Roeper Keeping In Touch, Senior Edition Volume 13:4 - Summer 2020

IN SENIOR EDITION VOLUME 13: 4 SUMMER 2020

TOUCH

THE ROEPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

KEEPING

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TABLE OF CONTENTS David Feldman Head of School david.feldman@roeper.org Denita Banks-Sims Director of Development & Publications denita.banks-sims@roeper.org Keeping in Touch Editorial Committee Katie Buchmann Editor Bonnie Schemm Art Director

Contributors Denita Banks-Sims Katie Buchmann David Feldman Karen Johnson Juliette Olejnik Peter Roeper Marcia Ruff Cameron Schemm ’21 Linda Vernon

FEATURES

OPENING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 David Feldman, Head of School FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Peter Roeper, Son of George & Annemarie Roeper SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Avery Long & Emma Wine, co-Presidents, Class of 2020 INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SENIOR PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Katie Buchmann, Editor & Cameron Schemm ’21 CLOSING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 SENIOR PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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AWARDS & HONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 THE ROEPER SCHOOL 41190 Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills Michigan 48304 248/203.7300 www.roeper.org

The Roeper School is an independent coeducational day school for gifted and talented students preschool through grade 12 and an equal-opportunity institution

EDUCATING AND INSPIRING GIFTED STUDENTS TO THINK AS INDIVIDUALS AND TO ENGAGE AS A COMMUNITY WITH COMPASSION FOR EACH OTHER AND THIS WORLD

PASSIONS & PURSUITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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A WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Juliette Olejnik, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund PARTING THOUGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Denita Banks-Sims, Director of Development & Publications

FRONT COVER & DIPLOMA CEREMONY PHOTOS Dontae Rockeymore

BACK COVER PHOTO Diploma Drive-thru line-up by videographer Corbin Laparl

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David Feldman Head of School

OPENING REMARKS Close your eyes. Picture the Community Center building filled with rows and rows of family members, friends, and faculty. The spotlights point to the stage where next to the podium is a photo of George and Annemarie Roeper, and surrounding the stage below are dozens of Mariann Hoag’s favorite geranium plants with red flowers beginning to blossom. The band has gathered, and Eric Ambrose is readying them to play Pomp and Circumstance. Seated to the side of the band are an excited group of faculty members each with a speech specifically constructed to tell your story and honor your legacy. I stand, signal Eric, and the band begins to play; the audience rises, and one by one, you begin the processional. Your cap with its tassel hanging to the right bounces as you make you way to the stage; your family is looking on with both joyful tears and broad smiles. Camera clicks fill the air as one by one you make your way into the room. When you reach the stage, you take your seat in the order of your Roeper tenure. Seated to the front are the Roeper lifers, those of you who have been here since you were three years old back in Stage I. Now that you are seated, I step to the podium, and we begin our program. My dear Class of 2020, this video ceremony is not the culminating ending that any of us would have written for this ultimate moment in your high school life. It is not the celebration we intended, nor is it the one you so richly deserve. This recorded ceremony will long be remembered as a moment when we stepped away from the stress and anxiety that we have been experiencing during our battle with the coronavirus and came together as one community. An essential and historical marker to honor you, to celebrate your legacy, and to acknowledge that while we are holding this unusual commencement program, there still remains a feeling that the day is incomplete. Technology helps to give us a common platform, but it is not the same as being together. It’s not the same as sharing laughter, the warmth of a hug, or the joyful crying that comes from remembering a child’s journey through their years of school.

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I have thought a lot about you these past few months and how this day would feel. I’ve thought about George Roeper who left his Ph.D. incomplete as war approached, and his freedom was at risk. I remembered Annemarie Roeper who received a phone call from George to quickly come home from her studies in Vienna with Anna Freud as fears of the approaching Holocaust became more threatening. World events today are reshaping lives, refocusing priorities, and you now find yourself in a shifting tide. The fall is filled with great uncertainty, and you will be called upon to make many choices as you prepare for this unknown future. You have spent your days at Roeper immersed in a humanistic community; you have developed certain habits of the heart that ground you and provide you with a moral compass. Words like community, compassion, and service are not empty terms, but rather life lessons you have experienced as you’ve worked with younger children, peers, and outside of the walls of our buildings. I have often thought that my generation was fortunate to have inherited the Roeper philosophy. We did not have to suffer the experiences of the World War or a genocide to learn the importance of justice rather than power or the essential value of equal human rights for all. Today, however, I believe that we are being called upon to reaffirm these philosophical tenets, and that you as the newest members of the Roeper alumni will be called upon to provide leadership and guidance to a world in desperate need of healing.

You have spent your days at Roeper immersed in a humanistic community; you have developed certain habits of the heart that ground you and provide you with a moral compass.

Within each of you is not merely a light that feels diminished by a missed ceremony, but rather a fire that burns with intensity to bring compassion, hope and change to this world.

I believe that the antidote to the fear and tribalism that is growing pervasively around us is hope, and that you are that hope. Class of 2020, you are a group made up of scientists, writers, mathematicians, historians, artists, athletes, and gifted problem solvers. You are deeply caring, highly complex, and profoundly curious. Within each of you is not merely a light that feels diminished by a missed ceremony, but rather a fire that burns with intensity to bring compassion, hope and change to this world. I am so proud of all that you have accomplished, and so excited to see all that you will do. You are amazing individuals and an inspiring group of leaders. Now is the time for your moral engagement; now is the time to reaffirm the teachings of the Roeper philosophy and bring its core values of responsibility, compassion, and hope to a world in desperate need of healing. Now is your time! F

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Peter Roeper ’63* Head of School

FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE Hello, my name is Peter Roeper. Congratulations to you for your achievements celebrated by your graduation.

I want to talk to you about public health: my field. Covid-19 is creating difficulty for all of us and making us aware of how suddenly disease can come crashing down on us. Public health is battling hard to address this disease and hopes to be as successful as it has with other epidemics. We used to live in a world full of epidemic diseases: smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles. Public health eliminated these infectious diseases! They did this not by treating each sick individual, but by preventing the problem in the population. They did this through epidemiology, examining the pattern of disease in the population, scientific lab work, and advocacy. These combined efforts resulted in vaccines and other remedies. Public health also focuses on non-infectious disease problems. Our water is much cleaner, our air more breathable, and our world less full of toxins because of public health. Public health works to reduce smoking, obesity, violence, and addresses mental health issues. In my career, I worked in the areas of high blood pressure, traffic crashes, and surveillance of birth defects. One of the attractions for me to public health is, science and advocacy go hand in hand. Science defines the problem; advocacy brings about the solution. Science recognized that smoking cigarettes is bad, but policy groups worked that information into education programs, higher taxes and prohibitions that have saved immense number of lives. If you like to crunch numbers, work in a laboratory, do field research, modeling, basic research or formulate policy, do advocacy and education, you can find it in public health.

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Or to put in differently, if you are interested in biology, statistics, medicine, computers, engineering, or you want to be a lawyer, public advocate, go into politics, there is home for you in public health. It is not the work itself, but the focus of that work, prevention at the community level, that defines who is working for public health. I should warn you that working in public health is not glamourous or highly compensated, and your work may go unappreciated. Who do you thank for the absence of a negative in your life? Nobody thanks the people who run our sewer systems and keep many diseases at bay. When can you thank the people who ensured the couch you may be sitting on is free of toxins? Public health work is nearly the definition of behind the scenes. So, what are the rewards for working for public health? You have the satisfaction of working to ensure humans can live and reproduce successfully … kind of an important goal!! You work with people with diverse training, skills and from people from many cultures, and yet have shared values and commitment. It is a group effort. Working in public health can be very exciting — like the feeling you get the moment you solve a problem, develop a solution or get a law passed. I have had many of these moments. Finally, the goals of public health are very similar with the goals of Roeper School: focusing on the community to make a better world. So, as you start your education and your future working life, consider a work that is associated with Public Health. F

The goals of public health are very similar with the goals of Roeper School: focusing on the community to make a better world.

Avery Long & Emma Wine co-Presidents, Class of 2020

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SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL AVERY: Hey Everyone, It’s Avery EMMA: and Emma. AVERY: Your friendly neighborhood co-Class Presidents, coming to you live from the great outdoors. EMMA: Well, not live. AVERY: Yeah, you’re right, it’s not live. It’s not live ’cause, you know, we’re in a pandemic. A pandemic that took away our senior year — took away forensics; it took away prom; took away Quiz Bowl; took away graduation, Junior-Senior Dinner. All the things we’ve worked for are gone; honestly at this point [camera cuts] they might as well just do it on Minecraft. I mean, jeez. We’re giving our grad speeches outside. In T-shirts. Because of course we are, it’s a pandemic. Ugh.

We wouldn’t — couldn’t — be here without the community that raised us. … everyone in this community who mentored and supported us and equipped us to face this world.

