CA Senior Journal - Class of 2024

COLORADO ACADEMY

senior

The Class of 2024

The Class of 2024 has wholeheartedly embodied Colorado Academy’s mission throughout their time in the Upper School, cementing their legacy as a generation of leaders who positively contribute to the world around them. They have demonstrated their capacity as academics, artists, athletes, innovators, catalysts for change, and so much more. In the classroom, they have proven to be thoughtful and curious thinkers who make meaningful contributions. A class of talented visual artists, performers, and musicians, they have influenced CA with their imaginative art and creativity. As athletes, they have exemplified tenacity and have demonstrated their abilities as leaders. Above all, they have established themselves as a class of kind, warm, welcoming change-makers who have positively impacted those inside and outside the CA community.

Class of 2024, during your time in the Upper School, you have exhibited resilience and united as a community in the face of many challenges. The members of the Class of 2024 are now at an exciting precipice, about to embark on new beginnings and journeys. As your time at Colorado Academy comes to a close, go bravely as you face these next steps, experience new adventures, and define your future. Undoubtedly, your intellect, leadership, and capacity as thoughtful, inclusive, and generous students of the world will serve you well beyond CA.

Congratulations to the Colorado Academy Class of 2024!

- Logan Day-Richter ’24

Colorado Academy Board of Trustees 2023-2024

Liz Arnold

Buck Blessing

VJ Brown ’11

Sue Cho

Jocelyn Ege

Dalia EL-Prince

Alison Engel

Matt Farncombe

Jeff Geller

Dan Goldman

Erika Moore Hollis

Bryan Leach

Bob Martin

Julie Martin

Derek McCandless

Kevin Reidy, Chair

Meshach Rhoades, Vice Chair

Andrew Robinson, Secretary

Catherine Rollhaus

Isiah Salazar

David Shapiro

Rob Stettner ’94

Natalie Bocock Turnage

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Mike Davis, PhD, Head of School

Vanessa Homuth, Parent Association President

Zach Tucker ‘01, Alumni Association President

Whitney L. Johnson, Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Kate McDonnell, Director of Advancement

Class of 2024 Commencement

Thursday, May 30, 2024

9:30-11:30 a.m. • Welborn House Lawn

Prelude Music

The Boulder Brass

Processional (Audience Stands)

Pomp and Circumstance

Sir Edward Elgar

The Boulder Brass

Welcome

Kevin Reidy Board of Trustees Chair

Opening Remarks

Michael G. Davis, PhD Head of School

Musical Performance

The Call

Regina Spektor

Colorado Academy Upper School Chanteurs

Directed by Kevin T. Padworski, DMA

Remarks

Max Delgado, Upper School Principal

Class of 2024 Elected Student Speaker

Graham Neely

Presentation of Diplomas

Michael G. Davis, PhD

Recessional (Audience Stands)

The Boulder Brass Brunch

Served in the Campus Center at 11:30 a.m.

Restrooms: Located at the SW corner of Carolyn Smith Center; NE wing of Welborn House

Senior Memory Boards: Displayed in the Campus Center (Please take with you following the Brunch)

Colorado Academy Class of 2024

Nicholas Garland Allison

Gabriella Carolyn-Maria Arocha

Cara Elisabeth Babbs

Avery James Bakes

Kameron Dean Barthels

Brady Aikman Baumbusch

William Robert Beasley

Tate Moore Behrhorst

Hayden Paul Berg

Jason Dean Bratis

Lucas Donald Tschida Brown

Rowan David Brown

Cayden Joseph Brunner

Joshua Ryan Bub

Noah Jacob Bub

Georgia Grace Roundtree Burstein

George Albert Buyers

Chloe Melia Chao

Bela Caitlin Chaudhuri

Ellen Annette Clowes

Abigail Ayars Cohen

Charlotte Mills Corkins

Garrett Chase Davidson

Logan Isaac Day-Richter

Miles Makoa Evans

Daniel Blewer Farmer

Winifred Brisben Fenton

Carson James Flottman

Francesca Marie Fucarino

Caroline Connell Gaghen

Estella James Alvarado Geller

Phillip Michael Gershovich

Sophia Gomez

Alexander Thomas Gonzales

Alex Green

Sonia Hope Gustavson

Gatsby Van Gutsch

Gabriel Aladar Herman

Walker Evan Hughes

Nicholas Finley Jeffries

Clayton Cassimus Johnson

Grant Thomas Kenney

Owen Randall Kocher

Helaina Lil Korneffel

Hailey Jean Krueger

Reagan Ann Lane

Jessica Rose Lapidus

Avia Rose Lauchli

Sydney Alessia Leach

Kate Elizabeth Lichtenberger

Jackson Forest Lieberman

Colin Michael Love

Brady Robert Martin

Zoe Addison Martin

Eliott Ronzani Mault

Alexis Warner May

Skylar Warner May

Owen Charles McCandless

Michael Seamus McKee

Kevin Gerard McManus Jr.

Domonique Gabrielle Megginson

Estella Jacquelyn Miller

Alejandro Miramontes Rodriguez

Lila Rose Mix

Yarisbeth MontesDeOca-Desiderio

Hadley Samantha Morris

Graham Alexander Neely

Katherine Anne Nelligan

Yahaira Areli Nuñez-Hernandez

Neela Elizabeth Okurut

Abisai Olivas-Holguin

Madeleine Kehr Olmstead

Caroline Eileen Owen

Rose Angelica Meloy Patel

Macy Walton Quatrochi

Madeleine Grace Reeves

Samuel Williams Reisch

Katherine Prescott Rhine

Philip Bedford Rollhaus

Miller Stearman Rubey

Thomas Otto Sankovitz

Tyler Rohan Schulte

Carter Finley Scott

Avery Jacqueline Siegler

Luca Ricci Siringo

Taylor Ashley Slutzky

Anne Louise Smith

Fraser Robert Conlon Smith

William Wright Stettner

Shea Olivia Stone

Tess Ely Taplin

Violet Nelle Tetzeli

Eliza Jane Thorpe

Lynn Ai Truong

Anabelle Maria Twite

Sydney Paige Vahey

David Thomas Varholak

Wendy Jade Warner

Hudson Michael Watters

Adeline McEntire Weil

Jack Corbin West

James Dietrich Westerberg

Alaina Katherine Wharton

Simeon Woldeyohannes

Naomi Beth Wolff

Ezra Ruben Wolkon

Eleanor Rose Wynne

Colgin Weber Youssi

Jessica Lauren Zinn

Nicholas (Nico) Garland Allison

At CA Since: Pre-K

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Creating my “Images of Greatness” profile back when I was in Fifth Grade was an impactful academic project. It wouldn’t be a very big assignment for me today, but it was such a huge project back then, and it helped to set me up for some of the harder projects I had to do later at CA.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at The Denver School of Modern Greek and helped teach younger kids the Greek language and culture. It is important to me that our language and culture survive outside of our country, and helping to educate young Greek children who were born in America like me is an important part of that.

Favorite CA Tradition: Interim

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends, some of whom I’ve known for almost my entire life.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting into college. I checked the admission portal in the middle of my Chemistry class (which was pretty risky) but, because it was my first choice and everyone knew it, everyone in the room was so excited when I opened it. It really was one of the coolest moments for me.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Do your homework, so you don’t have to take four AP classes Senior year to try and bump up your GPA.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Hopefully, I will be done with grad school if that’s something I decide to do, but I’m not completely sure what I want to do yet.

Immediate Plans: Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.

Gabriella (Gabri) Carolyn-Maria Arocha

At CA Since: Fourth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A transformational experience has been being a part of the Girls Soccer Team. I learned so much about myself as a soccer player and as a person being a part of the team. And I made friendships that will last a lifetime. Community Impact Project: I volunteered with an organization called Meals on Wheels delivering meals to older adults who can no longer prepare food for themselves.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is HOPE. I’ve been a part of it all four years of high school, and it has been something I look forward to every year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The friendships and connections I have made with students and teachers.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by taking classes that have challenged me throughout my time in high school. I didn’t think I would make it through some of my classes, but here I am!

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Take advantage of all the cool and unique classes that CA has to offer. If there is a class that sounds interesting to you, take it!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade I hope to be traveling around the world, meeting new people and seeing cool places!

Immediate Plans: University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., to study Environmental Studies.

Cara Elisabeth Babbs

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

One of my most meaningful experiences at CA was my trip to Iceland with the Global Travel Program in the summer of 2023. This experience was a huge part of my growth in photography and travel—seeing and capturing a beautiful landscape different from any place I’d seen before.

Community Impact Project:

I coached swimmers who are a part of the Special Olympics swim team. I taught kids techniques to control their breath when underwater.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Senior-Kindergarten Buddy Program because I love being able to bond with other divisions in the school. It also feels like a full-circle moment because I had two Senior Buddies as a Kindergartener and loved them and now I get to be that for a little girl.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Something that made me happy at CA was finishing out my Field Hockey career with a State Championship.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight for me during Senior year was Homecoming Week because I loved being able to dress up in themes and attend a lot of sporting events.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

One of my biggest surprises is how I have grown to love math and enjoy struggling and problem-solving in that class.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Take advantage of any opportunities that you may be interested in, such as clubs, sports, art classes, and possible electives.

Immediate Plans: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.

Avery James Bakes

At CA Since: Tenth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: In my Sophomore year Science of Climate Change class, my friends and I were assigned to make a toy car made of reusable materials powered by solar power. This project sparked my interest in engineering and inspired me to pursue environmental engineering in college.

Community Impact Project:

I worked at my church to provide free showers for people impacted by homelessness in the Denver area. I worked with volunteers to clean the showers, provide dinner, and hand out donations.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Passing Physics.

Senior Year Highlight: Watching the talent show—especially the bagpipes. It’s so fun to see people share talents I never knew they had.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by making the transition to CA from my old school. I have made so many memories and met so many incredible people, and I couldn’t imagine it any differently now.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Join any sports or clubs you are remotely interested in—your early focus should just be on finding what things you enjoy doing.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I want to be content and have no regrets.

Immediate Plans: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Kameron (Kam) Dean Barthels

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: At the end of Junior year, I went on Interim with some of my best friends and favorite teachers. We spent a week near Los Alamos Canyon in New Mexico camping under the stars on top of tarps. This was an incredible experience, as I got to spend a week in nature with great people and in great weather.

Community Impact Project: For my CIP, I decided to help out in my neighborhood on the Trail Committee— rebuilding trails, trimming trees, and mitigating fire risk in the open space.

Favorite CA Tradition: Interim is my favorite tradition at CA. I love the process of planning and packing for a five-day camping trip.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends that I have had since Lower School have made me the happiest. Sharing success with the people I grew up with is fulfilling.

Senior Year Highlight: Being on the EEL (Experiential Education and Leadership) committee was a great experience this year. I had the opportunity to plan and execute outdoor educational activities and advanced Interims as well as mentor younger grades throughout the process.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I was surprised that I was able to be on the Varsity Climb Team during my Ninth and Tenth Grade years.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when we embrace the uncomfortable.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be at the end of grad school and hopefully getting my PhD.

Immediate Plans: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., to study Biology.

Brady Aikman Baumbusch

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My Entrepreneurial Mindset class was a meaningful experience, as I learned many different ways to tackle problems.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project was helping people with physical challenges learn how to ski at Breckenridge. I chose to do this because I love skiing and want other people to have an opportunity to try something new.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Seniors welcoming the Ninth Graders on the first day of school.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being a part of sports teams has been a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been golfing with my friends on the Golf Team.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by trying new things. One new thing I have tried is Ice Hockey.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: High school goes by quickly, so try not to get too stressed.

Where

I

Hope to Be in a Decade:

I hope to have a stable job that I enjoy doing.

Immediate Plans: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., to study Real Estate and Finance.

William (Will) Robert Beasley

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I had an assignment in Good Governance class with Ms. Sarles that forced us to think about our government and the way that our country is run. This assignment helped me evaluate the pros and cons of our current government.

Community Impact Project: Two of my friends and I worked together with a nonprofit organization called A Little Help, which assists elderly people. We helped the residents in their homes with a variety of tasks.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Homecoming because it brings the entire school together to celebrate our school spirit and our accomplishments.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have found a great group of friends to spend time with. I think that everyone has a place at CA, and nobody feels like they are alone.

Senior Year Highlight: My Senior year highlight was leading the Homecoming Pep Rally. It was one of my first experiences leading the school as a Senior and member of C-Club.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have shown myself that I can excel in many different classes and extracurricular activities. Whether it is getting A’s in AP classes or leading the Lacrosse Team, I have been able to make my mark on different parts of the school.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have a good job and a great group of friends that I can count on.

Immediate Plans: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, to study Business and Finance.

Tate Moore Behrhorst

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

My Physics class Junior year changed the way I see the world around me. Labs that explained motion, gravity, or torque had me driving down the highway, thinking of their applications throughout my day.

Community Impact Project:

I volunteered with Red Fern, an organization that helps stray and abandoned dogs find new families. I helped a group of shelter dogs from San Antonio find new homes here in Colorado.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: What has made me happiest at CA is the connections I’ve been able to create with so many kind and authentic people. With my friends, teachers, and Advisory #Sitja4Life, I’ve created so many memories and will forever be positively impacted.

Senior Year Highlight:

The highlights of my Senior year have been the Boys Soccer season and every day of my Comedy class with Ms. Page.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: My time at CA has helped me discover passions that I never thought I would’ve had. I found a love for playing and writing music, for graphite drawing, and for spending time in nature—all because of the experiences I’ve had in high school.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be soaking in the Rocky Mountain sun, riding the chair lift with the people I love, excited to see where the next run takes us.

Immediate Plans: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif., to study Engineering.

Hayden Paul Berg

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

The first day of Senior year was powerful to me. It really made me think about how we are all going into the next stages of our lives, and that I need to spend meaningful time with my friends and family before I go off to college.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered with Slow Food Group and Grow Local Colorado, and we spent time in Civic Center Park digging up plants that will eventually be processed into food for those facing food insecurity.

Favorite CA Tradition: I love every year when Dr. Davis announces each Senior’s name during the All-School Assembly on the first day of school. When I was in Fifth Grade, I heard my older sister’s name called, and this year it was a full-circle experience.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The opportunity to play the sports I love and spend time with a close group of friends has made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: Almost every day during the fall, I would play golf with my friends after school. I’d never really played golf until this year, and no, I have not gotten any better.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by finding an academic topic that I truly enjoy and envision myself doing in the future. I never really liked English class before, but throughout high school, I have found I am very passionate about it.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope I’m a sports journalist writing about college sports and maybe even making a television appearance or two.

Immediate Plans: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss., to study Journalism.

Jason Dean Bratis

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

Last year, I traveled to New Mexico during Interim for a week. We camped under the stars, and it transformed me in the best ways possible. One thing that stood out to me was when we were backpacking through a canyon in desolate New Mexico, and there was a small creek, and then the landscape turned green and lush; it was gorgeous.

Community Impact Project: For my Community Impact Project I was a director for HOPE. The yearly event provides clothes and vaccines for people who need them.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is team dinner after Ultimate practice because it brings the team closer together.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: What has made me the happiest at CA are my friends and my teammates who have always been there for me.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was having the ability to do an independent study about history. I studied the Punic wars and the relationship between Rome and Carthage.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I was surprised that I was able to pick up a new sport in Ninth Grade—Ultimate Frisbee. I played it throughout high school and really enjoyed it. I am now one of the best players on the team, and I was excited to teach the new Ninth Graders the ways of the Frisbee.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have a stable job or be at the end of graduate school.

