Meet the Seniors
2
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
An Introduction and Welcome from Andy Johnson, High School Director
Dear parents and friends of Riverstone, Welcome to our Meet the Seniors event, made digital this year due to the pandemic that has swept the globe. Every year this event serves as an opportunity to allow our Seniors to speak about their experiences at Riverstone near the end of their journey at the school. The Class of 2020 publication will therefore not only serve as a written time capsule representing some of what we have all experienced, but most importantly, introduce this class of talented, resilient and resourceful Riverstone graduates to the rest of the community. The Class of 2020 is a remarkable group of people. Five of these students – Tess, Edie, Alden, Ryan, and Gwyneth – started at Riverstone as Kindergartners in 2007. (The school wasn't much older than they were at the time.) Along the way, they've been joined by many others; 21 of whom will graduate with them on May 28. Much has been made of the graduating classes of 2020. Commentators have noted that most of them were born in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and are graduating in a pandemic. As certain as I am that they have been shaped by these circumstances, I am even more certain of their individual and collective ability to shape the world. I have a very personal connection with this class. My daughter, Edie, is graduating this year and I count some of my closest friends among the parents of this class. I am deeply grateful to have shared their journey over the last thirteen years. The Class of 2020 is prepared for the journey ahead. They are serious, but don't take themselves too seriously, and tackle challenges with humor and panache. Most importantly, they came together when it really counted. I hope they recognize what a special group they are and reflect on the qualities that made them this way. I invite you to learn a little more about them in the following pages.
Senior portraits photographed by Heather Johnson Webster 3
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Tess E.
Boise, Idaho
Which university will you attend after graduation? Lewis & Clark University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 13 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How can Sigmund Freud's writings on our subconscious in A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis provide evidence that Virginia Woolf's mental status strongly influenced her literary style in her novel A Room of One’s Own?” What was your most important Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Working with OneStone, a student-led and directed nonprofit organization that started at Riverstone. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Communicating when I need help. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Hanging out and laughing with friends in Math & Physics teacher Jon Moreno’s classroom. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. My writing skills have developed a lot, as well as my ability to make friends and communicate. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Remember that your mental health is more important than a grade or sport. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Long. Challenging. Wonderful.
4
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Edie J.
Boise, Idaho Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Probably DePaul University Honors College. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 13 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “An Investigation Into the Properties and Implications of Carmichael Numbers.� What was your most meaningful CAS experience? I started the band Kinda Kids with my friends in Grade 9 and have opened for bands including Snail Mail, No Vacation, and played at the Treefort Music Festival as well as recorded a full length album and an EP. It has taught me about teamwork, leadership, creativity, and how important it is to pursue your passions. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? I have improved my time management, and organizing and balancing all of my commitments. Riverstone has made me a student who has been able to be fully engaged with sports, creative pursuits, friendships, and academics. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? My DP Music class with Cole, Maren, Sammi, Kelli, and Mr. Brown. We all had a lot of fun together learning music, watching Tiny Desk Concerts, and covering Car Seat Headrest. I also will always remember the Grade 10 Spring Outdoor Education trip to Sheep Creek, Idaho when Sammi had a heat stroke. Everyone stayed up all night making sure she was okay; Max did poi; and Kelli and I had to share a one man tent. Even though it was a very stressful situation, we worked together and still managed to have fun.
physically and mentally capable of so much because of the challenges I have had at Riverstone from backpacking trips, to tough classes, and spending time with my class.
Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I have learned a lot about managing my time, and having a healthy balance of the things in my life. I know that I am
What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Impactful. Meaningful. Fulfilling.
