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Senior Reflections Some members of the Class of 2017 have attended Durham Academy since Preschool while others joined the DA community as Upper Schoolers — but DA has left an indelible mark on all of them. Nine seniors were asked to reflect on their Durham Academy experience.
the most about DA is the encouraging atmosphere I’ve found in every aspect of the school. My teachers have always pushed me to challenge myself, which has made me more curious and hardworking. On top of that, DA does a fantastic job of allowing students to explore their interests outside of the normal classroom setting. I’ve loved having the opportunity to do things like take dance class along with my regular schedule and be involved in volleyball, softball and several clubs. Trying new things and forming lasting relationships with my teachers, my teams and my friends have been the highlights of my time here. DA has helped me find out what I really love to do, as well as how to be a better leader, listener and person.
Photos by Mary Moore McLean
One of the things that impresses me
— Julie Wechsler
When I think of Durham Academy I
think of a family that strives to help every member do great things. I think of teachers helping not only during tutorial, but also helping hours after the school doors have closed. I think of teammates during practice encouraging each other to run one more sprint when they can barely breathe. I think of classmates who study with you until your eyes can barely stay open. I think of maintenance and security who wake up early just to make sure our campus is protected and maintained. These sacrifices and the encouragement from everyone in the community are what makes Durham Academy special. As I transition to become an alum of this special family, I encourage the rising freshmen to not be shy, but to embrace these precious moments with your new family. — Jaden Dakwa 26
DURHAM ACADEMY
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Julie Wechsler
Jaden Dakwa
I have absolutely loved my high school
experience at Durham Academy. My teachers, my classes, my sports, my music and the student body were the reasons I looked forward to school every day. The most valuable thing that DA has instilled in me is how to be a good person. Nearly every teacher here understands that this is more important than any math skill, or historical fact. DA has taught me that the bare minimum is to consider everyone’s perspectives or feelings. I am extremely grateful for the empathy and compassion I have gained from being a student here. Another attitude DA has encouraged that I have appreciated, is the “try everything you can” mantra. Just by going to school here, I feel pressure (no negative connotation here) to do better, to make new connections with people, to help more people, and to encourage being open to new and exciting opportunities. — Addison West
I am incredibly grateful for the depth
and breadth of teaching at the Upper School, which has been, at least for me, a vehicle for personal growth that I don’t |
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Addison West
think I would have reached in quite the same way had it not been for the earnest, high-striving spirit of the DA community. A lot of that personal growth I owe to the risks I’ve taken (I recommend giving the winter musical a try!), and a lot of it I owe to my absolutely remarkable teachers (I’d especially like to recognize Mr. Adair, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Policelli for the influence they’ve had on my writing and critical thinking, and for being all-around cool, interesting people). Like any community, there are elements of DA that work for some students and not for others, but the one thing that I believe everyone can agree on is that we are lucky to have teachers who look out for us as individuals. — Liza Aldridge
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at
Durham Academy. Whether it was the four years I put into discovering my love for public forum debate, or the countless hours I spent following my passion with the robotics team during my senior year, DA has always given me the opportunity to pursue what I care about. Through my