Growing Up Graland 2013

Class of 2013

Growing Up Graland Growing Up Graland I 1

Graduation Day: A Time to Celebrate

I encourage you to continue to resist stereotypes.

Yes, to be part of a society, you do have to conform to some basic rules, but it is equally important for you to have the ability to stand up as an individual.

As the sun shone brightly on Preisser Field, they lingered.

They laughed out loud. They posed for photos. They moved with grace and confidence. Girls flitted in milky dresses, clutching colorful flower bouquets. Boys strode stylishly in crisp navy jackets. Graduates now, with one foot in the past and one in the future.

On Friday, June 7, 59 members of the Class of 2013 walked across the stage in the Fieldhouse for the last time, culminating weeks of memorable “lasts” at Graland.

When the day came to finally graduate, the achievement of these students was impressive. “I’ve never seen a class come so far from the first day of school to the last,” noted Josh Forke, band teacher and eighth grade advisor.

As if to prove his point, class co-presidents gave speeches that went beyond their years. Madeleine Dodge and Max Waldbaum spoke decidedly to first thank their teachers then to describe their collective experiences at Graland and the confidence in their preparation to move forward in life.

“Our roads are not perfectly paved, and our maps not acutely drawn out,” said Madeleine. “But as Graland graduates, we should not worry. This school equips us with the tools to face all twists and turns of life. We have learned everything from problem solving to social skills.”

To award diplomas, advisors lauded the students in their care. Drawing on each child’s greatest characteristics and 2

~ Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School contributions, they movingly (and, at times, humorously) shared how this unique class made a genuine impression on Graland.

“You find joy in the happiness of others, a rare quality.”

“You care for others and are quick to lend a helping hand.”

“Your sense of self and ability to internalize thoughts and emotions before giving your opinion is a strength that even we adults can struggle with at times.”

The effect was not lost in creating a sense of pride for these young men and women. “I thought the speeches were so personal and wonderful,” said Patty Goltermann, whose only child Amy is among this year’s graduates. “I’m very proud of all the graduates.”

Parents like Patty and even grandparents savored the moment, watching proudly as their children took their first steps into young adulthood. Next year, there will be many firsts, including the first time dozens attend a school other than Graland.

Inevitably, the campus slowly cleared. The reception area was dismantled. The streets emptied of cars as parents took their new graduates home or to lunch or to other celebrations.

The Class of 2013: They entered campus that day as students; they left as young alumni. Congratulations and best wishes. You will be missed.

“This school has shaped our character, built our strengths, and made us the leaders of tomorrow.

We are forever, Graland Eagles.” ~ Madeleine Dodge, Co-President, Class of 2013

Photo credit: Bowers Photographics and Adam Writer

“Teaching is in essence a relational experience … when you teach someone, you give him a part of your heart and he gives you a part of his. Remember, you are a part of us and always will be.” ~ Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

The Class of 2013 has 35 graduates who have been Graland classmates since kindergarten!

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Students Shine at Graduation Dinner The graduation dinner Thursday, June 6, was all about celebrating the amazing Class of 2013. Awards, speeches and a special slideshow served to remind parents and invited guests that this class made its mark on Graland.

Georgia Nelson Award

To begin, several highly-anticipated awards were given.

Grade 5 history teacher Mitch Masters first took the stage to describe the criteria for the Georgia Nelson Award, including outstanding work ethic, courage, enthusiasm, conscientiousness and personal growth. In giving the honor to Madeleine Dodge, Mr. Masters reconstructed her Graland career from first grade on calling her “loyal” and “hard working.”

“Madeleine has the ability to look beyond what is and to see what might be, what could be: to dream,” he said.

“And she has the courage and determination to make those dreams a joyful reality. We know that the founder of our school shared this same vision and passion.”

Their History in Photos To conclude the celebration, guests enjoyed a slideshow prepared by Graland Parent Association President Holly Price, whose youngest child, Corinne, was set to graduate.

Going back nine years, students were shown literally growing up at Graland. The moving tribute left many with tears at, no doubt, how time truly does fly.

