KIT SENIOR PROFILES

GWEN: artistic, creative, intelligent

BIANCA NOEL BOJAJ, daughter Gjyste and Anton Bojaj of Clinton Township and sister of Jude ‘25, attended Roeper for four years In her speech for Bianca, Sara Mendez said, “Bianca moves through the world with a sense of wonder and openness to new experiences and ideas, and with a great love for her people, who are, luckily for us, an evergrowing group due to Bianca’s kind and accepting nature ” Michal McConville shared that Bianca is curious and inquisitive, and adds that “The quest is much too exciting and fulfilling for her to worry about something as banal as the final grade ” Bianca’s mother Gjyste highlighted Bianca’s “love for working to create beautiful things,” and Sara added that this could be extended to Bianca’s ability to create beautiful relationships with all kinds of people She mentioned that Bianca has many family gatherings where Bianca “happily creates programming for her 14 younger cousins when they all camp out in the basement, playing scary games in the dark and roasting marshmallows together ” Bianca’s brother Jude said, “Bianca is a big role model for me I often find myself thinking if I will ever live up to the great legend of Bianca Her kindness, and her willingness to learn and grow, are all things that define Bianca’s character and makes me want to follow her example of love ” Bianca will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

I would like to thank the entire Roeper community, especially all of the wonderful faculty and staff, for making my high school years so special and memorable. As my time as a student here comes to a close, I would like to wish everyone the best of luck on their own journeys. This is not goodbye forever!

GWENHWYVAR HASLETT, daughter of Shannon Weidemann and Jim Haslett of Royal Oak, attended Roeper for four years In her speech for Gwen, Sara Mendez stated, “Gwen sometimes shows the world a shy demeanor, but behind it lies a sharp intellect and a dry sense of humor that people who know her well adore ” Friend Katelyn Teetsel stated, “People would be surprised to know that Gwen is a very talkative person From the outside, she appears shy, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth! The best part about her jokes is the delivery: Gwen will drop the funniest one-liners monotone and straight-faced ” Friend Peyton Keffer shared, “I think Gwen’s best quality is her creativity Ever since I met [her]… she has always had some creative hobby that she occupies herself with Whether it be making scrunchies, crocheting, sewing, or sculpture-making, she always is doing something fun or creative in her free time ” When asked to share her favorite memory of Gwen, teacher Kelly McDowell shared, “Definitely the Surrealist scarf that she knitted for her final project in Modern Lit! Beyond brilliantly applying the complex aesthetics and form that we studied all year, it was, quite simply, one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen! This is what I mean when I say that Gwen has a creative vision, all her own ” Sara concluded that Gwen “will be so much more than just fine — she will show all what a badass she really is and will be incredible ” Gwen will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

Thank you to all of the teachers who have helped make my Roeper experience so great!

PEYTON RUBY KEFFER, daughter of Jeannine Caesar and Tim Keffer of Royal Oak, attended Roeper for four years In his speech for Peyton, Alex Pedica stated, “When I first met Peyton, I met a fellow musical theatre nerd She would find a way to fit theatre into any conversation and a number of her school assignments I asked her why she enjoyed theatre so much and she told me she loved it because you get to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they think I was surprised to hear that she wasn’t going to pursue theatre in college But Peyton is more than just a lover of musicals ” Alex went on to describe Peyton’s artistic side, quoting teacher Michelle Stamler, who stated, “I had the pleasure of teaching Peyton in her first year at Roeper in my darkroom photography class and again now in her senior year in journalism Peyton is such a dedicated student and really is motivated to learn as much as possible She is committed and creative and while I know this is not probably the best thing to put into somebody’s speech, she is always smiling and such a positive presence, always looking on the bright side, except when the traffic is horrible on Woodward ” Teacher Kelly McDowell shared, “When I was a new mom, I would put Rocco into the stroller and head to the park each day Along the way, we would often encounter a sweet little girl playing in her yard She would smile and greet us with a friendly ‘hello ’ That sweet little girl was Peyton, who lived right around the corner from us I should’ve known because the kindness and light that I saw in that little girl are the same that I see in the older Peyton I now know and treasure ” Alex concluded by stating of her plans to major in Psychology, “Her interest in understanding people, her creativity, and her compassion, are perfectly suited to this important work ” Peyton will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

Thank you to the Roeper community for being a positive driving force during my high school years.

