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of Durham Academy that we were able to have serious conversations, as well as joke, with our head and associate head of school on a daily basis. I owe a big thank you to Durham Academy and to all my teachers, who have shaped how I view the world and made me realize the importance of kindness. — Zoe Pharo Liza Aldridge
Rohan Patel
Maya Watson
Zoe Pharo
Xavier Nonez
Natalie Giduz
extracurricular experiences, I’ve become a better-rounded person, catalyzing an interest in public policy and global issues, while further exploring my love for engineering. To those just beginning their high school experience, the best part about DA is the bountiful extracurricular opportunities they provide for you. Join something you know you’ll enjoy, and then take a chance and join something that’ll expand your horizons. — Rohan Patel
I am amazed with what I have achieved in
four years. I attribute this to the Durham Academy community: my unforgettable teachers, advisors, peers, coaches and friends. Knowing that I have support from the people around me has allowed me to take all kinds of risks from trying new clubs to taking that AP class everyone warned me about. The encouragement from my teachers to step outside of my
comfort zone and their unflagging belief in me has forced me to expand my horizons and shaped me into the person I am today. I am so grateful to have been a part of this amazing community for the past four years. Thank you, DA! — Maya Watson
In the past four years, my teachers have
become my greatest role models. Their enthusiasm about what they are teaching and their willingness to help continues to amaze me. I have never seen so much energy in one place, and the desire to always keep improving seems to permeate through all of Durham Academy. This past year I got the chance to take Mr. Hark and Mr. Ulku-Steiner’s capstone course, where we discussed morality, how we define happiness, and what we want the mission statement to be for the school and for our own lives. This course was life-changing, and I think it is very telling DUR HAM ACADEMY
The most valuable lesson I learned during
my time at DA is to find something you are passionate about and drive with it. DA has a multitude of clubs that cover widespread interests and hobbies. It’s very comforting to see many students do something that they are passionate about. The longestlasting memory during my time at DA was being a part of the varsity basketball team that defeated Ravenscroft for the first time in 10 years. DA has stretched and changed me mostly by showing the true potential of DA students through the alumni network. When recognizable alumni speak during assemblies, it makes me want to strive to become more successful in life. DA has had a profound impact on me in terms of growth. Going into my freshman year at DA, I would never imagine that I would run for senior class president or become a peer educator, but I am extremely thankful for my growth. — Xavier Nonez
Throughout my four years at DA, I have
discovered not only who I am as a person and my unique learning style, but the importance of serving my community. The faculty has encouraged me to expand both my intellectual and moral thinking in ways that I’ve never previously experienced. I’ve learned that although colleges appreciate stellar grades and test scores, they also value one’s character, integrity and contributions to communities. I am grateful beyond measure to the support of several teachers, particularly Mr. Phu, Mr. Speir and Mr. Wilson for understanding that we all learn differently and to embrace these differences. — Natalie Giduz |
SUMMER 2017
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