EMMA: I don’t know if you’ve heard, but these are unprecedented times. AVERY: Everything’s fine. First, I want to wish everyone happiness and good health in these times, and extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has continued working through them. Today is a day unlike any other. It simultaneously culminates our high school experiences, and it also reminds us of what we’ve lost. This is not the end any of us envisioned for our high school careers. EMMA: Amidst all this unexpectedness, we’ve had adults tell us many things. We’ve been told time and again that the world needs us, and that we are going to be the ones to take this moment and create change. But I think it’s important to begin by making something clear: We know. AVERY: The Class of 2020 has grown up in a world that is uncertain. It’s a broken one with a burden of responsibility — where everything from climate change to literal pandemics create an uncertain future. We’re allowed to feel grief and frustration at what can sometimes seem to be insurmountable odds. Nevertheless, we persist. EMMA: The Class of 2020 is entering the world with a unique awareness and preparedness to wrestle with the world’s faults. And we’ve already started. AVERY: Our class is rich with diverse passions

and people who have already done incredible things with them. Our Roeper roots call on us to continue to use those passions to create a better world. And last I checked, we have no intentions of stopping now that high school is over. EMMA: Because despite its many faults, we know this world is a beautiful one. So in the moments that beauty shines through, let us wholeheartedly embrace the joy they bring. Moments like this one. Today is a celebration like no other. AVERY: Across our community, everyone will be hearing the same words, laughing at the same pictures, and coming together to celebrate us. EMMA: That means celebrating our accomplishments, but more importantly, it means celebrating our friendships, memories, and simply the people we are. AVERY: These are the things that define us, and in the cliché-making words of Polonius, “This above all: to thine own self be true.” EMMA: However, we wouldn’t — couldn’t — be here without the community that raised us. We couldn’t be here without the parents and teachers and bus drivers and administrators and maintenance staff and alumni and everyone in this community who mentored and supported us and equipped us to face this world. So even if it takes years after leaving Roeper to entirely realize the impact of this community, thank you to everyone who made us who we are. AVERY: We’re at the precipice of a whole new world; new places, new people, new lives … and yet, we’re here together. This is our ultimate triumph as the Roeper Class of 2020; one last time where all our experiences intertwine. EMMA: So, with my final words as a high school senior … AVERY: “One last time …” EMMA: We want to say thank you. It’s been an honor, AVERY: a privilege, EMMA: and an absolute joy. AVERY: Here’s to the Class of 2020 … EMMA: And all the beautiful uncertainty that awaits us. F

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INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2020 IN GRADUATION ORDER (left to right)

Adhrit Archak Hannah Byrne Christian Henderson Vika Gersch Richard Li Claire Dietz Rachel Dietz Emily Karmanos Noah Sklar Max Yolles Jaden Bayer Jackson Campbell Alexa Miller Kayla Park Chandler Thomas Madina Garvin Celia Lipton Kate DeRonne Jimmy Giftos Annelise Invanescu Caitlyn Wade Caleb Bartes Blayze Karp Josh Stiebel Ben Stafeil Tristan Wilson Chris Ban Anneliese Ingraham Veronica Lyon Gianni Miliotto Emma Wine Cameron Gorelick Seth Katzman Julia DeGazio Steven Raphael Blake Bottesi Kristian LaVeque Cameron Robinson Cooper Blankenburg Alex Calderwood Avery Long Sam Weiss Evan Akkashian Justin Akkashian Jacob Gladney Rory Popp Josh Vens Calvin Watry

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THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS Relationships are important at Roeper. Each senior chooses an adult member of the Roeper community to present him or her at commencement. Speeches are factual, humorous and poignant, with words drawn from student records, friends, family and staff members. Historically, George Roeper spoke a few minutes about each graduate, and upon his retirement, the Upper School Director assumed that commitment. As the classes grew larger, it became a daunting task for one person to undertake, so in the mid-’80s a group of five or six teachers was designated by each graduating class from which the seniors could choose. In the early ’90s the choice was widened to include any current or former staff member. It is considered an honor to be invited to present. Graduation order is determined by the student’s length of time at The Roeper School. The newest student to Roeper graduates first; and the student who has attended the longest is presented last.

THE CLASS OF 2020 IN GRADUATION ORDER GRADUATE .

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ADHRIT VIJEENDRA ARCHAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . EULALIA FERRER HANNAH ELIZABETH BYRNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA VERNON CHRISTIAN SCOTT HENDERSON . . . . . . . . . . . ANDREW BLECHMAN VICTORIA SUSAN GERSCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA VERNON RICHARD LU LI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MATT VALLUS CLAIRE MEIER DIETZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUSANNAH NICHOLS RACHEL MEIER DIETZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUSANNAH NICHOLS EMILY KATHLEEN KARMANOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . EULALIA FERRER NOAH JEREMY SKLAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KAREN JOHNSON MAXWELL PAGE YOLLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY PIONTEK JADEN ALEX BAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANDREW BLECHMAN JACKSON SCOTT CAMPBELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHELLE STAMLER ALEXA BEATRICE MILLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUSANNAH NICHOLS KAYLA LEE PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY MCDOWELL CHANDLER DEMOND THOMAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY MCDOWELL MADINA ROSE GARVIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REANNE YOUNG CELIA AMBER LIPTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AARON ROBINSON KATHERINE EMMA DERONNE . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHAL MCCONVILLE JAMES ALEXANDER GIFTOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIKE RUDDY ANNELISE JADE IVANESCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY MCDOWELL CAITLYN ELIZABETH WADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMY COVA CALEB JOHN BARTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PATRICK RATLIFF BLAYZE GEORGE KARP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAX COLLINS JOSHUA HART STIEBEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAN JACOBS BENJAMIN KALISON STAFEIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . LADDIE ANDAHAZY TRISTAN FRANCIS WILSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ERIC AMBROSE CHRISTOPHER STEVEN BAN . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHAL MCCONVILLE ANNELIESE ROSE INGRAHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . SUSANNAH NICHOLS VERONICA KATE LYON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA VERNON GIOVANNI ROSARIO MILIOTTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY MCDOWELL EMMA LAUREN WINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMERY PENCE CAMERON TODD GORELICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY PIONTEK SETH AARON KATZMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAN JACOBS JULIA CATHERINE DEGAZIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JAMIE BENIGNA STEVEN NOAH RAPHAEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANDREW BLECHMAN BLAKE JOSEPH BOTTESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID FELDMAN KRISTIAN SULLIVAN LAVEQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALEX PEDICA CAMERON ALEXANDER ROBINSON . . . . . . . . . . . . HALE WILLIAMS COOPER CLARK BLANKENBURG . . . . . . . . . . . SUSANNAH NICHOLS ALEXANDER JOHN CALDERWOOD . . . . . . . . . . MICHAL MCCONVILLE AVERY ALAN LONG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAN JACOBS SAMUEL CURTIS WEISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAN JACOBS EVAN JASON AKKASHIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RYAN ZINSER JUSTIN RICHARD AKKASHIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRIAN HEWITT JACOB TIMOTHY GLADNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LADDIE ANDAHAZY GRACE MARIE HASKIN POPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TTARI HELLMER JOSHUA ROBERT VENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RYAN ZINSER CALVIN JAMES WATRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JAMIE BENIGNA

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Katie Buchmann

KIT Editor

Cameron Schemm ’21 Copy Editor

SENIOR PROFILES ADHRIT VIJEENDRA ARCHAK ,

son of Vijeendra Archak and Varsha Archak of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for two years. When Eulalia Ferrer had him in her Spanish class, “He was full of self-doubt and [was] paralyzed when he had to write his first composition. And yet, he understood everything I said in Spanish and was, in fact, one of the best students. Over time, he gained confidence and participated in class, aced exams, and mastered projects … I concur with Adhrit’s parents, who describe him as sensitive, very emotional, and committed to giving 100% to achieve his full potential.” Eulalia continues, “Adhrit, you are a wonderful human being. I love you and admire your brilliant mind.” In the fall, Adhrit will attend Michigan State University, where he will pursue engineering and computer science.

It was super fun here! Have a good one. HANNAH ELIZABETH BYRNE, daughter

of Susan and Kenneth Byrne of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for two years. “You arrive every day to class, ready to learn and with a smile,” wrote Spanish teacher Eulalia Ferrer. “You are magic!” Her mother wrote that she is “strong, articulate, compassionate, inquisitive, intelligent, analytical, and kind. Of these many attributes, her most outstanding is her empathy and kindness.” Her friends all agree. Jacob Gladney describes her as “the nicest person I’ve ever met in my life.” Alexa Miller says her “genuine kindness brings joy

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into the lives of everyone who gets to know her.” Hannah has worked as a counselor at the Darien Nature Center and as a volunteer at the Detroit Zoo, helping educate young people about the environment and the significance of plants and animals in our world. Hannah will be attending Michigan State University in the fall, where she plans to study zoology.

I am beyond grateful to have been so warmly welcomed into the Roeper community in eleventh grade. I met so many incredible friends and had the chance to learn from amazing teachers in the short time I was at Roeper - people who have made a lasting impact on me, and I will remember forever! CHRISTIAN SCOTT HENDERSON,

son of Brandy Henderson of Birmingham and John Leeuw of Colchester, Vermont, attended Roeper for two years. “Christian has only been at Roeper these last two years, but in that time, he has already made something of an institution of himself!” says Andrew Blechman. “Whether it’s powering through a Track practice, challenging teachers to a push-up competition, or asking tons of questions about torque, Christian stands out.” Avery Long says, “He is always ready to have a good time and do what he loves … while I may curse his name during weights sessions together, I never doubt that he’s with me every moment of improvement — he wants nothing but the best for those around him.” Andrew remembers, “In Advanced Physics, he was asking questions constantly and refusing to accept anything less than full understanding.” Christian will be studying aerospace engineering through the University of Michigan’s Air Force ROTC program in the fall.

Farewell, Roeper, thank you for being the best school I’ve ever attended!!

ADHRIT: dedicated, kind, and committed

HANNAH: Strong, articulate, and kind

CHRISTIAN: insatiably curious, a wonderfully helpful and supportive friend, humble

PRESENTERS Eulalia: Adhrit

Linda: Hannah & Vika

Andrew: Christian

VICTORIA SUSAN GERSCH, daughter

VIKA: disciplined, determined, caring

RICHARD: ambitious, generous, an extremely helpful friend

CLAIRE: humble, ambitious, compassionate

of Susan and Nick Gersch and sister of Caroline ‘02 and Christina ‘04, attended Roeper for three years. “Changing into a new high school can be a stressful and difficult process, especially when the student is functioning with English as their second language,” says Linda Vernon in her senior speech for Vika. “Frustrated because she ‘didn’t know all the words,’ Victoria was still determined to do well in her classes. Her teachers applaud her efforts.” Susannah Nichols wrote, “Your willingness to work and be engaged in the process is remarkable.” Natalie Abbott says that “regardless of her career choice, I see Victoria in a role helping others. She offered and did help me move, baked me a cake when I was feeling depressed, and has brought me so much joy over the years. I can’t imagine having made it through my first years at Roeper without her.” Vika will be attending Oakland Community College in the fall.