Immediate Plans: Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., to study Chemistry.

Lucas Donald Tschida Brown

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational

Experience: My first assignment in debate class with Mr. Martinez was particularly meaningful to me. It was what got me into debate, which is now one of my favorite parts of school. Debate has made me much better at public speaking and articulating my ideas.

Community Impact Project:

My friend Ezra and I volunteered to help feed the unhoused. We have both worked at restaurants downtown and are very passionate about making sure everyone has enough to eat.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is prom. I like prom because it feels unique from the other dances, and I believe it helped bring us closer together as a grade.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends have been one of the best parts of my experience since coming to CA. The supportive environment has allowed me to grow as a person and has made my time here much happier.

Senior Year Highlight: The Senior-Kindergarten Buddy Program has been the highlight of my Senior year as it’s really shown me how much I’ve grown since I first started school.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: When I came to CA, I never expected to enjoy science as much as I do now. I used to love history and writing, but now one of my favorite subjects is Physics.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t stress out too much about college or friends; everyone is in the same position as you, and you will all figure it out in time.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to move to Switzerland a few years after college and pursue a career in investment banking, as well as continuing to snowboard and explore the world.

Immediate Plans: Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., to study Engineering or Finance.

Rowan David Brown

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Community Impact Project: For my CIP, I worked with A Little Help, a nonprofit organization that allowed me to assist older people and those with dementia with daily chores.

Favorite CA Tradition: I look forward to Interim each May.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends here have made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: I especially enjoyed the All-School Homecoming Pep Rally.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: During my Glassblowing Interim, I found I was good at glassblowing!

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Be sure to put forth your best effort in Ninth and Tenth Grades. It matters for college.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing something I love.

Immediate Plans: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, to study Finance.

Cayden Joseph Brunner

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Community Impact Project: I volunteered with the organization Grow Local Colorado, where I harvested organic fruits and vegetables to provide to those facing food insecurity.

Favorite CA Tradition: Interim is my favorite tradition because it gives you the ability to try out new things that you might not otherwise think of or have the opportunity to do.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I appreciate the meaningful connections.

Senior Year Highlight: Playing Ice Hockey and Golf after school with my friends have been highlights.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: During my Junior and Senior years, I was able to achieve grades that I never thought were possible for me.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Make good connections with your teachers; they will benefit you, even when you’re no longer in their class.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Hopefully, I will be working and have a house and a boat.

Immediate Plans: University of San Diego, San Diego, Calif., to study Business and Finance.

Joshua (Josh) Ryan Bub

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Community Impact Project: I volunteered with Food Bank of the Rockies, a service that collects and distributes food to those who don’t have access to healthy ingredients. I worked to pack and ship packages with health and hygiene products as well as unload and repack food.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite tradition is Interim. It’s an opportunity to get to know kids outside your circle or grade.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Debating with my friends about ridiculous topics with no real question to answer or solution to formulate.

Senior Year Highlight: Ultimate season has been a highlight for me.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by getting a 4 on the AP Physics exam.

Advice for

Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Find ways to work through frustration and stress. An outlet can be super helpful for your mental health.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Working in an aerospace engineering program, designing rockets and supersonic planes.

Immediate Plans: Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass., to study Physics and English or Creative Writing.

Noah Jacob Bub

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Interim has always been a special experience for me because every year I become very close with people I never talked to before. I’m still friends with many of them, even some who have graduated.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project was working as a tutor with Horizons. I tutored a fourth grade girl named Paula who was very good at math.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is when Dr. Davis reads the Seniors’ names at the first and last AllSchool Assemblies of the year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends made me the happiest at CA, without a doubt.

Senior Year Highlight: Being Senior Class Co-President has been the highlight of my Senior year. My partner, Sophie Gomez, is absolutely amazing, and we have so much fun together.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I surprised myself by joining the Mamma Mia musical in the spring of my Junior year. If I told my younger self this would happen, I never would’ve believed it in a million years.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t take life too seriously; you’ll have plenty of time for that later.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In 10 years I want to be traveling through some wild foreign country with a few good friends.

Immediate Plans: California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, Calif., to study Engineering.

Georgia Grace Roundtree Burstein

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A transformational experience I had at CA was being a part of the Varsity Field Hockey Team, which encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and create friendships that I value so much to this day. Another experience was my Portfolio Art Show, as it allowed me to express my creativity and identity in an incredibly powerful way that I feel truly reflects who I am as a person.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project was working with the Denver Mustangs, an Ice Hockey team for individuals with cognitive challenges. Having worked with this team since Sophomore year, I have gained new perspectives on the importance of community, kindness, and the impact of sports.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The friendships I have made at CA have by far made me the happiest. I know I can count on the close friendships I have made, as they have made me the person I am today. I feel confident that long past when I graduate, these incredible individuals will stick by my side no matter what, and for that I am truly grateful.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been being able to witness firsthand how close the Senior class has gotten as a group. Watching this group overcome the separation of COVID-19 in our Ninth Grade year to become an extremely strong Senior class has been amazing to be a part of.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try to make friends with your advisory. Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing something I am passionate about and that makes me truly happy.

Immediate Plans: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.

George Albert Buyers

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: During my Ninth and Tenth Grade years, I faced the disappointment of not being able to play Varsity Basketball. As I sat on the bench my Sophomore year, I gained much negativity towards the sport. After the season, I sat down with my dad and had a real talk about quitting the sport. Instead of quitting, however, I realized that should never be an option, especially if it’s something you love. In the end, my hard work paid off, and despite my size, I earned a college roster spot. This is something I am proud of every day.

Community Impact Project: I created holiday food boxes at the Community Ministry Food Pantry that provided traditional food items at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Basketball, my friends, and the new vending machine in the Campus Center.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting into college and enjoying the moments and memories made with my friends. How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I found a lot of new interests that were not on my radar before high school. Public speaking was something I had never done before, and I ended up winning competitions after I embraced the discomfort.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Get out of your comfort zone and find the things that interest you. Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Living with my sister in a big city with a job I love. I hope to have lots of meaningful connections with people I care about.

Immediate Plans: Occidental College, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Economics and play Basketball.

Chloe Melia Chao

At CA Since: Third Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The Eighth Grade backpacking trip was a great experience because it pushed everyone to make new friends in the grade. As a reward, we got to see moose, beautiful lakes, and lots of scenic views. Another positive experience was the community and friends formed on the CA JV Volleyball Team.

Community Impact Project: This summer, I volunteered at CU Anschutz for five weeks, helping out in a lab studying Acute Kidney Injury biomarkers. During this time, I ran tests on samples and read previous studies to find biomarkers to do additional research on.

Favorite CA Tradition: The travel-away Interims! I loved canoeing down Labyrinth Canyon, exploring Earthships in New Mexico, and rock climbing in Cañon City. These trips are a fun experience and taught me skills I couldn’t learn in the classroom.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have really enjoyed getting to know my teachers and building relationships with coaches. CA has a great tightknit community that allows us to get to know our teachers better.

Senior Year Highlight: I have enjoyed getting into the classes I have been waiting to take all of high school. It is nice to know that I have college to look forward to.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: CA has gotten me involved in so many genres of extracurriculars I never thought I would try. While I have not continued all of them, CA pushed me to explore Speech and Debate, computer programming, as well as Soccer and Tennis.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In 10 years, I hope to be living somewhere sunny, on a beach, with a dog by my side.

Immediate Plans: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., to study Biomedical Engineering.

Bela Caitlin Chaudhuri

At CA Since: Ninth Grade Powerful/Transformational

Experience: I really enjoyed writing my short story in Fiction Writing Junior year. I absolutely loved working with Mr. Holland and the rest of my class to put together full stories. My final product, “Two Hues of Blue,” is the longest piece of writing I have ever completed, and I love how I explored contrast and metaphors. This class allowed me to develop my writing style, support my classmates, and create a piece of writing that I am proud of.

Community Impact Project: HOPE Language and Logistics Section—I developed a completely new section for HOPE that handled logistics, from signs to T-shirts, as well as translating for Spanish-speaking families on the day of the event. We worked with over 900 people that primarily spoke Spanish and helped them truly experience HOPE.

Senior Year Highlight: One highlight of my Senior year is my Advanced Topics in Math class. It is such a fun class with so much learning, exploration, and curiosity. My five classmates and I have tackled Lagrange Multipliers, path of steepest ascent, partial derivatives, and much more captivating math. The class expands on the math we have learned—taking our 2D calculus knowledge into 3D and applying it to more complicated, real-world scenarios.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I never imagined that I would make Varsity Volleyball, and I had so much fun on the team. I wouldn’t have guessed that Choir and Chanteurs would become an integral part of my CA career, but I wouldn’t trade the choir community for anything. I also surprised myself in my dedication to HOPE and clubs—being a part of CA’s amazing DnD club or being the leader of the Vintage Radio Tea Club.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be part of higher education, working in a lab somewhere. I would love to be pursuing a PhD and teaching at a university.

Immediate Plans: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., to study Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and minor in Mathematics.

Ellen Annette Clowes

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A transformative experience at CA for me was my first history elective, the History of Diseases. The class was taught by Ms. Sarles, and before her class, I never really enjoyed history. However, her engaging teaching style and passion for her work turned my view around, and history is now one of my favorite courses.

Community Impact Project: I worked with my grandmother’s organization, Summit in Honduras. I traveled to Honduras with her and a team of doctors, where we spent a week traveling around villages and providing medical care. We provided screenings with patients, referrals to local clinics, and various types of medicines. This project combines my passion for the medical field with my passion for serving others, both of which I plan to continue pursuing in the future. Additionally, traveling to Honduras gave me insight into a culture beyond mine and helped expand my global perspective.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was serving as Co-President of HOPE. I find it is such an amazing display of what our community can achieve and our passion to better the world.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself with how broad my passions are. When I started high school, I had a one-track mind that I was good at the sciences and that I should just stick to that. However, CA’s holistic approach to learning pushed me to take classes in all disciplines, and I found my passion for history, fine arts, and English. Freshman year, I would have never thought that I would be taking any history classes beyond what was required, never mind actually enjoying them. My ASR Superpowers class is one of my favorite classes this year and thanks to my English teachers, I may just take a few English courses next year in college.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be backpacking around the world. I love being disconnected from the world for a little bit and the feeling of accomplishment after a long day of hiking.

Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Abigail (Abby) Ayars Cohen

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: While in Junior Writing Seminar, I gained the most knowledge about essay writing I have in my time as a student. I am now much more confident in my writing thanks to Mr. Stanitski, and even ended up using an essay I wrote in his class as the basis for my college essay.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project was working with Ms. Page to teach Lower School students about outdoor education. I read books aloud, supervised time exploring, and taught them essential survival skills. It was a great experience and combined two of my favorite things: working with kids and being in nature.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by joining REDI Lab as a Senior. It is something I didn’t plan on doing until the end of the first trimester, and I ended up loving it. The opportunity to guide my own learning and think in new ways has been unparalleled.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Although it’s really hard to be yourself when you don’t know who you are yet, I encourage you to take opportunities to take classes and pursue things that you’re passionate or curious about. Along with that, be open to making new friends and expanding your circle because you might come across an unexpected friendship that lasts through life.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I hope to be proud of where I am. I hope that I am working in a place that I love, where my passions and values are able to shine through.

Immediate Plans: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif., to study Psychology, Exercise Science, and/ or Nutrition.

Charlotte Mills Corkins

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Winning the State Lacrosse Championship four years in a row is a one-of-a-kind experience that exemplifies the unique teamwork and dedication I was able to be a part of. My favorite memories during each season are not the big moments but rather the small ones like water balloon fights, Spring Break trips, long car rides together, and our annual pho dinner before State. These little moments speak volumes about the sisterhood that was formed and remind me that I’m lucky to be a part of something greater than myself.

Community Impact Project: I assisted neuro-diverse teens through the organization R.E.V.E.L., teaching them skills through outdoor experiences. It was incredible watching the growth of each individual, whether it was on a hike or following a recipe in the kitchen.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my year was the CA vs. Kent Showdown Series. It was awesome being able to cheer on my classmates and see all the camaraderie CA has built.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by developing an interest in Photography and becoming a part of the Photography Portfolio Program. Getting the opportunity to surround myself with a group of people who pushed me to explore what it means to be an artist and inspired me to get uncomfortable is something I never thought I would be a part of.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try new things! I had never picked up a field hockey stick before joining CA’s Field Hockey program in Ninth Grade. It quickly became one of my favorite activities at CA and the main way I met some of my best friends. The memories I made on C-Team Field Hockey are ones I’ll remember for a long time.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be a part of something I am passionate about, doing some kind of job where I’m able to learn about people and help others. I hope to establish a program or organization that helps keep young girls in sports and fosters their growth as leaders.

Immediate Plans:

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., to play Lacrosse.

Garrett Chase Davidson

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: In Ms. Wolf-Tinsman’s Gender Studies class, I wrote a paper on the gender disparities in tenured faculty at elite universities. This class forced me to understand how gender norms influence my education and made me see that I have a responsibility to actively change those norms.

Community Impact Project: I am the founder and copresident of Musicians United for Change (MUC). MUC is a youth-run nonprofit that strives to break down demographic barriers to music, spread joy through music’s universal language, and inspire kids to take action to support their communities.

Favorite CA Tradition: I don’t know where I would be without my advisory. Like a family, every person has their differences and quirks, yet we all embrace those differences and love each other. They are my home in the school. #Sitja4Life

How I Have Surprised

Myself

at CA: In Kindergarten, I labeled myself as an introvert, the kid who found more joy in playing alone. Now, I don’t want to learn without the insights and compassion of my peers and the respect they show to one another. There is both time and a necessity for working alone, but I now see that, for me, the thinking cannot come without a community to inspire the ideas.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

My parents, grandparents, sister, teachers, and peers have invested so much in my education, so, I hope to be investing myself in something that shows how appreciative I am of their commitment to me.

Immediate Plans: Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., to study Bioengineering or Electrical Engineering.

Logan Isaac Day-Richter

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A particularly meaningful assignment for me was the final research project in the Superpowers ASR class, where I researched the economies of China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This assignment was the culmination of my interest in political science throughout high school combined with my writing, research, and reasoning skills.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered with Food Bank of the Rockies. This project helped me understand the food distribution process, the scope of impact, and how best to address food insecurity.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

One of my favorite moments each year at CA has been the annual ice climbing trip, organized through CA’s Outdoor Program. I have loved the opportunity to try something new and adventurous, all while doing so with a community who is also excited to be there.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of this past year has been climbing with CA’s Climbing Team for my fourth year.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: By Senior year, I discovered a love for learning languages. This year, I took classes in both Spanish and Chinese, and have found both to be very exciting.

I am fascinated by the study of languages, and also find it meaningful to support communication by breaking down language barriers.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Perhaps I’ll find myself in the legal field, hopefully in Colorado.

Immediate Plans: Yale University, New Haven, Conn., to study Political Science.

Miles Makoa Evans

At CA Since: First Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Taking Photography Portfolio Senior year. This class gives you the flexibility to create and do whatever you’d like and turn it into art.

Community Impact Project: Red Fern Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization that collects sheltered, abandoned, and stray animals from Texas and sends the animals to Colorado. Texas has a large number of abandoned animals, and with this mission by Red Fern, animals can be fostered to adopt, while being taken care of by volunteers.

