KIT - Senior Edition Summer, 2018

THE ROEPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Keeping In Touch

SENIOR EDITION VOLUME 11: 4 SUMMER 2018

KIT

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

Contributors Alison Albrecht ’18 Denita Banks-Sims Katie Buchmann David Feldman Anna Gillikin ’16 Karen Johnson Karen Roeper ’66* Marcia Ruff Elliot Silk ’18

FEATURES OPENING REMARKS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 David Feldman, Head of School FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Karen Roeper ’66* SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Alison Albrecht & Elliot Silk, Co-Presidents – Class of 2018 INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SENIOR PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Katie Buchmann, Editor, and Anna Gillikin ’16

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CLOSING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Karen Johnson, Upper School Director SENIOR PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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AWARDS & HONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 PASSIONS AND PURSUITS

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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

A WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Juliette Olejnik, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund PARTING THOUGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Denita Banks-Sims, Director of Development COMMENCEMENT “OUTTAKES” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

COVER ART Aurora Thomas-Hagerman, Class of 2018

PHOTOGRAPHS Commencement photos by Mark Adrian Wright

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KIT

David Feldman Head of School

ROEPER COMMENCEMENT 2018

When I meet with prospective Roeper families for the very first time, I share with them that we will be visiting classrooms during their tour. I ask them to pay particular attention to the relationships that exist between teachers and students and between students with each other. That is what I will ask of you today.

It is the power of these relationships that will become clear to you as you witness today’s unique graduation ceremony. Originally, George Roeper would stand here and tell a story about each graduate. Over time that practice has transformed into graduates’ selecting an adult in our community to speak on their behalf — testament to the deep and powerful relationships we form over a student’s journey through our school. It is this total investment in the academic, social, emotional, and ethical development of our students that makes us so successful and so connected to celebrations like today.

Whether you have been at Roeper for two years or you are a “lifer,” you know that our faculty provides the inspiring energy and deep dedication that makes for meaningful personal development and an incredibly rich academic program. As George Roeper told us, in this school …

Students find teachers who respect them as individuals, where they are able to make mistakes and learn from them, and where they search for the unknown and the unseen.

To my colleagues — thank you for your deep dedication, your love of teaching and learning, and your thoughtful commitment to our students.

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Family members, you are your child’s first teachers.

You are there for the first steps, the first words, and the first day of school. A milestone like today is only possible because of the care and nurture you provide. Today as we celebrate their journey to this moment we note a shift in time — today’s class is the last group of Roeper students to be born in the 20th century.

Think about that for a moment. Back in 1999, this group of family and friends was celebrating the arrival of today’s graduates. Time moves quickly, and celebrations like today are those amazing moments that we hold closely. Thank you for sharing your children with us and for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s story!

The Class of 2018 has spent a great deal of time talking about, teaching, and trying to understand the work our founders put into The Roeper Philosophy. It is a reflective effort that many students who have spent long periods of time at our school consider as they prepare to leave our campus and head into post-secondary life. This guiding document, as I hope they have discovered, is more than aspirational guidance from thoughtful educators. As Annemarie Roeper reminded us, it is not merely a way to understand how we guide our school, but it is a philosophy of life.

The Roeper Philosophy is a writing expressing hope, respect for human dignity, and the understanding that because we are constantly learning, we need to ready ourselves for change.

The Roeper Philosophy is a writing expressing hope, respect for human dignity, and the understanding that because we are constantly learning, we need to ready ourselves for change.

We want to help our students to be amply prepared for this world in a social and human sense. We want our youth to have values, to understand their values, and to help them uphold their values …

George Roeper

While we think of them with reverence, our founders were not mythical beings, and so their writings are neither intended to be scripture, nor words shaped into the form of a weapon.

They were human beings, with human frailties, successes, and dreams. They experienced the hardship of prejudice, what it meant to be a religious refugee, and the challenge that comes with learning from the difficult times that come from war and hatred. They had a love for children, a respect for thinking and learning, and a commitment to inclusion.

The 1981 Philosophy that we have become so deeply connected to was a document written as George and Annemarie were completing their tenure at the school. As they prepared for retirement and their move to California, they wrote this version as guidance for when they would not be present. While there were many earlier versions of the philosophy, the 1981 edition has been embraced as the aspirational summary of their thoughts and ideas.

In subsequent years, new iterations of the document have been constructed, Core Tenets have been formed, and an Educational Statement of Purpose has been written as a way to reaffirm the founders’ vision. We can see through this work of our community our continued commitment to our founders’ values and the knowledge that the Philosophy is a living document that continues to challenge us to prepare for the unknown future.

As I think about that unknown future I think about what I hope you will take away from our time together.

George once described our work by sharing what he hoped our outcomes might be:

Let us talk about our tasks. We prepare our youngsters for college. This is a matter of course. But I consider preparation for college as half of our job. We also want to help our students to be amply prepared for this world in a social and human sense.

We want our youth to have values, to understand their values, and to help them uphold their values …

This past winter our graduates reminded me in a light-hearted way of their commitment to one such value — integrity. As I watched a small group at work shoveling snow from my driveway at midnight last winter, they shared with me the reminder — “You called the snow day; we said if you did that, we would dig you out.”

“David, a deal is a deal.”

Given their clear sense of commitment to keeping their word, I would ask our soon to be alums about their Roeper bargain — what can we say is your responsibility to the deal you have struck for being a Roeperian?

Baby Boomers in the room will recognize the term “countercultural” with a sense of nostalgia and memories of the days in their youth when people stood in opposition to the social norms of the day.

Perhaps you have a picture in your mind of longhaired Woodstock-types, or tie-dyed clothing and beads, bell bottoms, peace signs, or slogans on placards telling us to make love not war. It was a time that challenged the expectations and norms of the culture and caused our elders to regard our choices with horror and disapproval — in the ‘60s and ‘70s the concept of being counterculture suggested that young people didn’t share the values of the prevailing adult culture.

As my father often reminded me, the irony of youth is that its possessors eventually become their parents, as one generation replaces another.

When we look at our modern sources of information and see culture projected in the media, online, and in day-to-day interaction, it feels strangely distorted — reflecting the more sordid, gossip-filled aspects of our collective values and aspirations. What we once thought of as journalism and news is now a collection of opinion pieces without substance, research or the need for fact — we live in a paradoxical time where countercultural beliefs seem like something we might long to embrace.

In the era of “fake news,” “alternative facts” or “truthiness,” the distance between opinion and truth has been blurred for the sake of personal gain and profit. The Roeper Philosophy has always called on you to examine all sides of an argument, consider multiple points of view, and try to reach

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a point of understanding. This is a goal designed to garner empathy, and understanding, not misinformation and deception. If honest behavior is counterculture, then you must be counterculture.

That is our deal.

Annemarie Roeper talked in detail about the selfactualization of the individual and the interdependent nature we have with the community — this balance is foundational to the Philosophy. Your personal journey of growth, development, and wisdom connects hand in hand with your responsibility to others in the community. Selfactualization is about growth; it is not the same thing as selfishness — lionizing the individual at the expense of the needs of a community is not Roeperian. If care for the needs of others is counterculture, then you must be counterculture.

That is our deal.

Vulgarity, violence, and winning at all cost fill our media screens. Politicians, athletes, and game designers seem to be playing to our most base attitudes. We see gatherings championing hate, racism, sexism, homophobia, and religious intolerance rising openly from the dark hidden edges of our society. When civility, fair play, and restorative justice are counterculture — you must be counterculture. That is our deal.

The consumption of material goods, the consumption of resources, the consumption of our health and wellbeing permeate the day to day goals of our people. If care for the environment, care for our health, and care for our fellow human beings is counterculture — you must be counterculture.

That is our deal.

In a few short hours, you will begin your life as a Roeper Alum; the allure of tribalism, isolationism, and exclusion will be a powerful pull outside these walls. We have given you the opportunity to see what is possible, to practice using your voice, to stand for justice, and to learn how to advocate for yourself. These are not the tools of a cynic.

George Roeper’s hero Teddy Roosevelt wrote, “The poorest way to face life is to face it with a sneer.” There are many people who feel a kind of twisted pride in cynicism; there are many who confine themselves to criticism of the way others do what they themselves dare not even attempt.

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This is a moment to pause and stand in the light: George Roeper understood that in a democratic society, good schools must reflect the highest aspirations of a culture. As he wrote, and Karen Roeper reminded us at last night’s Junior/Senior Dinner, Power tries to force people to be intolerant of other beliefs, to be intolerant of contrary opinions. It is human to ponder, to question everything as to its truth and validity and to judge matters with honesty and an open mind.

It is the beauty of democracy which makes use of that which is human: to raise issues, to discuss, to argue, to debate. I hope you leave this school with a mission. Beware of the enemies of humanism. Try to defend this school and its philosophy as a fortress of humanism. Do not only defend it, but fight for it.”

(GAR at Junior-Senior Dinner, 1981) Graduates, today you are the newest ambassadors for this cause.

If we are unhappy with the character of our culture, we have work to do to be countercultural. If, in the garden of good and evil, flowers and weeds coexist, we have work to do so more flowers can bloom.

My friends, you are correct, a deal is a deal — you have successfully completed your work at our school; it’s your turn to be the alums who shape their future by living this philosophy. It’s your turn, as George implored you, to be the protectors of humanism.

You are gifted, you are prepared, and you are able, and so I hope you will take to heart a lesson that I have always held close. It comes from the wisdom of the philosopher and writer Abraham Joshua Heschel who said, “When I was young I admired the clever people. Now that I am older, I admire kind people.”

With all that days like today celebrate, with all the opportunity these years have afforded you, with all that you will do in the years to come — please … as Roeperians … be kind.

