we

an 18-wheeler couldn’t contain the

watched you grow into a kind,

enormous character, intelligence,

loving, well-rounded individual

work ethic, humor and kindness

and passionate young man.

you exhibit always. In your first days at Dawson, you charmed us

You truly have excelled while

by swishing your horse tail in the ECEC play. Today, you wow us

at Dawson and we wish you

with your tech prowess, educating us on all things Gen Z, from

great success in your next

righting social injustices to rocking pop hoodies, and impressing

adventure at BGHS! Your family will be here to encourage and

us with your reliably calm and focused leadership.

support you along the way! Congratulations! We love you!

Congratulations! With love, Mom, Dad and Ian

RACHEL MCDONALD From a young age, you were

BOHDI NORVELL “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a

a fiercely independent soul

chance, take it. If it changes your life,

destined to make your own

let it. Nobody said life would be easy,

path. That strong independence

they just promised it would be worth

makes you a passionate fighter to

it.” ― Harvey MacKay

protect those who cannot protect

We are so proud you and look

themselves.You have that magic

forward to continuing this jour-

combination of deep thoughtful-

ney with you! GO GAELS! Love,

ness, intelligence, kindness, fearlessness and incredible wit. These

Mom, Chloe, Pap & Grandma

qualities have made you a success at Dawson and will get you everywhere at Bishop Gorman and in life. Stay true to yourself always and follow your dreams. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds! Get ready for the fun roller coaster ride!

CAMILLE OH Camille, when you were born, you were so still and were quiet as a mouse. It seemed you were not quite ready to be received by the world. Fastforward 13 years, and you’ve become a viva-

PATRICK MCNULTY Congratulations! Proud is the only word to describe how we feel about your accomplishments. Before our eyes you have grown into a strong sensitive young man with a good heart and soul. It has been amazing to watch your journey. Keep looking forward and never forget were you started. Your future is bright and, with hard work, anything is possible. Love, Mom & Dad

cious girl full of youthful energy and charm. You’re a talented pianist, spirited volleyball player, loyal friend, loving sister and #1 BTS fan. Dawson has helped you grow into the person you are today and we are excited to watch you continue to blossom in high school. Please know you are, and will always be, our treasure.

Love, Mom, Dad & Axie

31

2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes VANESSA ORTON

ELIJAH PORRAS

Dear Vanessa, Since the day you

“The future belongs to those who believe

were born, you have given us

in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor

such immense joy, laughter, and

Roosevelt. Congratulations, Eli! We

love. Your kind and gentle spirit,

are beyond proud of and happy

your infectious and beautiful

for all of your accomplishments at

smile, your love of travel and

Dawson, and grateful for the kind

adventure, and the dedication

and responsible young man you

you give to your studies will all

have become. You came to Daw-

serve you well in your lifetime.

son shy and quiet, and here you are graduating with confidence,

We love the person you are and the young lady you are sure to

outgoing and resilient and ready to face high school. It will be

become. Congratulations, Shahshee, we are so very proud of

a challenging journey, but know we will always be here for you

you. With love, Mommy & Daddy

every step of the way. With much love, Dad, Mom and Ejay

ELLA PESQUEIRA

JUNIOR REYNOLDS

Dearest Ella, I can’t believe how quickly the years have passed

Congratulations, Junior! We are so thankful for all Dawson has

and that you are starting your journey to high school. I am so

taught you these years. It has shaped you into the intelligent and

proud of the person that you have

motivated young man you are today. Your ability to consistently

become: a fierce, loyal, funny, intel-

work hard and persevere

ligent, kind and imaginative human.

through all that life has

Your passion for the things that are

thrown at you in the past year

important to you will lead you far in

shows how ready you are for

life; I hope you never lose that fire. I

what is to come. We are so

am so proud to call you my daughter;

proud of all you have accom-

I love you to the moon and back.

plished and are looking for-

Congratulations, Ella! Love, Mom

ward to what you will achieve in the future. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. We love you!

