Growing Up Graland 2016

CLASS OF 2016

Growing Up Graland Growing Up Graland I 1

Graduation Day

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It was one of those perfect Colorado days as 70 students and their families arrived on campus for Graduation 2016. Girls, dressed in bright white and clutching colorful bouquets, contrasted strikingly against the blue sky. Boys in ties, navy blazers and slacks were fresh faced and stylish, looking sophisticated beyond their years.

Graduation for the Class of 2016 was a day of goodbyes, but not in a sad way. Adults in the crowd -- parents, grandparents, teachers -- were each as proud as the next to see this eighth grade class culminate their Graland education and matriculate to secondary schools. Forty of these students have never attended another school.

For 34 families, this is their last goodbye; their youngest or only child walked across the graduation stage that day.

Picture taking filled the morning before students proceeded arm in arm into the Hamilton Gymnasium.

The first remarks came from Board President John Gowen, who thanked students for inspiring not one but two major construction projects during their Graland years s e photo r o m r -- the Anschutz Commons ow fo slidesh d a r g 6 and the Corkins Center.

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Celebrates Class of 2016 “You made these milestones possible,” he said, “because you excelled in the classroom and showed leadership on campus.” Student success, he noted, is what drives all program and facility improvements at Graland.

Next, Mr. Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School, reviewed a memorable time when students, as sixth graders, were stranded in Estes Park by an epic fall rainstorm.

“As you go through life,” he said, “you will confront more Estes Park floods, some more trying than others, but I trust that you will face those moments with grace and courage. Though you may doubt your perseverance, I don’t. You have it in you to meet every challenge, to find power in powerless situations.”

Student leaders also took turns addressing the crowd of students, faculty and guests. Alec RomoNichols, class co-president, talked about how every member of the class was united by their experiences with Graland faculty. He called out many favorite memories including Ms. Camille James’ jokes and pranks in math class, Mrs. Lee Lee Newcomb’s ability to transform students into actors, Ms. Jane Maslanka’s mantra (“Work or die.”) and Mrs. Barbara Acker’s passion for teaching. He also acknowledged Head of School Ronni McCaffrey and her impending retirement.

“Thank you for doing the behind-the-scenes work to set us up for success,” he told her. “I hope you have a fantastic final year; we were so lucky to have you here.”

Rachel Colson, class co-president, likened the Graland experience to the trunk, branches and leaves of “an honorable tree.”

“With the background we have from our Graland tree -- optimism, perseverance, confidence, relationships, and kindness -- I am certain that every student here will succeed wherever the wind might take him.”

The graduation choir then beautifully performed an original song written by eighth grade songwriters led by Mr. Josh Gaffga. Windows (When You’re Away) centered on the themes of goodbyes and new starts.

Finally, it was time for each graduate to have a moment in the spotlight. By advisory, students were called up to the stage where advisors shared humorous moments and noteworthy qualities before wishing them the best in their future endeavors.

Whether using a crystal ball to predict students’ futures or employing a personalized rhyme, each citation was unique and heartfelt.

To conclude, Ms. McCaffrey shared that some of the most important traits they can have, besides knowledge and wisdom, are kindness and gratitude.

“Savor this time and keep in touch with each other. I hope you know how special you are in our eyes and how loved you are,” she said, before sending them off with a traditional Irish blessing.

To the Class of 2016, go forward into life and, whatever you choose to do, be the best you can be!

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GRADUATION SONG

Windows (When You’re Away) Music and lyrics by guest artist Justin Bullis, Olivia Cohen, Zoey Dale, Lulu Geller, Sophie Goldberg, Ellie Henry, Ava Laden, Sofia Palumbo, Malu Thompson Hopscotch, pavement, blue skies, new friends, all of the things we used to know we're leaving.

Windows, raincoats, wide smiles, wet clothes, the memories we held so close are fleeting.

Can't stand to let you go, but I just want you to know that I'll love you when you are away.

Hope that you fly so high, and I hope that you reach the sky, but we're going to have to say goodbye.

But now it's time to say goodbye.

Our time has come, the ride is done.

Remember.

Can't stand to let you go, but I just want you to know that I'll love you when you are away.

Hope that you fly so high, and I hope that you reach the sky, but we're going to have to say goodbye.

Drifting further away.

In my heart you'll stay.

Drifting farther away.

Don't let skies turn gray.

Can't stand to let you go, but I just want you to know that I'll love you when you are away.

Hope that you fly so high, and I hope that you reach the sky, but we're going to have to say goodbye.

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Students Awarded Graduation Honors Graduation awards are a distinguished honor given each year to outstanding eighth graders. Congratulations to these deserving students.