Congratulations! F

If honest behavior is counterculture — If care for the needs of others is counterculture — When civility, fair play, and restorative justice are counterculture — If care for the environment, care for our health, and care for our fellow human beings is counterculture — then you must be counterculture.

That is our deal.

KIT

Karen Roeper ’66* Founders’ Daughter

FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE

I’ve had the good fortune of visiting the school a number of times in the last few years, and I’m always struck by the sense of connection and warmth that I see.

I’m very grateful to be here, and it touches me so much to witness the legacy of my parents.

I’ve had the good fortune of visiting the school a number of times in the last few years, and I’m always struck by the sense of connection and warmth that I see. And I do feel like I’m coming back home to the place that I grew up or started growing up because what I’ve learned is that it never stops. When I thought about what I really wanted to share with you all, I began to think — and this is so aligned with what you were talking about, David — about the importance of your relationship with yourself, and I think that humanism actually begins right there with “how do we treat ourselves?” It’s become abundantly clear to me in this complex and challenging world that how we treat ourselves has a huge correlation with how we function in the world. The more kindly you can treat yourself, the more powerfully you can be in alignment with that. A quote from my father, which was given to the PTA in 1957: The emphasis on human values still has priority above everything else because we know that in a gifted child’s education, the adjustment to the realities of life itself is a greater determining factor for success than the talent and intelligence itself.

“The adjustment to the realities of life.” I think that when we are kinder to ourselves, we can navigate the vicissitudes of life more readily and more easily. And as David said, I feel like kindness is really the key. And what I invite you all to ponder is, what does it mean to be kind to yourself? What does that actually mean? I invite you to get curious about kindness, to study kindness and explore how you would experience it in relation to others, and how you can experience it with yourself as a person. Also, notice the tone of voice with which you speak to yourself. If you notice that you’re being hard on yourself, there is a possibility to shift that.

When I was getting ready to think about and to write this speech — I have a love-hate relationship with writing, and I always get very anxious, and it’s like, OK, here it comes again — I caught myself this time. I said I’m not going to berate myself; I’m going to have compassion for the part of myself that gets so anxious, and that allowed me to soften and actually not procrastinate quite as much … to

actually sit down and write what I wanted to say to you. I really invite you to think about your own internal tone of voice.

I want to share something, again from my mother from a graduation speech that she gave in ’71.

These are my mother’s words: A few months ago I had an unexpected experience.

A gray-haired man with a long beard and striking, lively eyes came walking in as I sat in my garden in El Cerrito. He said, ‘I know you won’t recognize me, Annemarie, but I would know you anywhere.’

When I admitted that indeed I didn’t recognize him, he said, ‘I’m nearly 70 years old, and I was one of your earliest students.’ He continued by expressing his gratitude to George and me, even after all these many years. When I asked him what this was all about, he said, ‘You might think it is because I experienced the Roeper philosophy during my active years at the school and the sense of community that was created in our students. However, in my recollection, even though this was very important, this was not the main lesson that I learned.’ When I said I couldn’t imagine what the lesson was, he said, ‘You and George taught me to love myself unconditionally.’ Then he said, ‘You may remember me. I’m the one who had a screaming fit every day when I arrived at school.’ I told him that indeed I did remember him. I had noticed one day that he had stopped screaming, and I had asked him why that was. He had replied, ‘Now I have channels of love connection, and I don’t have to scream anymore.’

So he was able to connect lovingly with himself, and that completely shifted how he was and how he saw the world. Sometimes I think about it as almost the opposite of the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. But I think we tend to be kinder to others than to ourselves at times. So, the opposite of the Golden Rule is to treat myself as generously and kindly as I treat others.

Now the other thing I wanted to offer you is what goes along with this. What is your greatest intention as you go forward? Think about that.

Think about: For the sake of what am I making these choices? “For the sake of what?” is a great guiding question to ask yourself periodically — and

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I have really thought about it a lot for myself. My biggest intention is to create loving connection in the world, which I think really brings more peace — and we need peace. We really need peace in the world.

My parents not only taught the deep importance of respect, but also of kindness. As David was talking about, it’s so important. So I’d like to just take a moment to invite everyone to close your eyes and just take a few breaths. This is a very special moment. It will never happen again for you. Just take that in — it will never happen again, this very moment — and to look around. I know you can’t quite see out there, but you know who’s out there supporting you — teachers and family — and also look around at each other and take in the preciousness of the connections that you have.

Each of you is unique, and that’s what you have to bring to the world. Remember that. I have a teacher who calls it your original nature — what you were born with is your uniqueness.

I’d like to close with just two things. This is also from the speech my mother gave:

I would like to say that if you really love yourself, then you will love life itself, and you won’t want to harm or hurt others. If the Roeper education has led you to love yourself and with that to love your community and your world, then you will be fulfilling the task that we’ve been hoping for.

So I really, really encourage you again to remember kindness. The Dalai Lama says that his only true religion is kindness, and I believe with all my heart that we need you young people to take that out into the world. College — or wherever you’re going — is going to be wonderful. Those are wonderful years. I just want you to know, I’m almost 70, and the last two decades — my 50s and 60s — have been the best of my life. It’s partly because I’ve been more and more accepting of myself, just as I am. So, you have something to look forward to.

Thank you, and congratulations, and enjoy. Thank you all. F

If the Roeper education has led you to love yourself and with that to love your community and your world, then you will be fulfilling the task that we’ve been hoping for.

Annemarie Roeper

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Alison Albrecht

Co-President, Class of 2018

KIT

SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL I want to start by saying what an absolute honor it is to be speaking to you all this afternoon. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that today is a day we have been anticipating for a long time. From my first 45-minute car ride with an enormous pit in my stomach, to now standing before you on the day of graduation, I continue to be impressed and humbled by my fellow classmates and the nature of this community.

The main reason that immediately drew me to Roeper when I switched schools in seventh grade was the tight-knit community and the unique opportunity to be a part of a group of students who were genuinely excited about learning. The type of students who weren’t afraid to ask questions and who would push the boundaries to explore things that intellectually challenged and excited them. I am proud to say that this is very true of the class of 2018. Throughout the years we have experienced many periods of growth and change, however the one thing that has remained consistently true is the overwhelming passion and drive possessed by every graduate on this stage.

What really stands out to me is how my class has taken their passions and used them to serve others and the greater community.

That is the mark of true Roeperians.

We are a diverse group of 27 musicians, athletes, scientists, artists, and scholars. Our different interests include knowing everything there is to know about reptiles, to teaching middle school students about feminism, to creating content on YouTube for over 100,000 subscribers. Not only do my classmates push themselves academically, seeking independent studies and exhausting all the courses in different departments, but the work of our class goes far beyond the classroom. We have state champions, professional musicians, renowned artists — the list goes on. But what really stands out to me is how my class has taken their passions and used them to serve others and the greater community. That is the mark of true Roeperians.

Particularly this year, our class has embodied the Roeper philosophy and ensured that it is protected and implemented within the everyday life of our school. As we saw during the festival of senior projects, both Maddy and Katie centered around the school’s core documents and worked all year long to educate our community about the values on which it was founded. Additionally, so many other projects focused on service, making a difference through educating and involving younger students to share in their passions.

But it doesn’t end there. It is so important to recognize the countless hours of time these graduates have given to lower and middle school students, helping out with forensics, theatre, Diversity Committee, Girls Mentoring, and so many other important programs. They have gone beyond the walls of the school volunteering their time for other schools and organizations that resonate with them, understanding the true importance of being “citizens of the world.” Everyone on this stage is a leader. They lead by example and possess gifts and talents that I believe will change our world for the better.

Now, as we find ourselves on the day of commencement, I believe we are all ready for whatever comes next — that we will use our strengths to do good. Thank you to the entire Roeper community for everything. And lastly, thank you to my family, my mom and dad. F

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KIT

Elliot Silk

Co-President, Class of 2018

SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL I’ve been thinking about this moment for about a year now. I had a lot of ideas that disappeared because I just didn’t write them down, but others stuck, so naturally, I began to piece together what I wanted to say to you all. All of those ideas went down the drain last Sunday when I was talking with my grandpa. He said: “Elliot, why is every graduation speech about the future? They all sound exactly the same to me.” Of course, he added some other bits in there that I shouldn’t say in this crowd, but that really resonated with me. Everybody and their grandma already knows how great every single person sitting over there is. I’m certain that my classmates are going to graduate and do incredible things — I don’t have to tell you this.

Instead of focusing on the future, I’d like to tell you a bit about the past. When we were at in Stage III, there were still trailers by Tire Mountain that were used as classrooms. Right as we were about to have classes there, they were removed (definitely for the better), and we took classes in the Quad and Middle Buildings. In turn, this gym was built, which was a plus. When we moved onto Stage IV, the team teachers were removed for a trial. I guess our grade seemed fit to test it on. Also, we were the first and only class to attend two different Stage IV camping trips. Just as we were leaving the Lower School, the new library was opened. Oh, by the way, we have seen plenty of changes in Upper School, Middle School, and Lower School administration in our time. Possibly the most drastic change we have experienced occurred this year with the loss of the beloved SLC and the construction of the new space, which is officially nicknamed the Naas or the DNLC. Along the way, we lost a significant number of classmates. Following the events of 2008, there was an exodus of people. Believe it or not, there were more than 27 in our grade at one time. I feel that those of us who were lucky enough to stay really embraced everything that Roeper has to offer and hunkered down for the worst. Which is a perfect segue into my next point. (It’s almost like this was planned!)