Thank you Roeper, for all that you’ve provided for me. I’m extremely grateful to have been accepted to this school. RICHARD LU LI,

son of Feng Li and Rong Lu of Troy and brother to Rosalyn ‘22, attended Roeper for three years. “Anyone who knows Richard understands that he is something like a force of nature,” says Matt Vallus. “Richard is an academic powerhouse, and his hard work, dedication, and perseverance has enabled him to succeed in some exceptional ways.” In particular, Richard has “been a game-changing contributor to Roeper’s Model United Nations and Debate teams … to list his accolades with Debate and Model UN would be too lengthy, so it is probably safe to say he has ‘won’ everything.” Francis Allen says, “He is always willing to help people out … I can

Matt: Richard

Susannah: Claire

always count on Richard to read over an essay for me or answer questions about a course … Richard embodies the true spirit of a hard worker.” Richard will be pursuing his interests in business, finance, and government when he attends Cornell in the fall.

Shout out to all of my friends, family, and teachers for making Roeper a home. Keep in touch! CLAIRE MEIER DIETZ, daughter

of alumnus Brian Dietz ’83 and Debra Meier of Birmingham and sister of Rachel ‘20 and Andrew ’18 and new freshman Leo, attended Roeper for four years. Susannah Nichols says, “At her core, Claire Dietz is a writer. One of her most significant accomplishments at Roeper was conceptualizing and writing a novel under the guidance of Kelly Piontek. Over the course of two years, Claire drafted and revised this piece to the point where she was ready to submit it for publication. At the height of quarantine, Claire continued to churn out dozens of pages a day, and her creative writing stands alongside the reams of narrative and critical essays that have been met with glowing commentary during her time at Roeper. When Claire listens, her compassion is palpable. She is deeply loving in her relationships with people and backs up her emotions with action.” Claire will be attending Knox College in the fall.

It’s been an amazing, wild, fun, and inspirational couple of years. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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PRESENTERS Susannah: Rachel

Eulalia: Emily

RACHEL MEIER DIETZ,

daughter of alumnus Brian Dietz ’83 and Debra Meier of Birmingham and sister of Claire ‘20 and Andrew ’18 and new freshman Leo, attended Roeper for four years. Susannah Nichols remembers “the ways, over the past four years, in which Rachel seemed to take each new challenge in stride. She was such a determined student at every turn and never seemed to burn out or become jaded by the rhythms and demands of school. As teachers, we remember how Rachel always found a way to center personal connection and fun. Dan Jacobs delights in the long discussions he, Rachel, and Julia Degazio had during their independent study. Wendell Berry spoke a truth profoundly real for Rachel, and for many of us — that ‘a breath taken amongst the interdependence and simplicity of nature can be healing and uplifting.’ And for me, that same effect happens when I’m in Rachel’s presence. ‘For a time, I rest in the grace of the world, and I am free.’” Rachel will be attending Knox College in the fall.

These past four years have been a wild ride. I’m going to miss all the friends I made and everyone who helped shape me to be the person I am today. EMILY KATHLEEN KARMANOS,

daughter of Julie Karmanos and Nick Karmanos of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for four years. In her senior speech, Eulalia Ferrer said, “When you first meet Emily, she is perceived as quiet — observing

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Karen: Noah

and analyzing everything. She is quiet, but not voiceless, and when you ask her questions, she is always prepared with great insights.” Emily is a talented musician and writer. Her expository writing teacher described her as “a subdued powerhouse of a writer.” She is working on writing her first novel and has been an active member of the Yearbook staff for four years. She has played piano for 10 years, can play by ear, and can compose in her head. Eulalia finished her speech by saying to Emily: “You are a good listener, super observant, and committed to learning.” Emily will be attending Kenyon College in the fall.

I would not have wanted to spend my four years of high school anywhere else. Goodbye and thank you. NOAH JEREMY SKLAR, son of

Michael Sklar and Elizabeth Rowin of Huntington Woods, attended Roeper for four years. Karen Johnson says, “What I really wanted to share in this senior speech was my immense gratitude for what you have shared with me during your time at Roeper. You’ve reminded me of how important it is to delight and love and own the geek inside. Our discussions of Cicero gave me a chance to remember how much fun it is to spar philosophically about the things that make humans so strange and fascinating at the same time. This past year, before we were exiled from school, you arranged to give a piano recital in the Commons as a demonstration of the work you had being doing with Eric. Now, for me, this would have been terrifying, [but] you didn’t seem bothered at all if people were listening intently or not, or if you made a mistake or not. It just seemed like fun for the sake of fun and music for the sake of music.” Noah will be deferring for a year, after which he will attend the University of Michigan.

I cannot overstate the degree to which Roeper has shaped my beliefs and perspective of the world. Although I am ready to leave The Roeper School, The Roeper School will never leave me.

RACHEL: determined, centered, and fun

EMILY: empathetic, a reserved and deep thinker

NOAH: talented, resilient, persistent

PRESENTERS Kelly: Max

Andrew: Jaden

MAXWELL PAGE YOLLES, child of Ron

MAX: a caring friend, insightful, and clever

JADEN: driven, kind, and mature

JACKSON: mature, positive, and empathic

Yolles of Birmingham and Julie Yolles of Bingham Farms, attended Roeper for four years. “Max has the most wonderful laugh, and over the years, I have had the privilege of hearing it and sharing it often — in class and across the gaming table,” said Kelly Piontek in her speech for Max. “Max made many friends here and quickly gained the admiration and affection of peers and staff with their openness and empathy — with their clever opinions and silly, relatable sense of humor. Even as a ninth-grader in American Lit, Max was able to contribute deep insight, being brave enough to share relevant personal stories — attempting to relate to characters, just as Max has put effort into knowing and caring for so many of us.” Max will be attending the College for Creative Studies in the fall.

I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. Farewell! JADEN ALEX BAYER,

son of Dan Bayer of Ann Arbor and Michelle Bayer of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for five years. “I have watched Jaden grow a great deal during his time in the Upper School,” remembers Andrew Blechman. “He was a brilliant student and very capable, but also easily distracted. When I had him again his senior year … he had blossomed into a focused and dedicated student who seemed truly engaged

Michelle: Jackson

in learning. I got to see him in my Astronomy and Electronics classes, where he was one of the best in the class.” Michelle Stamler says that this year “Jaden got very interested in photography. And this commitment manifested itself into what would have been an adventurous and complicated independent study for second semester. Unfortunately, the virus put an end to it.” His Uncle Jimi says, “I have so much respect and pride for the outstanding person Jaden has become — and this is just the beginning!” Jaden will be attending Michigan Tech next year.

Adios. JACKSON SCOTT CAMPBELL,

son of Tricia and Michael Campbell of Rochester, attended Roeper for six years. “How does an 11-year-old develop such an evolved sense of fairness and empathy, showing a maturity far beyond his years?” asked Michelle Stamler in her senior speech for Jackson. “Well, if you need a prototype, look no further than Jackson Campbell. Jackson began his Roeper career in the 8th grade and immediately made his mark, dubbed ‘a wise man in a teenager’s body’ by Karen Johnson. Friend Caleb Bartes is impressed by Jackson’s extreme awareness of the world around him and his philosophy of positivity and empathy. And Chris Ban laments not getting to know Jackson earlier on in high school. Teaching Jackson was a delight as was our time in UMOJA. Jackson was effusive and thrilled when he attended a diversity workshop with students from other independent schools; he had found his niche.” Jackson will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.

I want to wish all my fellow seniors good luck in all their future endeavors. You are all incredible human beings and I’ve been glad to have had the opportunity to know you.

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PRESENTERS Susannah: Alexa

Kelly: Kayla & Chandler

ALEXA BEATRICE MILLER, daughter of

Sarah and Kenny Miller and sister of Elyse ‘24, attended Roeper for five years. Susannah Nichols says, “As a sophomore, Alexa saw the desire in her peers to tackle real-world issues and the need for authentic connections between Middle and Upper School students — and she decided to make something happen. She made it her mission to teach a class in identity and diversity for her senior project. Her class was incredibly successful, in no small part because she exuded humility, kindness, and grace.” Alexa prepared extensively for her project. She conducted research, shadowed experts, and previewed her activities for her friends and family members. As Susannah describes, “She’s almost reflexively become a leader among her peers — someone who has earned their admiration without ever even asking for it.” Alexa will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.

Thank you to the Roeper community for helping me gain confidence and find my passion. KAYLA LEE PARK, daughter

of Juchirl and Sunah Park of Troy and sister to Katie Park ‘25, attended Roeper for five years. “With a razor-sharp analytical ability and a punk rock sensibility, Kayla has the ability to see the beauty in what the world calls ugly, to find logic in the illogical, and to see straight into the institutions of power and the mechanisms of social norms,” said Kelly McDowell. “She is more comfortable in her own skin than the vast majority of adults I know … she has taught me a thing or two about the value

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Reanne: Madina

of asking ourselves the difficult questions, holding ourselves accountable, and being willing to do the work, not just when it comes easy, but also when it challenges us, destabilizes us, or rocks our world.” Kayla will be attending Purdue University in the fall.

I love Roeper with all of my heart. I will miss this community so much, but I’ll make sure to come back and visit when I can! CHANDLER DEMOND THOMAS, son

of Demond and Petra Thomas of Detroit and brother of Carrinton ‘23 and Christian ‘26, attended Roeper for five years. “Chandler, I hope you know that I’ve had your back throughout our years together,” said Kelly McDowell in her senior speech for Chandler. “But here’s the secret: I’ve always felt that you’ve had mine, too. This is loyalty. It’s how it works. It’s a two-way street, and you get what you give. When I think of you, loyalty is the first word to come to mind. Loyalty to your family, your friends, your community, and yourself … while I will miss you very much, it warms my heart to imagine you out in the world, working hard, helping those in need, and being a loyal friend to all.” Chandler will be attending Wayne State University in the fall.

This is Chandler Thomas, and I want to say I love you all and will miss my friends and teachers that helped me. Scaf Beezy out. MADINA ROSE GARVIN , daughter of Jeffrey Garvin and Sharon Gross of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for six years. Reanne Young says, “When Madina came to

ALEXA: possessing a strong work ethic; a caring friend

KAYLA: insightful, confident, passionate

CHANDLER: hard-working, a loyal friend, responsible

MADINA: resilient, confident, insightful

PRESENTERS Aaron: Celia

CELIA: authentic, brave, self-aware

KATE: passionate, thoughtful, driven

JIMMY: kind, tenacious, friendly

Michal: Kate

Roeper as an 8th grade student, I’d like to say that she landed on campus with a splash. That would grossly understate the impact she has had in our community.” She “jumped into sports,” playing basketball and volleyball, and though an ACL injury prevented her from playing for a short time during her sophomore year, this didn’t stop her from supporting her friends at their games. Susannah Nichols says that “what I have come to admire about Madina is her resilience. That’s an overused word these days, but it seems to ring true with her.” Madina will be attending Baylor University in the fall.