5
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Alden K. Boise, Idaho
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Next year I will be taking a gap year to help with construction on my family’s new winery project, as well as help out in the distillery. I plan to attend Montana State University in the fall of 2021. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 13 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent will freshwater scarcity and population increase harm the selfsufficiency of the agricultural economy on the Nile delta?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Working with Mr. Ledesma as the Deputy Athletic Director. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? I have always struggled in English class, though all my teachers were extremely helpful and kind. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Playing soccer for Riverstone with all of my buddies, and the Spring Outdoor Education trip to Grand Gulch, Utah in Grade 9. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Riverstone has helped me manage my time and workload, as well as provide really challenging Math and Physics courses which have prompted my interest in becoming a mechanical engineer. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Enjoy your time with your friends, you don't know when things can change! Also, get to know your teachers well! They are really interesting people and are great contacts to have going into the rest of your life. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Challenging (in a good way). Special. Fun. 6
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Ryan M. Boise, Idaho Which university will you attend after graduation? Undecided How many years have you been at Riverstone? 13 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent can liberalism and realism be applied to the United States/China Thucydides Trap?�
7
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Gwyneth W. Boise, ID Which university will you attend after graduation? Elon University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 13 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent do concepts of ‘sanctuary’ in the Quran influence mosque design?” What was your most important or meaningful CAS experience? Completing my CAS Project with my friend Maeve. We made a senior class yearbook to commemorate our graduating class. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Trying to work through my Extended Essay for the first six months. I had many struggles with advisors and never was able to grasp the concepts I wanted to focus on for the essay. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Having to hike out of Grand Gulch in Utah for 11 miles. It was very hard, but very rewarding and I felt like I bonded with my entire group on a new level. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Riverstone taught me to have a good work ethic and not be afraid to work collaboratively with people of all ages and in groups of all sizes. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Don't get bogged down in your work. People are always around to help you and are willing to give you the time you need. Also, don’t try and convince your parents to not go on the Outdoor Education trips. I had never gone backpacking before the 8th grade, but I always ended up having a pretty good time and bonding with my classmates. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Unique. Challenging. Extraordinary.
8
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Aya A.
Salamiyah, Syria Which college/university will you (most likely) attend after graduation? I haven't decided yet. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 3 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How did Kate Chopin depict feminism through the concept of independence in her novel, The Awakening?� What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? I organized a [United Nations] GirlUp Fundraiser to inspire gender equality and social change. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? My first year here, and completing college applications. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? TOK [Theory of Knowledge] class taught by Gretchen Arguedas; fall trips this year with Math & Physics teacher Jon Moreno and Mandarin teacher Meichun Lin; performing in the annual Variety Shows. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I know I can handle a serious workload. And, backpacking taught me that I am tougher than I thought. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Always communicate with teachers if you are having difficulties in class, and maintain a good relationship with them. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Enriching. Well-rounded. Memorable.
9
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Junior B.
Medan, Indonesia Which university will you attend after graduation? University of Toronto How many years have you been at Riverstone? 4 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How does Khaled Hosseini portray sexism in A Thousand Splendid Suns?” What was your most meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Playing soccer. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Living in the dormitory for four years; the Spring Outdoor Education trip to Sheep Creek, Idaho in Grade 10. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. After the International Baccalaureate, I’m ready to take on challenges in college. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Enjoy your time in high school, and do not take things for granted. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Fun. International. Unforgettable.
10
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Maxwell Cole
Max C.
Boise, Idaho dynamics between the US and China?”
What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Social Change Club was a great experience that allowed me to meet a ton of other really cool people while making a difference! What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Outdoor Education trips were really hard for me at the start. I was not used to being away from technology and civilization in such a way. As time went on, I started to lean on my friends for help and began to enjoy them, all the way up to winning the Outdoor Leadership Award! What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Hanging out in Mr. Udesen’s room during lunch. Both early and late soccer games with the team. I also fondly remember the day when Jeff Cole, our former English teacher, accidentally dropped the cake our class gave him. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Outdoor experiences taught me a lot, especially that it's okay to rely on others and also that I am tougher than I thought. Whenever things get tough, I’ll always remember hiking 12 miles out of Grand Gulch in over 100F-degree heat. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Call your teachers by their first name if they let you–you realize that they are not only a teacher, but also friend. NEVER skip an Outdoor Education trip Those experiences are seriously hard, but are some of my best memories. The times I learned the most about myself were from the things we went through together as a class.