Senior Year Highlight: The Baseball season! I just love the Baseball Team culture. It is just such an amazing experience, making a deep run to the playoffs with CA’s talented squad.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Something that has surprised me at Colorado Academy is how much improvement I have seen in myself as a student and individual.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: My advice is to stay on schedule and work hard. I had a rough Freshman and Sophomore year, especially coming out of COVID, but despite setbacks, I kept pushing because hard work does eventually pay off.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: My goal for my future is solely to be excited and happy with wherever I am.

Immediate Plans: Elon University, Elon, N.C.

Daniel Blewer Farmer

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most transformative experiences at CA was participating in the Global Water Challenge in Sixth Grade. Working on initiatives to increase awareness of water crises across the world opened my eyes to the importance of environmental stewardship and shaped my commitment to sustainability.

Community Impact Project: I served as the Co-President of HOPE. HOPE is a special, annual, student-run event at CA where we bring people to campus to receive food, clothing, medical services, and holiday gifts. This year we were able to serve almost 1,000 people!

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Annual Gingerbread House Making Challenge. The vibrant atmosphere and the sense of community have always made it a memorable and cherished tradition for me.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The sense of belonging and camaraderie within the CA community has consistently brought me happiness. Whether collaborating on projects, celebrating achievements, or supporting each other during challenges, the strong sense of unity at CA has been a source of joy.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my Senior year was writing my ASR Philosophy and Literature culminating research project. It provided an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout my time at CA to address a real-world issue, and the collaborative nature of the project made it a memorable experience.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be still learning every day!

Immediate Plans: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., to study Engineering.

Winifred (Winnie) Brisben Fenton

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Junior year, I participated in REDI Lab. It was uncomfortable, unconventional, and allowed me to explore a world I would say was the exact opposite of my day-to-day life. The day of our presentations could not have gone better, and I am so proud of the group for the hard work, stress, and tears they put into their projects.

Community Impact Project: As a longtime volunteer with the Food Bank of the Rockies, my CIP project revolved around sorting, packing, and distributing food to those in need.

Favorite CA Tradition:

My favorite CA tradition is undoubtedly my advisory. Over the past four years, even with advisor changes, we’ve fostered an incredible bond that transcends typical classroom dynamics. Celebrating both big and small victories together, we’ve become a support system for each other. #Sitja4Life

Senior Year Highlight: One of my favorite memories of Senior year was the CLT retreat in Leadville, Colo. Being able to enjoy people outside my circle of friends and hearing their stories while sitting around the fire were truly as good as it gets.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I hope to have lots of months of travel under my belt, checking off my top two bucket list items of 1) going skydiving, and 2) seeing the Northern Lights.

Immediate Plans: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.

Carson James Flottman

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My most transformational experience while at CA was taking Chinese all four years. I came into high school having a pessimistic view of learning a world language, but I am leaving having a great passion for the language and culture of China. Ms. Wei motivated me and introduced me to the culture and the language and I am forever grateful.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at Open Arms Food Bank in Littleton with my friend Owen Kocher. We helped give out food while also gaining a deeper understanding of the food insecurity issues in our community.

Senior Year Highlight: The CLT retreat because I got to get to know and talk to peers that I did not know well before the retreat. While on the retreat, I gained deeper understanding of myself as well as my leadership style.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I am surprised about my growing passion for photography. Throughout high school, I gained a deeper understanding of myself through photography by expressing myself in a non-traditional way.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be happy as well as creating a positive impact on my community and the world.

Immediate Plans: Chapman University, Orange, Calif.

Francesca Marie Fucarino

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: While studying academic burnout in REDI Lab, I was able to meet with several inspiring educational leaders and have my perspective on the educational world changed. I also felt that the lessons I learned about empathy, thinking differently, and being an innovator made me a better person and taught me how to be a more considerate and thoughtful friend of the world.

Community Impact Project: I worked on the Youth Advisory Board at the Young Americans Center for Financial Education. While on the board, I helped to organize competitions and mentorship programs for Colorado’s youngest entrepreneurs, held marketplaces for Colorado locals to support youth businesses, developed financial literacy classes for elementary, middle, and high school students, helped create a nonprofit podcast to educate teens on financial literacy, and helped push for a financial literacy graduation requirement in Colorado public high schools.

Favorite CA Tradition: The Homecoming Pep Rally is one of my favorite events in CA! It’s one of the few times that the whole school gathers to celebrate CA, and I love that I get to see just how big the community I’m a part of truly is. Plus, I always love seeing Gus!

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

Being a sports manager and managing the Basketball and Baseball Teams were some of my favorite experiences at CA. While I played sports of my own, I loved being able to manage other teams, as I felt I got to meet new people and find a family within each of these teams I managed.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Hopefully working at an investment banking firm as a Mergers and Acquisitions analyst.

Immediate Plans: Boston University, Boston, Mass., to study Finance.

Caroline Connell Gaghen

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One transformative experience for me was REDI Lab. Having an entire loosely structured trimester was intimidating at first, but once I got into the swing of things, I found myself able to take more initiative and act more independently.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project was taking an FBI Safety Training course. This training was designed to teach students and faculty members what to do in the case of an active shooter.

Favorite CA Tradition: Interim has always been one of my favorite CA traditions. I love how it creates an environment for students to meet different people. I have always left Interim with new friends!

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Creating relationships with friends and teachers that will extend after graduation has made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been becoming friends with people I have gone to school with for years and have only recently really gotten to know.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by how much I have grown. When I first started CA as a Seventh Grader, I was shy and afraid to try new things. Now I seek out new opportunities!

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would advise incoming Ninth Graders to take advantage of every opportunity they are given; there are so many!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have an impactful career—and definitely a dog.

Immediate Plans: Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt., to study Economics.

Estella James Alvarado Geller

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The Homecoming of my Senior year remains etched in my memory as one of the most unforgettable experiences. Being a part of C-Club added an extra layer of joy to the event, especially because my fellow club members and I took the initiative to introduce brand-new traditions for the Pep Rally this year! It was a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the vibrant spirit of our school community and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

Community Impact Project: Annie Smith and I dedicated our time to the Denver Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen as part of our Community Impact Project. Together, we prepared and served nourishing soups, engaged with guests, and collaborated with volunteers spanning various age groups. This experience empowered us to make a tangible difference, forge meaningful relationships, and appreciate the value of philanthropy.

Favorite CA Tradition: The talent show before Winter Break at Colorado Academy holds a special place in my heart as my favorite school tradition. Witnessing my classmates take the stage to showcase their unique talents is an experience that brings our community together in a way like no other.

Senior Year Highlight: Winning the Field Hockey State Championship is a highlight that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Sharing this triumph with my teammates, who also happen to be my best friends, made the victory even more meaningful.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: CA has provided me with an environment where I’ve felt the freedom to truly be myself. It’s become a safe haven, allowing me to pursue my passions without fear and embrace my authentic self.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I’ll be living in Hawaii and pursuing a job in marine biology. I hope I am married and have a house overlooking the ocean.

Immediate Plans: Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., to study Biology and play Lacrosse.

Phillip Michael Gershovich

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A powerful experience for me at CA was HOPE because it involved so much collaboration between many students and organizations. It was very rewarding when it all paid off, and we could make people’s lives better.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered for 45 hours at the Food Bank of the Rockies and helped out in the warehouse, kitchen, and at some of the mobile pantries.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite tradition at CA is the Homecoming Pep Rally because it’s a great way to connect all the grades at the school and show school spirit.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Finding friends that I will continue to keep in touch with forever has made me happiest at CA.

Senior Year Highlight: Winning a second Soccer State Championship in two years was my highlight of Senior year because it was incredible to be able to work hard for a common goal with a lot of my friends.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself at CA because I was able to discover some of my academic interests more quickly than I originally anticipated, and certain subjects that I didn’t like in Middle School turned out to be much better when I gave them a second chance.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Take advantage of Help Time; it can be intimidating at first but it can really help a lot.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be traveling the world and working a job that I will enjoy.

Immediate Plans: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, to study Computer Science and Linguistics.

Sophia (Sophie) Gomez

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Community Impact Project: I was a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. We were assigned to any room in order to help a patient feel emotionally supported during their difficult time.

Favorite CA Tradition: Giant Relay Day because of the school spirit it creates. I also love how the entire CA community comes together.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The amazing people I have met. They made such a large difference in my life, and I know I will carry many of those friendships with me for the rest of my life.

Senior Year Highlight: Being Co-President of Community Council and being able to represent the CA student body have been highlights.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself when I got an A in AP Physics my first tri Senior year.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: If it’s not going to matter in three years, don’t let it bother you for three minutes.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be in a surgical residency program.

Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., to study Biology on the Pre-Health track with a minor in Philosophy.

Alexander (Alex) Thomas Gonzales

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

An especially meaningful experience that I have had at CA is being on the Ice Hockey Team. Through Hockey, I have made some of my best friends in high school, and it has also allowed me to become the person I am today by teaching me the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. In particular, competing in the 4A State Championship Sophomore year was a powerful experience as I have never felt as connected to a team as I did that year.

Community Impact Project:

I volunteered at the SAME (So All May Eat) Café in Denver. The SAME Café is a pay-what-you-can café where the unhoused and those facing food insecurity can come to have a hot meal and make a new friend. I worked in every part of the café, from cleaning the bathrooms, to chopping vegetables in the kitchen, and even serving customers at the front.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Homecoming Pep Rally. As a Senior, I got to realize my dreams of being on the C-Club and ignite so much school spirit. The sheer magnitude of spirit that we have at our school is something unique to CA and cannot be found at schools of similar size.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have loved coming to school every day and being surrounded by a community of students and teachers as passionate about learning as I am. It has been a true privilege to be surrounded by people who are so curious and positive.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Align your actions with your values.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living happily and meaningfully.

Immediate Plans: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., to study Finance.

Alex Green

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I really enjoyed participating in the Theater Department at CA. I have met so many amazing people and have had so many cool experiences.

Community Impact Project: I worked with young children at another school to put together gift bags for families facing resource challenges.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the first day of school when all the Seniors decorate the front of the school and welcome all the Ninth Graders into the new year. It was a little scary when I was a Freshman, but was really fun to do with friends my Senior year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

Getting to take so many interesting classes and extracurricular activities

Senior Year Highlight: Taking the final bow on closing night of Radium Girls. I had worked so hard on the show with so many incredible people, and it was over just like that.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: How many new things I was able to try while also staying above water on school work.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth

Graders: Try everything you can. I promise you will be a different person coming into high school as you are leaving it.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living in a city, baking my heart away.

Immediate Plans: Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa.

Sonia Hope Gustavson

At CA Since: Tenth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had was when I went to the Island School in the Bahamas for Interim. I learned so much, and it was such a unique opportunity.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at a local resale shop called EChO where the proceeds go to underserved people in our community. I worked in the back room, steaming and organizing clothes and other merchandise.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite tradition is Taste of CA. I have great memories of going with my friends every year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Meeting some of my best friends has made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting into college has been a highlight of my Senior year.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself during my time at CA by becoming more outgoing.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Getting close to people takes time. You don’t have to rush it.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Being successful doing a job I love, preferably in a city.

Immediate Plans: New York University, New York, N.Y., to study Pre-Med/Linguistics.

Gatsby Van Gutsch

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: As a Junior, under CA’s independent sports credit option, I played football at Mullen. This was a transformational experience because I was able to meet new people and be constantly challenged and working hard to achieve our goal.

Community Impact Project: I help dogs find homes at the Red Fern shelter. This is meaningful because I love animals and want all animals to have a family.

Favorite CA Tradition: I like Interim because it is a great change of pace from school and helps you go into summer feeling great. It also helps you connect with people from a wide variety of grades and see the teachers outside of the classroom.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Sports helped me make new friends and opened my eyes to the opportunities that CA has to offer. It also taught me life lessons like if you work hard now, you will better set yourself up for your future.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Easy choices, hard life, hard choices, easy life. This is a quote my dad has said to me and it stuck. CA has helped me push myself.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Play sports and believe in yourself. There is only one you, and you are special. Never lose sight of who you truly are.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

I hope to be a graduate from law school and have served four years in the Marines as an enlisted officer. I want to be in the Marine Recon Division helping to make the world a better place. After my service, I want to become a lawyer. It has always been my dream, and I would want nothing more than to be a successful partner at a large firm in Denver or Missoula, Mont.

Immediate Plans: The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan., to study History, on a Pre-Law track.

Gabriel (Gabe) Aladar Herman

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: During my Interim trips, I was a part of groups with people I don’t often hang out with at school and, in just a week, I became closer with everyone—including the teachers. I always chose active trips in the outdoors that embraced experiences that don’t happen in the school setting.

Community Impact Project: For my CIP, I volunteered with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) and helped teach those with ability challenges how to ski and enjoy what I love most.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite tradition at CA is the All-School Picnic before the start of the new school year. It is great to see familiar faces and observe the community coming back together after summer break.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I am grateful to have achieved longlasting friendships and formed impactful relationships with faculty.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been leading and being a part of the traditions that the Seniors before me always did. For instance, leading the Ninth Graders into school on the first day and spending time with my Kindergarten Buddy were great moments.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by seeing how I have handled the highs and lows of Senior year. I have really tested and prepared myself for future experiences.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Enjoy this opportunity in your lives and appreciate every moment. These past four years have gone by so quickly for me, and it’s important to take it in every once and a while.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I hope to be living my best life, enjoying whatever I may be doing and learning through the experiences I encounter.

Immediate Plans: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Walker Evan Hughes

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: In my social studies elective Genocide class with Mr. Martinez, I researched family recipes that survivors carried with them while fleeing from violence. I prepared a meat pizza dish from Iraq and shared it with the class. This assignment opened my eyes to the culture and heritage of nations around the world, and I got to eat delicious cuisines as well.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, packing non-perishable foods and delivering them to families facing food insecurity.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Interim because it is an opportunity to explore your passions. For example, my Junior year I signed up for Ukulele Building, where I was able to learn a lot about woodworking while being creative and personalizing my instrument to my liking.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Forging friendships, learning lessons, and cherishing memories.

Senior Year Highlight: Spending time with my Kindergarten Buddy and reminiscing about my childhood.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: By trying new things!

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Go outside of your comfort zone and join clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Most of all, have fun!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Successful in my field and happy with my life and who I’ve become. Immediate Plans: University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., to study Business, Computer Science, or Engineering.

Nicholas (Nic) Finley Jeffries

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Writing my Junior year speech in Rhetoric class on processed foods. Through this experience, I got to learn about the intricacies of the food industry and how to properly research.

Community Impact Project: My CIP is through the Community Ministry Pantry. There, I created holiday food boxes containing traditional food items, such as canned fruits and vegetables, stuffing, potatoes, pie or cake mixes, etc., to distribute.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being a part of two Varsity sports teams—Soccer and Lacrosse. I’ve become much closer with my teammates, beyond the classroom or field.

Senior Year Highlight: Winning another State Championship in Soccer and winning team Offensive Player of the Year and CHSAA 2nd Team All-State.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I thought I would have the same tightly knit friend group from Middle School, but Ninth Grade year, I met a ton of new people who are now my best friends.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Spend time with your family and friends as much as you can. High school will fly by, and you want to spend your time wisely.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living somewhere with good weather and a dog.

Immediate Plans: Tulane University, New Orleans, La., to study Business.

Clayton Cassimus Johnson

At CA Since: Second Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience:

One meaningful assignment that I had was a history assignment to create a research proposal for my ideal form of education. I made connections back to my REDI Lab project because that form of education had worked well for me.