I’m so happy to have been a part of the Roeper community, and I’ll miss all of the wonderful teachers and friends that I’ve met over the last few years. CELIA AMBER LIPTON, daughter

of Ellen and Marc Lipton of Huntington Woods, attended Roeper for six years. Aaron Robinson says, “One of the values Roeper often espouses is finding and being yourself. This is a monumental task for a high schooler, with all the social and cultural pressures pushing us past our breaking points and molding us into preset images. Celia is a paragon of the bravery and strength it takes to stay true to one’s own image of themselves … the sum of all that life had to throw at Celia came tumbling out on the table between us as words wrestled with existence. Those conversations allowed me a glimpse into the life of someone extraordinary. Celia is the type of person you find when you look into the heart of who you could be: someone strong, someone authentic, someone resilient, and someone who finds fulfillment in the way they lead their life.” Celia will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall.

Thank you for being a safe place for me to learn.

Mike: Jimmy

KATHERINE EMMA DeRONNE,

daughter of Mike and Jeanne DeRonne, attended Roeper for seven years. “Kate DeRonne is a boss,” says Michal McConville. “Kate knows how to take charge and get things done … although many students have big dreams, Kate really knows how to turn dreams into reality. Susannah Nichols noted that Kate wanted to join a community service club as a wide-eyed freshman but realized that the club didn’t already exist. If she wanted to be a part of the club, she’d have to establish the club herself … and with much thought and organization, the Community Service Club was a success.” Alexa Miller described Kate as “honest and fiercely loyal … one of the most empathetic and forgiving people” she has ever met. Michal continues, “She has set an incredible example for younger students who have looked up to her, accomplishing new feats while maintaining a strong moral character.” Kate will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me grow throughout the past seven years — I am forever grateful to the Roeper community for making me the person I am today. JAMES ALEXANDER GIFTOS, son

of Thomas and Patricia Giftos of Birmingham and brother of Peter Giftos ‘21, attended Roeper for eight years. “I came to know Jimmy increasingly well in homeroom, in class, and later in Model UN; we fully bonded

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PRESENTERS Kelly: Annelise

Amy: Caitlyn

over our love of English soccer,” remembers Mike Ruddy. “Jimmy is the embodiment of friendly, and his fellowship has few bounds.” Matt Vallus agrees. “If I had to emphasize Jimmy’s most visible trait, it would be his kindness and relentless positivity … He has everyone’s back and will always reach out to see how you are doing.” Mike continues, “In his junior year, Jimmy made strides in many areas. He was one of nine students to travel to Holland in October for the Lorentz Model UN, representing Luxembourg in the Environmental Program … it has been a real joy for your friends, your family, and your teachers to see your growth, your health, and your accomplishments.” Jimmy will be attending the University of Denver in the fall.

Farewell to all, thanks for all the memories, laughs, and support. ANNELISE JADE IVANESCU,

daughter of Alina and Cornel Ivanescu of Dearborn Heights and sister to Isabel ’16, attended Roeper for seven years. “Annelise is witty and fun, strong and independent, and an intellectual powerhouse,” said Kelly McDowell. “The first time I had the pleasure of having her in a class was during a ‘special topics’ elective that I designed in 2016 …She was the only freshman in a class of juniors and seniors. With exuberance and an open mind, Annelise kept pace with students a few years her senior. Her level of maturity allowed her to fit in seamlessly, and her ambitious spirit and sharp intellect impressed her peers … She was a leading voice in a classroom full of sophisticated academic discourse, and her contributions were sharp, insightful, and important … She is tough. She is stoic. She is a force.” Annelise will be attending St.John’s College in the fall.

Thank you for everything the past seven years. I have loved being a part of this community and am so grateful for all the relationships I have made. I will miss you all!

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Patrick: Caleb

CAITLYN ELIZABETH WADE, daughter

of Bryant and Lisa Wade of Rochester Hills and sister to Carter ’18, attended Roeper for seven years. Amy Cova says, “If you have spent even one day at the Birmingham campus, you know that Caitlyn is a brilliant mover and a humble luminary in the Roeper dance community. When Caitlyn dances, she shares her authentic self with both her collaborators and the lucky audience. She embodies ideas, emotions and narratives, articulately communicating with maturity and confidence.” Susannah Nichols shares, “Caitlyn was an integral part of our positive classroom culture. Like the dancer she is, she is able to demonstrate strength in ways that are full of poise and precision.” Amy continues, “Caitlyn has an incomparable work ethic, commitment, and dedication to those topics she is passionate about. Caitlyn will forever be a part of the Roeper family, dancing through our hearts and minds with elegance, virtuosity and brilliance.” Caitlyn will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I am so grateful to have had the chance to learn alongside such an amazing community. CALEB JOHN BARTES, son of Brian

and Heidi Bartes of Plymouth, attended Roeper for seven years. Patrick Ratliff said that “Caleb Bartes arrived on the scene in my 7th grade English class seemingly as a fully formed adult. Caleb is all about the authentic, the interpersonal, and the real. His

ANNELISE: caring, ambitious, sharply funny

CAITLYN: authentic, mature, dedicated

CALEB: constructive, creative, involved

PRESENTERS Max: Blayze

BLAYZE: has an exciting future ahead of him, according to Max

JOSH: dedicated, creative, a good friend

BEN: a great, witty friend

Dan: Josh

engagement is never one-dimensional, shallow, or superficial. Caleb thrives in constructivist settings. Whether engaging in a classroom discussion on political philosophy, serving as a delegate at a Model United Nations summit, or recording an experimental album in the trunk of his car, Caleb is at his best when he can combine his creative energies and critical insights with those of other high-powered individuals. In many cases, I think the particular mode and output of collaboration matters less to Caleb than the process itself. The man just wants to be involved.” Caleb will be attending American University in the fall.

An egotist is not a man who thinks too much of himself; he is a man who thinks too little of other people. Remember, never think too big and always treat others with the same respect you’d expect from them. BLAYZE GEORGE KARP,

son of Lena Agree of West Bloomfield and Gaal Karp, attended Roeper for eight years. In Max Collins’s senior speech for Blayze, he takes us to 2067, predicting Blayze’s various accomplishments after he leaves Roeper. Max predicts that Blayze will earn “a Ph.D. in literature from Duke University and [accept] a tenure-track position in the English Department at Harvard.” Once at Harvard, he would generate “impeccably researched reinterpretations of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and also [establish] himself as a dynamic figure in Harvard’s conservative political circles.” Once Blayze left Harvard (“rumors have it that he was pressured to leave by the school’s president for insisting on wearing gym shorts to Harvard’s celebratory dinner for Nobel-laureate faculty members,” says Max), he would “[develop] a theory of feline psychology and derived practical behavior-modification techniques from it,” writing a book on this topic which “became a New York Times Bestseller for 16 consecutive weeks,” earning him the “Meow Mix endowed chair in Entrepreneurial Studies” at Yale. Blayze will be attending American University in the fall.

It’s been real, y’all.

Laddie: Ben

JOSHUA HART STIEBEL, son of

Alan Stiebel of West Bloomfield and Teri Stiebel of Southfield and brother of Zach ‘25, attended Roeper for eight years. “One consistent theme across eight years of reports stretching back to Stage IV, is that Josh might fall down six times, but he gets back up seven!” said Dan Jacobs. “Some of this can be attributed to a quality that his friends describe in the nomenclature of behavioral science as being a ‘goofball’ … some of this is no doubt rooted in perfectionism … the word ‘dedicated’ comes up from just about everyone who knows him. Avery Long points out that, when the Robotics team desperately needed something built, wired, anything to be done, Josh would work through the night on it … ultimately, all possible timelines lead to one conclusion: Josh is a good friend.” Josh will be attending Michigan Tech in the fall, where he plans to study computer engineering.

The memories I made at Roeper will stay with me for the rest of my life. I will never forget the great times I had here. BENJAMIN KALISON STAFEIL,

son of Jeff Stafeil of Bloomfield Hills and Rachel Stafeil of Huntington Woods and brother of Dylan ‘21 and Lily ‘24, attended Roeper for nine years. Coach (and alumnus, Class of 2000) Laddie Andahazy says, “So many of my favorite memories from basketball include Ben in some way. His opinions on life and sports are intelligent, insightful, funny and one of a kind. When you are first introduced to Ben’s sarcasm and quick wit, it catches you off guard. I know it

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PRESENTERS Eric: Tristan

Michal: Chris

did for me. Having the chance to spend the last few years with Ben have truly been wonderful. He has become such a great part of my Roeper experience. I will miss Ben greatly, but I know he will love his college experience. I fully expect him to come back to Roeper and tell me about his new friends and his great new adventures.” Ben will be attending Ohio Wesleyan in the fall.

I’ll miss about 10 of you. TRISTAN FRANCIS WILSON, son of

Jeff and Kari Wilson of Royal Oak and brother of Annabel ‘23, attended Roeper for nine years. “Anyone who has met Tristan knows that he is a steady, stoic, and mature individual,” says Eric Ambrose. Matt Vallus recalls how “Tristan, whether he knows it or not, was the rock of our often wild homeroom. When craziness occurred, a simple glance towards Tristan was always very reassuring.” Eric continues, “Tristan lives music … he has performed with the Civic Youth Ensembles for close to a decade, was selected for the MSBOA All-State Orchestra every year he was eligible, was accepted to 100% of the music schools to which he applied. He has composed music with his friends, for school projects … He composes just for the love of composing. I’m sure that I will continue to hear of his works and accomplishments, and I can’t wait.” Tristan will be studying viola and composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the fall.

I would like to thank all my teachers for always pushing me to do my best and being supportive of my musical endeavors, even when they conflicted with my academics.