JOHN COMFORT HEADMASTER’S AWARD Mr. Comfort was the School’s head from 1964-75 and 1995-96. The award in his honor recognizes a student for his or her well-rounded development in the areas of academics, athletics, arts and citizenship.

Congratulations to two students who received this award: Olivia Cohen and Alec Romo-Nichols.

Olivia stands out for her love of learning and natural curiosity. She was described by her teachers as an “exemplary” student who is well-rounded and hardworking. Olivia also participated actively

in sports and music, distinguishing herself in the Sirens choir and the musical Grease.

With a passion and energy that fills the room, Alec is able to succeed at any task or challenge he takes on. A skilled innovator, talented mathematician, solid athlete and gifted musician, Alec enjoys engaging with others honestly and respectfully. Teachers describe his leadership style as thoughtful, kind and confident during his year as co-president of student council.

GEORGIA NELSON AWARD The Georgia Nelson Award is given to the student who personifies an outstanding work ethic; courage and fortitude; enthusiasm and love of learning; passion and conscientiousness; and personal growth. Two students earned this award in 2016.

Annie Mandava is known as a tireless worker who never complains about new challenges. She succeeds through scrupulous attention to detail, a stellar effort and a teachable attitude. Throughout

Middle School, Annie showed a passion for learning, grit in the face of adversity, dedication to her studies and good humor.

Marthaly Rubio is a true example of perseverance.

Learning English as a second language was initially a challenge, but Marthaly astounded her teachers with her dedication, motivation and work ethic.

Her confidence has soared, they say, and her love of learning is palpable.

TIMOTHY JOHNSON SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD This award is presented annually to a graduate who displays exemplary effort in service and leadership to the graduating class, school, community and self.

This year’s recipient is Wyatt Terry.

Classmates respect and admire Wyatt for his intelligence, humility, maturity, integrity

and kindness. Teachers describe another trait: sincerity. Wyatt is fiercely committed to giving back in ways large and small and he exudes empathy, whether serving Graland as an admission ambassador or sponsoring a young South Sudanese boy’s education.

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GALLOP BACK TO US! REPS KEEP CLASS OF 2016 CONNECTED The Class of 2016 has selected Sophie Goldberg and Alec Romo-Nichols to serve as grade representatives.

Grade reps keep their classmates informed about alumni events and encourage them to stay connected to the school. Thank you to Sophie and Alec for taking on this important role in the alumni community!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 WASHINGTON PARK Run, walk or cheer with your friends from the Class of 2016 at the annual Graland Gallop 5K race!

Register beginning in late August at graland.org/gallop and save $5 before September 16.

CLASS OF 2016

See you at the Gallop!

MATRICULATION

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JOIN THE

& CLUB!

GREEN WHITE CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2016!

Your Graland education is behind you but your alumni experience is just beginning!

You’re invited to join the Green & White Club, a program just for young alums like you that sets you on the path to continued involvement with the school. To become a member, make a $5 donation to Graland this year and each year through high school. Your dollars will be matched

Matias Alberola - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Alden Alijani - Groton School (MA) ✦▲ Sebastian Andrews - East High School Grant Austin - East High School Kennedy Austin - East High School ✶ Charlie Baker - Colorado Academy ▲ Annabel Benes - St. Mary's Academy ▲ Brooks Bermingham - Brooks School (MA) ▲ Anna Bock - East High School ✦▲ Jack Boris - Regis Jesuit High School ▲ Caroline Burke-Dullinger - Colorado Academy ▲✶ Arisela Canales-Abarca - Lakewood High School Henry Caulkins - Kent Denver School ▲ Ziam Chadrom - Regis Jesuit High School ▲ Paul Chandler - Colorado Academy ▲ Olivia Chandler - Kent Denver School ▲ Wyatt Cirbo - Cherry Creek High School Olivia Cohen - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Christine Cole - St. Mary's Academy ▲ Rachel Colson - East High School ✦✶ Zoey Dale - Regis Jesuit High School ✦▲ Joe Dorman - Arapahoe High School Charlie Drumm - Regis Jesuit High School ▲ Tess Finke - St. Mary's Academy ✦▲ Henry Fox - East High School ▲ Kate Frankmore - St. Mary's Academy ▲ Abiel Gebremedhin - Kent Denver School Lulu Geller - Colorado Academy ▲ Sophie Goldberg - East High School ✦▲ Alexa Goldstein - East High School ✦▲ Haley Harnisch - Valor Christian High School Ellie Henry - Kent Denver School ▲ Seth Herrlinger - Bishop Machebeuf Hayden Jones - St. Mary's Academy Aiden Kboudi - South High School

by the Alumni Association and will be used to support the amazing programs and faculty that helped you succeed as a Graland student.