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Timothy Johnson Service and Leadership Award Next, the Timothy Johnson Service and Leadership Award winner was introduced by band director Josh Forke. Claire Wright embodies the characteristics necessary for this honor, including a sense of caring and unselfish work for the benefit of others.

In presenting the award, Mr. Forke said, “You have grown into a wonderfully caring young woman. Your positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life will take you far; please never let that go. I can speak for all the teachers here when I say it has been a pleasure to teach you over the years and we all wish you well as you go forward, serving whatever community you happen to find yourself in.”

John Comfort Headmaster’s Award

The last award of the evening, the John Comfort Headmaster's Award, was reserved for a graduate who excelled in four areas: academics, athletics, arts and

citizenship. Among his many outstanding attributes, Ronni Touching on the history of humor, its indication of McCaffrey, Head of School, called this student “insightful,” intelligence levels, its role in the family and its importance “intellectually curious” and “a reliable teammate.” in life, he concluded with the following words of wisdom: “David Wolf speaks with honesty, eloquence and “Keep laughing and trying to make others laugh. Laugh at conviction,” Ms. McCaffrey told the audience. “He is yourself and with others. It is good for you – physically and polite and respectful to peers and adults. He emotionally.” values the opinions of others. He has a clever Later, David Wolf again took the stage as the and fun sense of humor. No matter whom class’ elected speaker for the evening. It’s no you ask, this graduate is known as a small task to characterize such a unique and genuinely nice person and good friend. accomplished group of students, but David’s What more can you ask?” address ably recognized the class’ differences “Two goldfish are in while calling attention to their unity of spirit. their tank, and one says “When I was trying to categorize our Faculty and Student Speakers class, I asked for the opinions of students The evening’s entertainment came to the other, ‘You man and teachers, but none fit,” he said. “I finally courtesy of the Grade 7 choir who the guns, I’ll drive.’” decided that our class is diverse. Probably dedicated two beautiful songs to the not in the way you’re thinking, though. The Class of 2013 before Grade 8 history – Jake Dresden definition of diverse is: ‘Showing a great deal of teacher Jake Dresden came forward to variety; different.’” share his thoughts and advice.

David went on to describe the wide variety of Delivered with characteristic dry humor, interests belonging to his peers, including swimming, Mr. Dresden discussed, ironically, humor itself. photography, comedy, baking and fishing. “Our class is In selecting his topic, Mr. Dresden recalled how different,” he shared, “and that is something to embrace.” “laughter was a part of our daily interactions.”

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Class of 2013

Honorees and Secondary School Choices

Jordyn Talia Abramsu East Nina Claire Bartellê East Hayden McHenry Bartholomew St. Mary’s Academy Lauren Cooper Baukus Cherry Creek Lyndsey Frances Benesu Kent Denver Denver Sara Catherine Browner St. Mary’s Academy Morgan Elise Bullen Colorado Academy Gabriel Francisco Burson Regis Jesuit Isabel Dana Chandlerêu Colorado Academy Emma Frances Cohenu Denver School of the Arts McCoy Prescott Crombleholme East Spencer Davis DellaSalleu Mullen Anna Jensine Demseyu Denver Waldorf John Egan Dodge Regis Jesuit Madeleine Christine Dodgeêu George WashingtonÉ Parker Marius Door East Brian Tracy Dorman Arapahoe Lauren Adelaine Emerson Valor Christian Jackson Richard Gillespieu Colorado Academy Elias Armand Gironu George WashingtonÉ David Grant Glazeru East Alie Susan Goldblattu Kent Denver Amy Claire Goltermannê Kent Denver Samuel Joseph Grieru Kent Denver Grace Elizabeth Hawkeyu Kent Denver Samuel Bryce Heckendorfu Cherry Creek Rory Daniel Richard Higson-Smith South Kierra Monae Hillu Cherry Creek William Philip Austin Huntu Kent Denver André Charles Janoff George WashingtonÉ ê