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Susannah: Anneliese

CHRISTOPHER STEVEN BAN,

son of John and Linda Ban of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for 10 years. “If you have ever met Chris Ban and mistaken him for a faculty member, you are not alone!” says Michal McConville. “Chris has been working tirelessly for years to shape the school’s technology decisions and policy, and he has found solutions for many teachers’ computer woes along the way.” His senior project was dedicated to teaching students about how to properly use technology, presenting to the entire student body and providing them with the resources necessary for them to understand the gravity of their exposure to social media. Abha Dearing notes that “his ability to distill many situations down to their integral parts is invaluable and unifying. At the same time, his wit and warmth through the years developed to prove his deep empathy for his comrades.” Chris will be attending Purdue University in the fall, where he plans to study data science.

Thank you for all the memories, opportunities, and experiences over the past decade. Thank you ALL so much. ANNELIESE ROSE INGRAHAM,

daughter of Jessica Conway of Oak Park and Jason Ingraham of Sterling Heights and sister of Maureen Conway ‘25, attended Roeper for 10 years. “Anneliese Ingraham played the conniving sea witch Ursula in last November’s Community House production of The Little Mermaid, winning at least one lifelong fan in my

TRISTAN: steady and mature, lives music

CHRIS: mature, insightful, empathetic

ANNELIESE: talented, proactive, authentic

PRESENTERS Linda: Veronica

VERONICA: a wonderfully supportive friend, possessing a strong sense of justice

Kelly: Gianni

four-year-old son,” says Susannah Nichols. “Six days later, she brought fully grown audiences to tears with her portrayal of the tragically tender Adele in the RTC’s production of A Man of No Importance. Anneliese endeavors to make Roeper the school she knows in can be, and as a result, she actively participates in her own education rather than waiting to be directed. She designs extensions of work, creates independent studies, and strives to make each class experience purposeful.” Michal McConville describes her as “fiercely loyal and unapologetically authentic.” Anneliese will be attending Ohio Wesleyan University in the fall.

Thank you for everything. Roeper will forever be a home to me. VERONICA KATE LYON, daughter of

GIANNI: humble, kind, and a loyal friend

EMMA: a born leader, a true Roeperian, empowers others

Christine Lyon of Clawson and David Lyon of Royal Oak and sister of Alex ‘23 and Nick ’18, attended Roeper for 11 years. Linda Vernon said that, “Whether it is through her artwork and photographs, her words, or her actions, Veronica is all about making life more beautiful and just for those around her.” Her friend Hannah Wise says that “if V knows one of her friends needs her, she will do everything in her power to be there for them.” Michelle Stamler feels that “any class Veronica is a member of becomes a more cohesive group, supportive of each other, focused, and dynamic. Linda continues, “as Captain of the Girls’ Volleyball and Basketball teams, Veronica — aka ‘Team Mom’ — used these strengths to pull her teams together in high school.” Veronica will be attending Wayne State University in the fall, planning to major in psychology.

Thank you for providing a safe and loving learning environment that I was able to partake in for 11 years! Roeper definitely will always be my second home, and I know I’ll continue to be a part of the community, even as an alumni.

Emery: Emma

GIOVANNI ROSARIO MILIOTTO, son

of Mark Miliotto and Beth Taylor of Royal Oak and brother of Sofia ‘23, attended Roeper for 10 years. Kelly McDowell says that “the little things” we say and do that we might not even be aware of often reveal more of our true character than we would suspect. “Gianni, I have come to know you over the years through the many ‘little things’ that have revealed you to me … the countless times that you’ve stepped up to help someone with a task, or supported your classmates, or contributed to our homeroom. Knowing you as I do, I would guess that most of these moments did not inspire much thought or conscious effort. They are simply the natural results of the kind of person you are. You, Gianni, are different — a stand-out, not because you self-servingly or self-aggrandizingly claim center stage, but because you share the qualities for the truly intelligent — humility and being a good listener.” Gianni will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.

Thank you to all the friends, teachers, classmates, and others who made my 10 year journey at Roeper such an enjoyable experience. I will never forget my time here. EMMA LAUREN WINE, daughter of

Emily and Larry Wine of Royal Oak and sister to Rachel ‘23, attended Roeper for 10 years. “It began in a galaxy long ago,” joked Emery Pence in his senior speech for Emma. “Okay, it was in Stage IV, and I was teaching Roeper Philosophy. There was an intense student who listened with all her soul, making connections

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PRESENTERS Kelly: Cameron

Dan: Seth

quickly and deeply. How to summarize Emma? No one attempts more. No one does more — Student Government moderator. Class president, athlete. Playwright. Director. Actor … I could just keep listing her accomplishments, but Emma doesn’t want that kind of speech. Oops… Willing to do the tedious work like a Mariann, Emma is also the visionary like a George or Annemarie … despite her rep for being the world’s nicest person, she is one tough cookie. Never an attention hog, she quietly analyzes the situation, listens to others, gains allies, makes battle plans and most importantly, never forgets what she believes in.” Emma will be attending Wellsley College in the fall.

I’m so grateful I’ve been able to grow up in this second-family. And for my real family, who has supported me every step of the way. I’ll miss you, Roeper! CAMERON TODD GORELICK, son of

Carol Gorelick and alumnus Marc Gorelick ’83 of Beverly Hills, attended Roeper for 10.5 years. Kelly Piontek recalls, “Four years ago, when The Muse’s Layout Editor resigned unexpectedly at the beginning of the school year, I tapped Cam because I knew of his interest in graphic design and layout, and despite being a freshman, Cameron rose to the challenge and the position. Cam says that with the encouragement of his teachers, Roeper has shown him that his ‘limits are far greater than he thinks.’” When Kelly reached out to Cameron’s friends to write her speech for him, “Every one of Cameron[‘s] friends described him as creative, funny, and kind.” Avery Long observes, “His compassion extends beyond simple loyalty; rather, it is an active care that unites and endears him to those he keeps close.” Cameron will be attending Michigan Tech in the fall.

“So long, and thanks for all the fish.”

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Jamie: Julia

SETH AARON KATZMAN, son

of Steve and Bridget Katzman of Franklin, attended Roeper for 11 years. Three years ago, when Seth walked into my high school debate class his sophomore year, I didn’t know who he was … but I had met Seth four years earlier and had worked with him throughout Middle School. He was memorable in his humor and the unselfconscious way he kind of rolled through life. I wrote it off to a quirk of memory and forgot about it for three years — until I read through his high school grade reports. It turns out that Seth had, in fact, undergone a radical transformation in the middle of 9th grade.” Among other reports, in Yearbook, Linda Vernon wrote: “You can be proud of the progress you made during the year, from a semitimid photographer … to a self-confident layout artist. I was impressed with your strong sense of responsibility and your always positive attitude.” Seth will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

Community is important. JULIA CATHERINE DeGAZIO, daughter

of Dean and Jennifer Degazio of Birmingham and sister of David ’17, attended Roeper for 12 years. In his speech presenting her, Jamie Benigna said, “Julia has a serious focus and intensity. She finds herself taking the most challenging classes strictly because they are the most challenging; she wants to prove that she can do it. Julia settles for nothing less than her best … She is a savvy mathematician, a keenly observant scientist, an all-state flutist, and a writer with an authentic voice.” Beyond her academic life, Julia is also a great friend. Claire Dietz wrote that “Julia has helped me understand that

CAMERON: a caring friend, creative, and funny SETH: confident, responsible JULIA: confident, focused, and a great, easygoing friend

PRESENTERS Andrew: Steven

David: Blake

companionable silence is a real thing, and just how wonderful it is.” Annabel Wilson calls her “one of the nicest people I know,” and Tristan Wilson describes her as “a steadying presence in our friend group.” Julia will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall.

STEVEN: humble, determinedly curious

BLAKE: extremely driven to learn, a great, personable friend KRISTIAN: capable, a talented actor and singer

I strongly remember being in my first few years of Middle School, looking up at the seniors, and wondering if I could ever be as confident and independent as them. I’m still far from where I want to be, but if my middle school self could see me now, I know she’d be amazed. So if you’re a student who’s still figuring out who you are and how to express yourself, don’t worry! You have plenty of time to grow. STEVEN NOAH RAPHAEL, son of

Amy Barron and Eric Raphael of Birmingham and brother to Julia ’23, attended Roeper for 12 years. Andrew Blechman says, “Steven may not remember the first time we interacted, but I know I will never forget it. Steven is, I think I can say without fear of contradiction, not the sort of person you fail to notice! From the moment I saw him as a small sixth grader … there was something about him that caught my eye.” Andrew continues, “I remember him in my Advanced Physics and Modern Physics classes, where he was able to dominate the conversation with those ever-piercing questions and a refusal to accept any answer that did not make complete sense to him.” Avery Long says he “comes in out of nowhere with his witty remarks, slyly reads politics on his free time, and is, all in all, a multi-dimensional human being who I enjoy spending time with.” Steven will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

I would like to thank my friends, my family, and the Roeper community for a great 12 years.

Alex: Kristian

BLAKE JOSEPH BOTTESI, son of

David and Lisa Bottesi of Franklin and brother of former student Bryce, attended Roeper for 13 years. David Feldman recalls, “There isn’t an advanced math or science class that Blake has missed in his time at Roeper. From his early days in the Lower School, Blake challenged himself to complete advanced level programs, often finding himself in a classroom where he was the youngest person in the class by several years …. Blake immerses himself in STEM content — there aren’t enough facts or subject matter available to share with him. Blake has been a leader in the classroom, in Chess, Debate, and Quiz Bowl. He has stretched himself and us to be better at serving the needs of a gifted mind. In return, Roeper has provided a nurturing setting for Blake to mature, to find his voice, and to understand the complexity of who he is as an individual.” Blake will be attending Xavier University in the fall.

I will cherish all the fond memories I have made at Roeper, and I hope that many more students will enjoy their experience at Roeper as much as me. KRISTIAN SULLIVAN LaVEQUE, son of

William LaVeque and Shelley Sullivan, both of Bloomfield, attended Roeper for 13 years. Alex Pedica created a musical-style speech for Kristian. In this speech, Abha Dearing says to Kristian — “You’re a strong, capable young man. Your talent, combined with your drive, will take you far. Continue to be open to stretching yourself as an artist and as a human. I can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish!” Amy Cova says,

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PRESENTERS Hale: Cameron

Susannah: Cooper

“You perform with strength (like when you threw Zoe so high she almost hit the lights), finesse and virtuosity. I am so grateful for your enthusiastic engagement in the Roeper Dance community and wish you happiness, health and success on your new academic adventure!” Alex finishes with part of “Magic to Do” from Pippin: “You’ve got magic to do, yes you do. You’ve got miracle plays to play. You’ve got parts to perform, hearts to warm, kings and things to take by storm, as you go along your way.” Kristian will be attending Illinois Wesleyan in the fall.