Which university will you attend after graduation? Oregon State University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 6 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent will development in Artificial Intelligence upend existing global power
What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Together. Family. FUN.
11
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Samantha E. Boise, Idaho
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Willamette University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 12 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “The Experimental and Theoretical Probabilities of Rock, Paper, Scissors and Their Impacts on Game Strategies.” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Putting on the Riverstone Tiny Desk Series featuring band ensembles and teachers. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Handling some of my biggest work loads. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Higher Level Math, and the Grade 9 Outdoor Education trip to Grand Gulch, Utah. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I know how I learn best; how to work with others; growing up with a consistent community of my peers has prepared me to succeed socially. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? You can't afford to give 110% to everything. Make priorities and make time to hang out with your friends–don’t take your time with them for granted. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Community. Meaningful. Eclectic.
12
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Maren F.
Ketchum, Idaho Which university will you attend after graduation? Montana State University to study Biomedical Engineering. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 2.5 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent does the United States’ and Iraq’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index correlate to the occurrence of antibacterial resistance in those countries?” What was your most meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? My CAS Project/Girl Scout Gold Award. The CAS portion was hosting a children's STEM event that was focused on the bluebird. For my Gold Award, I wrote and published a children's STEM curriculum. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Jon Moreno’s Higher Level Math class was definitely a highlight. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I know that I can be successful with a very rigorous workload. Higher Level Math has prepared me especially well for college level courses, both in the way the class was set up and the content that was covered. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Take advantage of teachers’ [willingness to help]. Every time I asked a teacher to meet outside of class, they were always very helpful. It’s a cliché, but don't procrastinate, especially on big things like your Extended Essay and Internal Assessments. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Independence. Academics. Friends.
13
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Aiden G.
Wherever my family is Which college/university will you attend after graduation? I will be attending and swimming at Chapman University, after a gap year to rest and recover. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 6 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To What Extent are the Concepts of Qi and Yin and Yang Present in Star Wars?� What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? The Internal Assessments were by far the most challenging. Maintaining a healthy social/work balance is always difficult. The Grade 10 Outdoor Education trip to Sheep Creek, Idaho was definitely harsh! What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? The Outdoor Education trip to Grand Gulch, Utah was beyond memorable; the singing was top notch! And nothing can compare to study halls with Math & Physics teacher Jon Moreno. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I know how to manage my time and longterm projects more effectively. Finding the balance between athletic training and academics will be a valuable life skill. Learning the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with my teachers has proved invaluable. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Don't put off your Internal Assessments. Having to cram for those can really be detrimental to an enjoyable senior year. In addition, try not to put too much stress on yourself in your senior year. It gets really crazy near the last half, but the important thing to remember is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you WILL come out on the other side. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Demanding. Enriching. Profound. 14
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Zengxiang (Tim) H. Beijing, China Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Purdue University at West Lafayette How many years have you been at Riverstone? 3 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent did the Battle of Stalingrad contribute to Germany's loss in WWII?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Playing in a band. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Mr. Udesen's Geography class, and Jon Moreno's Higher Level Math and Physics classes. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I know how to focus in class. What are some pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Learn something ahead of other people in class, do the things you like in school, enjoy your life and be yourself. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Academics. Dorm. Good.
15
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Xingyan (Katrina) K. Jilin City, China Which college/university will you (most likely) attend after graduation? University of Edinburgh, UC San Diego, or University of Rochester; I’m not sure yet. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 3 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How far could one argue that the Stanford Prison Experiment was both unethical in its execution and unreliable in its conclusions?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? My Model UN journey over the past four years. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Coming to a new country, settling in, and making friends–but was able to quickly find my place. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? As a leader of the Model UN Club this year; I also got to know many new people through the Robotics Club. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I’m a very productive and responsible student now, and also became an active learner. I realized the importance of challenging myself. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? I feel like everyone should be confident, brave, and take risks, since we have many opportunities at Riverstone. Students can experiment whatever their goals here. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Challenge. Inspiration. Growth.