Community Impact Project:

I volunteered to teach younger kids tennis. This involved feeding them balls, working on their strokes, and helping them embrace the mental side of the game.

Favorite CA Tradition:

Woody’s Pond. It might not be considered a tradition, but having a science classroom for Lower Schoolers on a pond and so far away from the Lower School, is such a fantastic idea that can help raise a collective interest in science for the youth of CA.

Senior Year Highlight:

My discovery of the intricacy and care dedicated to the music program here at CA. I’m currently associated with four different musical activities—Choir, Rock Band, guitar lessons, and Music Theory. This interest in music brings somewhat of a pang of regret for not having found these opportunities, or this passion, earlier. But I guess it takes nearing the end of something to make you realize that you want to squeeze everything out of it before it ends.

Immediate Plans: St. John’s College, Santa Fe, N.M., to study Philosophy.

Grant Thomas Kenney

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Going to Crow Canyon in Fifth Grade. Getting to spend a week away from school and learning about and seeing the remains of the indigenous cultures we had covered the entire year was a really amazing experience.

Community Impact Project: I helped with CA’s free Book Sale. This event took place on the Saturday after the CA Used Book Sale. I spent time sorting books, helping teachers find books, and carrying boxes to cars.

Favorite CA Tradition:

Calling out all of the Seniors’ names at the beginning and the end of the year. I like how it takes a moment to individually acknowledge how far all of the Seniors have come both individually and together.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

Working in Tech Theater. It is what originally got me involved in high school theater, and it is my favorite class. It has introduced me to so many new people and given me so many useful skills both in the class and as a stage manager.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting to make the announcement at the end of the fall play preview about when the shows are and where to buy tickets.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: It is important to be equally respectful to others and yourself.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In medical residency or working in a medical science field.

Immediate Plans: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif., to study Chemistry.

Owen Randall Kocher

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most transformational experience has been taking AP European History. It was really humbling because you have to work really hard in that class. It made me like history even more—I learned a lot and the class was very fun.

Community Impact Project: My CIP was volunteering at my local food bank; I sorted and packed donations.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Homecoming Pep Rally. I like how the whole school is there and gets excited for the games the next day and the Homecoming night.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: What has made me happiest at CA is playing sports. It was great making friends on the team and playing alongside them.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been golfing during my free blocks.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by taking a bunch of different classes like computer science, history, and art. I didn’t think I would be interested in any of these things, but they helped me decide what I want to do in college.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try not to stress too much over a bad grade.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

Hopefully living in Wyoming on a ranch. Immediate Plans: Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., to study Finance.

Helaina Lil Korneffel

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful assignment I have ever completed was a presentation on the constitutional right to student free speech in the Supreme Court class. I learned a lot about how people have chosen to express themselves, and it forced me to consider how I express myself and whether my expression should be limited and why.

Community Impact Project: Helping out with the CA Used Book Sale on the free distribution day to ensure that all families can have access to literature.

Favorite CA Tradition: Senior-Kindergarten Buddies, or even just the buddy program in general. I love the ability to connect with the entire school. I remember when I was a Kindergartner, my Senior Buddy gave me someone to look up to and inspiration to be the best and most active student I could be.

Senior Year Highlight: The first day of school and the preparation for it. There was a shift, and suddenly everyone wanted to be friends, have fun, and be optimistic.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I surprised myself through the way I have developed. I used to be a quiet and semiweird kid who sat in the corner alone, but now I am social and highly involved in many communities and activities.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Manage your time, join clubs, don’t try to be best friends with everyone, but try to be friends, and if you are given two weeks to do an assignment, do it over the two weeks, not in one night.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I just hope to be happy and satisfied.

Immediate Plans: Scripps College, Claremont, Calif., to study Biology and History.

Hailey Jean Krueger

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I was able to attend two summer programs while at CA, one at St. John’s College in New Mexico and the other at the School of the New York Times. Both were incredible experiences to travel, meet like-minded people, and do meaningful work toward my passion. But beyond the programs themselves, the help from CA was incredible. The kindness and dedication from the Financial Access Office helped me push the limits and take advantage of opportunities I had worked toward. The help I received has taught me about the compassion of others, and I strive to match their kindness everyday.

Community Impact Project:

I partnered with St. Elizabeth’s School Kindergarten class to prepare care packages for families from underserved communities.

Favorite CA Tradition: Every spring for my first three years at CA, I looked forward to seeing the Senior Portfolio Shows and imagining what I would do for mine. Now, being on the artist side Senior year, I’m even more excited about this tradition.

Senior Year Highlight: I can’t pinpoint just one highlight. I became co-leader of Book Club this year, which has been a challenging, but fun experience. I love having absolute freedom of space and time in Studio Art Portfolio and finding my style.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Starting at CA, I didn’t really know who I was or what I liked, and my plans for the future were formed from flimsy ideas of what I thought was respectable. By the time I started Junior year, I finally felt like I had figured it out. I began writing articles and stories, solidified my passion in REDI Lab, found a community of writers, and am now working towards a career I never before thought possible.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be in the midst of my career as a writer, either traveling the world to tell people’s stories as a journalist, or taking time to write books as an author.

Immediate Plans: Smith College, Northampton, Mass., to study English.

Reagan Ann Lane

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My independent study in novel writing has been a transformational experience. I studied works of fiction and books about writing fiction, but informally studied movies, videos, and television shows to absorb inspiration and understanding of plot and dialogue. I learned my strengths and weaknesses in writing, and gained skills in writing, revising, and editing my own work effectively. My writing and thinking have truly transformed, and I am so grateful to Mr. Delgado for sponsoring me in my studies.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project is Stitching Smiles, in which I donated over 30 handmade stuffed animals to local fire stations. Crocheting has been an amazing creative outlet for me to destress, and I wanted to use my hobby to bring joy to children in difficult situations.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: At CA, the support of an amazing teaching staff has made me the happiest. Much of my personal growth has been influenced in some way by the academic support and freedom I have had.

Senior Year Highlight: The Volleyball season was a highlight of my Senior year. I have grown up a lot with the team and I love my teammates, so playing my final season with them as a Captain was amazing.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Since I was an avid fantasy reader as a kid, and enjoyed reading so much, I was surprised to develop an enjoyment for math and science and to end up pursuing a college major in science.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would advise incoming Ninth Graders to focus on what they find most compelling and to continue enjoying their hobbies when life gets busy.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I hope to be living somewhere with mountains, working a job that is fulfilling, and traveling often for inspiration. Immediate Plans: Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y., to study Physics.

Jessica Rose Lapidus

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most powerful experiences I have had at CA has been within HOPE. My Junior year, along with the clothing directors, we decided to create a section dedicated to providing newly purchased socks to those who attend the event.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered for There With Care, an organization which seeks to provide community, care, and necessary services to families with children who are facing critical illnesses.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition has always been the Kindergartners vs. Dr. Davis race on Giant Relay Day. I can still remember racing full speed after our Head of School.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The community that has grown up together in our grade has made me the happiest at CA. Some of my best friends from Pre-Kindergarten, that I grew up playing soccer and skiing with, are the same people who stood around me as I opened my college acceptance letter. Even more, that within a community so tight knit, the other half of my closest group has come in later grades and always been welcomed with open arms. The Class of 2024 is one I will always be grateful to have been able to grow up with.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been winning the State Field Hockey Championship. While it was never going to be easy to say goodbye to the Field Hockey program, finishing the perfect undefeated season surrounded by my best friends to win our second State Championship in a row with my entire family cheering in the stands was the best end I could ask for.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Mock Trial has been the biggest surprise to me. As a person who generally defines themselves as a STEM-focused student, delving into a club defined by public speaking, writing, and acting as faux lawyers was not what I had expected as a Ninth Grader. Yet, now as I graduate, this club will be one of the things that taught me the most about myself during my time at CA.

Immediate Plans: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., to study Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and play Field Hockey.

Avia Rose Lauchli

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: In my Junior year English class, we had no prompt for the final. So I decided to not write an essay but instead craft an entire papier mâché sculpture. I got to tap into my creative side that I hadn’t been able to before. I had only taken a few art classes.

Community Impact Project:

I founded a company called TwoBars, which creates filling and delicious nutrition bars. Inspired by Bombas socks and TOMS shoes, our mission is to donate a bar for each one we sell. Working with a manufacturing company, we secured a pallet of 6,000 TwoBars. Through hard work and advertising, I successfully sold 3,000 bars and was then able to donate 3,000 to students at DPS schools. I also packed sack lunches filled with TwoBars for hungry kids in Denver.

Favorite CA Tradition: Junior year Interim, we were in the middle of nowhere in New Mexico, in a canyon, when a huge thunderstorm hit and blew our entire tarp away. All of our stuff was soaked in the morning, so we hiked out in our squishy shoes. It was a very chaotic situation that turned into a fun story.

Senior Year Highlight: Being able to take any classes I want, regardless of how college admissions would see them. It has let me enjoy learning so much more, and I look forward to every single class.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try to find something you love to do and focus on that. I think a lot of people go into high school having zero clue what they want to spend their time doing, but once you find out what you’re passionate about, not only will you enjoy school and learn more, but when it’s finally time to start researching colleges, you’ll have somewhere to start.

Immediate Plans: Southern Methodist University, University Park, Texas, to study Business.

Sydney Alessia Leach

At CA Since: Fifth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I wrote my Sophomore research paper about the history of Black midwifery and obstetrics in the United States. It was my first time dedicating energy to a paper because I was engrossed in the topic, not just for an assignment. It changed how I write.

Community Impact Project: I’m a birth doula, which means that I support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I’m on call for private clients as well as working for Denver Health as part of their Volunteer Doula Program.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I’ve lifted with Coach Kirk every trimester of high school except for one. His class has been one of the best parts of each year; I feel known, confident, and strong in that space. It’s been the most constant part of my day.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my Senior year was finishing all 14ers in Colorado. It had been a goal of mine since Fifth Grade. I hiked/skied the majority of them during my Junior year, and standing on the summit of Ellingwood Point in September was incredibly rewarding.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I continued to make friends every year, though I expected to have met everyone by the time I graduated. It’s been so fun to get closer to people I thought I knew before. I also became obsessed with Ultimate Frisbee my Junior year, a sport which I’d never played.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would tell CA Ninth Graders to do a couple of things: first, go on an away trip for Interim. I connected with so many people in other grades on camping trips, and felt much more present than I would have otherwise. In the same vein, go on the extra CA outdoors trips— like the backcountry hut trips. Join a lot of groups to keep your world big, but know that you can quit things if they’re not worth your energy.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have had the best time in college and feel connected to friends all over the country, potentially finishing medical school, and living somewhere where I can spend meaningful time in the outdoors.

Immediate Plans: Yale University, New Haven, Conn., to study Humanities.

Kate Elizabeth Lichtenberger

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: REDI Lab was a very meaningful experience for me. I was given the time and space to learn what I am interested in, and what I want to do with my life. Through this project, I found many new passions and learned a lot about who I am as a person.

Community Impact Project: I worked with Clothes to Kids, a nonprofit organization, to help clothe less fortunate kids. I spent many hours organizing clothes, cleaning up the store, or doing laundry to help the store feel like a typical boutique environment. Through this work, I was able to help kids feel more confident in their new clothes, and as a result, more confident in the classroom.

Favorite CA Tradition: Winning the Girls Lacrosse State Title—after so many consecutive wins, it feels like a tradition at this point.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have made such good friends since being at CA, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Having such great friends has made school so much easier and more fun. Especially during Senior year, we have all grown much closer.

Senior Year Highlight: On the first day of school, we got to welcome all of the Ninth Graders. I remembered when I was in Ninth Grade, scared yet so excited to walk through and meet everyone, so it was fun to be able to make it a welcoming and fun experience.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Since starting at CA, I have been able to try so many different topics I would’ve never thought I’d be interested in before. After taking a required computer science class, I found that I truly loved this subject, and have taken it every year since.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would tell them that friend groups change so much, and that if something goes wrong, it will be hard, but everything truly works out in the end.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a decade, I hope to be living in a big city working at a major corporation, and owning my own place.

Immediate Plans: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., to study Marketing.

Jackson Forest Lieberman

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: An especially meaningful experience I’ve had at CA is going on an advisory service trip to Casa de Paz. Casa de Paz is a nonprofit organization that helps reunite families that have been separated by ICE immigrant detention centers.

Community Impact Project:

My Community Impact Project was volunteering at the Food Bank of the Rockies. My friend Phillip Gershovich and I volunteered more than 45 hours, in which we helped sort, package, and deliver food to communities facing food insecurity.

Favorite CA Tradition:

My favorite CA tradition is dressing up during game days for Soccer. It symbolized being a part of a team and made me excited to play.

What Made Me Happiest

at CA: Making new friends and building relationships.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was winning back-to-back State Championships in Soccer alongside my friends. How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by being more social and putting myself outside my comfort zone.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Focus more on the people you meet and the relationships you make rather than school work itself.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be in a position to help others less fortunate. Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., to study Political Science.

Colin Michael Love

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Tutoring a third grade student, Paula, for two years through Horizons was especially meaningful to me. It made me realize the value of being a teacher, and bled into so many other facets of my life: learning to be a fly fishing guide, coaching younger kids in baseball, being an older brother, being a camp counselor, serving on Community Leadership Team, and even doing presentations and leading discussions in the classroom.

Being a leader of CA Baseball’s 2023 playoff run was absolutely transformative. After losing numerous key Seniors and having a rocky regular season, finishing ranked #11, we beat the #6, #3, #2, and almost the #1 seed all in the span of 3 weeks. Coach Evan (a former CA player) told us: “When you look back on your time as a CA baseball player, what you’ll remember most are the big moments. Go make your moment.”

Community Impact Project:

Willy Stettner and I spent a day cleaning up trash, maintaining trails, and protecting trout habitat along the South Platte River.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My favorite classes, especially AP European History, American Literature, Ideas and Inventions ASR, Literature of Place and Self, Economics and Finance, and Philosophy and Literature ASR. Always having a discussion to look forward to makes every day exciting and intellectually stimulating.

Senior Year Highlight: Going to concerts at Red Rocks and fly fishing trips with my friends.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: CA is like a candy store. Take advantage of every single opportunity that you can (especially REDI Lab). And talk to your teachers.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Living in Telluride, Colo., or on an island.

Immediate Plans: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, to study Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics (PPE).

Brady Robert Martin

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: There was a point near the end of my Junior year where I realized how much opportunity I have just going to CA. With colleges and summer programs etc., I just realized how fortunate I am.

Community Impact Project: My project was helping kids learn about the outdoors through our EELS (Experiential Education Leadership Students) program at CA. We take young students on field trips and on-campus excursions in order to teach them about the outdoors.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The choir, theater, and overall music communities at CA made me the happiest. They’re my escape from reality, and even when I’m having a bad day, someone in that department always knows how to cheer me up.

Senior Year Highlight: I think the highlights of my Senior year are the performances I’ve been in. It’s always so fun to rehearse and perform with my friends; we always laugh and have so much fun.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

First trimester of Senior year, I got the best grades I’ve had since I was in Middle School, and I was very surprised how easy it was for me to apply myself when I’m actually interested in the classes that I’m taking.

Advice for Incoming CA

Ninth Graders: Try the arts; you might find something you love.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be in a job as an assistant professor of piano, with a successful competition and concert career on top of that.

Immediate Plans: St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., to study Piano Performance.