Graduated with honors

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Kayle Rockton Knucklesu Valor Christian Jacob Connor Leafferu Cherry Creek Geoffrey Glenn Lord Jr. Regis Jesuit Talia Rose Marciano East Hannah Rose McCainu Denver Academy Robert Patrick McDuffie Thomas Jefferson Sarah Alles Merrifieldu Mullen Matison Rose Marie Miller Kent Denver Jessica Felicia Nekritzu East Parker Lee Nolanu Valor Christian Patrick James Offneru Regis Jesuit Maria Francesca Passarelli East Jacqueline Prince Patelêu Colorado Academy Sarah Berit Pomerantzu Denver Jewish Corinne Adams Priceu Regis Jesuit Alexandra Jo Ringsbyêu Cherry Creek Samson Michael Rosen East Nathan Mark Rosenberg East Anna Natassja Scheitleru Mullen Daniel Aaron Shelanskiu East Adreanna Althea Thompson-Paschettou Denver Waldorf Helen Bryan Turnageêu Colorado Academy Max Geoffrey Waldbaumêu East David Lawrence Wolfu Regis Jesuit Keelan Harper Woodard Kent Denver Tantum Lorene Woolley Colorado Academy Claire Marie Wrightêu Colorado Academy Kylie Seta Writeru Kent Denver Lauren Marie Zurcher Smoky HillÉ

Attended Graland since kindergarten

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Baccalaureate Program

Five Fun Ways to Stay Connected with Graland Recent graduates of Graland are invited to get active in the Graland Alumni Association.

Here are a few opportunities coming soon.

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Represent your high school to the Class of 2014! Come back to campus and share how Graland prepared you for the next four years and offer advice to next year’s graduates.

Challenge the Class of 2012 to a kickball game! Show your footwork at Reunion 2014 and take on former classmates for bragging rights.

Babysit for other Graland alumni during the Fall Cocktail Party!

Earn some cash and free up a fellow alumnus to attend this annual event. Once you turn 21, you’ll be invited to join the fun. Contact Kristin Eklund ’88 Weber (kweber@graland.org) if you want to be on the babysitter list.

Make a $2 donation to Graland in 2013, and an $8 donation will be made in your name.

5 Keep Graland in the loop! Your contact information is important to us, so please notify the school if you move or change your email address. (kweber@graland.org)

Famous Musician Donates Song to Graduation In a music career spanning four decades, bass guitarist Kenny Passarelli, father to eighth grader Maria, has played with more than a few celebrities.

He’s on a first-name basis with superstars like Joe Walsh, Elton John, Stephen Stills and Hall and Oates.

He’s toured worldwide and made a living from creating music. At Graland’s graduation ceremony this year, he heard one of his own songs in a very personal and intimate setting as the Grade 8 choir performed Came into My Life.

“I love Graland,” Kenny says simply. “Graland has been an amazing education for my daughter since she came here in fifth grade. The music department is outstanding in my opinion.”

At Kenny’s request, music teacher Josh Gaffga was honored to write the choir parts that harmonize with the song’s melody. When he first heard the arrangement, Kenny was blown away. “It’s phenomenal. He went way beyond my expectations.”

In May, Kenny graciously joined students to rehearse the song. Drawing on years of musical experience, he introduced ideas for vocalization and gave advice for performing.

On the big day, the choir delivered its grand performance as Kenny, the renowned entertainer, accompanied on the piano. Soloists Maria Passarelli and Max Waldbaum effectively sang the notes with both precision and emotion while the choir provided harmony.

“It was a close to perfect graduation,” remarked Latin teacher Philip Hickey. “The music was one of the highlights at both graduation and the awards dinner.”

As a special keepsake, the song was professionally recorded by Grammy Award winning sound engineer Clark Hagan and distributed to all 2013 graduates. Kenny has donated rights to the song to Graland in honor of his daughter’s experiences here.

Soloist Maria Passerelli (holding the microphone) and Max Waldbaum (wearing the pink tie) sang with both precision and emotion.

Class Representatives Isabel Chandler '13 izziechan98@gmail.com Max Waldbaum '13 max.waldbaum.11@gmail.com Growing Up Graland I 7

Graland Country Day School 55 Clermont Street Denver, CO 80220 303.399.0390 graland.org

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Stay Connected Kristin Weber

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Associate Director of Alumni Relations kweber@graland.org 303-398-3623