16
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Quan (Henry) L. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Which university will you attend after graduation? Case Western Reserve University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 2 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent is Russian government’s internet censorship justified within Berlin’s two concepts of positive and negative liberty?" What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Participating in Rake Up Boise. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Trying hard in subjects that weren't my favorite (i.e. Global Politics). What is one of your favorite memories of your journey at Riverstone? The Grade 11 College Prep Camp at the YMCA at Horsethief Reservoir in west central Idaho. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. At the middle and at the end of my senior year, the amount of assignments and deadlines that were due came in wave after wave. Surviving that makes me really proud of myself, and I feel so resilient–no assignments can scare me anymore. (It doesn't get harder than this.) What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? - Subject-wise, focus on what you hate, spend less time on what you're good at. This would make your life so much easier. Also, try to communicate with your teacher as much as possible. Forge a real and meaningful relationship. Your teacher is your mentor, but also your best friend. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Challenging. Enlightening. Fun.
17
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Cole M.
Boise, Idaho Which university will you attend after graduation? Boise State University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 5 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent would the establishment of a Kurdish sovereign state be legitimate?� What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? I started the Public Health and Safety Club with my friend Rose. Its main focus was to provide information on staying healthy during stressful times and emphasize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. Through informational sessions and posters we made and spread throughout the school, I think that we accomplished our goal of informing students about the best ways to stay healthy. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? My biggest challenge at Riverstone was managing my time effectively; at times it was hard for me to stay motivated. What is one of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Our trip to Grand Gulch, Utah. During one night camping in the canyon, we took the rainflies off of our tents. I was able to see the stars in the night sky without any light pollution. It was beautiful. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Riverstone has taught me the value of having a solid network and good peer relations. Going into college I feel not only confident academically, but also in my ability to make meaningful connections with those around me.
to be a very intense experience. If you don't understand something you're being taught, don't immediately discredit your ability to learn things as a whole.
What are some pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Don't cut yourself short just because you're struggling in a certain class or unit. I think people forget sometimes that the IB is a very rigorous program, and it's intended
What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Rigorous. Rewarding. Insightful.
18
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Esther N.
Kingston, Jamaica Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Howard University. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 2 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “In what ways can the political structure of the Republic of Kenya be improved to alleviate sectarian violence and deliver more effective governance?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Organizing a back-to-school supply drive in Jamaica. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Learning how to live away from family for a while, and learning how to survive in the outdoors. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Learning about the people at the dorms, as well as the Outdoor Education and College Visit trips. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I've learned that collaboration is necessary in every aspect of life and learned the best ways I'm able to study. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Try various studying techniques, find the one that’s best for you, and stick with it. Accept help and give help to others. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Adventurous. Unforgettable. Rewarding.
19
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Phuong (Hailey) N. Hanoi, Vietnam
Which college will you attend after graduation? Oberlin College How many years have you been at Riverstone? 2 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “In the novel Atonement, how successful is Ian McEwan’s development of Briony in evoking a sense of ambiguity among the readers?” What was your most important or meaningful CAS experience? We collected about 500 books to donate to Book It Forward Idaho. It was great fun to get the whole school involved and contribute to help alleviate one of the most significant problems in Idaho: literacy. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? I think my biggest challenge is finding confidence in myself. Sometimes it’s hard to tell myself that I am enough, but I am lucky to have the most amazing friends to remind me that I am. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? The college trip and basically any Outdoor Education trip. I won the Grade 11 Award for Individuals and Societies; I tried a new subject and discovered new interests and now I am keeping it up by pursuing Model UN both in the US and in Vietnam. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I can deal with my emotions much better than before I came here. I became more outgoing and considerate, which all are traits that will help make my college experience much better. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Please don't procrastinate and sleep too late; it only slows your productivity down. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Fulfilling. Spontaneous. Inquisitive.