COCO POOPAT Congratulations to our math tutorin’, volleyball diggin’, violin pluckin’, science experimentin’, “pundamentalist,” humdinger of a daughter!

You keep doin’ you, because you are AWESOME! We are so proud of the person you have become. Stay strong yet humble, and forge an amazing future for yourself. We’re so excited to see what you have in store for the world!

We love you so much, Mom, Dad, Kirin and Bodin

32

Love, Mom, Dad, Jenna and Meg

MICHAEL ROSENBLUM Hurray, Michael, on a job well done! Since starting in ECEC 11 years ago, you have embraced ‘all the new’ thrown your way.

We could not be more proud of you. Now go out there and keep taking on new challenges,with that huge grin on your handsome face! Love, Mom, Dad & Katie

JACK ROUTH SILBERMAN

KENZY SMITH

My dear Jack, Every morning for

watching you grow from

the past eight years I watched a lit-

a sweet little pigtailed girl

tle boy run off to Dawson and who

to a beautiful, kind, and

now returns home each evening as

adventurous 8th grader.

a mature, handsome young man.

You have such a gift for

You are my greatest gift in life.

lighting up a room and

Kenzy, it has been a joy

Your constant smile, zest for life and sense of humor will never

showing others what a great heart you have. Your compassion for

wane and will always help you through life. You have developed

others is something special and we know it will help you go far

emotionally, spiritually and physically and are now prepared for

in life! We will be here to love and support you as you embark

high school. I am so proud to be your father.

upon the next journey of your life! Keep aiming high and know

Love, Dad

how FABULOUS we think you are. We love you! Mom and Dad

EMILY ROWLAND

STELLA SPIEGEL

Congratulations on graduating middle school in America. You

Congratulations, Stelly! We are incredibly proud of you. Your

were so brave to start a new

unconditional kindness, intelligence, compassion and innate

life at a new school where you

ability to always want to help others before yourself is something

made lots of new fabulous

truly special. You are the sweetest,

friends. With your beauti-

brightest star ever, and we can’t wait

ful and kind heart, big smile

to watch you continue to sparkle

and great determination you

and shine. You have always been

embraced this life and made

able to obtain every goal you have

it your own. We are so proud

set for yourself, and done so on your

of all your achievements. We

own, never looking back. We are the

thank the School and the teachers for such a positive learning

luckiest family ever to have you in our

environment, empowering you to be the best version of your-

lives and hearts. Watching you grow

self. All your family across the world sends you lots of love and

is the greatest gift we could ever imagine. We love you beyond

encouragement as you face your next adventures.

words. Love, Mom, Dad, Stone, Lucy & Oliver

NICHOLAS RUYBAL

CHASE THOMPSON

“I’ve always believed if you put in the work, the results will come” -

Chase, What an amazing nine years at Dawson! We are enor-

Michael Jordan You have always given 100 percent in everything

mously proud of you and the

you do, and we know you will

young man you have become.

carry this trait through the next

Believe in yourself because you

chapter of your life. We are very

are so unique with no limit as

proud of you! We love you very

to what you can do. This next

much and can’t wait to see what

chapter in your life is going to

the future brings at The Mead-

be just as amazing. Embrace

ows! GO MUSTANGS!

all of it! Always know you have

- Dad, Nicole & Alexa

our love and support in all you do. Love, Mom, Dad & Gage

33

2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes DOMINIK VAN DEN BRANDEN

CHARLOTTE WILKES

Dominik, Congratulations on graduating from Alexander

We are so proud of you,

Dawson! It’s been impres-

Charlotte! You have

sive to see all the great things

accomplished so much at

you accomplished through

Dawson and now you are

academics, athletics and the

moving on to bigger things!

performing arts. Over the

Your kind spirit, sharp mind

years, you’ve grown into

and endless loyalty will get you

such a strong, intelligent

far in life. We love you!! Mom,

and talented individual, and

Dad, Katie & Ryan xoxo

we couldn’t be any prouder of the young man you’ve become. We hope you carry this same passion for success as you enter the next chapter and look forward to all you’ve yet to accomplish. With all our love, Your Family

ASHLEY VANEK

MORE QUOTES FROM OUR DAWSON GRADUATES! “Dawson staff is not like any other staff you would meet at a private middle school or high school. Dawson is different.