Roeper is nothing like any other high school experience out there. This was quite apparent to me when my mom came downstairs one night and said, “It’s a Friday night. Why are you doing homework?” To which I replied, “This is what my Friday nights always look like, Mom. Nothing’s changed.” She thought I was pretty lame. But every single one of my friends sitting there knows exactly what I’m talking about. In order to graduate from this school, you have to make sacrifices. Roeper is an incredibly demanding place — the academics really aren’t anything to mess with. Every single class Roeper offers is considered honors, whether we like it or not. Even with that, we still choose to load our schedules with harder classes.

Furthermore, Roeper encourages us to participate in as many extracurriculars as possible. There are people sitting right there who are state champs in both soccer and debate and stay on top of their course load. To everybody in the audience who hasn’t attended Roeper, I’m not discounting your high school experience in the slightest, I just want you all to know how hard these graduates have worked to be sitting here on stage, ready to receive their diplomas.

And finally to all of my friends, thank you for everything you’ve done for the class. Remember all of those class meetings, spirit weeks, and s’mores we sold? It really wouldn’t have been possible without every single one of you — even Ian. May I present my close friends, the Class of 2018. F

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Roeper is nothing like any other high school experience out there …

Roeper is an incredibly demanding place — the academics really aren’t anything to mess with.

Every single class Roeper offers is considered honors.

KIT

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI THE ROEPER SCHOOL

Class of 2018

12

3

4

26 23

14 9

2

19

10

6 5

24

15

11

7

20

16

25

18 8

22

13 17 21

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1. Kat Moore 2. Charlie Uchno 3. Nick Lyon 4. Janea Wilson 5. Garrett Graessle 6. Elliot Silk 7. Michael Bosway 8. Katie Booth 9. Meagan Konst 10. Alison Albrecht 11. Miles Hicks 12. Sean Moss 13. Aurora Thomas-Hagerman 14. Alexandra Klee 15. Larry Xavier Thomas 16. Charlie Sutton 17. Maddy Harner 18. Kalie Foxwell 19. Zach Zarewych 20. Ian Carroll 21. Jessica Kahn 22. Phillip Popp 23. Charlie Shoha 24. Carter Wade 25. Grant Walker 26. Mike Mrsan Not pictured: Dayna Nolan

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KIT

THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS THE CLASS OF 2018 IN GRADUATION ORDER graduate*

presenter

MICHAEL JOHN MRSAN (26) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max Collins KALIE KAHYUN FOXWELL (18)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susannah Nichols

GARRETT WILLIAM GRAESSLE (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Roberts LARRY XAVIER THOMAS (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Vernon JANEA ALISE WILSON (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michal McConville ALISON ANNE ALBRECHT (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susannah Nichols IAN GREGORY CARROLL (20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ttari Hellmer

KAITLIN ANN BOOTH (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacred Amos JESSICA ABBEY KAHN (21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Panek CHARLIE LOUIS SUTTON IV (16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Benigna MEAGAN SUE KONST (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susannah Nichols CHARLES LOUIS SHOHA (23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Matt Vallus

ZACHARY MICHAEL ZAREWYCH (19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Johnson NICHOLAS JAMES LYON (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dan Jacobs

DAYNA EVELYN NOLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Vallus CHARLES JEFFREY UCHNO (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Linda Vernon

CARTER EDWARD WADE (24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Blechman MILES ANTHONY HICKS (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hale Williams KATARINA ELIZABETH MOORE (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Brock MICHAEL JOHN BOSWAY (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Michelle Stamler

SEAN HENRY MOSS (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jodi Ryan

ALEXANDRA ELIZABETH KLEE (14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susannah Nichols ELLIOT STEVEN SILK (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Michal McConville

PHILLIP GREGORY-HASKIN POPP (22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Benigna MADDY TEAGAN HARNER (17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Panek AURORA MITCHELL THOMAS-HAGERMAN (13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly McDowell GRANT MONTGOMERY WALKER (25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Max Collins

* the numbers in parentheses correspond to the numbers in the class photo on the previous page

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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.

KIT

Katie Buchmann KIT Editor

Anna Gillikin ’16 Copy Editor

SENIOR PROFILES

MIKE: ambitious, lowkey, affable, and smart

KALIE: dependable, focused, positive, and genuine

GARRETT: empathetic, funny, innovative, and curious

MICHAEL JOHN MRSAN, son of John

the 75th Anniversary documentary, and she left us stunned when she performed Rhapsody in Blue at last year’s JuniorSenior Dinner. Like the exquisite music she plays, Kalie complements and enhances any environment with her diligence, intellect, and ceaselessly classy demeanor. From her first day at Roeper, Kalie’s assiduous work ethic, grounded perspective, and subdued delight in learning allowed her to thrive.

Mike’s actually a pretty ambitious guy. He’s headed to Michigan State University where he plans to be pre-med. He’s thinking about going into neuroradiology. Pretty ambitious. Then I found out that he, in his own words, “Hopes to use chemistry to rule the world.” Now that’s ambitious!

At Michigan State, he intends to continue his involvement with sailing by joining the sailing club. He also wants to try fencing. Now that I think about it … sailing and fencing? Maybe Mike’s going to be not only pre-med, but also pre-pirate.

In describing Kalie, friend Ryan Blankenburg shared, “Kalie gives off an awesome energy. She’s just a great person to be around — I look forward to seeing her every day.” And Elliot Silk shares, “I think Kalie is just genuinely a good person — she means well and does well with everything she does.”

and Christine Mrsan of Grosse Pointe Woods, is an affable guy. Mike’s good company. He’s demonstrated a knack for working in teams and commands the respect of his peers while being well liked. A big part of Mike’s appeal is his unassuming manner. He’s friendly but in a low-key way. I’ve never seen Mike monopolize a conversation or be domineering.

Whatever his ambitions, Mike is leaving Roeper well prepared to achieve them. Mike’s blossomed here. Academically, he’s finished strongly. So, I won’t be surprised to hear, a dozen years hence, that Mike’s well on his way to a career in neuroradiology; and has piloted a sailing sloop throughout the Caribbean. Although I’m not so certain about using chemistry to rule the world.

— Max Collins Michael was involved in Film Festival, The Muse, and Physics Club during his time at Roeper. He will attend Michigan State University in the fall.

My time at Roeper was short, but I’ll definitely remember it.

KALIE KAHYUN FOXWELL, the daughter of

Kim and Peter Foxwell of Columbus, has been quietly dazzling our community for the past four years. She made us catch our collective breath when we realized that she was the pianist on

Often, we consider the ways music makes our own lives better: what we gain from listening. And that’s wonderful. But when we further examine the song of Kalie’s time here, we appreciate the intricacies, the effort, the substance, and the personality of work. As Fredrich Mendelsohn reflected, art and life are not so different. ­— Susannah Nichols Kalie participated in Soccer and Student Diversity Advisory Committee all four years of high school and held a leadership positions in both. She also participated in Basketball, Model UN, and Sierra Club. She will attend Wheaton College in the fall.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the four years I have spent at The Roeper School. I am so thankful for all that I’ve learned there.

GARRETT WILLIAM GRAESSLE is the son

of Jennifer and William Graessle of Rochester Hills.

When I reflected on the last four years of knowing Garrett, the first word that came to mind was empathy.

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I was in the hospital this year for two months.

Knowing I was still recovering and prone to extreme bouts of fatigue, Garrett was an enormous help and comfort to me. Garrett [can] perform a task with incredible attention to detail, verging on perfectionism, and invents new and more effective methods in the process.

I don’t want to give an unrealistically serious picture of Garrett. He has an irreverent and boundless sense of humor. My most powerful memory of Garrett, though, occurred at one of the world’s most horrific places. There I was giving a tour to a group I had taken to Poland to study the Holocaust. Garrett [was] off to the side, mouth agape, eyes wide open, turning around slowly, taking it all in with a painful, yet surprised look on his face. In that moment, I knew that the mission of George and Annemarie Roeper had been fulfilled in this young man. He doesn’t think about people’s pain so much as he viscerally experiences it, and he is moved to anything he can to help.

Xavier has stepped up time and time again to support the Roeper School community. He volunteered much time and effort to help our Black Student Union collect water and money for Flint. A member of our Student Diversity Advisory Committee, he co-hosted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Walk, helped to coordinate MixIt-Up Day, and presented a special class called “Beats to the Revolution” for Diversity Day. Four years ago, his Dad wrote on the Roeper application form, “When I think of my son, Larry Xavier, he is simply an exceptional young man all around.” We agree.

— Linda Vernon Xavier participated in Basketball, Black Student Union, and Student Diversity Advisory Committee all four years of high school, in all of which he held leadership positions. He also participated in Band, Choir, Cross Country, Spirit Squad, and Fun, Fun, Fun. He will attend Michigan State University in the fall.

— Kevin Roberts Garrett will attend Oakland University in the fall.

Thank you so much for everything that you’ve all done for me. I have grown as a person in ways I wouldn’t have without Roeper or the people that make it such a special place.

LARRY XAVIER THOMAS is the son

of Terese and Larry Thomas of Detroit.

“I had a far better first year than most teachers at Roeper, partially due to Xavier’s positive attitude and welcoming presence,” math teacher Hale Williams wrote.

Bio teacher Laura Panek commended Larry for believing in himself and wanting to challenge himself. “Learning is important to you,” she wrote, “and your work ethic is really outstanding. You are funny, kind to others, and in general are just a wonderful person to be around.”

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JANEA ALISE WILSON, daughter

of Kristie Wilson of Detroit, rarely speaks of the hard work and preparation that goes into her projects.

She’s got her eye on the prize, and she’s so focused on accomplishing her goal that it wouldn’t cross her mind to complain about the work or to seek praise for her efforts. She doesn’t simply strive for success; she really enjoys all of the small victories along the way.