Zoe Addison Martin

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most powerful assignments I’ve had has been completing a trimester independent study. I was able to develop and experience the class at my own pace. I learned how to time manage and really enjoyed the class while doing so.

Community Impact Project: I helped run a 5K for the Joshua School for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental challenges. This 5K run raised money for the school and was a great opportunity to bring many students, teachers, families, and volunteers together to support the school. I chose my CIP because I wanted to do something that benefited my older sister who is a student at the Joshua School.

Favorite CA Tradition: Touching the orange before the Girls Lacrosse State Championship game. I love how this connects all the teams and players from previous years.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Making friends through the Lacrosse and Field Hockey programs. Spending time with people I normally wouldn’t has been a great opportunity for me to make friends in grades above and below me.

Senior Year Highlight: Winning State in Field Hockey.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have taken many arts classes that I normally wouldn’t. I have been in Musical Theater, Vertical Dance, and Acting.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: High school goes by so quickly. Slow down and enjoy everything you do.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to own my own business.

Immediate Plans: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., to study Business and play Field Hockey and Lacrosse.

Eliott Ronzani Mault

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The Sophomore U.S. History final 10-page paper because through this assignment, I learned that I really liked writing when I could write about something that I was passionate about—I wrote about how the Space Race unified the United States.

Community Impact Project: For my Community Impact Project, I created an online platform—CharitiesMapped.com—for young people to use to find local charities to volunteer with and learn more about how to support certain causes.

Favorite CA Tradition: The Lower School Halloween Parade and the costume competitions.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Going curling for the first time for Interim was so much fun, and it started a family tradition of going curling every winter.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was getting accepted into colleges, as it showed that the hard work over the years was worth it.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself by taking harder classes and by stopping procrastinating to get my grades up and to spend more time with my friends.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Time flies by. Try to slow down and enjoy yourself and your time with your friends. Also, invest in the stock market.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Hopefully along with my friends and family, I’ll be living in a skyscraper or beach house.

Immediate Plans: Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., to study Finance with a minor in Computer Science.

Alexis (Alex) Warner May

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A meaningful experience has been winning State the past few years with the CA Girls Lacrosse Team. I have really enjoyed being a part of this team.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered to coach a second grade lacrosse team. Favorite CA Tradition: I really love team lunches on game days with my team.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have really loved being a part of such a special community—especially the sports teams.

Senior Year Highlight: My highlight has been talking to new people that I haven’t really talked to throughout high school.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself when I took some classes I didn’t think I would like and I actually ended up enjoying them.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Branch out and explore all different subjects, even if you think you won’t like them.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to own my own business with my sister Skylar.

Immediate Plans: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Business and play Lacrosse.

Skylar Warner May

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Playing Lacrosse and Basketball at CA has been so incredibly meaningful, and I will never forget being able to make some of my closest friends through these sports. These teams have shaped who I am as a teammate and have transformed me into the athlete I am today.

Community Impact Project: My sister and I volunteered with Coyotes Lacrosse by coaching a second grade lacrosse team.

Favorite CA Tradition: Homecoming is my favorite CA tradition because I love watching and cheering on the different teams at their games during the week.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Having the opportunity to make some of my closest friends and forming incredible relationships with my coaches.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have found new hobbies and things that I am passionate about. I took photography classes all throughout high school, and I found a passion in sports photography, which I never knew I would enjoy.

Advice for Incoming CA

Ninth Graders: Build connections with your teachers, and try to branch out and make friends with as many people as you can.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have started a business that allows me to coach and help girls youth lacrosse players.

Immediate Plans:

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Business and play Lacrosse.

Owen Charles McCandless

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A meaningful experience for me has been the CA Baseball trip to Arizona each year. This trip allows the players to bond and grow closer while also competing in Arizona.

Community Impact Project: My CIP was working at the Miracle League of Metro Denver. At Miracle League, I worked alongside kids and adults with mental and physical challenges to help them play baseball.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition has been sporting events/games against Kent. These games always had the most energy and excitement and were always the most fun games to win.

What Made Me

Happiest at CA:

From daily lunch conversations to working on projects, spending time with my friends every day has always been the best part of CA.

Senior Year Highlight:

A highlight of my Senior year has been the classes I have taken. All of my classes are super engaging and it has been exciting to learn about new and old topics I have an interest in. I have had a lot of fun working with other students in class this year.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Incoming CA Ninth Graders should feel excited to try new things and make new friends. In the Upper School there are so many different activities and classes to choose from, and everyone should try something new.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

In a decade, I hope to be working in a job that interests me, meeting new friends, maintaining old friendships, keeping a connection to sports, and learning new things every day.

Immediate Plans: Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt., to study Engineering and play Baseball.

Michael Seamus McKee

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most special and meaningful experience I had at CA was the REDI Lab. The teachers that run this program are so good at what they do, and truly teach you to think in ways you never have before. I loved how much flexibility it added to my schedule. It gave me a glimpse at what my life will be like later on when I have to figure out what I want to work towards.

Community Impact Project: I worked with the nonprofit organization A Little Help. On snowy days, I shoveled driveways for our elderly community, and helped with yard work on weekends.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Interim. It provides a nice relaxing end to the school year by exploring a place or activity that we aren’t familiar with.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The sports programs and friends you make within these programs are hard to beat. Head Boys Basketball Coach Hyatt always says that we will never have more fun than during sports in high school, and I now believe it as I finished my last seasons of Tennis, Basketball, and Lacrosse.

Senior Year Highlight: The main highlight of my Senior year was winning the No. 1 Doubles State Championship for the second year in a row with Clayton Johnson. Our Tennis Team also placed second overall, which was an incredible accomplishment for the program and the team.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Find two or three people that work for you, and stick with them. Nothing is better than having those few friends that you can rely on for help in any subject. Also have as much fun as you can. Some things in high school seem way more important than they are, so try not to care so much.

Immediate Plans: Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., to study Marketing, Sales, and Psychology.

Kevin (Gerry) Gerard McManus Jr.

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Mr. McLaughlin taught me that Power = I^2R. While I did not feel powerful on the test taken after I learned this, it is objectively my most powerful experience I have had at CA. Energy = Power * Time, yet the more time I spent learning about power the less energy I had.

Community Impact Project: For my Community Impact Project, I have been volunteering with Maxfund—a dog shelter based in Denver—to help take care of their dogs.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

My time on the Ultimate Team has always been the best part of the year. The uplifting community and light-hearted yet competitive atmosphere are the highlights of my day.

Senior Year Highlight:

Before school, we had a retreat for the Community Leadership Team. I got to know a lot of people I didn’t know well a lot better, and the activities throughout the weekend were both fun and allowed me to learn more about myself.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

While we did not end up winning, I never would have expected to run for Community Council Co-President with my friend Tom. While our campaign relied completely on our names being Tom and Gerry, the experience was great and helped me feel more confident speaking in front of crowds. Although we may have lost the vote, we won the hearts of the people.

Immediate Plans: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, to study Computer Engineering.

Domonique Gabrielle Megginson

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Student Diversity Leadership Conference, which I attended in Grades 11 and 12, is one of the most transformative and impactful experiences that I have been provided with at CA. To be able to travel and be surrounded by so many people of diverse backgrounds, and learn skill sets and tactics that I could bring back to CA, constructed my outlook and approach to making impactful change at CA. I also was able to share this experience with my three closest friends, and we created a bond to last a lifetime.

Community Impact Project: I partnered with nonprofit organization Reach Ministries to host and serve at an event that highlights the growth, maturity, and the step into adulthood of young men of color. Speakers at the event touch on diversity, faith, and brotherhood and prioritize the communal and familial aspects of young Black men in society.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the All-School Spirit Assemblies. I enjoy the energy and love that is spread when all the grades are united, and especially being a Senior as we get to lead the spirit, and share school traditions with younger grades.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has definitely been finishing the college process, and being accepted into college. It is amazing to see all the hard work that I’ve put in thus far pay off, and I am excited to use my CA education, further it, and prepare to take on my career path.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I have surprised myself with how much work and progress my partners and I have made with the diversity work at CA. We have made so many impacts on the community, and definitely been the change we want to see. We have put policies and ideals in place that will continue when we’re gone, and created a legacy that will last forever.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing what I love and helping others through my passion in psychology.

Immediate Plans: Regis University, Denver, Colo., to study Psychology and Criminology.

Estella Jacquelyn Miller

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The Bahamas Interim at the Island School was a meaningful experience I have had at CA. This experience taught me a lot about marine biology with hands-on experiences like swimming with sharks.

Community Impact Project: I worked with the Special Olympics to coach the Green Mountain Recreation Center swim team. During this time I helped kids learn how to swim and improve their swimming skills.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Senior-Kindergarten Buddies because I was both a Senior Buddy and a Kindergarten Buddy—which is special. Also having that connection back to the Lower School while being in high school is something that you don’t see at other schools.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The friends I have made at CA have made me the happiest because they always make my day better.

Senior Year Highlight: The first day of school because it was really special welcoming the new Ninth Graders and dressing up with our Outer Space theme. How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by trying new things on Interim at CA. For example, my Sophomore year I went mountain biking, and I had never tried mountain biking before. But, I actually had a lot of fun and became close with people on the trip.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope I’ll be happy, have a lot of friends and family, and maybe have even met Taylor Swift.

Immediate Plans: Tulane University, New Orleans, La.

Alejandro (Alex) Miramontes Rodriguez

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My most transformative assignment was writing my short story in Fiction Writing because l not only learned how to express my voice to others, but more importantly, I found how to express my voice to myself.

Community Impact Project: I was part of a tutoring program through Horizons at Knapp Elementary. As a tutor, I met with a student after school once a week for months. I provided help with all aspects of his education; however, I believe that what was most impactful was the genuine bond we created.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is HOPE because it is a good feeling to be a part of something that is larger than you. For months, it feels as if there is an insurmountable amount of work to be done and still, during a special day in December, it all comes together in joyous family smiles and laughter.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Lunchtime laughs, pre-class basketball, and postclass parking lot talks. It is clear for me to say that my friends have made me happiest at CA.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my Senior year has been winning a second Boys Soccer State Championship because I was able to win it with some of my closest friends.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have been most surprised by how I’ve changed as a person because I have always considered myself to have an unwavering personality. Now, when I look back at all the years, I recognize my personal transformation.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: My advice for incoming Ninth Graders is to follow your intuition beyond reason. Don’t think too hard; if you want to do something, do it, and if you don’t, don’t.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be surrounded by people who love me as I love them.

Immediate Plans: Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Lila Rose Mix

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of my most transformative assignments at CA was my Sophomore research paper on orcas in captivity. I loved the research process and diving deep into one subject I was so passionate about. I remember this paper and my U.S. History class helping me realize I wanted to study History in college. Also, I have learned so much from my Gender Studies class this year, while understanding the different aspects of gender, helping me change how I look at many things in our world.

Community Impact Project: I have been working with Horizons since the summer of my Sophomore year. I found my most recent summer internship with Horizons particularly meaningful because I grew more confident as I spent more time with the kids.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is not stepping on the CA crest at the front of the Upper School.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Come into high school with an open mindset academically and socially, so that you can get the most out of what CA has to offer.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be working in a job that allows me to interact with literature, books, or history in some way while living in a big city with a dog.

Immediate Plans: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, to study History and English.

Yarisbeth (Yaris) MontesDeOca-Desiderio

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I had the opportunity to attend SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Conference) my Junior and Senior years. It was very empowering to see other students of color from around the world trying to build equity and inclusion at their private institutions. I loved getting to know other Latinx students with similar interests and experiences to mine.

Community Impact Project: I participated in the Students Taking Action & Making Progress (STAMP) Conference in my Junior and Senior years. The conference covers different global issues and topics and teaches them to middle school students. The goal is to give middle school students resources to make their communities inclusive and responsive.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: It makes me happy to know throughout my time at CA, I made genuine friendships and connections. It’s these friendships that will forever hold a special place in my heart, years after leaving CA.

Senior Year Highlight: My highlight has been learning to appreciate the small moments more than ever before this year. Even though the future seems to be all we can think about in Senior year, it has made my present moments all the more memorable.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Join Horizons Club!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to create a nonprofit to help first-generation students accomplish their career and academic goals.

Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., to study Biochemistry.

Hadley Samantha Morris

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One transformational experience I had at CA was the first day of Senior year, where we dressed up in the space theme and welcomed the incoming Ninth Graders. What made this experience so meaningful was reflecting on my first (in-person) day of Ninth Grade, where I was the one being welcomed. Seeing these parallels made the first-day tradition so much more personal and meaningful.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered to teach the inner workings of God to children at my church while their parents attended service. At the Red Rocks Kids Club, I was assigned an age group every Sunday, and we would play games, worship, and do crafts.

Favorite CA Tradition: Senior-Kindergarten

Buddies by far! Being at CA since Kindergarten, it’s been so meaningful to be on both sides of the experience. I still remember my Senior Buddies from years ago, and it’s been such a treat to mentor Emily, my Kindergarten Buddy.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

Connecting with others. CA is such a closeknit community, and it’s been an amazing experience to make friends and develop relationships throughout my 13 years here.

Senior Year Highlight: Senior overalls! It was so fun to decorate them and make them my own, and wearing them to school on Homecoming was definitely a highlight. I’ll save them forever to remember Senior year.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: During my time at CA, I have grown a lot academically and socially, and comparing my current self to where I was just a few years ago truly shows how positive my experience at CA has been.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t let others dull your light; what’s right for you is no one else’s business.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be achieving my dreams career-wise and hopefully living somewhere sunny!

Immediate Plans: Chapman University, Orange, Calif., to study Psychology.

Graham Alexander Neely

At CA Since: Eighth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A transformational experience was taking AP European History my Junior year. I learned so much about the world and the hundreds of years of history that have influenced our modern world. I also learned how much I love History, and having debates and discussions about everything from the printing press to Kant.

Community Impact Project: I provided free peer SAT tutoring. Through the organization Schoolhouse.world, a partner of Khan Academy, I led SAT bootcamp sessions twice a week to go over all the topics of the SAT and share techniques for the test.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Interim. I love it because it lets me try things I had not done before, like mountain biking, or traveling to Colombia, and spend time with people I otherwise may not have met.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Meeting incredible, unique, hilarious people is the part of CA that has made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of Senior year has been taking all the classes I wanted, and being able to pursue all my interests—like building rockets and electric motors in Aerospace club and traveling to Miami to compete in Debate.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Through it all, make sure you are having fun.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing what I love, in whatever form it takes.

Immediate Plans: Brown University, Providence, R.I., to study Engineering, Languages, and History.

Katherine (Kate) Anne Nelligan

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Through the Community Leadership Team, I have learned what kind of leader I am and I have been able to foster relationships and mentor students. The CLT retreat changed my perspective on my classmates and myself. It helped me connect with my peers on a deeper level, while also making me a more thoughtful person. I learned about my strengths, leadership style, and ways to lead groups and support others.

Community Impact Project: I worked with Project Angel Heart to deliver meals to homebound critically ill patients in Denver. I was able to drive many routes and deliver food to residents living with severe illness to support their health and well-being.

Favorite CA Tradition: During Interim, I have been able to learn and experience different things as well as spend time with classmates I don’t see often. One year, I did fly fishing, which ended up being my favorite Interim at CA, as I developed new skills and made new friendships.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My close friends have made me happiest at CA. I am very fortunate to have made such great connections through the different activities, classes, clubs, and athletics CA provides.