20
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Trieu (BJ) N. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Which university will you attend after graduation? Missouri State University How many years have you been at Riverstone? 3 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent did Sherman Alexie develop Arnold Spirit Jr.’s characteristics in order to form his identity as a part-time Indian in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? I had a chance to work with underprivileged kids and help find them sponsors. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Outdoor Edcuation trips; making art and writing about it; being homesick; saying goodbye to my friends at the end of senior year. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? I tore my ACL during a soccer game in P.E. – my classmates thought I was pretending. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I definitely manage time better, can work under great pressure, write a lot, am independent and responsible, communicate with teachers, and have learned to take time for myself after a school day. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? The only advice I have is: do not procrastinate. If you don’t procrastinate, your life will be so much easier! What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Invaluable. Tough. Unforgettable.
21
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Brian O. Boise, Idaho
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? University of Nevada, Las Vegas How many years have you been at Riverstone? 9 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent did monetary gain of politicians affect United States military policy with Iraq during the Iraq War?� What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? PACMUN 2019 was my first Model United Nations trip and I enjoyed every moment of it. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Riverstone has given me the ability to find subjects that I'm passionate about. A lot of kids go into college without the drive to do anything other than graduate. Riverstone helps kids find something that they want to study. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Try not to focus on whether or not you will end up using specific math knowledge. At the end of the day, the teacher has heard it before, and isn't going to let you not do the work. But if you just focus on learning, and try to enjoy it, you will have a better experience. Secondly, don't assume you know everything. There will always be something new to learn. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Unique. Cultural. Transformative.
22
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Zoe P.
Boise, Idaho Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Bowdoin College How many years have you been at Riverstone? 7 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How have the roles of women in Disney Princess movies changed as a reflection of evolving views of feminism in society?� What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Captaining the basketball team. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Having to take a music class! What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Working outside with friends when the weather started to get nice, and every single Outdoor Education trip. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I feel prepared for college because I have learned how to advocate for myself and take control of my education. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? High school went by way too fast. Remember to appreciate where you are right now. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Homey. Colorful. Challenging.
23
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Maeve P. Boise, Idaho
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Georgetown University to study Global Health. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 9 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent can the decision of Mormon women not to pursue a career or graduate level of education be attributed to Church doctrine, teachings, and rhetoric?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Being part of the Green Team and playing soccer. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? There were times where I longed to attend a larger public high school with larger sports teams and football games and more kids generally to socialize with. However, I realized that Riverstone is special because it teaches you to befriend people you never would have at one of those large high schools. I am confident that the relationships I have with not only my classmates, but my teachers at Riverstone are ones I could not have built elsewhere because Riverstone isn't just a school, it is a family. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Every Outdoor Education Trip (especially to Grand Gulch, Utah and Sheep Creek, Idaho); attending basketball games; the conversations in Art with Jim Harper and World Religions with Josh Udesen. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. My time at Riverstone has taught me invaluable timemanagement skills and the importance of asking questions; more importantly, it has taught me not to limit myself–specifically, to try things that are uncomfortable and get to know people I don't think I have much in common with. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Be nice! Riverstone is small. There is no avoiding the
students and teachers around, so get to know them, ask them questions. Don’t be mean. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Important. Educational. Unique. 24
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Mekala S. Boise, Idaho
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Undecided. How many years have you been at Riverstone? 4 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “How does evaluating the theory of structural violence in the education system be used to explain high incarceration rates for Black Americans?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? This technically isn't a CAS experience, but I did a project at Good Samaritan Home with One Stone, a student-led nonprofit organization. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? My personal challenges have been making new friends at the beginning of my freshman year, and Chemistry as a subject. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Joe Beard's Grade 10 Humanities class and working with GirlUp, an organization within the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and social change. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I realized the importance of advocating for myself and making sure my voice is heard because things won't magically get better unless you say something. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad for enjoying the things you enjoy. Also, don’t ever forget the significance/influence you have on other people (this is specifically geared towards students of color). What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Humbling. Eyeopening. Impactful.