Kalie Foxwell admires Janea’s “desire to stretch herself” and refusal to settle. Janea’s friends describe her as a “secret leader.” Linda Vernon summed it up, describing Janea as “quietly wonderful in the background, making everything happen.”

As forward-thinking and goal-oriented as she is, Janea is also introspective and reflective. Keenly aware of the advantages she has in life, from her supportive family to her advanced education, Janea

LARRY XAVIER: compassionate, funny, focused, and loyal JANEA: introspective, determined, giving, and earnest

resolved to build that solid foundation for others.

She has long used her voice and influence to serve others, to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. For everything she has given to Roeper, she will have an even bigger impact on this world.

— Michal McConville

ALISON: selfless, positive, thoughtful, and inspiring

IAN: ambitious, accomplished, witty, and confident

For all four years of high school, Janea participated and had leadership roles in Soccer, Student Government, Tuna Talk, Black Student Union, and Student Diversity Advisory Committee. She also participated in Roeper Theatre Company, Roeper Dance Ensemble, Basketball, Book Club, Volleyball, Forensics, Model UN, Yearbook, and Girls’ Mentoring. She will attend Northwestern University in the fall.

I want to thank the Roeper community for giving me opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to find anywhere else. I am grateful to have spent the last four years surrounded by people who care about me and have encouraged me. I will truly miss this place and all the quirks that come with it.

ALISON ANNE ALBRECHT

is the daughter of Charles and Mary Albrecht of Birmingham and sister of Andrew Albrecht ‘21.

As we examine Alison’s impressive resume, what seems most significant about her leadership roles is how she exudes love for others. Elliot Silk notes that one of the things he admires most about Alison is the way she is able to be “herself, happy and comfortable in any situation.” She needs no personal glory; she gets the most joy from seeing her team succeed.

Alison’s compassion also elevates the quality of her work. When something matters to her, she will do it perfectly regardless of whether others will take notice. Laura Panek calls Alison’s study of sciences “relentlessly positive,” and that she particularly appreciates the “careful thoughtfulness” Alison brings to her work, never forgetting the human

element of what she’s studying. Janea [Wilson] shares that Alison brings out the best in those around her. “Watching her do everything is inspiring, and she pushes me to do things that I wouldn’t ordinarily do.”

Alison truly sees it as her duty to give as much as she can to others. She becomes a better version of herself by strengthening those around her, and we become better versions of ourselves by being in her presence.

— Susannah Nichols Alison was involved in Soccer, Student Government, and Yearbook in all four years of high school, in all of which she held a leadership position. She also participated in the Roeper Theatre Company, Fun Fun Fun, High School Book Club, Volleyball, Model UN, Tuna Talk, The Muse, Girls’ Mentoring, Spirit Squad, and Spirit Week Committee. She will attend the Honors College at the University of Michigan in the fall.

Thank you to my wonderful family for making my Roeper education possible. I also want to thank my teachers, classmates, and everyone in the community who has supported me and helped me to grow in the classroom and far beyond. Roeper is truly a special place!

IAN GREGORY CARROLL is the son of

Angus and Susan Carroll of Birmingham. When Ian was six years old, his uncle gave him a book entitled 101 Things To Do Before You Grow Up. One of the suggestions was to create a website.

Ian’s mom recalls that this sparked an interest in Ian, and a few years later, in 7th grade, Ian was creating websites professionally. His first was for a bakery in Birmingham. Business hours being the same as school hours, it’s not surprising that he had to ask his 7th grade Journalism teacher, Linda Vernon, to be excused during one of her classes because he had to “take a meeting.”

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Ian continued to be the Roeper Theatre Company’s projections expert, and once he started high school, he also became our sound designer and technician. Although he always seemed surprised that tech week was only two days away, he never failed us and continually contributed innovative tech to our productions.

Students like Ian leave big shoes to fill. I will miss his ability to come to my rescue in just about any tech catastrophe, but I will also miss Ian’s laid back attitude, his hidden Spongebobs in show projections, his ability to climb onto a set unobserved to fix lights for Charlie, and his threats to add laugh tracks to the Upper School musicals.

— Ttari Hellmer Ian has already begun a job at HelloSign in San Francisco.

KAITLIN ANN BOOTH is the

daughter of Ken and Julie Booth of Birmingham, and sister of Kyle Booth ‘15. We met a couple of years ago here at Roeper. We connected through our passion for photography and creative things. I realized two amazing things about Katie — her drive: she gets done what she wants to get done; and her commitment: she shows up when she says she will.

As I began to do some research on Katie and her time here at Roeper, I realized I was far from alone in being in awe of her maturity and determination. I found teachers saying things like “firing on all cylinders,” “Katie is unstoppable.”

“She’s hardworking, dedicated and passionate about learning,” “She enhances the atmosphere of the class that she is in.” “She really is authentic and amazing.” In addition, she has excellent relationships with peers who are supportive, positive and committed to self-improvement, and a cheerful spirit, a strong sense of self, and maturity beyond her years.

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Katie is an amazing student. She loves creative writing and photography, and worked on a novel while playing Volleyball every year. She carried a difficult course load, all the while maintaining humility, kindness, respect and integrity. Her grace under pressure is amazing.

Katie is a super nova with bits of stardust trailing far behind. Always stay true and shine bright.

— Sacred Amos Katie played Volleyball all four years and served as captain of the team. She also participated in Forensics, Tuna Talk and Model UN. She will attend DePaul University, where she will focus on marketing and communications.

Thankful for all the wonderful memories at Roeper over the past seven years!

KATIE: driven, passionate, positive, and creative

JESSICA ABBEY KAHN,

daughter of Sherelyn and Anthony Kahn of Farmington Hills, learned to read at an early age, but would not let her kindergarten teacher know because “she did not want to embarrass the other kids.” Before Jessie came to Roeper she felt that other schools held her back and did not let her learn and achieve at her own pace. Thankfully, Jessie found us.

At Roeper Jessie has astounded us with her incredible determination, tenacity and the passion she invests in her work. And she does it all joyfully on about three hours of sleep. When Jessie enters the bridge, we all stand taller and pay more attention. You have to, if you want to keep up with her. You see, Jessie doesn’t believe in the word impossible. As Jamie said, “Jessie’s mantra is to test the limits of reality and feasibility by exploring all that is impossible as a step to expanding further what is possible.” Her friend Amanda said, “She is good at recognizing and using other people’s strengths.”

I hope that you never lose your determination, independence and stubborn resolve to solve the most challenging problems. Just remember to boldly go, where no WOMAN has gone before!

— Laura Panek

JESSIE: kind, independent, passionate, and determined

CHARLIE: knowledgeable, curious, passionate, and engaged

Jessie participated in US Robotics all four years of high school and held a leadership position. She also had a leadership role in SWEnext (Roeper Chapter of Society of Women Engineers), as well as participating in Sierra Club and Physics Club. She will attend the University of Michigan in the fall.

Roeper: thank you for providing me with an environment in which I was able to grow as an individual and feel accepted in the community.

I’ll miss you in Ann Arbor!

CHARLIE LOUIS SUTTON IV

MEAGAN: compassionate, tenacious, driven, and kind

is the son of Patrice Cheesman of Southfield and Charlie Sutton of Farmington Hills. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things is patently obvious, and the speed with which he acquires new knowledge, bewildering. As Laura Panek wrote, “When Charlie puts together new ideas and understandings, he lights up and at times becomes so excited that he can hardly keep himself in a chair!” Friends describe Charlie as “smart,” “insightful,” “resourceful,” “great under pressure,” and “freakishly knowledgeable.” As Elliot Silk states, “He’s somebody that I go to if I have an ethical dilemma. He’s very objective when he thinks about these things.”

Nick Lyon points out, “He picks good things to be interested about.” When Charlie becomes fascinated by a topic, he dives into it and learns so quickly that often a few weeks is sufficient to understand it deeply.

Charlie excels at speed and complexity, and thus school has come easily to him. According to Ian Carroll, Charlie has often said that “nothing has actually required him to [study].” So, challenge accepted. Charlie will major in computational neurobiology in the fall, and presumably he’ll have to study. Or perhaps “have to” is the wrong turn of phrase. Studying isn’t a chore when you’re already eager to learn.

— Jamie Benigna

Charlie has participated in Roeper Theatre Company, Baseball, and Physics Club all four years of high school. He has also been a member of Debate, Cross Country, Model UN, and the Black Student Union. He held leadership roles in RTC, the BSU, and Physics Club. He will attend Harvard University in the fall.

Thank you for all the support over the years!

MEAGAN SUE KONST is the

daughter of Sue Konst of Rochester Hills and Larry Konst of Livonia and sister of Mikayla Konst ‘13. Whenever, however, whoever: if you need help, Meagan provides.

Jessie Kahn shares that “even when Meagan has her own challenges to deal with, she will stop what she’s doing to help a friend. If she knows you’re going through something difficult that she can’t help with directly, she will bring you snacks.”

Multiple teachers admire the way Meagan advocates for her classmates if they are confused, whether it’s posing a question to a teacher or explaining the concept herself. Meagan is so unambiguously brilliant and so tenaciously resolute in the pursuit of her goals that some find themselves in the same boat as Eric Ambrose, who shares that when he was a first-year Roeper teacher he “was actually a little intimidated by Meagan” because he’d “never had a student who was so driven.”

Rather than leave anyone in the dust, Meagan brings them along for the ride. Maddy Harner shares that Meagan is “one of those people who challenges you to be better than who you are or think you can be.”

— Susannah Nichols Meagan participated in Band and Roeper Theatre Company all four years of high school, as well as Student Government, where she had a leadership role. She was also a member of Choir, Forensics, and Spanish Club. Meagan will attend Washington University in the fall.