ANDREW PHILIP

KLEIN, son of Jessica and Daniel Klein of Novi, attended Roeper for four years Matt Vallus called Andrew “the official Roeper ‘hype man,’” and pointed out his dedication and resilience These characteristics are ones that have become clear as Andrew continued to push himself beyond his comfort zone and embrace new challenges Andrew’s coach, Ed Sack, highlighted Andrew’s dedication to teamwork and how he always puts the needs of his teammates above his own Michal McConville noted Andrew’s tremendous growth during his time at Roeper, especially in his confidence and ability to empathize with others Matt added that “Andrew’s involvement in Model UN has played a significant role in bolstering his self-assurance, providing him with a platform to express himself and engage in meaningful discussions with his peers It is through Model UN that Andrew found his voice, fearlessly speaking up and contributing his unique perspective ” Andrew’s sister, Abby, highlighted Andrew’s excellent sense of humor, happiness, and caring nature — a sentiment that friend Evan Broad echoed by pointing out how Andrew consistently takes time out of his day to check on his friends and offer support during difficult times Matt continued that Andrew’s “desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him is a testament to his character and the values instilled in him throughout his time at Roeper ” Andrew will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

Thank you for all the memories. I will remember my experience here for the rest of my life.

ZELIA KAY NEWHARD, daughter of Evelyn Gerson and Jon Newhard of Birmingham, sister of Noah ’21, attended Roeper for six years In her speech for Zizi, Kelly McDowell stated, “Zizi is, without question, tough Her demeanor is stoic and self-controlled And, even while one can easily sense her enormously powerful skills, she is never quick to jump into the fray Instead, she prefers to use her skills when and where they matter and can make a difference She is fine to wait and to strategize and bide her time for the moment that will surely be hers ” Kelly continued, “It might seem a little odd to refer to Zizi as ‘tough,’ only because she is also kind, gentle, and sweet She is the first to greet others with a smile, and she does not take herself too seriously Humanity and empathy radiate from her But I think this is exactly what ‘toughness’ is … being brave enough to allow oneself to truly feel for others and tap into deep thoughts and emotions ” Parents Evelyn and Jon shared, “Zizi has always been a unique blend of sweetness and fearlessness ” Teacher Hasan Humadi wrote in a poem, “To my great Zizi … Congratulations on your graduation day/ Your hard work has truly paid off in every way/ You’ve studied and learned with dedication/And now you’re ready for your next destination. You’ve gained knowledge, skills, and experience/ And now you’re ready to make a difference. So take a moment to celebrate/ And enjoy this special day/ For you have accomplished something great/And we’re proud of you in every way.” Zizi will be attending Duke University in the fall

Thank you to all of the amazing Roeper teachers, and good luck for the future to the rest of the Class of ‘23!

ZIZI: powerful, fearless, kind

LILIANA: academic, intellectual, brilliant

KESSONGA: enthusiastic, collaborative, intelligent

YASIR WARDFORDAHMED YUHAS, son of Huda Ahmed and Damon Yuhas of Grosse Pointe Woods and brother of Ayman ’25, attended Roeper for four years In Kevin Kildea’s speech for Yasir, he said, “Although Yasir has a fun-loving outward persona, his superpower is his ability to know people, make them feel at ease, and share his light with us all ” Sara Mendez shared that “Yasir is a selfidentified ‘floater‘ — someone who isn’t confined to one social group He seeks to be kind and a friend to all Yasir will bounce from a group of friends, boisterously socializing … to go and have a conversation with someone whom he noticed was sitting alone ” Kevin echoed this by saying, “Yasir wants everyone to have fun and achieve a healthy balance in their lives ” Because of this connection to the student body, Yasir earned the honor of being knighted as this year’s Fighting Tuna Kevin continued, “Yasir also has an inner strength that pushes him to do his best He always is challenging himself and putting himself out of his comfort zone Yasir loves to learn He took three science classes this year just because he loves science His grades were good but that was irrelevant … his motivation was knowledge ” Yasir will be attending the University of Toronto in the fall