Senior Year Highlight: The first day welcoming incoming Ninth Graders to the Upper School was really fun and was a good start to the year as the Senior class, as well.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by trying new activities and classes I would not normally do, as well as by how I have learned to balance my work with sports and other activities outside of school. Also, I have surprised myself with how I was able to manage my time with the college application process and how I stayed organized and ahead.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Stay organized, advocate for yourself, and build good relationships with your teachers and others.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be traveling, surrounded by good and genuine people, and happy with whatever career I choose.

Immediate Plans: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.

Yahaira Areli Nuñez-Hernandez

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I was able to attend the Students of Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) twice while at CA. My first time, in San Antonio, Texas, is what I would call my most memorable, powerful, transformative, and positive experience at CA. I got to spend three days with my favorite people, experiencing things I never imagined I could have while on CA’s campus. I was surrounded by people from all over the country who had the same experiences as me. It was empowering, to say the least. Returning to CA was a major transition, but it has helped me learn how to navigate certain communities differently.

Community Impact Project: I worked as a student leader for the CIRCLE Organization’s Students Taking Action and Making Progress (STAMP) conference. I was able to facilitate two different workshops for middle schoolers. One focused on learning about microaggressions and the skills needed to stand up for yourself, while another focused on the different parts of our identities, the intersectionality of our traits, and how to better understand yourself and others through the impact of stereotypes.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: There are plenty of things that have brought me joy over the years at CA, but what’s made me the happiest is just being able to spend time with friends. Whether it’s just during passing periods or outside of school, I can definitely say I’ve made great memories and have had some amazing laughs with my friends.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: It’s hard not to conform in a community where you naturally stand out. That being said, always choose to stand out. The skill of understanding yourself is also the skill to understand others.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In 10 years, I hope to be happy—most likely surrounded by friends and family, spending time doing the things I love most. Immediate Plans: Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.

Neela Elizabeth Okurut

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful experience I’ve had at CA wasn’t actually on campus, but on a school trip. During my Junior Spring Break, I went on a Global Travel trip to Mexico, which was ironic because I took French. So the language barrier forced me to attempt to immerse myself in the language and the culture so I could understand the people around me. I found that I had some of the most down-to-Earth experiences, and I was able to connect with people in a deeper way, because I had to learn how to understand them beyond words.

Community Impact Project:

My Community Impact Project was with an organization called Reach Ministries that hosts and organizes a number of different events to help different communities. I volunteered at an event to help fundraise scholarship money for survivors of domestic abuse situations.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Connecting with people both similar and different to me. Some of the most memorable things that have happened to me have been with people outside of my immediate friend group, and I am glad I was able to create such a web of friends.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting into college has definitely been a highlight.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I’ve been able to branch out more and get to know more people.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t crowd the hallways.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope that I’ll still be in touch with the friends I made in high school.

Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., to study Psychology and on the Pre-Med Track.

Abisai Olivas-Holguin

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My most transformative experience was showing up to my first day of Ninth Grade alongside my brother, who was beginning his Senior year. As we were both entering different phases of our lives, it made me realize how precious time is with my siblings, as well as my family. It reminded me to be more present and appreciate every moment we have together. I felt a deeper sense of gratitude for our bond and a desire to make the most of my time with my family and friends as I entered high school.

Community Impact Project: I was a tutor for the Horizons Club. I was paired with a fifth grader, and every Thursday we worked on English and math textbooks as well as his homework. Being a tutor was a refreshing experience for me, and going back to my old elementary school to tutor through Horizons—a program that helped me grow as a student and person—was a great experience.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Interim because it’s been a great opportunity to meet new people and build deeper connections with your friends. In Seventh Grade, I got to go to Quebec and stay with a host family and truly immerse myself in their culture. My Junior year, I went on Art in the Wild and made ceramics out of clay that we found in nature.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was being able to play one final season of Soccer with some of my closest friends. I got to make great memories and connections with the team, and being able to be a part of a State Championship-winning team was an amazing experience.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I joined the Senior Portfolio Program. I found a love for photography in Trimester 1 of my Junior year and ended up joining the Portfolio Prep Program. The opportunity to develop my own portfolio has not only been empowering as a photographer, but has allowed me to create something that I’m passionate about. Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I aspire to have made meaningful contributions towards creating positive change in the world.

Immediate Plans: Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., to study Civil Engineering.

Madeleine (Maddy) Kehr Olmstead

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Getting close to everyone in my advisory and having Ms. Sitja as my advisor have been very transformational. She and my advisory are my CA family #Sitja4Life. Also, having Ms. Wolf-Tinsman as a teacher really grew my confidence in myself as a student and person, and that was very meaningful.

Community Impact Project: I trained to become a volunteer for The Blue Bench Project, an organization that supports people who have been sexually assaulted. They have a 24-hour hotline for emergency situations, and their goal is to “eliminate sexual assault and diminish the impact it has on individuals, their loved ones and our community.” I made pamphlets about what qualifies as sexual assault, how to handle conversations around sexual assault, and how to get help if you’ve been sexually assaulted.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition has been Senior-Kindergarten Buddies. Being able to do activities with my Kindergarten Buddy has made me feel nostalgic for my own childhood, and it has also made me feel very much a part of the CA community.

Senior Year Highlight: I’ve loved taking Philosophy and Literature this year. Challenging myself with a hard class, while also strengthening my writing and reading skills, has proven to me how smart I can be!

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I’ve surprised myself with being motivated enough to have done my own independent study on psychology in the first trimester of Senior year. I loved being able to focus on a subject that interests me so deeply.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Have as much fun as possible in high school! Nothing’s that deep; never compare yourself or your grades or anything to other people around you; and keep it moving!

Where I Hope to Be in a

Decade: I hope to be happy, and I want to have traveled and explored the world.

Immediate Plans: University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., to study Psychology.

Caroline Eileen Owen

At CA Since: Fourth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most transformational experiences I’ve had at CA was competing in a debate tournament with students from all over the world. I was able to gain new perspectives and insights on a range of different topics and make some friends along the way.

Community Impact Project: My project was called ‘Braid Mission: Cards of Hope/ Children’s Hospital Colorado.’ I wrote cards to children in the hospital to provide them joy during their treatments.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is decorating our Senior overalls because I loved being creative and putting my own touch on the overalls.

What

Made Me

Happiest

at CA:

The friends I’ve made throughout my experience here have made me the happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been being able to take more classes I enjoy, specifically science classes.

How I Have Surprised

Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by becoming biliterate in Spanish and English.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be in medical residency to be a surgeon.

Immediate Plans: University of California, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Chemistry on the Pre-Med Track.

Rose Meloy Patel

At CA Since: Eleventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I really enjoyed my video class. I was able to do a project where I could focus on the differences between my and my mom’s hair.

Community Impact Project: I cleaned up trash on the beach in Panama.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: When I’m able to talk and hang out with my friends in the Senior Lounge.

Senior Year Highlight: Being able to talk to people I’ve never gotten a chance to get to know.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have become more extroverted and social.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Keep your lounge clean; it’s a privilege we’re able to have them, so respect the space. Be proactive, talk to your teachers if something isn’t working for you. If you are having a hard time, they will help.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living somewhere in Europe on the outskirts of town with loads of animals.

Immediate Plans: Hobart William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y., to study Architecture and Foreign Relations.

Macy Walton Quatrochi

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: REDI Lab was a meaningful experience for me. It allowed me to take charge of my education and focus on my passion for criminal psychology. REDI Lab became a place where I could pursue my interest, providing me a laid-back but intense approach to learning.

Community Impact Project: I organized the Tom Walton 5K Race in Boston in my grandfather’s memory and raised $13,000 for the NHTI—Concord’s Community College Cross Country Team—to help house and clothe runners.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is SeniorKindergarten Buddies.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: All the amazing people I have met along the way.

Senior Year Highlight: I really enjoyed the first day of school, where all the Seniors dressed up to greet the Ninth Grade, and the energy was super high.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t take these years for granted. High school can get hectic and stressful, but these years will go by before you know it. Take a step back and appreciate it.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I’m not sure where I will be in a decade, but I hope to feel happy and fulfilled.

Immediate Plans: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo., to study Psychology and Sociology with a focus on Criminal Justice.

Madeleine (Maddy) Grace Reeves

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Throughout my four years in high school I have worked with HOPE, CA’s nonprofit club, and this year I was one of the Co-Presidents. While this was extremely challenging, being a part of this 30-year tradition and getting to witness the entire CA community come together to help the broader community were incredibly rewarding and impactful. This year we were able to increase the number of people we helped by a significant amount, which was amazing to witness.

Community Impact Project: I served as a HOPE Co-President. With the help of the CA community we were able to provide toys, personal care items, vaccines, clothes, and more, to almost 1,000 families from underserved communities across the Denver area.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the SeniorKindergarten Buddies because seeing my Kindergarten Buddy is so much fun and always brightens my day.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends and teachers have made me happiest at CA!

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself at CA by finding interests in subjects I did not think I would enjoy. I have also found that I am capable of doing much more than I thought.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: My advice for incoming Ninth Graders is to try to take advantage of all the opportunities CA has to offer and enjoy high school because it goes by so quickly. Also create good relationships with your teachers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be happy in whichever profession I choose and to travel around the world.

Immediate Plans: Clark University, Worcester, Mass., to study Psychology and play Soccer.

Samuel (Sam) Williams Reisch

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The Senior Portfolio Program has been an especially transformative experience because it has allowed me to rediscover my love for making art without any restrictions. The art teachers really pushed me to take my exhibition to the next level, and I could not have been able to create such a unique piece of art that I am proud of without them.

When I signed up for Mr. Holland’s Fiction Writing class last year, I did not think I would be able to write a 15-20-page short story that was required of the class. However, once I started writing my story, I couldn’t stop. By my final draft, I ended up writing 28 pages and discovered that I may have a liking for creative writing.

Community Impact Project: I made it my mission to bring back the Temple Emanuel Holiday Gift Drive, which used to happen every year before the pandemic. The drive collects gifts from religious school families leading up to Winter Break and donates them to children in underserved communities.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Joining the Ultimate Frisbee Team has made me not only the happiest at CA, but unbelievably thankful for the CA community and what it offers.

Senior Year Highlight: Traveling to Leadville for the CLT retreat has been one of the best experiences I’ve had, not just in Senior year, but in the last four years at CA. It was refreshing to learn more about my classmates and bond over shared experiences. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more connected to the CA community than at the retreat.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: As someone who thought I was legitimately stupid at math for almost all of my life, I was surprised when I arrived at CA and discovered how much I thrived and liked the subject! Thanks, Dr. James!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be writing comedy for a television show in Los Angeles.

Immediate Plans: University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.

Katherine Prescott Rhine

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Writing my essay, “Deconstructing the Beauty Myth,” in Ms. Wolf-Tinsman’s Gender Studies class was a transformational experience.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, teaching students to read and write. I also spent time playing with them and helping with social skills.

Favorite CA Tradition: The Senior girls creating their overalls during Homecoming week.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friend group and being able to be at the same school as my brother, Brooks, for two years.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting closer with friends and other people in my grade, and being more appreciative of people around me.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I was going to transfer schools in Ninth and Tenth Grade, but I stayed. I surprised myself by trusting my gut and not making the move to transfer—it was one of the best decisions I made.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have traveled the world with Estella Geller on a boat (mainly Greece) and worked in marketing in NYC. I hope to settle down in Connecticut, Nashville, or Hawaii.

Immediate Plans: Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., to study Marketing and English.

Philip (Ford) Bedford Rollhaus

At CA Since: First Grade Powerful/Transformational Experience: At CA, all Sophomores are required to write a spring research paper as a culminating work of the United States History class. Initially, I had very little idea of what to write about, and even once I came up with my ideas, I had no idea how to effectively research that topic. Eventually, through the help of my peers, Ms. Sarles, and long nights, I was able to produce a product I was genuinely happy about. But, more importantly, I learned invaluable skills regarding everything from time management to more advanced historical analysis—skills that I will keep forever.

Community Impact Project: I tutored through Horizons at an elementary school near downtown once a week.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year so far has definitely been the CA vs. Kent Showdown Series at DU, where we got to witness three back-to-back games in Boys and Girls Basketball and Ice Hockey. Throughout every one of these games, the crowd was electric, and I could really feel the school spirit coming through.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have consistently surprised myself at how much I have enjoyed things I did not expect to, especially in regard to classes. For example, going into high school I never thought that I would like History, but now it is genuinely one of my favorite subjects.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living my best life, and following through with passions I have developed my whole life.

Immediate Plans: Columbia University, New York, N.Y., to study Engineering.

Miller (Stearman) Stearman Rubey

At CA Since: Third Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I loved making a bot to solve Wordle in my Data Structures class. At first, the task seemed overwhelming, and I didn’t know where to start. But after breaking the task into chunks, my group was able to take simple steps to achieve a program we could be proud of. It further invigorated my love for computer science and made me excited for what college has to offer.

Community Impact Project: My Community Impact Project coincided with my Eagle Project for Scouts BSA. Collaborating with Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, I made a memorial area for local indigenous communities. This included an area with a tipi, benches, and a deck—all hand-built.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: The amazing community of teachers and peers around me. I believe everyone here is willing to support one another, making this school feel like a home.

Senior Year Highlight: Welcoming the Ninth Graders into the school on their first day was an amazing experience. I remember walking through the rows of cheering Seniors on my first day at high school, and was happy to be able to give that experience to others.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have been able to achieve many things that I did not think I could, such as being able to continuously improve my race times in Cross Country.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try to not think too far into the future, and focus on the here and now.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be working somewhere in the field of Computer Science, and be living with at least four dogs.

Immediate Plans: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif., to study Computer Science.

Thomas (Tom) Otto Sankovitz

At CA Since: Tenth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I really enjoyed the Mountain Biking Interim my Sophomore year. It was an amazing experience both for the fantastic riding and being able to get to know my teachers and peers in a new context.

Community Impact Project: I’ve volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, where I have spent more than 125 hours helping to sort and repack food, which then gets distributed throughout the Denver Metro Area. In addition to providing food for people facing food insecurity, I have also enjoyed meeting a broad range of fun people while volunteering there over the years.

Favorite CA Tradition: I love the Upper School Club Fair at the beginning of the year. It is so great to see all of the different clubs that are offered at CA, and the amount of fun everyone has going to sign up for them. What Made Me Happiest at CA: Playing Ultimate Frisbee has made me happiest while at CA. I have enjoyed the sport with a fantastic group of friends.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year has been riding my mountain bike up and down Mt. Elbert with a buddy—which had been a long time goal.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I surprised myself during my Sophomore year when I decided to participate in a Chinese language speech competition. I had to submit a video of me presenting a speech, and then had to present it live to a panel of judges.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try new things, and participate in as many different activities as you can.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be either on a nice mountain bike or a nice pair of skis, enjoying a beautiful day in the mountains.

Immediate Plans: Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., to study Mechanical Engineering.

Tyler Rohan Schulte

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: An especially transformative assignment was Sophomore year in American Literature when we went to Woody’s Pond and sat in silence for an hour without any distractions. Then, we had to write about what we had experienced. It made me feel more appreciative and take notice of the small things in life.

Community Impact Project: I co-hosted a 5K run fundraiser for the organization Heart and Hand, an after-school program focused on helping youth in Denver underserved communities.