To get started on making a difference for future students, contact Jeri Volpe (jvolpe@ graland.org). All it takes is $5!

HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT 14% 30%

6% 9% 11%

17% 13%

East High School Kent Denver School Regis Jesuit High School St. Mary’s Academy Colorado Academy Boarding School Other*

*Schools Include: Arapahoe, Bishop Machebeuf, Cherry Creek, DSST-Byers, DSST-Cole, Lakewood, Mullen, South, Valor Christian Paula Kim - East High School Ava Laden - Regis Jesuit High School ✦▲ Matthew MacDonald - East High School Marie Manassee - Regis Jesuit High School Allie Mandava - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Annie Mandava - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Ian McCoy - East High School Evelyn McSpirit - East High School Matthew Nekritz - East High School ✦▲✶ J.P. Pak - Regis Jesuit High School ▲ Sofia Palumbo - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Hailey Rhine - St. Mary's Academy Alec Romo-Nichols - Kent Denver School ✦▲✶ Josh Rosen - DSST: Byers High School ✶ Luna Rosenzweig - East High School Marthaly Rubio - St. Mary's Academy Holden Ryu - Colorado Academy Claudia Sanchez - Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) ▲ Ben Sankel - South High School

Caroline Shay - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Julia Shelanski - East High School ✦▲ Remy Sherman - Colorado Academy ▲ Jake Simmons - East High School Darian Smith - St. Mary's Academy Joe Smith - East High School Jacob Storch - Regis Jesuit High School ▲ Brooke Swanson - East High School Wyatt Terry - The Hotchkiss School (CT) ▲ Adam Thiret - East High School Malu Thompson - East High School ✦ Joey Waldbaum - Kent Denver School ✦▲ Jack Wallace - Mullen High School ▲ Sullivan Wheeler - East High School Carmen Yohannes - DSST: Cole High School Ethan Zimbelman - Regis Jesuit High School ▲✶ ✦ Graduated with Honors ▲ Attended Graland K-8 ✶ Golden Eagle Award Growing Up Graland I 7

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Student Inventor

MATTHEW NEKRITZ Inspired by an extended backpacking trip to the Pacific Northwest, Matthew Nekritz came up with a winning idea for the Gates Invention and Innovation Program 2015-16: The No-Bag. After finding his pack was too large and heavy for day trips, he designed a small, collapsible, lightweight pack that allows hikers to clip on the items they’ll need: headlamp, water bottle, pocket knife, etc.

“Hiking is a passion of mine,” Matthew says, “and I knew a better pack was possible after improvising with a makeshift design on my trip.”

Although Matthew won first place in the 7/8 division of the Gates Competition, his invention journey hasn’t always been smooth.

“My first year in Gates, I was presenting to one of the judges and my invention broke right in front of him,” Matthew laughs. “To be successful you have to just keep pushing through and let the challenges motivate you instead of defeat you.”

Matthew credits Graland’s Gates program for helping him understand his strengths and his passions. “It inspired me to pursue a career in engineering,” he says.

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Profiles Athlete

LUNA ROSENZWEIG Graland Eagle Luna Rosenzweig is a star in three sports after devoting much of her middle school years to training and competing. Whether indoors on the basketball court or outside playing field hockey and soccer, Luna has distinguished herself as a hard working athlete who excels in team sports.

“Usually I like to work by myself,” she says, “but being on a team has taught me to be open and to let someone else be the one who scores.” In fact, assisting the scorer is Luna’s specialty in her favorite sport, field hockey. She competed for Graland in Grades 6-8.

“Coach [Allison] Birdsong knows I have a powerful drive so she puts me in the right forward position,” she says. “She showed me that the one who sets up the shot is just as important as the one who scores.”

Some of Luna’s favorite team moments, however, happened apart from either practices or games.

“Coming home from a University of Colorado women’s basketball game with my team, I fell asleep on the bus and my teammates took funny pictures of me,” she laughs.

Philanthropist WYATT TERRY

Wyatt Terry is changing lives through education as a sponsor of the Seeds of South Sudan program, a local effort to educate and empower the youngest casualties of a prolonged civil war in South Sudan.

“When I heard about what it’s like to live in a refugee camp and how the kids have no chance at an education,” he says, “it inspired me to do something to help kids have a better life.”

Wyatt has committed to helping at least one boy change his future: he is raising enough money to see 13-year-old Dut Atem Chol pursue college and a career. Starting in 2014, Wyatt began soliciting pledges from friends and family to ride his bike on some of Colorado’s most challenging courses. So far, he has collected thousands of dollars for Dut’s schooling.