Fun times, some stress, over now, Tuna out

HEATHER LILIANA SCHECHTER, child of Laura Castleman and Daniel Schechter of Birmingham, sibling of Nathan ’21, attended Roeper for four years In his speech for Liliana, Patrick Harris stated, “Liliana not only delves deep into the subject matter of a class but she resurfaces, making it entirely her own See, many people might just applaud your final assignment in our class, which was a podcast-like project that detailed the history and implications of The Globalization of Hip Hop culture in China through a critical lens We had spent many free blocks, outside of class, attempting to narrow down your ideas for this project We spent time just talking and reflecting on our lives and nerding out over theories, and it was here that I saw you as more than a natural academic, but as someone who deeply cares and strives to use your strengths to start conversations to push the world forward ” Teacher Kelly McDowell reflected, “I have had such fun with Liliana and so many laughs I love that we can discuss post-structuralist theory and absurd aspects of modern life all in the same conversation! I have no doubt that I’ve learned as much from her as she has from me ” Kevin Kildea, her AP Calculus teacher, shared, “I was glad to help Liliana in Calculus, though at times it felt like she was guiding me ” Patrick concluded, “Today, we acknowledge your extraordinary achievements and recognize the infinite possibilities she repre-sents May your brilliance continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path to a future filled with boundless discoveries We will eagerly anticipate the theories you will develop and how you will challenge us to change ourselves and the world around us ” Liliana will be attending Stanford University in the fall

Goodbye, and thank you for everything.

KESSONGA M. ALLEN, son of Abayomi Allen and Jannel Lee-Allen, brother of sophomore Asajj, attended Roeper for four years In his speech for Kessonga, Matt Vallus stated, “Over the years, I have come to appreciate Kessonga’s support for others the most Kessonga understands his audience and tailors his approach to fit them He not only cares for the underdog; he advocates for them ” Matt shared, “Several years ago, Kessonga noticed some students were not treating each other appropriately This inspired Kessonga to develop a senior project where he created an advocacy group and taught a class for Upper School students that was rooted in mentorship, restorative practices, and hard but healthy conversations surrounding masculinity His enthusiasm and focus on social justice has made him a leader for many other students (and adults) to look up to ” Matt shared that teacher Barb Lasecki-Webb praised [Kessonga’s] dedication to academic rigor and admired the high expectations he has for himself and for others Barb goes on to mention that Kessonga is the kind of student who would be disappointed if a test were opennote because he understands the importance of holding oneself accountable Matt continued, “Kessonga’s achievements speak volumes about his character and his refusal to conform to mediocrity He embraces challenges and is always able to pivot when necessary, while also developing an open-mindedness to new ideas and working collaboratively with others ” Matt concluded, “He will not just be one agent of change, but he will inspire others to become agents of change who will impact the world ” Kessonga will be attending Howard University in the fall

Farewell, Roeper, you truly shaped me as a person.

EVAN MATTHEW BROAD, son of Ashley and Jordan Broad of Bloomfield Hills, attended Roeper for five years In Kelly McDowell’s speech for Evan, she said that “Evan’s passion for flying makes sense because he is one of the most determined students I have encountered Never content with remaining in place, he wants to improve, to keep moving If he were to have a mantra (and my guess is that he does), I could see it being: Keep moving forward, keep aspiring to new heights, and change course when necessary ” Ashley and Jordan shared, “If there is one thing we have learned from Evan, it’s that life is short, and that we should enjoy every minute He has said this to us for as long as we can remember and consistently demonstrated it in his choices and actions ” Evan’s flight instructor, Tim Crawford, said that “Evan’s ability to master the knowledge and skills required to be a successful pilot comes only with the focus and persistence that he has shown throughout his life ” Tim also shared that “Evan has many great qualities, but I would say it’s his poise and calm nature in the cockpit that stands out to me Even under pressure, Evan does not get rattled but rather assesses the situation calmly and makes logical decisions based on what lies in front of him ” Evan will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall

I will forever appreciate the education and the experiences I have gained from being at Roeper. I come out of Roeper seeing the world from a different viewpoint.