Thirteen years at Roeper flew by, and it feels like yesterday when I was in the Lower School with not a single care in the world. And all I can really say is thank you. Thank you for everything you have taught me — not just what is in the textbook, but beyond. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for teaching me to be the person that I am, even if I don’t fit in. I will always miss this community and I’m proud to be a Roeper alumnus. CAMERON ALEXANDER ROBINSON, son of

Leslie Hosey and Ron Robinson and brother of Nicholas ’11 and Jordan ’07, attended Roeper for 13 years. Cameron has a passion for cars and racing, and his senior project showed the more mechanical side of his passions. “For his senior project, I got to see him meticulously disassemble, label, clean, and reinstall parts of a car that I didn’t know existed,” said Hale Williams in his senior speech for Cameron. “You may not have realized this, but you don’t just demonstrate control on the track and in the garage. Being a leader in the Roeper community takes the same patience, understanding, and action. You’re not always the loudest voice in the conversation, but when you talk, people know to listen …. Cameron, it’s the first lap of the rest of your life; remember that, no matter where you race off to,

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Michal: Alex

we are all here cheering you on.” Cameron will be taking a gap year in 2020/21, during which he’ll be further pursuing his passion for racing.

It’s been real, Roeper. I’m ready for my next chapter. COOPER CLARK BLANKENBURG,

daughter of Dee and Robert Blankenburg of Rochester and sister of Alex ’13 and Ryan ’19, attended Roeper for 14 years. Susannah Nichols says, “Last December, I had the honor of seeing Cooper Blankenburg dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Michigan Ballet Theater’s production of The Nutcracker. I’ll never forget this: not because she was dancing a role that the company often hired a professional to perform, but rather because she had a radiant smile on her face the entire time. It’s rare to see anyone do anything with such a sense of ecstatic purpose … Cooper is someone we’re going to be watching for a long time. But it won’t just be to marvel at her strength and artistry — rather, we’ll delight in that smile and count ourselves as the lucky ones who’ve been able to be part of not just her audience but the greater performance of her life.” Cooper will be dancing professionally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre next year, after which she will be attending the University of Michigan School of Musical Theatre and Dance/LSA.

I am so thankful to have grown up in the Roeper Community! ALEXANDER JOHN CALDERWOOD,

son of Tina and Bert Calderwood of Rochester Hills and brother of Clara ‘24, attended Roeper for 14 years. “If you have ever been to a Roeper event, chances

CAMERON: strong leader, great guy

COOPER: energetic, devoted and talented

ALEX: a shining example of a Roeper kid, a born musician

PRESENTERS Dan: Avery & Sam

AVERY: undeniably Roeperian, a born leader

SAM: detailoriented, dedicated

EVAN: competitive, full of life, unshakably confident

are, you know Alex Calderwood,” says Michal McConville. “If you’ve performed at a Roeper event, you have called on Alex to help. And if you’ve tried to explain what a Roeper kid really is, you’ve probably used Alex as your shining example.” Kelly McDowell says that “Alex is that rare combination of a razor-sharp artistic visionary and the most down-to-earth, likable person one could meet.” He’s been playing the drums since he was one year old, and he learned to play piano and read music at only four and a half. Michal continues, saying, “Alex has performed at virtually every talent show, countless school musicals, and every concert that we’ve had. He has, in a way, been playing the soundtrack to Roeper.” Alex will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

Thanks to the Roeper Community for being a great big family to me for the past 14 years. AVERY ALAN LONG, son of

Marlene Seltzer and Robert Long of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for 14 years. Kelly Piontek wrote, “I am constantly wowed by you … you are a leader — in your grade and in the Roeper community — and we are the better for it. The world needs more leaders like you: people who earnestly desire to make the world a better place.” In his senior speech for Avery, Dan Jacobs concluded his speech by saying, “At this point, I would normally conclude by saying something like, ‘Avery, if you ever need help, please remember that you have a whole community behind you.’ But, based on the weeping and gnashing of teeth I’ve heard throughout our community over Avery moving on to Yale in the fall to study engineering, I think it would be more comforting to say, ‘Hey everyone, if you ever need help, please remember that you have a whole Avery behind you.’” Avery will, as Dan said, be attending Yale in the fall.

Ave Atque Vale, Roeper. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me.

Ryan: Evan

SAMUEL CURTIS WEISS, son of

Sharon and Steven Weiss of Royal Oak, attended Roeper for 13 years. “Sam Weiss is a detail man,” said Dan Jacobs. “His work on a chainmail shirt: link after link of detail work — 56,000 links, to be close to precise. Every bit of the vast amount of artwork he has created: detail work.” Michelle Stamler wrote: “It was so obvious how much Sam loved what he was doing. It wasn’t work; it was woven into his DNA. Sam would never take a shortcut or eliminate something from his vision to make his task easier; his commitment to his final images was stalwart and unwavering.” Dan continues, “Sam even might come across that way in some of his writing, as when he once said, ‘Without enough time for self-reflection, you fail to achieve the excellence you could have.’ In short, the world is too impatient for excellence.” Sam will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

Goodbye Roeper. Of all the fun and learning that went on, what I’ll miss most is you, the people. Hopefully I’ll find as good a community as you again, wish me luck. EVAN JASON AKKASHIAN,

son of Brian and Andrea Akkashian of Troy and brother of Justin ‘20, Griffin ‘24, and Marin ‘24, attended Roeper for 15 years. “I first had the chance of meeting Evan during his middle school years,” remembers Ryan Zinser. “I coached him in MS basketball and quickly realized he had a very

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PRESENTERS Brian: Evan

Laddie: Jacob

entertaining personality. Always very competitive, full of life, joking around, and trying to stir the pot. As coaches, Evan was always someone we felt we could be brutally honest with because he had tough skin, was extremely competitive, and knew it would make him better.” Head Basketball Coach Laddie Andahazy says, “My favorite thing about Evan is his unshakeable confidence … he has the confidence and the drive to accomplish whatever he puts his mind to because he will never believe he can’t do it.” Evan will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.

Y’all were cool; I liked all my sports a lot, miss you guys. JUSTIN RICHARD AKKASHIAN, son

of Brian and Andrea Akkashian of Troy and brother of Evan ‘20, Griffin ‘24, and Marin ‘24, attended Roeper for 15 years. “Justin was a coach’s dream,” said Brian Hewitt. “He has many sought-after qualities that coaches look for in studentathletes, but the one I appreciated the most was his determination. He was determined to get better every day and, most importantly, determined to do anything to get his team a win. This was never more evident than a game during his junior year. He was not feeling well, and it didn’t look like he was going to play. He knew that he was the best option I had, and when the buzzer sounded to start the game, without hesitation Justin stood up and declared that he was ready to go.” Justin will be taking a gap year in 2020/21.

Don’t procrastinate, and ask for help when you need it.

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Ttari: Rory

JACOB TIMOTHY GLADNEY,

son of Tim and Shari Gladney and brother to Madison ’19, attended Roeper for 15 years. In his senior speech for Jacob, Roeper alum and coach Laddie Andahazy ’00 said, “It didn’t take me long to see that Jacob was special. Even in Lower School, you could see his charisma and the ability he had to draw others towards him. Fast forwarding 10 years, the little boy I saw at the Lower School hasn’t disappointed. When he broke his leg during his senior soccer season, I thought we were all going to be cheated out of how special Jacob really was…[but] despite being devastated by missing the ability to play his senior year of basketball, he demonstrated great leadership by helping his teammates with strategy.... You have all the characteristics of a leader. We are all better when you challenge yourself and challenge us.” Jacob will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall.

Roeper, Thank you for these 15 years. I made unforgettable memories, and (hopefully) many life-long friendships. GRACE MARIE RORY HASKIN POPP, child of

Cindy Haskin-Popp of Troy and Chris Popp of Bloomfield Township and sibling of Nicholas ’16 and Phillip ‘18, attended Roeper for 15 years. “I have a plan,” says Ttari Hellmer. “One day, when I grow up and become a famous actress, I’m going to

JUSTIN: determined , great teammate

JACOB: a born leader, charismatic, an amazing athlete

RORY: a fiercely protective and loyal friend

PRESENTERS Ryan: Josh

JOSH: supportive, relentlessly positive

CALVIN: intense, passionate, with a keen sense of justice

need a bodyguard. I already have one picked out: Rory Popp. Rory is a fierce protector …But, I can let you in on a secret … Rory is fierce, yet fragile. Tough, yet tender. Rory is the kind of warrior our world needs right now. One that thoughtful, nurturing and kind.” Leah Trunsky ’19 says that Rory is “one of the most fiercely loyal people I know. I always know that I can rely on them for anything.” Ttari continues, “If you are feeling ostracized, or alone, a bit on the outside …Rory will hunt you down and drag you by force into the green room of the theatre scene shop, where you can feel safe and welcome.” Rory will be attending Chatham University in the fall.

To quote everybody’s favorite hunny-lover, Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” JOSHUA ROBERT VENS, son of Beth

and James Vens of White Lake and brother of Kaitlin ’11 and Corinne ’14 and former student Kyle, attended Roeper for 15 years. “I started coaching Josh in Middle School,” says Ryan Zinser. “He was always a talented and unselfish athlete, but his other coaches and I could not be more pleased with how he stepped up as a leader his senior year. Josh was truly an extension of his coaches. When a teammate made a good play, Josh was the first to congratulate him; if someone made a mistake, Josh was always there to console. Josh puts 100% of himself into whatever he does — school work, friendships, sports, fashion, and music. When he sets his mind to something, there is no stopping him … I know his strong will and compassion for others is going to lead to amazing things and enrich the lives of everyone around him.” Josh will be attending Denison University in the fall.

Hi. By now I have left the school and am moving onto the next part of life (hopefully). I want to say that I have been thankful for the experiences that I have gained from all of the unique personalities I have run into.