Favorite CA Tradition: Passing through the bush in front of the Campus Center when we were graduating from Pre-K to Kindergarten because every time I pass the bush now I am reminded of my roots at CA.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: I have been able to find an amazing group of friends whom I can lean on and support.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was the exhibition of my and my classmates’ photos from our Global Travel trip to Iceland over the summer. It was cool to bring back our experiences and what we learned to the CA community.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I have surprised myself with how many different topics I have been able to explore. From my Architectural Drawing class to becoming CoPresident of the Philanthropy Board, I have learned about so many different academic and non-academic areas.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be living in a big city and happy with whatever I have accomplished, while still working to achieve my goals.

Immediate Plans: Tulane University, New Orleans, La., to study Architecture or Computer Science.

Carter Finley Scott

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful assignment I had was Mr. Chase’s Desmos projects in Math. I enjoyed the way this project crossed the barrier between learning and play.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at Judi’s House, a home that invites grieving families for group or one-on-one sessions, with the goal of overcoming their grief and moving forward. I used to be an attendee at these meetings, so it made sense going back to volunteer.

Favorite CA Tradition: The CA Arts Fest is awesome. The event has multiple stations with a wide range of activities that anyone can join, and it brings the school together with art!

What Made Me Happiest at CA: All my teachers have contributed to my character in one way or another, and I’m thankful for what each one of them has given to my life.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would advise the Ninth Graders to not take school or themselves too seriously. School is only a fraction of what makes up your personality, and priorities can be separated from anything school related. Happiness is what matters, and a grade does not validate your existence.

Immediate Plans: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, to study Biomedical Science.

Avery Jacqueline Siegler

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Something super meaningful for me at CA was having such an amazing advisory. Ms. Sitja taught us how to value each other and really brought us all together like a small family. #SitjaA4Life. We became very close, and even though there were a lot of ups and downs, we were able to connect and care for each other. Another experience is being a part of the Swim Team. Everyone truly cares for one another and becoming a Captain after four years was super impactful.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the Children’s Literacy Center to tutor children in reading and writing. I tutored there for two and a half years, and it was super fun to connect with the kids.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite tradition is Senior-Kindergarten Buddies because I was once in Kindergarten having a Buddy—it was super cool to have that full-circle moment. What Made Me Happiest at CA: The ability to take the classes I want and the academic freedom you have at CA. I loved being a part of Senior Portfolio and also the English electives. *

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I didn’t realize how much of a connection you can have with your teachers and classmates. I think even though CA is academically rigorous, it is super fun to challenge yourself and learn.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Hold onto your friends, and take the difficult classes because it’s super gratifying when you understand the hard stuff.

Where

I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing something that I enjoy and love. I want to travel around Europe and see everything I can!

Immediate Plans: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif., to study Interior Design, Business Management, and Art History.

Luca Ricci Siringo

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Being a director and volunteer at HOPE has significantly changed my view on both my community and the world. I have gained a sense of duty to help others after seeing the impact that the HOPE event has had on Denver’s population.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered for A Little Help, where senior citizens can request manual tasks to be completed. Such labor includes lawn care, snow removal, and home appliance set-up.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Homecoming Pep Rally. It is a lively and meaningful experience to see the school come together to celebrate all our community.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being with my friends both during and after COVID and seeing the ways in which we have all grown since then has been a great journey.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have come to embrace bigger and public settings at CA. For much of my life, I have been intimidated by large groups and crowds, and I squandered many opportunities because of that fear. I have come to appreciate speaking and performing in front of others—skills that I never saw myself being able to refine before starting high school.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Get involved in as many clubs and activities as possible, rather than investing all your time and energy into one specific sector. This is the time to discover what you love through experience.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

I hope to be living in a large city and continue adding to my unique and meaningful life experiences with all that urban life has to offer.

Immediate Plans: University of California, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Business.

Taylor Ashley Slutzky

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful experience I have had at CA was being a part of Ms. Sitja’s advisory. She contributed so much to us becoming amazing human beings. #Sitja4Life

Community Impact Project: I volunteered in Colorado Academy’s Early Childhood Education Center, specifically in the Toddler and Preschool houses. My goal is to gain experience working with kids and to also learn about how the program works.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is walking through the bush by the Campus Center, which signifies that you have moved up a grade or graduated.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being able to visit past teachers in the Lower School and Middle School makes me happiest at CA.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was getting to plan and run the Homecoming Pep Rally for the whole school.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself at CA by the number of relationships and connections I have made over the past 13 years.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: The advice I would give to the incoming Ninth Graders is to continue to be yourself regardless of your friendships with others because the people who will love you for you will find you.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be working with children in some way, living in a cute house in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Immediate Plans: Rhodes College, Memphis, Tenn., to study Psychology and Early Childhood Education and play Field Hockey.

Anne (Annie) Louise Smith

At CA Since: Second Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The freedom and flexibility I had during my time at REDI Lab allowed me to truly explore my passions and interests. Having the ability to structure my schedule and activities around finance enabled me to gain clarity on my career path and solidify my vision for the future. The REDI Lab provided an invaluable opportunity for self-discovery and growth.

Community Impact Project: My friend Estella Geller and I volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission soup kitchen. We prepped and served soups/other food, interacted with guests, and worked alongside volunteers of all ages. The experience allowed us to directly impact lives, form new connections, and recognize the importance of giving back.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The close-knit community at CA is what has brought me the most joy over the years. I’ve been fortunate to maintain friendships with some of my classmates since Second Grade, and I’ve gotten to know everyone in my grade on a personal level.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I’ve always gravitated more towards and humanities subjects and shied away from math and science. So I surprised myself by discovering a passion for chemistry in Tenth Grade that’s only grown over time. My Chemistry course in Sophomore year sparked an unexpected interest and appreciation. AP Chemistry has deepened my love and curiosity for the subject. Getting to experience that feeling of falling in love with a subject I never expected to enjoy has been incredibly rewarding.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Don’t sweat the small stuff or let minor daily obstacles get you down. Any drama or rumors will likely pass in a week, so don’t let them dominate your thoughts. Instead, focus on enjoying the precious time you have with friends and being your true self.

Immediate Plans: University of San Diego, San Diego, Calif., to study Chemistry or Finance.

Fraser Robert Conlon Smith

At CA Since: Fifth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Through the Ice Hockey and Baseball teams, I have formed incredible friendships and have experienced wonderful moments. Two moments particularly stand out to me. During my Sophomore year, the Hockey Team advanced to the State Championship game at Ball Arena. During my Junior year, the Baseball Team went on a deep run in the State Tournament, finishing third in the state. Although we did not win the championship, it was an extremely special experience to work towards this common goal with my teammates.

Community Impact Project:

At the onset of my Junior year, I began working with the Horizons Club to tutor students in the Denver Public Schools (DPS) system. Last year, I tutored a fourth-grade student, and this year I continued my work with a different fourth grader during this year’s winter trimester.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Baseball Team’s trip to Arizona over Spring Break. During this trip we play multiple games against high-quality opponents, attend MLB spring training games and practices, and spend time together as a team.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Coming into high school, I was not as interested in the arts. However, that changed during my Sophomore year, when I took my first photography class. I discovered my interest in crafting visually engaging images with underlying themes, and photography continues to be a passion of mine.

Immediate Plans:

Post-graduate year at Williston Northampton School, Easthampton, Mass., to play Ice Hockey and Baseball.

William (Willy) Wright Stettner

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful assignment to me was in my Tenth Grade U.S. History class where our final assignment was to write a research paper on whatever topic we wanted. I loved this assignment because it allowed us to dig deeper into a topic we were interested in.

Community Impact Project: My friend Colin Love and I spent a day cleaning trout habitats around the river.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Giant Relay Day at the end of the year when everyone in the school comes together and competes in activities.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The community at CA has made me the happiest because everyone supports each other.

Senior Year Highlight: The highlight of my Senior year was being able to run a club with friends about a passion we all share—fishing.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I never realized how far I could push myself until I started to take risks at CA. I learned that by doing this you grow as a person.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Grades aren’t everything. Being present with friends and family is just as important.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Wherever my life takes me.

Immediate Plans: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif., to study Business.

Shea Olivia Stone

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: The most meaningful assignment I had during high school was writing my own 20-page short story for my Fiction Writing class. I loved how few rules there were to this class— there were no right or wrong answers—and it was fun to experiment and make a story come to life. I also learned how to give great feedback to other writers, and how to receive feedback and implement it into my own story. Every day I looked forward to the class, and I always had something I could improve on.

Community Impact Project: I chose to volunteer with the Food Bank of the Rockies for my Community Impact Project. I was a runner/organizer, and my job was to unload foods donated from grocery stores and other organizations and sort them into their respective bins in the warehouse.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Throughout my time at CA, participating in the Field Hockey and Lacrosse programs has brought me the most joy. I am happiest when I am on the field working hard, building relationships with my teammates, and, of course, winning State Titles is pretty great, too.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have tried many different elective courses such as Shakespeare, Musical Theater, Arab Spring, Fiction Writing, Forbidden Knowledge, and Vietnam, and to my surprise, I loved all of them. In my two Shakespeare courses, I learned so much in such a short amount of time, and found myself so deeply invested in the story and the characters.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade:

I aim to have a stable job in the medical area, perhaps as a nursing assistant or EMT, and, of course, I hope to be happy wherever I end up.

Immediate Plans: University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., to play Lacrosse.

Tess Ely Taplin

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most meaningful experiences that I have had at CA is my International Gender Movements ASR class. I took this class having already taken Gender Studies in my Junior year, but IGM allowed me to take my interest in gender studies one step further. This class permanently changed how I view gender stereotypes and biases and has taught me so much about the international aspect of gender studies. The research paper that I wrote allowed me to learn about the portrayal of women in Hollywood and Bollywood, a topic that I find very interesting. Gender Studies was by far my favorite course that I took at CA.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at Food Bank of the Rockies and helped package and organize food donations.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the CLT retreat before Senior year starts. I loved getting to connect with people in my grade whom I had previously not known very well. Through the retreat and CLT in general, I have learned so many valuable lessons that I have applied to my everyday life.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself at CA by pursuing my love for studio art. The CA arts curriculum and Senior Portfolio Program allowed me to discover a love for abstract and contemporary art. Ninth Grade me never would have imagined that I would be able to create and display an art show with my peers.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: You are going to have so many things to do outside of homework, so the best thing you can do is stay organized and have a consistent routine. And go to Help Time!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Hopefully, I will be living in L.A. and working on a movie set.

Immediate Plans: Occidental College, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Film.

Violet Nelle Tetzeli

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One experience that had a significant impact on me was when my AP European History class played Fishbowl/Bowl of Nouns with European historical figures. It was hilarious but also proved how invested each of us was in the class. It was amazing to feel so comfortable with my classmates and my teacher in that classroom setting.

Community Impact Project: My CIP was volunteering at Denver Urban Gardens. At DUG, their goal is to provide access, skills, and resources for people to grow healthy food in the community and regenerate urban green spaces.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my Senior year was being able to complete three ASR projects, one in history, one in English, and one in studio art. It was challenging, but in each class I was able to dive into a topic that was interesting to me, learn more about it, and accomplish something I was proud of.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: Coming into high school I thought I would take only enough computer science classes to pass the requirement. But in Tenth Grade, I took Computer Science Principles, and I really enjoyed it, so I took Computer Science A as well. I think learning coding languages was a fundamental part of my high school experience. It taught me to problem solve and to develop a more abstract way of thinking.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be either traveling around the world or be in an occupation that is challenging and keeps me happy.

Immediate Plans: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., to study History and Environmental Sciences.

Eliza Jane Thorpe

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of the most important classes I ever took was Advanced 2D Art. In this class, I came in really worried and embarrassed about my art skills, but Ms. Hills pushed me to think of myself as an artist. I am now proud of my work, and I have become a really strong artist in Senior Portfolio. I am so grateful to her for encouraging me to believe in myself and work hard to have my artistic outcome look like I want.

Community Impact Project: I was chosen to be a part of the Cairn High School program run by Volunteers of Outdoor Colorado. I participated in many volunteering activities, which included trail building, planting native bushes, and removing barbed-wire fences from forests. In April, we put together our own volunteer project, where we invited volunteers to come and participate while we ran the project.

Favorite CA Tradition: Interim is my favorite CA tradition because I have been able to visit so many places and make new friends. My favorite Interim was to the Island School in the Bahamas, where we tagged sharks and learned so much about the environment and marine life.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The ability to participate in so many different activities. I am able to be a painter, play sports, and focus on subjects that interest me.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I’m surprised by how much I have grown as a human being and everything I have been able to learn about myself.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try as many different things as possible, and remember to go to clubs.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Enjoying myself and traveling!

Immediate Plans: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, to study Marine Biology.

Lynn Ai Truong

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Going through Ninth Grade with COVID was meaningful because it taught me to value my relationships with friends and family. Being new and meeting my classmates online were challenging, but I learned to branch out and adjust to change. I made new connections and friendships after COVID and kept important relationships close.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at Denver Health. I helped with path-finding and supplies around the hospital. I’ve always involved myself in the medical field because I hope to pursue it in the future.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Homecoming Week. I love seeing and participating in the fun themes and getting to paint overalls this year. The energy and spirit from the entire school during the Pep Rally were so fun and exciting.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Getting to play Volleyball and Tennis taught me discipline and the importance of building chemistry within the team. I love being part of the close-knit community at CA, as it allowed me to make genuine friendships and connections.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I did not expect to participate in REDI Lab during high school, but it gave me so much time to independently learn and work on my passions. I’ve always followed a structured schedule, and getting time to make my own schedule and work on something I’m genuinely interested in was an amazing experience. I walked out of REDI Lab knowing how to give pitches, accept failing before being successful, and be willing to change my approach to my ideas.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders:

Don’t be afraid to branch out and take risks. Take advantage of different opportunities and meet new people. It’s okay to be uncomfortable sometimes.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to travel or just be happy wherever I am in my career.

Immediate Plans: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., to study Biochemistry and Finance.

Anabelle Maria Twite

At CA Since: Seventh Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: My Junior year Interim was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences at CA. It involved some sleepless nights in a wet sleeping bag (from rain) and long hiking days, but a whole lot of smiles and laughs, too. It was such a unique experience, and I really loved getting to know everyone in my group, being unplugged for the week, and challenging myself to do new things.

Community Impact Project: I worked with YouthRoots on a project to fundraise and go through the process of grant making for nonprofits working with at-risk youth groups in the Denver area.

Senior Year Highlight: Getting to drive to school with my brother every day! Even though sometimes he’s very grumpy in the mornings, I love spending time with him more than anything. It’s been so amazing to watch him grow and change by my side—he truly is my best friend.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: My CA experience has been full of surprises, but there were a few times where I truly felt surprised by my own capabilities. I would say my top moments were getting over obstacles when I thought I was stuck, and continuing to grow even when it feels like I’ve maxed out.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: I would say take every opportunity, and don’t doubt how amazing you are! I know it sounds clichéd, but these four years are really going to go by in the blink of an eye. Embrace it, and fully immerse yourself in your friends, family, and classes. Also, know that sometimes it’s impossible to do everything, so don’t forget that you’re doing great, and it’s all part of learning and growing during those moments when you feel like you can’t do anything right.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope that I’m living my best life surrounded by people I love. I would be thrilled if that involved advocacy work for women, and if life includes a pet wiener dog or even a pet duck. Immediate Plans: University of British ColumbiaOkanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada.