Ashley, congratulations. We couldn’t be more proud of the young

Dawson is Dawson and no one can change that.”

woman you’ve become. Ten years ago you marched into ECEC

- Nikki Mahmoudzadeh

like you owned the place, never

“This school has done so much for me. I would like to thank all

bothering to look

of my teachers over the years for the help they have given me.

back, and we

Thank you to Dawson for giving me the chances to become the

knew you were

best student I can be. I will never forget my experiences here.”

going to be re-

- Evan Fife

markable (even if it did make Mom

“This personal quest of mine would be impossible if it weren’t

cry a little). Now,

for the people around me. The friends I made here created

your leadership

an enjoyable atmosphere that is comforting throughout the

in the classroom

day and helped me feel like I belong. I would like to thank

and on the stage,

the outstanding teachers of Dawson who helped me develop

football field and basketball court are unparalleled. As your kind

my greatest academic interests and curiosities into a love for

heart and smart mouth have matured, there isn’t a day you don’t

learning.”

make us proud and laugh – often at the same time. Soon you’ll

- Justin Tarquino

start your next adventure at Faith. Continue being a leader and

34

striving for excellence while always lifting up those around you.

“Dawson has given us an amazing experience and definitely

Be brave. Be bold. Be you.

made an impact on our lives. Our lives revolve around school,

Don’t ever stop being our Renaissance Woman!

most of our friends are here and friends are pretty great.”

Love, Mom & Dad

- Alena Pasha

“I would like to thank my teachers for everything they were able to teach me and guide me through, while still being able to maintain a healthy student-teacher relationship. I would like to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to come to Dawson and for providing everything I needed to make my Dawson experience unforgettable. Dawson has been the best experience I could have possibly imagined.”

- Michael Maini “The one thing I love about Dawson is that it teaches students to be human, to love learning in general, to learn from our mistakes and face challenges – some simple, some difficult. That there can’t be a tomorrow without a yesterday. Outsiders see Dawson as a school of academics. Dawson isn’t just that. Dawson improves our critical-thinking skills and, without Dawson, I would never know it’s so crucial to learn this.”

- Madelyn Katz “From the time I have experienced on this campus, I would say I loved it because, for the first time, I could finally say I enjoyed and loved coming to school. Dawson is a friendly community because, from the time I started here, the teachers cared about me and they helped me when I needed help.”

- Gianni Serrano “Dawson allows us to be who we are. In fact, we are lucky that

Hey, Dawson Alums!

We love to share the many amazing accomplishments of our alumni with the world!

Because it’s true: YOU are the #DawsonDifference

y STAY IN TOUCH! #AmazingDawsonAlums

Dawson celebrates all of us as individuals and as a family. We have been given the tools to improve our special selves. Students and teachers alike, Dawson recognizes and teaches us the value of hard work. Dawson students and teachers strive to do better, each and every day. We do this with pride and compassion for others.”

- Vanessa Orton “Dawson has taught me to be a better person in my community, a team player and a leader. I’m so happy I have met great friends, and they have helped me through everything. This was the best class at Dawson by far; I’m going to miss each and every one of

FACEBOOK @AlexanderDawsonSchool INSTAGRAM @dawson_bears TWITTER @DawsonSchool VIMEO vimeo.com/alexanderdawsonschool

these kids.”

- Jack Silberman

ISSUU issuu.com/alexanderdawsonschool

35

Winning Graduate Essay

736

DAWSON GRADUATE ESSAY

Ashley Vanek, ‘18

“Going to school here isn’t just sitting at your desk, waiting for the bell to ring. At Dawson, we don’t ‘punch the clock’, and it shows.”

