SALUTE TO GRADUATES • SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 • PAGE 1
SALUTE TO SENIORS Innovation and integrity: St. Vrain grads excel
St. Vrain Valley schools
Don Haddad St. Vrain Valley Schools superintendent
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his month, St. Vrain Valley Schools launches approximately 2,000 outstanding graduates into their future. I am continually in awe of their academic achievements, strength of character and the inspirational leadership they bring to our communities. Our students have a genuine love of learning and a strong personal investment in how they can make a difference in the world. Their integrity, drive and confidence is a testament to the unwavering support they receive from their families, communities, teachers, staff and elected officials. I am incredibly proud to be ser ving such dedicated and engaged citizens through the deliver y of a high-quality education that has prepared them for their next journey.
If we reflect back to 13 years ago, when this year’s seniors were entering elementar y school, we see a ver y different educational environment than what our students experience today. In many respects, our graduates and our school district matured and grew up together. In 2003, our 1,237 high school graduates were entering life in the 21st centur y when public education was not ready to teach the skills they would need to navigate a globalized economy — a world centered on technology, discover y and problem-solving. District technology device replacements were on a 16-year life cycle, we had only partial WIFI in nine schools, and student choices in instructional focus opportunities were limited to only one or two programs districtwide. Since that time, the St. Vrain Valley School District has experienced a significant shift in what it means to provide a world-class education that prepares students for success in a highly competitive society. Through strong and passionate support, our community has forever transformed public education for St. Vrain Valley students. The passing of the 2008 bond and mill levy override (when our 2016 graduates were in fifth grade) and the 2012 mill levy override (when they were high school freshman) catapulted the district into a nationally recognized center of educational innovation with rigorous academics, exceptional focus program opportunities and outstanding teachers and staff. Our 2016 graduates had access to cutting-edge technology and could enroll in instrucPlease see GRADS, 7
Lewis Geyer / Staff Photographer
Niwot High senior Serena Zwart-Schafer, who took agriculture classes at the Career Development Center, plans to attend Colorado State University in the fall.
Seniors celebrate graduation and prepare for the future A Lewis Geyer / Staff Photographer
Skyline High School graduating senior Giovanni Hernandez.
Lewis Geyer / Staff Photographer
Frederick High School senior Miko Rios plans to study political science in college.
If you go What: St. Vrain Valley high school graduations When/Where: Universal High School, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Izaak Walton Clubhouse, 18 Sunset St., Longmont Olde Columbine High School, 7 p.m. Friday, at Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont The following will hold ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday at their school fields: Erie High, Frederick High, Longmont High, Lyons Senior, Niwot High and Silver Creek High. Skyline High graduation is at 9 a.m. Saturday., and Mead High graduation is at 11 a.m. Saturday, both at their school fields.
2016 JEEP EE. K GRAND CHEROSS.
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bout 2,000 seniors are set to graduate from St. Vrain Valley high schools this coming weekend, most on Saturday. They took more rigorous classes than any previous graduating class, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and honors classes, plus college classes through partnerships with Colorado State University, the University of Colorado and Front Range Community College. The class of 2016 also includes Boettcher Scholars, National Merit Finalists, Daniels Fund Scholars and students who have earned athletic, performing arts and other highly competitive scholarships. Here are four of their stories:
Serena Zwart-Schafer signed up for an agriculture class at St. Vrain’s Career Development Center on a whim as a freshman at Niwot High because she heard she would get to spend time with horses. Those classes sparked a passion for agriculture. She’s resident of the FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), ranked 12th in her class and headed to Colorado State University. She said she chose CSU for its strong agriculture program and proximity, allowing her to visit her family. She’s most interested in working with cattle, specifically with breeding and genetics. “I hope my excitement and enthusiasm can inspire someone else,” she said. She initially open enrolled at Niwot for the school’s International Baccalaureate, or IB, program. Then junior year, she had to choose between agriculture and IB, both time intensive programs, because of scheduling conflicts. She chose agriculture, and switched from IB classes to Advanced Placement classes. Her FAA projects included tutoring fourth- and fifthgraders at Erie Elementary and raising a breed of meat Please see STORIES, 17
Story by Amy Bounds | Staff Writer
PREPARE THEM FOR THE ROAD LESS traveleD.