OLIVER MICHAEL McINALLY, child of Leanne and Chris McInally of Washington Township, attended Roeper for five years In Natalie Abbott’s speech for Oliver, she said, “Who brings a camping chair to class? Who was very excited not only about getting a colonoscopy, but watching the video of it? Who likes to make spreadsheets for fun? This is Oliver McInally For the last five years, Oliver has shared with me some of the most uproarious moments in my teaching career ”

Sofia Miliotto stated, “He acts like everything you tell him is the most exciting thing he’s ever heard, and he laughs at every joke, even if it’s objectively bad ”

Liliana Schechter echoed this by stating, “He is hilarious in a generous way Laughing at jokes — at everything I say even when it’s not funny ”

Sofia also noted that Oliver “treats his books like they’re his babies and has a special seat in his car dedicated to them He straps them in with a seatbelt and puts a blanket over them to keep them warm ” Natalie shared, “I don’t think anyone who knows Oliver doesn’t appreciate his witticism

EDDIE: and excitement over enjoying some of the smaller things in life ” Oliver will be attending Bowling Green State University in the fall

Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night! —

Truman Burbank

CAROLINE:

EDWARD JOSEPH PASTERNAK, child of Edward and Susan Pasternak of Troy, attended Roeper for five years Natalie Abbott said in her speech for him, “Dedicated, driven, respectful, and courteous, Eddie is every teacher’s dream Yet Eddie’s most salient quality is not academic excellence and achievements, it is his profound and genuine humanity ” When asked for Eddie’s best quality, friend Julia Raphael stated, “I’d like to mention two, because they both define how I view Eddie: his unending compassion and his vast intelligence ” Friend Peyton Keffer said, “I think Eddie’s best quality is his humor and his kindness Eddie is a really kind person and always makes you feel seen Whenever I hang out with Eddie, I always feel like smiling because he is always cracking a joke or saying something funny I think Eddie also knows himself very well and will follow his heart ” Natalie continued, “Eddie, I don’t think you’ll ever understand the profound impact that you have on people If a person’s character emanated light, you would blind us all Your framework of love and kindness restores my faith in humanity You’ve given me, and I’m sure many others, hope and that’s what heroes do Eddie, you are my hero ” Natalie concluded, “I hope you will always be surrounded by the warmth and compassion that you emit You are cherished by all, and it has been an immense honor to be a part of your life ” Eddie will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall started off that year not saying much in class, but Brian noted her growing confidence as something that led her to speak more in class Brian continued it wasn’t until Caroline began eating lunch in his classroom that he fully began to see her vibrant and expressive personality Brian shared the time when Caroline and Elyse recreated various scenes from their favorite Disney show, Good Luck Charlie, and added, “Believe it or not, there was actually singing and dancing involved ” Caroline also has a strong relationship with her brother, Jack Brian mentioned the times in his Exercise Science class when “they both would check in daily to see who had the higher overall grade Then, when each one of them had their chance to lead the class in a workout, I’m fairly certain they were both just trying to make the other quit ” Jack described Caroline as “the hardest-working person he has ever met” and says she possesses a work ethic that is unmatched Caroline will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Thanks to the Roeper community for a great experience shaping my years growing up!

I came to Roeper seeking a challenge, and I found it. I also gained many new opportunities and made long-lasting friendships — thank you.

ALEX:

CAROLINE MARY LAMBERT, daughter of Mike and Monica Lambert of Rochester Hills and sister of Jack ‘21, attended Roeper for six years In his speech for her, Brian Hewitt said that in about October of Caroline’s first year of Roeper, he started noticing an “increased amount of chatter and giggling coming from the back of the room” from Caroline and Elyse Kane Caroline

ALEX JOSEPH FLEMING, son of Jim and Angela Fleming of Troy, attended Roeper for six years In Kelly McDowell’s speech for Alex, she shared, “Alex has a way of expressing wonderfully simple, direct, to-the-point insights He cuts to the chase! In a world with a lot of noise, Alex’s grounded, reasonable, rational approach to life is imminently refreshing ” Jim Fleming said, “Alex has taught us so much He has plenty of strengths, but his curiosity is paramount His standard mode of living is … BE CURIOUS ” Kelly echoed this sentiment by saying that even though his love for tennis takes up a large part of his life, it is only one part of the whole She said that Alex’s “range of interests is rich and diverse, and he is unafraid to go where his mind leads, knowing full well that this is the territory of true learning And true learning is what he values most Susannah Nichols noted that “Alex knows what it is to work hard and not always be sure of the outcome — this results in a quiet compassion for others and their own strivings ” Kelly continued by sharing, “Alex said that even while tennis tends to be viewed as an individual sport, he sees himself as a team player I can’t think of a more simultaneously simple and profound way of putting it of expressing his intrinsic curiosity about life and the world and his abiding sense of humanity ” Alex will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall

As I bid farewell to the Roeper community, I am filled with gratitude for the unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and invaluable lessons that I have gained during my time here. I will cherish the memories and carry the spirit of this community with me as I embark on new adventures.