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To all of the current students: good luck and be sure to make the most of your time in this wonderful community.

CHARLES LOUIS SHOHA is the son of

Lori and Steve Shoha of Pontiac and the brother of Stella Shoha ‘21. Friends and teachers alike remark on Charlie’s even-keeled personality. Charlie Sutton shares, “He is never quick to judge, he always thinks about both sides of a situation, and he is open to hearing other opinions.” Elliot adds, “He genuinely cares about what other people think.”

It makes sense that Susannah Nichols would note that sometimes, it’s easy for a few voices to grow dominant, but Charlie’s perspective and insights can provide balance and depth to any conversation. Charlie also has a quiet confidence about him and degree of fearlessness that inspires others around him to be their best.

While Charlie is talented in so many areas, music is where he really shines. Charlie is an incredibly skilled drummer. Eric Ambrose stated, “Charlie played what is possibly the most difficult drum-set part I’ve seen in my years of teaching high school (Whiplash, of course). [He] absolutely nailed it.”

When asked why he loves the drums and music, he stated that he loves the creative freedom and seeing other drummers do well with his guidance.

ZACHARY MICHAEL ZAREWYCH, son of Zenon

and Helene Zarewych of Rochester Hills, is the man you want to count on to control fire, but what may not seem so obvious is the fact that Zach in many ways himself a controlled fire. Passionate about his beliefs, fiercely protective of friendships, and determined to go his own way, Zach has all the energy of a burning fire. And although that fire may have flared up over the years, Zach has mastered the ability to harness these flames within.

He is clear of conscience and unapologetically faithful to his beliefs; he is centered more than most adults. Even though Zach tends to fall outside of mainstream beliefs in our community, it is not because he is ungrateful for his experiences at Roeper. In fact, Zach explained to me that Roeper has made him more compassionate toward the world and opened his eyes to new ways of thinking. More importantly, he noted, it has given him the tools to problem-solve. This is precisely the kind of global disposition and intellectual and practical skillset I would hope for any high school graduate.

— Karen Johnson Zach participated in Baseball all four years of high school and held a leadership position. He was also involved in Tuna Talk and Yearbook. He has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Charlie is one of the most authentic and balanced students I have ever taught and his actions speak louder than words.

— Matt Vallus

I look forward to serving this country and thank Roeper for all the community has given me.

Charlie participated in Baseball for all four years of high school, as well as Band, in which he had a leadership role. He was also a member of Fun Fun Fun and Spirit Squad. He will attend Michigan State University in the fall.

Lyon of Clawson and David Lyon of Farmington and brother of Veronica Lyon ‘20, and Alex Lyon ‘22, is a brilliant writer and doesn’t suffer foolish writers gladly. Nick is a charismatic speaker, as well, in forensics and beyond. He has an aptitude for design that started as a toddler and continues to the present. There is nothing one can say about Nick that conveys Nick-ness; you need to experience him. While this is true for anyone, there’s something about Nick that reminds you of it moment-to-moment.

Thank you Roeper for all the great years of making me feel valued and accepted, despite there never being any paper towels in the bathrooms.

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NICHOLAS JAMES LYON, son of Christine

CHARLIE: modest, insightful, funny, and level-headed

ZACH: passionate, unapologetic, ambitious, and outspoken

NICK: intellectual, complex, creative, and passionate

DAYNA: talented, creative, ambitious, and thoughtful

CHARLIE: responsible, intellectual, efficient, and confident

Nick’s senior project was the creation of a film called Winterpunk. This is dialogue from his script, which serves not only as advice from Nick to Nick, but to all his peers: “You’re on the precipice now. The wheels are in motion.

Something is coming and, to be honest, we don’t know what it is any better than you.

There are things locked inside of you, swimming underneath the surface; you know them. You have so much available to you now. The whole range of your desires … The pieces are all here, you just need to make it click ... This is your world. It’s your future ... You need to figure that out for yourself …

It’s all yours now.”

— Dan Jacobs Nick participated in the Roeper Theatre Company, Forensics, Model UN, Yearbook, Linguistics Club, and Physics Club in his time at Roeper. He had leadership roles in Film Festival, Tuna Talk, and the Young Democratic Socialists. He will attend Columbia College Chicago in the fall.

DAYNA EVELYN NOLAN, daughter of

Nancy and Godfrey Nolan of Huntington Woods and sister of Rory Nolan ‘15, is a character. When asked why Dayna likes acting so much, she explains that it is not so much becoming someone else, but the process of studying to become someone else that she loves most.

Perhaps Dayna’s greatest role is as a friend. When asking friend Kory Hamblin what he thinks is most important to Dayna, he stated simply, “People she cares about. She does so much for the people around her.” Janea Wilson responded similarly, “Dayna is a great listener, she will not ignore you and always wants to help.” Dayna is one of the most thoughtful and kind students I have ever known.

At times, I confess, the projects Dayna tackles have sometimes made me think, “She is biting off more than she can chew.” Time and time again she has proven me wrong. This year, I have learned that it is best to just let her go. Dayna believes education is a gift, as she is always attempting to absorb and reflect so deeply into why events happened and who people are. She strives for perfection and is not afraid to start over, and I have never met a student who was so ambitious.

— Matt Vallus Dayna was a member of the Roeper Theatre Company for all four years of high school. She also participated in Choir, Cross Country, Film Festival, Forensics, and Spirit Week Committee. She will attend the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in the fall.

I learned of my love for theatre here, and for that I am immensely grateful. Thank you and goodbye to the RTC and extended Roeper community!

CHARLES JEFFREY UCHNO is the son of

Phil and Nancy Uchno of Bloomfield Hills and the brother of Matthew Uchno ‘16. Joe Allen says that the most important thing to Charlie is being the best version of himself. Charlie describes himself as “a thinker” and says, “I like to test my brain a lot and ponder things.” All are in awe of Charlie’s intellectual curiosity and love of learning.

HIs brother Matthew says, “Charlie is efficient and will never settle for second best. He has always been a person who will find out the best possible way to do things, and then do it in that best way possible.” Charlie doesn’t like to lose. “One time I beat him in an argument: It’s my favorite memory because it only happened that one time.”

Teacher Regis Carozza wrote about Charlie: “From my perspective, you have been both fun and exciting to watch: fun, because when you raised your hand to speak, I expected something insightful and creative from you; exciting, because

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I imagine how, in the future and in other venues, you will absolutely dazzle and enlighten others.”

that he knows he struggles with really brings home how tenacious he can be!

— Andrew Blechman

— Linda Vernon Charlie participated in Band, Roeper Theater Company, and Fun, Fun, Fun for all four years of high school, as well as Baseball, Model UN, Student Government, Yearbook, and Spirit Week Committee in which he had leadership roles. He also participated in Debate and Spirit Squad. He will attend Yale University in the Fall.

Carter participated in Band and Basketball all four years of high school, as well as in Soccer, Track, and Model UN, in which he had leadership roles.

He was also a member of Fun Fun Fun, Cross Country, US Chess Club, Physics Club, and Spirit Squad. He will attend Kalamazoo College in the fall.

Thank you for presenting so many opportunities and mentally conditioning me to think differently. I hope Yale’s professors can compare with the amazing teachers I have experienced at all levels here at Roeper.

I am deeply appreciative to have been afforded the opportunity to attend such a magnificent institution capable of rekindling my love of learning and to have had enough experience outside of our little paradise before and during my attendance to learn to live in the world as it should be AND how it is.

CARTER EDWARD WADE is the son of

MILES ANTHONY HICKS, son of Michael

Bryant and Lisa Wade of Rochester Hills and the brother of Caitlyn Wade ‘20. Tenacity is the word that describes Carter. He once told Matt Vallus his freshman year, “I can overcome this obstacle with tenacity!” However you interpret that, it describes Carter’s approach to his challenges in a single sentence.

Ed Sack says, “Some people say they want to achieve a goal but don’t have the initiative or drive to get there. Carter is the exact opposite: give him some time and he will find a way to get there.”

Carter was also motivated not only by his own learning, but by helping others. He unselfishly recorded all the Varsity Basketball games in the winter so his peers could break down film and improve their play throughout the season.

Nowhere is Carter’s tenacity more apparent than in what might have been his biggest learning challenge: writing. It’s clear how much effort Carter put into mastering this skill. Michal McConville writes about French: “You pushed yourself to create more substantial written assignments, and it really paid off.” That drive to improve something

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and the late Rhonda Hicks of Orchard Lake, is a man of many talents, but you’d never know it if you asked him. He’s so humble about his own abilities and accomplishments. Susannah Nichols said: “Every once in a while, in class, Miles would speak up with ‘I’m not sure at all if what I’m about to say makes sense, but …’ Then he drops the most nuanced and well thought out point of the class.” The only times I’ve see Miles deviate from his standard of humility is when he’s in competition. Whether it’s playing Smash, or Mariokart, or UNO, Miles becomes ruthless. As soon as the game is over though, he returns to the empathetic, humble, and talented person we all know.

He’s cheerful and fun loving — but also fearless.

He doesn’t say much. He’s exceptional at a wide variety of things. He has a myriad of friends he teams up with. He inhales his food with gusto.

EVERYONE loves him.

In a list of the things he likes, he wrote to me: “My friends and my family. What would I do without both of ‘em?” I’m sure I speak for your friends and family when I say, the better question is what will we do without you?

— Hale Williams

CARTER: tenacious, supportive, determined, and passionate

MILES: humble, adaptive, fun-loving, and empathetic

Miles participated in Band and Golf all four years of high school. He had a leadership position in Golf. He also participated in Physics Club. Miles will attend Wayne State University in the fall.