Dawson. Six of the 26 letters of the alphabet. To some

All jokes aside, Dawson is a fantastic school. I’ve been at Dawson

people, that’s all this word is: just six letters put in an order to

for 10 years and, in that time, I have done so many different and

make some random sounds. But to all of us here, it means so

interesting things. I built the sets for, and then acted in, plays,

much more. Dawson isn’t just a place for us to learn; it’s a place

sung in choirs, interviewed state senators and played on many

where we can experience life. From the D.C. trip in September

teams. Science fairs, Bears’ Night, Future City, Finance Park,

to our mid-year C-SPAN presentations to our service-learning

and Camps Pali, Stevens and Surf. So many things make up the

project in May, we at Dawson get to learn through living. This

“Dawson experience” that I’m sure I’ve left a ton out. Going to

year, we focused on the theme, “the danger of a single story”.

school here isn’t just sitting at your desk, waiting for the bell to

I am representing all of my peers up here as a single story. Yet,

ring. At Dawson, we don’t “punch the clock”, and it shows.

this is my story.

There is a tradition at Dawson: At the beginning of the year, Dawson is my second family and the girls on the basketball team

the eighth graders shake the hands of the kindergarteners.

are my sisters. During the season, I spent more time with those

When I was in kindergarten, I shook the hand of an eighth

girls than I did with my actual family. We bonded in a way only

grader. For the next eight years, I dreamt of shaking the hand

teammates can.

of a kindergartener. I wanted to be just like them because they seemed so cool and grown up. I was so excited at the beginning

Ms. Mercado is that aunt who always has candy to give you or

of this year because my dream was finally going to come true.

a hug when you need it. And we all know who that really loud

While I have been “super cool” for many years, now was my

uncle is, but I promised Mr. Estrella I wouldn’t mention his

chance to be the mature eighth grader. This tradition is so

name. All the teachers here truly care about each and every one

important because it shows the kindergarteners what their future

of us. I always feel safe here…just like home.

could be.

The teachers at Dawson don’t just teach using textbooks; they

Author Sarah Dessen once said, “The future was one thing that

teach through their own experiences. Ms. Lindley is always

could never be broken because it had not yet had the chance

talking about her time teaching in high schools. We read a book

to be anything.” So basically, the future can be anything we

about 9/11 this year and she told us she remembers the exact

imagine. Anything.

moment when she heard the news with her students. Mr. Lewis somehow makes math understandable and enjoyable…. Well, at

Every one of us has a bright future ahead of us. Dawson has set

least understandable. Mr. Ellis is always going into his “cool guy

us up for amazing lives. We will all go on to do incredible things.

Californian” accent, even while he teaches us about very serious,

Some of us will go on to be doctors or photographers. Scientists

sometimes depressing, historical events.

or artists. Engineers or maybe even teachers at Dawson. We have all had the same middle-school experience here at Dawson,

And don’t even get me started on how much Mr. Burby talks

but we all have our own single stories within that experience.

about when he went to UCLA. Like, we get it. You love UCLA.

This one is just mine. And I loved every minute of it. k

Go, Bruins!

37

Scholastic Art Award Winners It was always the goal of Dawson photography teacher David Finfrock to inspire his Dawson students to see photography as more than just taking nice pictures. He explores it as a vital and complex form of artistic expression, leading his photography students to sweep the Scholastic Art Awards in 2018: seven Dawson students won four Silver Key and seven Honorable Mention awards. #DawsonDifference

An Infinite Crossing Justin Tarquino, 8th Grade

Bubbly Zephyr Simus, 7th Grade

38

Age Away Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade

Leaf It at the Lake Ava Robertson,7th Grade

Death Match Humberto Trueba, 7th Grade

In My Dreams Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade

The Shy Light Alan Crompton, 7th Grade

Lincoln Memorial Wall Brayden Bayne, 8th Grade

Lifeless Life Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade 39

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10845 W. Desert Inn Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89135

DAWSON'S VISION Our graduates will be ready to achieve their individual potential, savor life and meet the challenges of the world.

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@dawson_bears

@DawsonSchool

For more information, please visit AlexanderDawsonSchool.org or call (702) 949-3600