Sydney (Paige) Vahey

At CA Since: First Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: During Junior Writing Seminar, we wrote thank you notes to a person/place of our choice. I wrote a letter to my mom, and gave it to her for Mother’s Day. This assignment really allowed me to reflect on everything that both of my parents have done for me, and changed my perspective on my relationship with my parents. I think that I’ve carried this with me since then, and have allowed this assignment to help me think about ways in which I’m thankful for those around me.

Community Impact Project: My project involved working with CA Lower School students, teaching them about our environment through group activities and stories. This helped younger students to be more conscious about how we treat our planet.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is the Giant Relay Day/Field Day. I have very strong memories of being little and looking forward to this day.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Having such great friends over the years has really helped me develop into someone I’m proud of, and my teachers have helped me learn in a supportive and healthy way.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I’ve surprised myself in finding what I’m truly passionate about. I found that I love playing Tennis, and that I am interested in philosophy and history. These are things that I never would have thought about years ago, but through CA, I’ve discovered an interest for these.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Be kind and have faith in your capability.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Somewhere I love, doing something I love— hopefully in Europe and with a puppy.

Immediate Plans: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

David Thomas Varholak

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Playing for the CA Baseball Team has been a very influential experience for me.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the History Colorado Museum over the summer.

Favorite CA Tradition: I enjoy the yearly duck pond race which takes place at Woody’s Pond at the beginning of each year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Playing for the Baseball Team has made me happiest.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of Senior year was the CLT retreat.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by being more creative than I thought I was.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Roll with the punches, and don’t let the little stuff affect you.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing something that I enjoy with people whom I enjoy spending time with.

Immediate Plans: Colby College, Waterville, Maine.

Wendy Jade Warner

At CA Since: Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: REDI Lab in my Junior year was a very powerful experience for me. I had the opportunity to learn what I was passionate about and push myself out of my comfort zone on a daily basis. Since REDI Lab, I have been able to put a greater emphasis on the things which matter to me and devote more time to becoming the type of person I have always wanted to be.

Community Impact Project: My friend Tyler Schulte and I hosted a 5K run fundraiser in which all proceeds went to Heart and Hand. Heart and Hand is a Denver-based organization that helps children from underserved communities in Denver through after-school programs. Tyler and I are very passionate about this organization and about running, so we worked for months to organize, promote, and ultimately host our 5K.

Favorite CA Tradition: I have loved every Interim trip I have been on. Interim provides a unique opportunity to spend time with people you otherwise would not get to know. It is always so fun to go back to school afterwards and reminisce with your new group of friends.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being a part of CA sports teams has made me very happy. The community on these teams has been wonderful and welcoming, and I have really enjoyed working alongside my teammates as we push ourselves to reach our goals.

Senior Year Highlight: This year, I have really enjoyed the classes I have taken. I have challenged myself in ways I have not before, and as a result I have discovered new passions and skills which I will take forward with me.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Do not be afraid to talk to someone new or try something new. You never know who will become your closest friends or what will become your favorite activities until you conquer that brief period of fear and discomfort.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be welleducated and well-traveled, living in a place I have never been before with the people I love.

Immediate Plans: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Hudson Michael Watters

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I think the most meaningful assignments I’ve had at CA were my Junior Writing Seminar essay prompts. These prompts made me think back in time about my life and really dig deep into some of my favorite memories/ stories. I found this meaningful and fun because I got to almost relive some of these moments and share them with my classmates.

Community Impact Project: I helped clean up the beloved fishing grounds where I grew up. I spent an impactful day along the beautiful South Platte River picking up trash and enjoying the surroundings.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Making friends that will last a lifetime. One of the benefits of going to a small school like CA for so long is that you are around a lot of the same people for a long period of time. I think you get the chance to get to know your classmates a lot better than you would in another school setting.

Senior Year Highlight: One of my highlights has been hanging out in the Senior Lounge. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with new people and getting to know some people I haven’t talked with in a long time. It’s always been a fun time to say ‘hi’ to my friends in between classes or after lunch.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I kept good grades all throughout my CA career and pushed myself to always do my best.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Branch out and make as many new friends as you can. You never know if the friends you go into high school with are the ones you’re going to leave with, so have an open mind.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Lying in a chair on the beach watching the waves crash. I hope to be enjoying all of life’s beauty. Immediate Plans: Chapman University, Orange, Calif., to study Business and Ceramics.

Adeline (Allie) McEntire Weil

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: I think that the most transformational experience I’ve had at CA was rediscovering my love of photography. When I was little, I loved playing with my mom’s fancy camera, but the moment my brothers also started to be interested I wanted to stop. But coming to CA, I decided to take a photography class, and I think it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. It helped me to find that part of myself again, and it showed me that my interests can become something that I can pursue for the rest of my life.

Community Impact Project: I was an unpaid summer camp counselor with Thorne Nature Experience in Boulder, and I provided six- to eight-year-olds with hands-on, environmental education experiences that foster an emotional connection to nature.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: My friends have definitely made me happiest at CA. I switched schools a lot when I was younger—attending eight different schools. At all of them, making friends was easy, changing friend groups was common, and keeping friends when I eventually left was hard. Now that I am at CA, I’d like to think I have many friends, whether made in the classroom, in the lounge, or in the pool. It is those friends that have made my high school experience so much happier.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I think that I have surprised myself a lot in discovering how different I am from my brother, Baillie. For so much of my life, I have followed in his footsteps and yearned to be another version of him. Starting in my Junior year, when he left for college, I felt a little lost without seeing his face every day. Once I got past the initial struggle of not having him there, I was able to find myself even more and realize who I want to continue to become.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Remember that any drama can be fixed by just talking about it. Confronting people isn’t as scary as it seems, and it usually solves a lot of problems. It sounds incredibly daunting, but trust me.

Immediate Plans: Tulane University, New Orleans, La., to study Biochemistry on a Pre-Med Track and Studio Art.

Jack Corbin West

At CA Since: First Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Playing high school Soccer and Lacrosse allowed me to meet two big groups of people that I would not have been as close with if I did not. Playing high school sports also allowed me to have fun playing the sports I have played my whole life.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the Heart and Hand summer camps last summer, assisting in the classroom, with sports, and with field trips for kids from underserved communities throughout the Denver Metro Area. It is an organization that I have worked with previously, but last summer was the most time intensive volunteering I have done with the organization.

Favorite CA Tradition: Giant Relay Day is my favorite CA tradition, as it gets the entire community together for a fun day filled with games and other activities.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Hanging out with my friends, some that I have gotten to know recently and others that I have known since First Grade, either during the school day, sports practices, or on the weekends, has been the main thing making me happy and always provides something to look forward to.

Senior Year Highlight: Winning a second Soccer State Championship and skiing with friends have been top highlights.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: In high school, I met a lot of new people and became friends with many groups of different people, which I know would have surprised my younger self.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: Still very close with my family and potentially starting or running my own business venture.

Immediate Plans: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., to study Finance, Economics, or Energy Management.

James (JD) Dietrich Westerberg

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: One of my most meaningful experiences at CA was hearing all of our names being read on the first day of school.

One of my favorite experiences at CA was going to Iceland. Being in a place as cool as Iceland with my peers and teachers was incredible.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered to provide ski and snowboard lessons for students with physical challenges.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being on my different sports teams with my friends.

Senior Year Highlight: Being a part of the Championship Boys Soccer Team was a highlight.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I have surprised myself by branching out and meeting new people. Freshman year, I couldn’t imagine all of the relationships I have made.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Try to make connections with everyone.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to still be in Colorado, skiing in the mountains.

Immediate Plans: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss., to study Real Estate Development or Business.

Alaina Katherine Wharton

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: Junior year, I went to the Island School in the Bahamas for my Interim. This trip was so much fun, and I learned a lot about the environment, and helped catch baby nurse and lemon sharks! Advisory has also been a meaningful part of my experience at CA, because of the community it creates over the four years of high school. #Sitja4Life

Community Impact Project: For my CIP, I volunteered as an assistant coach for my field hockey team and helped teach younger girls how to play the game.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is Homecoming, because I have always loved all the different festivities going on, like the games, Spirit Week, Carnival, and the dance.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

The friends that I’ve made here over the past years.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I’ve surprised myself by signing up for a lot of different activities that I never saw myself doing before high school, especially the Swim Team, because I did not plan on doing it, but ended up loving it for all four years.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Make the most of every day.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be doing something that makes me happy and traveling the world.

Immediate Plans: Wake Forest University, WinstonSalem, N.C., to study Engineering.

Simeon Woldeyohannes

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A transformational experience I had was from an assignment in my Gender Studies class. The assignment exposed me to opinions and viewpoints that I had not previously considered. While I did not necessarily agree with all of the ideas presented, I found value in learning more about different ways of thinking.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered with Soccer Without Borders, an organization that uses soccer as a vehicle to help immigrant youth adjust to their new communities. Beyond just facilitating games and practices, Soccer Without Borders also focuses on academic tutoring and mentoring to equip young immigrants with the skills and support networks needed to thrive in their new homes.

Favorite CA Tradition: The CA vs. Kent Basketball games because of the energy and excitement they generate.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Winning three Boys Soccer State Championships because of the hard work and dedication that was involved.

Senior Year Highlight: Playing Basketball this year. Since I did not play last year, I have found a lot of joy playing and having fun with my teammates.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: My motivation to strive for greatness. I believe that the environment at CA has made me want to work harder and be consistent, which has surprised me, since I did not always demonstrate those traits before attending CA.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Stay in the moment. Don’t worry about the future; it will come. Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In my home country, Ethiopia.

Immediate Plans: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., to study Business.

Naomi Beth Wolff

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: REDI Lab was one of the most transformative experiences I have had at CA. Not only did it push my academic boundaries and challenge me as a learner, but it was also an amazing opportunity to connect with my peers. I was able to set my goals high, including making an album, and was able to achieve them. This gave me immense confidence in myself.

Community Impact Project: Every Tuesday, I tutored for Horizons, helping a student to learn reading, writing, math, and science. My student and I created a bond outside of the school work and that was more powerful to me than the actual tutoring. It was awesome to get out of the CA bubble and make a difference in someone else’s life.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite experience at CA is the Homecoming Pep Rally. I really enjoyed being able to watch this event for the past three years as a spectator. Being able to plan the event and participate this year as a member of C-Club was so fun and a nice fullcircle moment!

How I Have Surprised

Myself at CA: I surprised myself with how many different communities I engaged in— basketball, soccer, music, dance, and REDI Lab. I am really glad I tried so many different activities throughout high school that I did not anticipate doing prior to Ninth Grade.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope I am writing songs for famous people and maybe starting a family. I also hope I will have met Taylor Swift.

Immediate Plans: University of California, Berkeley, Calif.

Ezra Ruben Wolkon

At CA Since: Pre-Kindergarten

Powerful/Transformational Experience: REDI Lab was an extremely powerful experience for me. I got the opportunity to take a deep dive into my own unique interest, and I gained immense knowledge about both my topic and about a new style of learning.

Community Impact Project: I worked with Urban Peak and my family-owned restaurant, Steuben’s, to provide meals for unhoused youth.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is our Pep Rallies because it’s always a great time gathering the entire student body to get a little rowdy and celebrate our school.

What Made Me Happiest at CA:

Ceramics has given me the opportunity to express my creativity, and, if it weren’t for CA’s fantastic Art Department, I would never have found the perfect medium to express my weirdness to the world.

Senior Year Highlight: My highlight has been working on my Ceramics Portfolio project. I’ve spent all of my Senior year working towards one exhibition and the culmination of my ideas.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I picked up Debate in Eleventh Grade and have grown to love it. My partner and I have done well in judged tournaments, and we love mentoring the younger students.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Learn time management before Junior year!

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: In a log cabin, on a mountain, making art.

Immediate Plans: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., to study Environmental Engineering/Design and Ceramics.

Eleanor Rose Wynne

At CA Since: First Grade Powerful/Transformational Experience: Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Island School in the Bahamas with other upperclassmen. This trip inspired my Senior Portfolio show, the goal of which was to encourage others to revisit their relationship with the environment.

Community Impact Project: I volunteer at Metro Caring. What I love about the organization is that it not only addresses hunger for individuals in the short term, it tackles the broader systemic issues that lead communities to be food insecure.

Senior Year Highlight: Through volunteer opportunities with Colorado Youth Congress and Children’s Hospital, I have found people who allow me to truly be myself. With this comes newfound diversity in all aspects of my life, which has increased my cultural awareness.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: During Mr. Stanitski’s Coming of Age class, he reintroduced me to the high standards of writing that have led to many of my achievements throughout high school. In Ms. Snow’s Southern Gothic class, I was challenged to write a narrative about myself. She taught me that words are our lens into understanding other people on the basis of simple human connection.

Immediate Plans: Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., to study Applied Neuroscience and Human Development, and Sociology.

Colgin Weber Youssi

At CA Since: Ninth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A powerful and meaningful experience was joining my first high school sports team. The people I met shaped my CA experience and allowed me to have fun playing sports. This also pushed me to be a better athlete by always having side competitions with my teammates.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at the Guana Cay Church, teaching kids to read and write. We also spent time creating art out of trash and making meals to distribute to people.

Favorite CA Tradition: My favorite CA tradition is welcoming the Freshmen on the first day of school. It is a great way to start off the year.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Playing on competitive sports teams for my high school has made me the happiest. Working with friends everyday, all with the same goal in mind, has made me realize what it means to be on a team. There is nothing better than celebrating a big win with friends.

Senior Year Highlight: My highlight of Senior year is watching our class grow together and become much closer. It has been cool to see how everyone is able to bond with each other.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA: I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and have really grown as a person. Going into high school I was very reserved and shy, but I feel as though now I am a much more outgoing person.

Advice for Incoming CA Ninth Graders: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and be sure to try new things.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to have good friends, stay close with my family, and start a career in something I am passionate about.

Immediate Plans: Post-graduate year at Darlington School, Rome, Ga., to play Golf.

Jessica Lauren Zinn

At CA Since: Sixth Grade

Powerful/Transformational Experience: A powerful experience during my time at CA was taking Ms. Pérez’s Gender Studies class. We were able to discuss hard topics without fear of judgment and share our opinions and experiences with each other. I was able to research topics that are important to me, like gender in the media, and period poverty, and teach my peers and family about their importance. I came into the class not knowing much about gender studies and left with a new perspective of gender stereotypes in the world.

Community Impact Project: I volunteered at Golden Public Library. I prepared crafts for kids, helped restock the activities, and cut countless bookmarks. My experience was very meaningful for me, as I helped to make a kid’s day better with a cotton-ball snowman, or a squirrel bookmark, and I got to watch families smile while making my crafts. Everyday I brought a little joy into someone’s day and ignited their passion for reading.

What Made Me Happiest at CA: Being part of CA’s theater and music communities has made me happiest at CA. I am surrounded by creative and talented people who push me to be a better performer and person and make me laugh every day.

Senior Year Highlight: A highlight of my Senior year has been taking the Music Theory ASR class. Music Theory is something I never thought I would pursue, and I surprised myself every day in that class.

How I Have Surprised Myself at CA:

I have surprised myself by becoming a musician throughout my CA career. I pursued both voice and trumpet in high school then quickly found myself Choir president Senior year. Music has become a huge part of my life, and I am grateful that I decided to try a skill out of my comfort zone because I will carry it with me forever.

Where I Hope to Be in a Decade: I hope to be on a film set in a fancy chair with a megaphone watching my artistic vision come alive.

Immediate Plans: Occidental College, Los Angeles, Calif., to study Film/Media Studies and Theater.