I want to thank everyone, students and faculty alike, for making my 11 years at Roeper worth every second. I won’t be going very far away, so instead of goodbye, this is more of a “see ya later!”

Thank you to everyone who has dealt with my

difficult self for the last 11 years. Your love and support have made me work harder, allowed me to take daring and vulnerable risks, and let me follow my heart no matter the payoff. You made room when I felt there was none and showed me what it means to love what you do.

KATARINA ELIZABETH MOORE,

daughter of Jeremy and Laura Moore of Royal Oak, first came to Roeper to learn, and her stubborn will matched her sheer volume. In this place of firm and direct wisdom she found growth and love.

She was immediately engaged, and she stepped forth and began her steps toward her ultimate goal: to be guided, to be shaped, and to teach. But first, of course, to be taught.

KAT: engaged, confident, driven, and outspoken

MICHAEL: clever, reflective, authentic, and respectful

Although a confident person now, Kat struggled in the past with issues of confidence and her sense of self. Her values clashed with her inner demons, but nevertheless her voice persisted, and she grew into a person who was better able to face the world. The apex of this was when Kat taught a class to younger female students where she was able to instill passion and confidence in them.

Kat is loved and respected by peers and faculty alike. In her time at Roeper, she has found her confidence and her voice, and grown from the role of student to a teacher herself.

As she is driven, best beware her drive When turn does she without the need of roads And hence returns in years that number few.

Until we meet again, Kat, we say teach on.

— Andrew Brock

Kat was a member of the Roeper Theatre Company, Choir, and Forensics all four years of high school.

She also participated in Band, Debate, Roeper Dance Ensemble, The Muse, Spanish Club, SWEnext (Roeper Chapter of Society of Women Engineers), Roeper Table Top, Community Service Day Committee, Founder’s Day Planning Committee, and Cross Campus Connection.

MICHAEL JOHN BOSWAY is the son of

Nicholas and Michelle Bosway of Clarkston.

Roeper tricked Michael Bosway when he came here in the middle of the year in Stage II. That’s right, he was totally bamboozled! Michael started the academic journey that puts him in front of all of you right now, totally unaware that he was learning. [He says] “It was all just so relaxed, it felt like home.”

Michael takes his academic and creative work seriously and whenever possible will incorporate his subtle sense of whimsy into his assignments.

Colleen wrote, “Creative writing continues to be a strength — an area of passion and much talent.”

Karen references Michael as “a fantastic intellect, delighting in challenging material.” In calculus Hale said Michael was “a clever student with a mathematical mind.” In biology Laura found him to be “a very talented science student and a person who cares deeply about others.”

Michael is sincere and authentic — the genuine

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article. You get what you see, and if you are willing to listen, to let him share, you will not be disappointed.

— Michelle Stamler

I send my regards and warm farewell to the community. I thank with especial affection the many teachers whose society has made a great difference in my life.

Michael participated in Tuna Talk and Yearbook and will attend Michigan Technological University in the fall.

ALEXANDRA ELIZABETH KLEE, daughter of

See ya.

SEAN HENRY MOSS is

the son of Josh and Karen Moss of Rochester Hills.

Lower School science teacher Dianne O’Connor said, “Sean is one of the rare people who has a deep love for things that are beautiful, fair and just. Even the young Sean had the ability to look outside himself in search of a larger meaning.

He is always true to himself, with a balanced perspective, openness and gratitude, as only Sean would do.”

Sean has never been a follower. He is fiercely independent and assesses every situation regardless of the flow of the “crowd.” This is part of his inherent authenticity. He simply cannot do anything, be anyone, or conform merely because of his peers’ choices.

Languages delight Sean, as does their history, usage and evolution. He speaks the way he does because he finds words to be endlessly fascinating and useful. Patti Bostwick, College Counselor wrote, “Sean is beyond respected at Roeper, he is beloved.” I would add that I have never known anyone like Sean, who unknowingly, humbly, with a simple conversation, gives the gift of a renewed connection to and appreciation of the moment, of relationships, our community and the world.

— Jodi Ryan Sean participated and had a leadership role in The Muse and The Young Democratic Socialists Club. He was also a member of Choir, Band, and Linguistics Club. He will attend the University of Michigan in the fall.

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Christopher and Elizabeth Klee of Lathrup Village and brother of Harrison Klee ‘23, is fiercely independent — no one is going to tell her who she is or get in the way of what she knows is right. But Katie Booth appreciates that Alex’s bravery isn’t just about being tough, it’s also about a willingness to be forthright: “She’s a problem solver by just talking to people and telling them the truth,” says Katie, “That pure, blunt honesty is something most people lack.”

When she received a late diagnosis of dyslexia just before her senior year, she had to, in her words, “learn to read all over again.” “Not for one second did she let anything slow her down,” shares Michal McConville, “She never complained, never made excuses. She just worked really hard and wasn’t afraid to ask for help.”

As far back as Stage II, Alex’s teachers reflected that she “knows what she wants and goes for it.

When she is determined and when she sets her goals, she will aggressively work to attain them.”

Fast forward to junior year in AP Biology, when Laura marveled at Alex’s tenacity in class: “I have never seen someone so committed to herself and what she can do.”

— Susannah Nichols Alexandra participated in Volleyball all four years of high school and held a leadership position. She was also involved in Debate, Yearbook, The Muse, Girls’ Mentoring, Spirit Week Committee, Prom and Homecoming Committees, and Fun, Fun, Fun. She will attend University of Michigan in the fall.

I would like to thank The Roeper School for placing me in an environment that was very diverse. The school opened my eyes to many different kinds at a very young age which is something that I’m forever grateful for. In

SEAN: authentic, independent, kind, and inspired

ALEX: honest, determined, tenacious, and compassionate

addition to that I was given an education that was perfect for my learning style and needs.

ELLIOT STEVEN SILK

ELLIOT: curious, hardworking, dedicated, and selfless

PHILLIP: analytical, funny, humble, and brilliant

is the son of Donna Silk of Birmingham and the late Steven Silk and brother of Ethan Silk ‘17. His exchange sister Anna [Brainin] puts it best.

“Elliot has an inexhaustible drive to understand the nature of things around us.” His desire to discover new things was evident in the classroom, where Elliot let his persistence and resilience lead the way. Admiring Elliot’s tenacity, Jamie Benigna noted, “Even when he hits significant challenges, his attitude is ‘I can do better.’”

Elliot’s stellar academic performance is only half of the picture. His conviction and fortitude make him the rock of the family and a dedicated friend and classmate. Alison [Albrecht] marveled at Elliot’s selfless nature saying, “He makes a point of supporting people. It’s just normal for him.”

His humanist values and passion for learning make Elliot a true Renaissance man. Just as the Renaissance paid homage to the past while reveling in innovation and exploration, so too is Elliot able to honor his foundation while pushing himself to change and grow. And with each new endeavor and each new friendship, he does experience a sort of reinvention of self, maintaining the wisdom he has gained along the way but viewing the world with a fresh perspective.

— Michal McConville Elliot participated in Fun Fun Fun and Spirit Squad all four years of high school, as well as Soccer and Model UN in which he held leadership roles.

He also participated in Band, Roeper Theatre Company, Baseball, Physics Club, and Spirit Week Committee. He will attend the University of Rochester in the fall.

I attribute the person I am today to two things: my family and Roeper. I will undoubtedly miss attending this school.

PHILLIP GREGORYHASKIN POPP is the

son of George Popp of Bloomfield Township and Cindy Haskin-Popp of Troy and the brother of Nick Popp ‘16, and Grace Popp ‘20. What aspects of Phillip could I represent with a graph?

There would certainly be many graphs that have positive slope. Putting time on the horizontal axis, Phillip’s height would slope upward. As would his mastery of French, understanding of partial derivatives, the number of miles he’s willing to travel to support a friend, his commitment to ensuring that we live the Roeper Philosophy daily, and the number of questions he’s asked that have no easy answer. But other seeming opposites also increase together: Phillip’s brilliance and his humility, his seriousness and his humor.

Perhaps I should graph the variables with zero slope — those that have not changed during Phillip’s years at Roeper. Phillip’s application to Stage I stated that “Phillip has incredible reasoning and problem-solving skills as well as a heightened awareness of social injustice. His expressive language is advanced; he has a great sense of humor and remarkable memory as well.”

The graph of minutes remaining at Roeper is now reaching zero, and the miles between home and school reaches a new maximum. But if we simply graph Roeper and Phillip, the slope is certainly positive. Both variables have affected each other directly. ­— Jamie Benigna Phillip participated in Physics Club and Cross Country in all four years of high school, in both of

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which he held a leadership position. He has also been a part of Basketball, Debate, Fun Fun Fun, Soccer, Track, and Student Government. He will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall.

I could not have asked for a better foundation for the rest of my life.

MADDY TEAGAN HARNER, daughter

of Robb Harner and Pam Majchrzak of Waterford, has truly lived the Roeper philosophy. One of my favorite memories of Maddy was when she whipped out a color coded copy of the ‘81 philosophy in the last Board of Trustees meeting and started reading a relevant section to the board. Maddy is unafraid to speak her heart and mind. Andrew Brock said, “All I really have to say about Maddy is that the world needs more of her. She is the best of what Roeper should be.”

In her Stage III report Maddie wrote about herself: “She really, really loves art because she’s just real artistic.” Her parents claim that there hasn’t been a day in her life that she hasn’t doodled, and they say they have her artwork all over their house.

As Scott and Dee said, “Maddy can be described in one word: tough. She is filled with a determination that does not quit.” This describes the Maddy I know; internally motivated and passionate about learning. She learns differently, in fascinating ways, and she does it so well.

Maddy has given back so much to this school. We are all better humans after sharing this time and space with her.