25
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Natalie T. Boise, Idaho
What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent should biomedical research concerning the human-pig chimera be conducted considering its ethical and technical boundaries?â€? What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Volunteering at the annual Riverstone Auction. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? It was a challenge entering a new school in my junior year, making new friends, and becoming familiar with a new environment. What are one or two of your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? Dancing to BeyoncĂŠ with my friends at the dorm. (Heh, sorry Andy.) Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. Attending Riverstone has provided me with incredible opportunities and experiences that have opened doors to an amazing future. I have not only learned a remarkable amount academically, but also socially and personally. Above all, my Riverstone experience taught me perseverance. In times when I wanted to give up, my supportive community and meaningful friendships were there to encourage and motivate me. Thanks to the amazing people at Riverstone I now feel more confident in myself and my abilities to apply myself in college and my future career. What are two pieces of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Every student is capable of anything if they apply their best selves in whatever they choose to do. If you are motivated to achieve, you will. In other words, just stop procrastinating.
Which college/university will you attend after graduation? Boise State University
What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? That was exuberant.
How many years have you been at Riverstone? 2
26
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Kelli W. Tampa, Florida Which university will you attend after graduation? University of San Diego How many years have you been at Riverstone? 7 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent does Sita’s role in Ramayana create misogynistic ideals for women in Hindu culture?” What was your most important or meaningful Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experience? Being able to go to the Dominican Republic and do service work. What have your (personal) challenges been at Riverstone? Finding my place when I first got to Riverstone and learning to be sociable. What are your favorite memories or highlights of your journey at Riverstone? End-of-year class parties and celebrations. Tell us the ways you feel that you are prepared for the next part of your journey. I learned to manage my time and the workload. What is a piece of advice that you want to give to other students at Riverstone? Be authentic and cherish all of the fun experiences with your class. What are three words that describe your experience at Riverstone? Unique. Fun. Memorable.
27
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
Zehao (Jack) Z. Sichuan, China Which university will you attend after graduation? University of California, Davis How many years have you been at Riverstone? 3 What is the title of your Extended Essay? “To what extent does John Steinbeck reflect how society often breaks common people dreams in Of Mice and Men?�
28
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020
College Acceptances for the Class of 2020 American University Arizona State University-Tempe The University of Arizona Bates College Beloit College Bennington College Birkbeck, University of London Boise State University* Boston University Bowdoin College* University of British Columbia Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo University of California-Davis* University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara Case Western Reserve University* Central Washington University Chapman University* University of Colorado at Boulder Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University-Fort Collins University of Denver DePaul University* Drexel University Eastern Washington University Elon University* Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College George Washington University Georgetown University (School of Nursing and Health)*
Gonzaga University High Point University Howard University* The College of Idaho University of Idaho Indiana University, Bloomington Ithaca College Keele University Lafayette College Lewis & Clark College* Manhattanville College University of Massachusetts-Amherst Miami University-Oxford Michigan Technological University Middlebury College Missouri State University* Montana State University* University of Montana University of Nevada-Las Vegas* University of New Hampshire New Jersey Institute of Technology North Carolina State University at Raleigh North Park University Oberlin College* Oregon State University* Pace University-New York Pennsylvania State University Portland State University Purdue University-Main Campus* Roger Williams University
29
University of San Diego* University of San Francisco Santa Clara University Seattle University University of Southern Mississippi St. Olaf College SUNY College at Plattsburgh University of Toronto* University of Bristol University of Kent University of Oregon University of the West of England University of Utah University of Vermont Washington State University University of Washington, Seattle Whitman College Willamette University*
*Asterisk indicates student(s) attending
Meet the Seniors: Riverstone Class of 2020