Jamie: Calvin

CALVIN JAMES WATRY, son of Jim

and Jennifer Watry of Oxford and sister to Cece ’14, attended Roeper for 15 years. Jamie Benigna said in his speech “Calvin builds not just things; he builds community. From leading homeroom discussions to helping initiate Rocket Boosters in Middle School, to managing the Physics Club, playing soccer, and golf practice shenanigans, Calvin can be goofy, supportive, and a leader all at the same time.” Bob Simon said Calvin is one to “excel in many different endeavors, diving deeply into topics of personal interest. Add in a strong sense of justice, along with the willingness to use his voice, and the result is a true Roeperian.” In the fall, Calvin will be participating in Long Island University’s Global Studies program, where he will study on three different continents over the next four years. Without the pandemic, he would be starting with a host family in Costa Rica for his first year, studying environmental policy.

Roeper has given me a great education and environment to learn over my 15 years at the school. I will cherish the memories I have made and will continue living with the Roeper philosophy in my heart. Thank you, Roeper community! F

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Karen Johnson

Upper School Director

CLOSING REMARKS Today, on this day of Commencement for the Class of 2020, I’d like to conclude our remote graduation program by sharing a few thoughts on the powers of contagion. We hear about contagion all the time now, particularly in terms of infection and disease — we’ve implemented painful measures of home confinement and physical distancing in the effort of self-preservation. Our evolutionary history has provided humans with potent aversion reactions to deal with threats to survival, but the longer the threat remains, the more difficult those reactions become to sustain. We are in a particularly intractable situation at the moment, as our personal protective measures deprive us of the social and emotional connections equally necessary for wellbeing and survival. This is the ugliness of negative contagion. Several years ago, I was attending the American Psychological Association’s annual convention when I came across a poster presentation. The researchers were seeking to understand if there was an effect for something akin to positive contagion. So, they designed an experiment to understand how adults and children would feel about wearing Mr. Rogers’ sweater. This condition was compared to asking the same subjects how they would feel wearing an identical sweater that Mr. Rogers had never worn. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they found that a significant number of their subjects believed that wearing Mr. Rogers’ sweater would transfer a positive essence and make them a friendlier and more compassionate person, whereas the identical, but never-worn-by-Mr.-Rogers sweater had no such effect whatsoever. Positive contagion does indeed appear to exist in the human psyche. Unfortunately, however, negative contagion is always much more robust and compelling. Your aversion response from putting on a sweater that was worn by, say, a prominent public figure for whom you have great contempt and disgust, would be significantly stronger and much, much harder to overcome than any positive effect you might experience from wearing Mr. Rogers’ sweater. As the proverb goes, a teaspoon of tar will ruin a whole barrel of honey, but a teaspoon of honey does nothing for a barrel of tar. Okay, so there are two reasons I share this with you today. The first reason is because our world is sick, and humanity has been infected with much more than a small viral pathogen — noxious beliefs and behaviors are contaminating our environment and society daily. This is the influence of negative contagion, and it means that we need to work 10, 20, 100 times harder to be an effective counterweight and flatten the curve, as it were. Every positive affirmation we share with those around us, every gesture of kindness and empathy, every action we take toward diversity, equity and inclusion, every insight and discovery that adds to the betterment of our world must be multiplied and amplified to have any chance of bringing us some balance. It pains to me say this, but as you move on from Roeper, you are going to have to work harder — a lot harder — to have a positive impact at this time in human history. The second reason I wanted to tell you about that poster presentation is because of Mr. Rogers. He is quite famously known as saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me: ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” I don’t want you to look for the helpers. I want you to be the helpers. Your parents and grandparents and extended families and teachers and coaches and mentors are all helpers too — we’ve gotten you this far, and we’ll keep you going, but Class of 2020, it is now your turn. It’s your turn to be the helpers. F

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I don’t want you to look for the helpers. I want you to be the helpers. Your parents and grandparents and extended families and teachers and coaches and mentors are all helpers too — we’ve gotten you this far, and we’ll keep you going, but Class of 2020, it is now your turn. It’s your turn to be the helpers.

KIT

SENIOR PROJECTS

THE

George A. Roeper

FESTIVAL OF

SENIOR PROJECTS

The George A. Roeper Senior Projects are designed to allow students to follow their personal passions and extend their learning beyond the classroom. These projects represent skill sets that students have developed over time. The students have managed at least one semester of independent, self-directed learning. They have been supported by mentors within our walls as well as professionals in their respective areas of interest outside the Roeper Community.

It would be easy to focus solely on the results these students have produced; however, the process they employed and relationships they developed are likely what will impact them most in the years to come. Listed here are the Class of 2020 participants and the titles of their projects.

PRESENTED BY

The Class of 2020 THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 ROEPERSHOWCASE.ORG

Christopher Ban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIGITAL LITERACY & CITIZENSHIP Cooper Blankenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . BEGINNING A CAREER IN BALLET Hannah Byrne . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate DeRonne . . .

INVESTIGATION INTO ANIMAL WELFARE

MAKING MASKS: THE PROCESS OF COSMETIC FORMULATION

Madina Garvin . . . . . . . SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Anneliese Ingraham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A ROEPER ARCHIVE Emily Karmanos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WRITING A PIANO ALBUM

Richard Li . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE LESSONS Celia Lipton . . . . . . . . . . CONSENT & HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR Avery Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A VERY LONG CLIMATE PROJECT Alexa Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIVERSITY 101 CLASS Steven Raphael .

DESIGNING AND TEACHING A COMPUTER PROGRAMMING CLASS

Cameron Robinson . . . . . . .

REBUILDING A RACE CAR: PROJECT SPEC MIATA

Chandler Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE BEAUTY OF DETROIT Sam Weiss . . . . . . .

CHAINMAIL IN HISTORY, IN PRESENT, AND IN PRACTICE

Tristan Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . COMPOSITION OF NEW ORIGINAL MUSIC Emma Wine . . . WRITING & DIRECTING A PLAY-TURNED-FILM: SHOT IN THE DARK Max Yolles . . . . . . . . . . . RESEARCHING AND DESIGNING TAROT CARDS

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AWARDS & HONORS The Order of

The Roeperian Empire

The Fighting Tuna

In 1975, David Jaffe ’74 proposed the creation of a new award to recognize exceptional Upper School students. George accepted the proposal, and each year since, the school has awarded individuals who, by virtue of their extraordinary sharing of time, effort and self, made outstanding contributions to the Upper School community. Remarkable achievements alone do not qualify a student for the award. Contributing to the community is most important. Richard B. Morris ’72 coined the term “Order of the Roeperian Empire” for the award, and designed the official crest.

The Order of

Each year the reigning Knight or Dame Commander of the Order of the Fighting Tuna appoints a successor from the Junior Class. The Order of the Fighting Tuna was established in 1985 to “protect the honor of the members of the community of the Roeper City and Country School.” Each year, the new member of the Order is knighted during a ceremony befitting the mock-seriousness of the occasion.

The 2020/21 Fighting Tuna

The Order of The Roeperian Empire 2020 Recipients

SYDNEY LEVY th

8 Dame Commander of the Order

ALEX CALDERWOOD AVERY LONG EMMA WINE

2020 Roeper Athletic Awards

George A. Roeper Sportsmanship Award

MADINA GARVIN JACOB GLADNEY

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Scholar-Athlete

Athletes of the Year Award

ALEXA MILLER JOSH VENS CALVIN WATRY EMMA WINE

EVAN AKKASHIAN JADA COBURN

Award

Iron Athlete

EVAN AKKASHIAN

Super Booster of the Year BETH VENS

KIT

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Of the 48 members of the Class of 2020, 44 will go on to college immediately, and four students will participate in a gap year. One student was a National Merit Scholar; one was a National Merit Finalist; and five students were Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Program, including one of whom received a Special Scholarship through the Raytheon Company. Other students received prestigious and valuable scholarships from their chosen schools. Class members from 2020 were admitted to the institutions listed and enrolled in the colleges and universities in Bold.

Adrian College Alaska Pacific University Albion College Alma College American University Arizona State University Baldwin Wallace University Baylor University Beloit College Brandeis University Bryn Mawr College Butler University Calvin University Central Michigan University Chatham University Cleveland Institute Of Music College For Creative Studies College of Wooster Columbia College Chicago Cornell University Davenport University Denison University DePaul University Depauw University Drake University Eastern Michigan University Eastman School Of Music Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fordham University George Mason University Goucher College Grand Valley State University High Point University Hope College Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University Indiana University Jacobs School Of Music Iowa State University Juniata College Kalamazoo College Kenyon College Knox College Lawrence Technological University Lawrence University Long Island University – Global Loyola University Chicago Lynn University Marist College Marquette University Massachusetts Institute of Technology McGill University Mercyhurst University Miami University Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University Mt. Holyoke College Muhlenberg College Northland College Oakland Community College Oakland University Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences Oberlin Conservatory Of Music The Ohio State University Ohio Wesleyan University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Point Park University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Saginaw Valley State University Smith College St. John’s College Temple University Tiffin University Trinity University University of Alabama Birmingham University of Alabama Tuskaloosa University of Arizona University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder University of Dallas University of Denver University of Detroit Mercy University of Florida University of Illinois University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Miami University of Michigan EGR University of Michigan LSA University of Michigan LSA Residential College University of Michigan MTD University of Michigan Ross University of Michigan Stamps University of Michigan Dearborn University of New Hampshire University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of Tennessee Knoxville University of Texas Arlington University of Toledo University of Toronto University of Washington University of Wisconsin Wayne State University Wellesley College Western Michigan University Wittenburg University Xavier University Yale University