— Laura Panek

Maddy participated in Roeper Theatre Company and Forensics all four years of high school. She also participated in Girls’ Mentoring, Spanish Club, Spirit Week Committee, the Prom and Homecoming Committees, Founder’s Day

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Committee, Community Service Club, Community Service Day Committee, and was elected as a Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.

She will attend the Residential College at the University of Michigan in the fall.

“There is a vast difference between talking about what we believe in and doing something about what we believe in.” — George Roeper, 1968

MADDY: artistic, outspoken, tough, and humanitarian

AURORA MITCHELL THOMASHAGERMAN, daughter of Michelle Hagerman

and Cindy Thomas of Bloomfield Hills, touches souls. She does this through her profound artistic work, her deep philosophical ideas, her easy-going spirit, her irreverent sense of humor, and her audacious motivation to change the world for the better.

Aurora is a dreamer. Aurora’s parents knew this from the start, as they watched their little dreamer ascend the steps of the Hill House in Stage I. They say that on rainy mornings, Aurora would insist upon stopping to rescue earthworms who strayed within the treacherous path of the sidewalk, amidst the threatening clomp of many pairs of little rain boots, and return these lovely creatures “back to Mother Earth.”

When you live your life like this, taking the lessertraveled path, it can take a while. But that’s okay.

In fact, it’s far more than okay. It is precisely the sensitive, wise, kind vision that Aurora possesses that makes us all better.

In her art and in her life, Aurora creates beautiful worlds. And she makes us want to live in those worlds. And if I am certain of anything, it is the knowledge that when she leaves us for the larger world, she will continue to save creatures, hug trees, make art, and touch souls.

— Kelly McDowell Aurora has participated in the Roeper Theatre Company, Roeper Dance Ensemble, Soccer, Film Festival, and Forensics. She will attend Stephens College in the fall.

AURORA: imaginative, compassionate, artistic, and profound

I’ve loved my Roeper experience and have had the most amazing teachers that I will miss so much. I couldn’t have done it without the support. Thank you!

GRANT MONTGOMERY WALKER, son of

GRANT: hardworking, prepared, helpful, and inquisitive

Terry Wynn and Ione Walker of Royal Oak, is Mr. Exuberance when it comes to academics.

Grant likes working hard to learn stuff.

Grant is a prepared student’s idea of a prepared student.

You don’t have to ask. The homework is done. The reading’s been read. He’s ready and raring to go. It’s not surprising that Grant’s been a very successful student who’s earned high grades and the accolades of his teachers.

Grant also likes to share what he’s learned. He’s constantly offering explanations about the material being presented in class. Lilly Zhu, his Chinese teacher, has commented on Grant’s helpfulness and patience while working with younger students.

Grant likes to work in order to learn, but, more broadly, Grant just likes to be busy. He had a great time on the senior trip to the Carolinas. Grant loved being on the ocean. He especially loved bonfires on the ocean. But what he seemed to love most of all was working on the bonfire crew. Grant is a guy who has the most fun at a party when he’s busy working at something useful that’s part of the party.

Grant’s going to be happy anywhere that he’s got an opportunity to learn stuff. He’’s going spend his life learning stuff.

— Max Collins Grant participated in Film Festival and Physics Club. He will attend Michigan Tech in the fall.

See ya, it’s been a blast. Let hate go, but don’t be a pushover.

F

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Karen Johnson

Upper School Director

CLOSING REMARKS

It was 1966. He had just been commissioned into the Navy, and he had two weeks before he was to report to Charleston for minesweeping school.

He went down early, and the Navy didn’t know what to do with him. So they said, you can go out with the minesweeper in the morning and be an observer on the deck. And so each day he would go out onto the minesweeper, go up on the deck as they went down the river into Charleston, and then out to sea. Now the river in Charleston has two channels. There’s the North Channel and the South Channel. And you can’t sway off of the course, otherwise you’ll run aground. And so every day for that first week he would go up onto the bridge and observe the exercises as the boat went out in the morning and came back in the evening.

On the second Monday, as he was up on the bridge, the Captain turned to him and said, “You take charge.” So he did all he could to remember what it was he needed to get away from the pier without completely destroying everything. And as he continued down the river in Charleston, as he reached the fork in the channel around Fort Sumter where there’s the North Channel and the South Channel, he thought to himself, “Well, which one do I take? Do I go north? Do I go south?” And pretty soon it became pretty obvious to just about everyone on the bridge and throughout the entire ship that if he didn’t make a decision pretty soon, he was going to run aground.

So at the very last second he said, “Right standard rudder,” and the ship turned to the right, and they went around Fort Sumter and then out to sea. Nobody said a word. As they came in in the evening, he was going down from the bridge and the captain came up behind him and put his arm around his shoulder and said, “Son, you can turn the rudder left, or you can turn the rudder right, but you can’t not turn the rudder.”

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the story, but it’s been many, many, many times. I think that for the first few dozen times I had heard this story — it was told to me by my father — I just thought, well, here he goes again. But there are three things that I’d really like for us to take away from this story. The first is the importance of stories in our lives and storytelling. Stories like this can come to have a metaphorical meaning, and so I think it’s really good just to get the metaphor out and over with at this point. You have to make a decision

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at some point in your life. Just be decisive. Go right standard rudder. But also know that there are times in your life when you’re going to make a bad decision, so next time maybe try left standard rudder. There are going to be times when you will be judged for the decisions that you make. Know that for those people who may be treating you unfairly for the decisions that you make, you know only a fraction of who they are underneath, and so keep that empathy and keep that compassion as you continue to lead this ship.

The second thing that I’d like for us to take away from this story is that this story was shared with me by my father. There is so much unsolicited advice that comes from one’s parents — especially when you’re young — it seems just far too much to take. But I would say, at 44 years now, that I think the stories your parents tell you, they do for a reason. And it’s because they want you to learn something, to know something, to feel something that it took them much, much longer to realize in their lives. From my dad I take away this idea: be decisive, make your decision, go left, go right, if it’s wrong just make another decision. This was something he wanted to convey to me that was important. So when in all of those stories that you think of that your parents tell you at holidays, or whenever it is, and you just start to groan, just know that they’re told for a reason, and that there is wisdom to be had there.

The third thing that I think this story is really valuable for is for understanding the importance of defining moments in one’s life. You may have a defining moment where you decide to go to one school over another, and you realize in retrospect that your entire life would have changed if you had just chosen differently. You may have had some of those experiences already in your life, these defining moments, and I would say that in fact you all have. You’ve been to Roeper, and that is a defining moment. But as you come to appreciate the experiences and the wisdom that you’ve gained, know that you are sharing those defining moments with each other, and storytelling — however unsolicited it may be at times — is one of the most powerful ways to convey human meaning and the love that we have for each other.

I’m going to keep it brief today, and so I’d like to share my heartfelt, very great excitement to introduce to you, Roeper’s Class of 2018. F

From my dad I take away this idea: be decisive, make your decision, go left, go right, if it’s wrong just make another decision.

KIT

SENIOR PROJECTS 2017 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 2018 participants and the titles of their projects.

Katie Booth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Roeper Philosophy Then and Now Meagan Konst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cross Campus Connections

Dayna Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ad”dress”ing the Societal Implications for Low and High Standing Women in the Height of the Elizabethan Age Carter Wade . . . . . . . . Personality Psychology Course Development and Education Charlie Shoha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-Hour Charity Livestream Maddy Harner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Living the Roeper Philosophy Nick Lyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winterpunk Kat Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “I Just Really Like Working with Kids” ~ How to Teach Kids When You Still Are One Jessica Kahn . . . . . . . . . Sustainable Design: A Greenhouse for the Lower School Alison Albrecht . . . . . . . . . “Change for Autism” and Elementary Autism Education Ian Carroll & Charlie Sutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remote iOS Vehicle Operation Phillip Popp . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designing a Middle School Chemistry Elective Janea Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Promoting Literacy through Diversity

Aurora Thomas-Hagerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conflict

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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 Order of The Roeperian Empire 2018 Recipients MADDY HARNER MEAGAN KONST JANEA WILSON

The 2018/19 Fighting Tuna 25th Knight of the Order Charlie Uchno appointed

ROHAN SHAH

2018 Roeper Athletic Awards

George A. Roeper Sportsmanship Award

Scholar-Athlete Award

Athletes of the Year Award

janea wilson carter wade

alison albrecht charlie sutton charlie uchno

jada coburn evan akkashian

DAN JACOBS

< L to R: Scholar-Athlete Charlie Uchno Athletes of the Year Evan Akkashian and Jada Coburn GAR Sportsmanship Awardee Carter Wade Scholar-Athlete Alison Albrecht GAR Sportsmanship Awardee Janea Wilson Scholar-Athlete Charlie Sutton ED SACK

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Class members were admitted to the listed institutions and enrolled at colleges and universities in BOLD CAPS.

ANTHONY MORROW

Of the 27 members of the Class of 2018, 25 will go on to college immediately.

One student has enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and another accepted a position as a security engineer for a company in San Francisco.

Two students were named National Merit Semifinalists, and one moved on to become a Finalist. The other was awarded a National Merit Special Scholarship.

Other graduates were awarded prestigious and valuable scholarships from their chosen schools â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Rensselaer Medalist Scholarship, the Lux Esto and Mandell Awards from Kalamazoo College, and a number of Regents Merit Scholarships from the University of Michigan, among others.

