Highlands Ranch Herald 1126

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HOMETOWN

November 26, 2015 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 1 | FREE

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HighlandsRanchHerald.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

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ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS

Larsen signs off, says, ‘It’s their turn’ School board president is one of three incumbents who were voted out Nov. 3 By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@colorado communitymedia.com

In the mansion’s ballroom, students introduced themselves as prominent, historical people of Denver. Samantha Cline was dressed as Molly Brown, the famous Titanic survivor and human-rights activist. Arma Dei Academy, a classical Christian school at 345 Wildcat Reserve Parkway, held its annual Thanksgiving event at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on Nov. 30. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade dressed as prominent people from Colorado’s history and re-enacted scenes in different rooms of the mansion. Upstairs was a flashback to Colorado’s early industries. One student was dressed as a nurse caring for her patient with tuberculosis. Another student was President Theodore Roosevelt ready to embark on his next hunting expedition. Downstairs was a look into Denver’s development. Students dressed as famous families and individuals, including Molly Brown, Titanic survivor and human-rights activist, and the Springer family, an original owner of the mansion. Family and friends were invited to explore the mansion and watch the different plays. The event ended with square dancing in the ballroom followed by a Thanksgiving lunch. “Our goal is to teach lifelong education,” said Dina Ogg, director of admissions. “These kids really love to learn.”

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALEX DEWIND

Students re-enacted the Highlands Ranch Mansion history as housekeepers of the Springer family, one of the original owners of the historical landmark.

Kevin Larsen took time to reflect on several occasions at his final Douglas County School Board meeting. He said it has been a privilege to serve on the board, calling it “the greatest honor of my life.” Larsen — a board member since 2011 and president since 2013 — lost his District C seat to former teacher AnneMarie Lemieux in the Nov. 3 election. Larsen It was also the last meeting for Richard Robbins, who was defeated by former principal David Ray in District F. Craig Richardson, who lost his District A seat to parent and volunteer Wendy Vogel, did not attend the Nov. 18 meeting. The new members will be sworn in at a special meeting Nov. 30. Larsen began his farewell remarks by congratulating the three newly elected board members. “It’s their turn,” Larsen said. “I wish them the very best, wisdom and grace as they take on the many issues with the other four colleagues.” Larsen, 52, and his wife, Cindy, have lived in Highlands Ranch since 1989. Their three daughters each attended Fox Creek Elementary, Cresthill Middle and Highlands Ranch High. Larsen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. He is assistant vice president and actuary with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America. He has been volunteering his time in the school district for more than 21 years. During his time on the board, Larsen has advocated for school choice and a pay-for-performance system for teachers and staff. He spoke against the current school funding formulas used by the state. The outgoing president told two personal stories to outline why he believes so strongly in using market-based factors to reward teachers. The first was about his mother, who Larsen continues on Page 11

INSIDE: SPORTS Arma Dei Academy students entertain family members with a series of historical plays at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on Nov. 20. The event ended with square dancing in the ballroom.

From left to right, Matthew Cooper, Ellie Cooper and Ava Schwab re-enact how Colorado came to be “The World’s Sanitarium” because of its tuberculosis outbreak in the 1880s.

Valor Christian moves on to the state semis in football. Cherry Creek, after beating ThunderRidge, awaits the Eagles in a rematch of last year’s state title game. Page 22


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