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PASSIONS & PURSUITS Roeper students are not simply products of the curriculum; they are an integral part of the learning process Of the 30 members and are encouraged to be fully engaged community participants by uncovering their passions in a myriad of the Class of 2019, of venues. This important dimension allows students to experience the special rewards and self-awareness 29 will go on to that come from exploration and mastering. college immediately, and one student will Here is a snapshot of the Class of 2020 journey: participate in a gap year. Two students were Commended AMNESTY DEBATE GAY/STRAIGHT MUSIC CLUB by the National Merit INTERNATIONAL Seth Katzman ALLIANCE Gianni Miliotto Scholarship Program. Annelise Ivanescu Richard Li Rachel Dietz AveryOther Long graduates Avery Long Cameron Gorelick were awarded Noah Sklar Celia Lipton PERFORMING prestigious and Calvin Watry Rory Popp ARTS valuable scholarships BLACK STUDENT INSTRUMENTAL from their chosen UNION MUSIC schools Veronica Lyon — the FILM FESTIVAL GENDER BLENDER Alex Calderwood Shepherd Music Alex Calderwood Cameron Gorelick Julia Degazio Society Scholarship Seth Katzman Celia Lipton Emily Karmanos from Rice University, BOOK CLUB Tristan Wilson Rory Popp Kayla Park the Platinum Claire Dietz Max Yolles Steven Raphael Presidential Rachel Dietz Noah Sklar Scholarship from Cameron Gorelick FORENSICS Chandler Thomas Oakland University, Evan Akkashian GIRL’S Calvin Watry the Leading Alex Calderwood MENTORING Tristan Wilson Presidential Platinum BUSINESS CLUB Kristian Laveque Hannah Byrne from CalebScholarship Bartes Richard Li Madina Garvin ROEPER DANCE Michigan James GiftosTech, the Celia Lipton Alexa Miller ENSEMBLE Lux Katzman Esto Scholarship Seth Avery Long Claire Dietz from Richard LiKalamazoo Gianni Miliotto Kristian LaVeque JoshuaCollege, Vens Trustee Rory Popp JEWISH STUDENT Leadership Calvinand Watry Noah Sklar UNION ROEPER and Engagement Ben Stafeil Seth Katzman THEATRE Scholarship Awards Joshua Stiebel Veronica Lyon COMPANY from Cornell CHESS CLUB College Emma Wine Alex Calderwood and Elon University, Blake Bottesi Anneliese Ingraham Presidential Emily Karmanos LINGUISTICS CLUB Kristian Laveque from SamScholarships Weiss FUN, FUN, FUN Steven Raphael Celia Lipton Muhlenberg College Evan Akkashian Gianni Miliotto and WPI; Regents’ Alex Calderwood Kayla Park Awards from COMMUNITY Kate DeRonne MODEL UN Chandler Thomas the CLUB University of SERVICE James Giftos Christopher Ban Caitlyn Wade KateMichigan, DeRonneDean’s Alexa Miller Caleb Bartes Tristan Wilson Scholarship Rachel Dietzfrom UC Gianni Miliotto Alex Calderwood Santa Cruz and Merit Annelise Ivanescu Cameron Robinson James Giftos VOCAL MUSIC Scholarships from Anneliese Ingraham Ben Stafeil Annelise Ivanescu Anneliese Ingraham DePaul Avery LongUniversity. Joshua Vens Richard Li Kristian Laveque Alexa Miller Caitlyn Wade Kayla Park Gianni Miliotto Caitlyn Wade Calvin Watry Noah Sklar Kayla Park Class members were Emma Wine Calvin Watry Calvin Watry admitted to the Emma Wine listed institutions and enrolled at colleges and universities in BOLD CAPS.

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PHYSICS

Adhrit Archak Chrstian Henderson Steven Raphael Calvin Watry

POLITICAL DISCUSSION GROUP Noah Sklar

PORTUGUESE CLUB

Evan Akkashian Hannah Byrne Annelise Ivanescu Veronica Lyon Alexa Miller Joshua Vens

QUIZ BOWL

Blake Bottesi Alex Calderwood Avery Long Joshua Stiebel

ROBOTICS

Adhrit Archak Christopher Ban Christian Henderson Avery Long Steven Raphael Joshua Stiebel

ROEPER NEWS Gianni Miliotto Joshua Vens

ROEPER TABLETOP Adhrit Archak Blake Bottesi Avery Long Steven Raphael Joshua Stiebel Calvin Watry Max Yolles

SIERRA CLUB

Cooper Blankenburg Kate DeRonne Anneliese Ingraham Annelise Ivanescu Avery Long Alexa Miller Kayla Park Noah Sklar Caitlyn Wade

SPIRIT WEEK COMMITTEE

Evan Akkashian Madina Garvin Alexa Miller Joshua Vens Max Yolles

SPORTS BASEBALL

Evan Akkashian Gianni Miliotto Chandler Thomas

BASKETBALL

Evan Akkashian Madina Garvin Jacob Gladney Veronica Lyon Gianni Miliotto Cameron Robinson Ben Stafeil Chandler Thomas Joshua Vens

CROSS COUNTRY

Christian Henderson

GOLF

James Giftos Seth Katzman Calvin Watry

SOCCER

Evan Akkashian Hannah Byrne Rachel Dietz Jacob Gladney Veronica Lyon Alexa Miller Kayla Park Cameron Robinson Ben Stafeil Joshua Vens Calvin Watry Emma Wine

TRACK

Christopher Ban Caleb Bartes Madina Garvin Victoria Gersch Christian Henderson Cameron Robinson

VOLLEYBALL

Madina Garvin Veronica Lyon Alexa Miller Kayla Park Emma Wine

STUDENT DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Cooper Blankenburg Annelise Ivanescu Alexa Miller Kayla Park Joshua Vens Emma Wine

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

THE MUSE

Cameron Gorelick Rory Popp Sam Weiss

TUNA TALK

Evan Akkashian Caleb Bartes Cameron Gorelick Anneliese Ivanescu Gianni Miliotto Kayla Park Rory Popp Joshua Stiebel

UMOJA

Jackson Campbell Celia Lipton Tristan Wilson

YEARBOOK

Caleb Bartes Kate DeRonne Madina Garvin Cameron Gorelick Emily Karmanos Seth Katzman Gianni Miliotto Alexa Miller Ben Stafeil Joshua Stiebel Joshua Vens

YOUNG DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS

Alex Calderwood Celia Lipton Sam Weiss

Christopher Ban Blake Bottesi Jackson Campbell Richard Li Avery Long Steven Raphael Joshua Vens Emma Wine

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Juliette Olejnik

Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund

A WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI Hello, Class of 2020! I wish I could see you in person to give hugs and congrats, but this video will have to do. As the Alumni Director, it is my honor to be the first to say, “Welcome to the Roeper Alumni community!” Roeper alumni are the most extraordinary and inspirational people I have ever met, and with the addition of each of you, that is truer than ever. I am extremely excited for all of you because you are the first graduating class that I feel like I know fairly well. We had a chance to get to know each other during your 9th grade trip to DC, which was my very first year at Roeper. Because of that experience you all have a special place in my heart. Although it’s hard to see you go, I’m excited for you. I hope you know that all of us at Roeper are rooting for you, and there is an entire community of over 2,000 Roeper alumni out there ready to welcome you with open arms. And now that you’re alumni, you’ll have access to the online alumni directory so you can lean on each other whenever you need to. High school graduation is just the beginning for each of you. Our hope is that this school has prepared you for the journey ahead and given you the skills and confidence to help you fulfill your own personal destiny, whatever that may be. Please know that in the years to come we want keep in touch with you. We invite you to come back and visit, and please let us celebrate milestones with you, because you will always be a part of the Roeper family. And I promise to do my best to help keep you connected to the school. You’ll be receiving a couple of special items from the alumni office to remind you of Roeper and each other. One of which is a mug listing all of you. I’ll be keeping one for myself and will think of you ever day as I drink my morning tea. I really look forward to staying in touch and wish each of you the very best. Cheers!

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Our hope is that this school has prepared you for the journey ahead and given you the skills and confidence to help you fulfill your own personal destiny, whatever that may be.

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Denita Banks-Sims

Director of Development & Publications

PARTING THOUGHTS The Class of 2020 has been among the largest in the school’s history, and the clarity of “20/20” has coincidentally foretold circumstances beyond our understanding.

While their astonishing fortitude has stood as a testament to the trials and disappointments that are too numerous to mention, I am reminded, however, of their impact along the way. For example, they became the first class to fully utilize The Children’s Library at the Bloomfield Hills Campus, and as ninth Graders in the 2016/17 academic year, they helped to shape the culture of the Birmingham Campus expansion and the Dennis Naas Commons. A “20/20” realization of a space that has transformed the school.

We see [the Class of 2020] and what they can give to the world. They have guided us to bend, pivot and adjust because their “20/20” vision of themselves is so powerful and so dynamic.

Their ranks number two sets of twins … several Roeper Legacies (children of Roeper alumni) … multiple “lifers” … a dozen or so siblings of current students … and an extraordinary cadre of classmates that became part of the class throughout their rise. We see them and what they can give to the world. They have guided us to bend, pivot and adjust because their “20/20” vision of themselves is so powerful and so dynamic. How could we not respond in kind? They continue to remind us of Nelson Mandela’s urging, “May your choices reflect your hopes — not your fears.” Congratulations to our visionary Class of 2020, and please accept our deepest thanks for your enduring spirit and grace. Yours,

Senior Josh Vens receiving his personalized 2020 graduate lawn sign.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … Due to the pandemic, end-of-year events were carried either live or by pre-recorded video on The Roeper School YouTube channel. Here is a list of celebrations of the Class of 2020 you can watch again — or for the first time. Junior/Senior Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June 6

Commencement Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Feldman, Head of School Peter Roeper ’63*, Founders’ Family Avery Long & Emma Wine, Class co-Presidents Karen Johnson, Upper School Director

June 7

“Drive-thru” Diploma Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 7 Senior Speeches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 6

Shot in the Dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 31 Senior Project, written and directed by Emma Wine Performed by members of The Company Class Resilience, the Senior Showcase Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June 1

Last Day Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June 9

Other end-of-year events and activites involving students other than the Class of 2020 are also available for viewing on Roeper’s YouTube channel. F

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THE ROEPER SCHOOL

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 16 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304

41190 WOODWARD AVENUE BLOOMFIELD HILLS • MI 48304-5020 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Welcome

TO OUR NEW

ON-LINE ROEPER SPIRIT SHOP!

We need our Roeper, now more than ever, and invite you to check out our exciting selections for this fall. We’ve brought back favorite basics, as well as original selections unique to our school. Our POP-UP SHOP will appear TWO MORE TIMES this school year — projected for DECEMBER and MAY.

Items will be delivered to your preferred address for a nominal shipping fee.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Shop Coordinator at shani.yapakimpson@roeper.org.

https://stores.inksoft.com/roeper_spiritwear/shop/home

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