Alma College

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Boston University

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Brown University

Occidental College

Case Western Reserve University

Pace University

Central Michigan University

Pepperdine College

Clark Atlanta University

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

College of Wooster

Roosevelt University

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO

Savannah College of Art and Design

DePAUL UNIVERSITY

Skidmore College

Dillard University

STEPHENS COLLEGE

HARVARD COLLEGE

Syracuse University

Johns Hopkins University

The New School For Drama

KALAMAZOO COLLEGE

Tufts University

Liberty University

University of Cincinnati

Loyola University (Illinois)

University of Colorado Boulder

McGill University

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Miami University

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (5)

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (3)

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEARBORN

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (2)

University of Pittsburgh

Morehouse College

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

Muhlenberg College

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS

New York University Gallatin

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

WHEATON COLLEGE (ILLINOIS)

Northeastern University

YALE UNIVERSITY

Northern Michigan University

Whitman College

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PASSIONS & PURSUITS Roeper students are not simply products of the curriculum; they are an integral part of the learning process and are encouraged to be fully engaged community participants by uncovering their passions in a myriad of venues. This important dimension allows students to experience the special rewards and self-awareness that come from exploration and mastering.

Here is a snapshot of the Class of 2018 journey:

BOOK CLUB

FUN, FUN, FUN

BLACK STUDENT UNION

Charlie Sutton Larry Xavier Thomas Janea Wilson

CHESS CLUB

GIRLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MENTORING

Alison Albrecht Janea Wilson

Carter Wade

DEBATE

Alexandra Klee Katarina Moore Phillip Popp Charlie Sutton Charlie Uchno

FILM FESTIVAL

Nick Lyon Michael Mrsan Dayna Nolan Aurora Thomas-Hagerman Grant Walker

FORENSICS

Katie Booth Maddy Harner Meagan Konst Nick Lyon Katarina Moore Dayna Nolan Aurora Thomas-Hagerman Janea Wilson

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Alison Albrecht Alexandra Klee Phillip Popp Charlie Shoha Elliot Silk Larry Xavier Thomas Charlie Uchno Carter Wade Alison Albrecht Maddy Harner Alexandra Klee Janea Wilson

MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL

Miles Hicks Meagan Konst Katarina Moore Sean Moss Phillip Popp Charlie Shoha Elliot Silk Larry Xavier Thomas Charlie Uchno Carter Wade

VOCAL

Sean Moss Nick Lyon

MODEL UN

PHYSICS CLUB

LINGUISTICS CLUB

Alison Albrecht Katie Booth Kalie Foxwell Nick Lyon Elliot Silk Charlie Sutton Charlie Uchno Carter Wade Janea Wilson

THE MUSE

Alison Albrecht Alexandra Klee Katarina Moore Sean Moss Michael Mrsan

Meagan Konst Katarina Moore Sean Moss Dayna Nolan Larry Xavier Thomas Miles Hicks Jessica Kahn Nick Lyon Michael Mrsan Phillip Popp Elliot Silk Charlie Sutton Carter Wade Grant Walker

ROBOTICS

Jessica Kahn

ROEPER DANCE ENSEMBLE

Katarina Moore Aurora Thomas-Hagerman Janea Wilson

ROEPER TABLETOP Katarina Moore

ROEPER THEATRE COMPANY

Alison Albrecht Maddy Harner Meagan Konst Nick Lyon Katarina Moore Dayna Nolan Elliot Silk Charlie Sutton Aurora Thomas-Hagerman Charlie Uchno Janea Wilson

SIERRA CLUB Kalie Foxwell Jessica Kahn

SPIRIT SQUAD

Alison Albrecht Charlie Shoha Elliot Silk Larry Xavier Thomas Charlie Uchno Carter Wade

SPIRIT WEEK COMMITTEE

Alison Albrecht Maddy Harner Alexandra Klee Dayna Nolan Elliot Silk Charlie Uchno

SPORTS BASEBALL

Charlie Shoha Elliot Silk Charlie Sutton Charlie Uchno Zachary Zarewych

BASKETBALL

Kalie Foxwell Phillip Popp Larry Xavier Thomas Carter Wade Janea Wilson

CROSS COUNTRY

Dayna Nolan Phillip Popp Larry Xavier Thomas Carter Wade

GOLF

Miles Hicks

SOCCER

Alison Albrecht Kalie Foxwell Phillip Popp Elliot Silk Aurora Thomas-Hagerman Carter Wade Janea Wilson

SPANISH CLUB

TUNA TALK

STUDENT DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

YEARBOOK

Maddy Harner Meagan Konst Katarina Moore

Kalie Foxwell Larry Xavier Thomas Janea Wilson

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Alison Albrecht Meagan Konst Phillip Popp Charlie Uchno Janea Wilson

SWENEXT (ROEPER CHAPTER OF SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS)

Alison Albrecht Katie Booth Michael Bosway Nick Lyon Janea Wilson Zachary Zarewych Alison Albrecht Michael Bosway Alexandra Klee Nick Lyon Charlie Uchno Janea Wilson Zachary Zarewych

YOUNG DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS Nick Lyon Sean Moss

Jessica Kahn Katarina Moore

TRACK

Phillip Popp Carter Wade

VOLLEYBALL

Alison Albrecht Katie Booth Alexandra Klee Janea Wilson

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Juliette Olejnik

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

A WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI Juliette’s comments were delivered at the traditional Junior-Senior Dinner the evening before commencement.

As the Alumni Director, I would like to be the first to officially welcome all of our 2018 grads into the Roeper Alumni Community! Welcome Class Of 2018!!

I invite you to keep in touch and to come back often. During your years as students I am sure you have seen your share of alumni back on campus. They stop by to visit with teachers, chaperone field trips, mentor students, and participate in events like Diversity Day, Earth Day and Philumni Day. We hope you will also keep in touch with Roeper and students who are following in your footsteps because that’s how we keep our connections strong and our community vibrant.

As alumni, you should know that you will always have an entire community here at Roeper that is rooting for you, as well as an entire community of Roeper alums who have come before you and whom you can lean on in the years to come. With nearly 2,000 Roeper alumni out in this world, you can be sure that wherever you are headed there will be a Roeperian nearby who is eager to connect, to answer questions, and to serve as a resource for you.

I realize that some of you may be eager to get away so you can start fresh where no one knows you, but once you leave I hope that you come to appreciate your education and your experience here. One of our Founders Day activities many years ago was a fill-in-the-blank completed with your homeroom buddies.

Instructions were to finish this sentence: “You know you went to Roeper if…” I’d like to take a moment to share a few of your responses.

You know you went to Roeper if … > > > > > > > >

you call teachers by their first names … your mascot is a fish … you can’t form a circle … you walk to Dairy Mat … it’s DISCO day, and no one is dancing … you can wear a Viking hat, suit coat, or PJs, and nobody says anything … your teacher sports a ponytail and Hawaiian shirt daily … you’re awesome!

That’s right, you are awesome. From my experience, Roeper alumni are some of the most extraordinary and inspirational people I have ever met, and I know you are going to fit right in.

Even though it is now time for you to leave Roeper, please know that all of us want to keep in touch with you, to celebrate your milestones, and just hear about what you are up to in the coming years because you are, and always will be, a part of the Roeper family. As the Alumni Director, I promise to do my best to serve as a bridge that keeps you connected to the school.

As is tradition, the Alumni Office has included a small gift in the bags you are receiving today to help you remember us. One of the items is a mug listing all of your classmates. In addition to the mug, you’ll find a Roeper laundry bag personalized with your name so no one accidentally takes your dirty laundry. Believe me, weirder things have happened in college dorm rooms!

On that note, once again, congratulations, Class of 2018, and welcome to the Roeper Alumni Community!

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As alumni, you should know that you will always have an entire community here at Roeper that is rooting for you, as well as an entire community of Roeper alums who have come before you and whom you can lean on in the years to come.

KIT

Denita Banks-Sims

Director of Development and Publications

PARTING THOUGHTS “I’ll have the vegetarian entrée please!”

Each Spring I am honored and flattered to attend the Junior/Senior Dinner. This annual rite of passage remains a cornerstone of the Roeper experience and continues under the watchful care of Linda Vernon, Student Life Coordinator.

Therefore, when I receive the clever invitation that reflects a prudently considered theme … like the Caribbean Islands … a Monopoly Game … or Hollywood Lights and Sounds, I invariably lean in to the vegetarian selection and silently muse about the terrific attention to detail that I will soon enjoy.

The Junior/ Senior Dinner, the annual rite of passage, remains a cornerstone of the Roeper experience.

Of course, the venue for Junior/Senior Dinner has shifted over the years. Where it was once a venerable tradition hosted in the Hill House Dining Room and imbued with Mariann Hoag’s impeccable hospitality standards, the locales have since included local church halls to accommodate all guests to the much welcome return “home” to the Bloomfield Hills Campus Community Center, and those hospitality characteristics have traveled well to each site.

Most especially, the stirring anticipation from Roeper Seniors and their families — coupled with the Junior Class members’ enthusiasm to present an unforgettable experience for their friends and classmates — is palpable!

After all, it is Commencement Eve, and the lovely meal prepared and served by the Junior Class and featuring spectacular student entertainment and the iconic “slide show” caps off the prelude to the grand finale. One would not be complete without the other.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 for strengthening and sustaining the tradition of Junior/Senior Dinner and to the Graduating Class of 2018 for being such worthy and exceptional celebrants!

Upper photo: The Class of 2018 and their parents enjoy their entrees at the Junior/Senior Dinner.

Yours,

Lower photo: Members of the Class of 2019 are ready to serve!

PHOTOS BY SHEL KRAUSE

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COMMENCEMENT “OUTTAKES”

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THE ROEPER SCHOOL

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

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Class of 2018 Parents, Families & Friends ~ Commencement photos & video are available!

TO PURCHASE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT … markadrianphotography.com > Clients > Roeper > Class of 2018 TO PURCHASE A VIDEO ($10 EACH), PLEASE CONTACT … development@roeper.org