“Graland’s service learning program got me out of my bubble and showed me the world is not a perfect place,” Wyatt shares. “It’s a privilege to get a fantastic education at Graland, and I want to do more for others whose lives are much more challenging.”

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G GRALAND

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Impact

GRADUATES Eighth grade UpWords speeches provide students an opportunity to share something unique about themselves with their classmates and advisors.

By reflecting on the Graland Guiding Principles, students understand themselves and the important role they play in their class, their school and the greater community.

EMBRACE EXPERIENCES

Matias Alberola reflected on an experience that changed his approach to taking risks and creating memories. In sixth grade, he traveled to Spain for a two-week soccer camp where he learned about Spanish culture, met new friends from around the world, sampled some unusual cuisine and challenged his soccer skills. “Embrace your experiences, and learn from them...I push you to create your own experiences, as they don’t occur by themselves.”

HONOR INDIVIDUALITY

Paula Kim is dedicated to our guiding principle Honor Individuality by challenging gender stereotypes. “Girls are pressured too much about their appearance and both boys and girls suffer double standards daily. I decided to focus on something that I deal with every single day and raise awareness about this issue.”

INSPIRE LEADERSHIP

On a service trip to Tanzania, Zoey Dale saw firsthand how different her life is from other children. She visited a school where children were thrilled to have the chance to learn and they behaved like model students. “These kids were so happy and grateful for what they had. Seeing their school ... inspired me to be more grateful for my fantastic friends, my brilliant teachers, my loving family and my education.”

GUIDE CRITICAL THINKING

Sophie Goldberg admits she’s grown up in a “cocoon,” but she believes her time at Graland has prepared her for future challenges and experiences. “Through Graland, I have learned to think critically of the world ... It is time for me to shed my protective layer and use my Graland experiences to embrace others.”

VALUE TRADITION

Alexa Goldstein’s family takes an annual summer vacation where she and her sisters participate in community events like Alexa’s favorite, a hula hoop contest. One year, she realized the value of family when seeing her sister as a finalist in the contest made her just as happy as being a finalist herself. “Now, I look forward to the hula hoop contest for a different reason because I can see my sister excelling and having a great time.”

CULTIVATE COMPASSION

Brooke Swanson’s special buddy in fourth grade was different in a lot of ways, and one of the things that made him unique was his love and talent for basketball.

Keith taught Brooke that it doesn’t matter what others think about you, especially when you are enjoying something you are passionate about. “If I am different in some way, I can’t let other people get me down about it.

Everyone has differences that make them special.”

PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE

At a summer camp in California, Jacob Storch found himself on a college campus studying the principles of engineering design. Although he was homesick and lonely, Jacob decided to look on the bright side and make an effort to get to know other campers. “I know I will be grateful for this experience when I go to high school.”

BUILD COMMUNITY

One of Evelyn McSpirit’s first playmates was a child with cerebral palsy who taught her an important lesson that has stayed with her since childhood: People who have differences can still be friends. “Later on, I also found out that this lesson doesn’t just apply to mental or physical disabilities. It can apply to a person’s sexual orientation, gender, race, political stance and so much more. I am so grateful to have met Isaac and for him to have taught me such an important lesson.”

CELEBRATE PERSEVERANCE

As a first generation American, Carmen Yohannes understands the meaning of perseverance.

Her parents worked all their lives to learn a new language and culture, modeling strong character for their children. “I am so fortunate to have parents that push me every single day to do better and always try my hardest and embrace the opportunities I’m given.”

PURSUE EXCELLENCE

Growing up in a Spanishspeaking home, Marthaly Rubio says, “Being bilingual has caused many obstacles for me throughout my life but it has also made me who I am.” When she first joined Graland in sixth grade, Marthaly struggled to become fluent in English but dedicated herself to learning the language while retaining her Spanish-speaking skills. Today, her goal is to become fluent in four languages by the time she is an adult.

INSTILL INTEGRITY

Alec Romo-Nichols considers his older brother a role model when it comes to resisting peer pressure after observing him standing up for what is right, even when it was the hard thing to do. “If I ever have a situation in the future where I am being intimidated by peer pressure, I will feel more confident to say no. I learned that doing the right thing will always have greater rewards than consequences.”

GOLDEN EAGLES

GO COMPETE

Congratulations to these graduates who participated on a Graland sports team every season of Grades 6-8.

KENNEDY AUSTIN CAROLINE BURKE-DULLINGER RACHEL COLSON MATTHEW NEKRITZ

ALEC ROMO-NICHOLS JOSH ROSEN ETHAN ZIMBELMAN

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

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