ELYSE MADELINE KANE, daughter of Amy and Neil Kane of Novi, attended Roeper for six years In her speech for Elyse, Michal McConville stated, “When Elyse became my student as an 8th grader, I had the good sense to know that although I was the teacher, she would be the one teaching me many lessons during our time together ” Michal continued, “When Elyse determined that she would need to continue learning virtually, she did not despair Instead, she leaned on her organizational prowess, set up study sessions with friends, listened to countless online lectures, and excelled beyond our wildest imaginations ” Teacher Barb Lasecki-Webb shared that “Elyse did a generous portion of AP Chem virtually Doing this in person is hard enough, managing this virtually while the rest of the class is in person is exceptionally difficult Of course, she not only managed it, she mastered it!” Friend Audrey DeGuia stated, “Even though Elyse had to do virtual learning for so much longer than her peers, I rarely heard her complain about it I think one of her greatest strengths is how she can make the best of any circumstance she’s in No matter what, she’s always motivated and hardworking Even when life isn’t ideal ” Michal concluded that Elyse “can anticipate people’s needs in a way that is uncommon and reveals just how deeply empathetic she is Then, once everything is set in place, Elyse even puts on the entertainment, like playing the harp, which she has practiced for over a decade Elyse has taught me grace under pressure ” Elyse will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Roeper, thank you for being my second home. I will always cherish the memories I made here. I miss everyone so much and look forward to visiting in the future!

ISABEL LILY POPPER, child of Lori and Kenneth Popper of West Bloomfield, attended Roeper for six years While at Roeper, Isen participated in Robotics and Soccer They will attend Oakland University in the fall

I LOVE my tire stem valves.

TERRYN MICHELLE HUSBAND, daughter of Michelle Husband of Detroit, attended Roeper for seven years In his speech for Terryn, Patrick Harris stated, ”You cannot place Terryn Husband in a box In a society that pressures young people to pick a side, to stay in a lane, to select a single identity, Terryn pushes back: shattering every stereotype and breaking every barrier that stands in her way Terryn is the beacon of hope that our world craves simply because she brings a refreshing authenticity and individuality to every role she takes and every path she chooses ” Teacher Kelly McDowell shared, “What I love about Terryn is that while there is no doubt that she is a formidable scholar, she is equal parts fun, funny, and engaging I believe this is because Terryn ‘gets it ’ The true power of intelligence is in its sharing with the world to make the world brighter and better ” Teacher Barb Lasecki-Webb stated that Terryn “demonstrates commitment and has a strong work ethic while keeping a smile on [her] face ” Barb said that she is “grateful her own daughter attends Roeper and [has a] role model like Terryn to look up to as a successful young woman who loves science ” Patrick continued, “Despite the many roles Terryn takes on, we must refrain from placing a label on her Whether Terryn’s experimenting in the lab, serving on the volleyball court, or leading an organization, she consistently shows us that greatness lies not in fitting neatly in a box but in breaking free from them ” Patrick concluded by stating, “On your quest to change the world, Terryn, I will leave you with your mom’s greatest hope for you It’s quite simple She says she just wants you to be happy, in whatever you do ” Terryn will be attending Wellesley College in the fall

Thank you so much for everything I’ve received and learned from this community.

JACK DAVID SCHWARTZ, child of Lance and Traci Schwartz of Romeo, attended Roeper for seven years In Eric Ambrose’s speech for Jack, he said when he first met Jack as a 6th grader, “I could tell instantly that this was a bright and quirky young person Jack is someone who keeps to themselves a lot, but if asked, they will give you all of themself and more ” Katelyn Teetsel said, “Jack is always willing to help someone with anything, no matter what time it is During midterms, Jack spent six straight hours helping me with math corrections My favorite memory is driving with them It could be the middle of February, and Jack is driving with all the windows down and music blasting ” Eric added, “Jack is an individual who is intense with their passions, so they take the time to dig a little deeper and seek out things that really speak to them, and I admire that ” Jack loves seeking challenges, and they view these challenges from the perspective of “it’s the destination, not the journey ” Eric shared that Jack “elaborated that when they are struggling, when they are in that self-sought-after turmoil, they envision the destination They imagine the pride and the satisfaction they know is on the way from completing a difficult task, and it helps them push through ”

Thank you to all the teachers who have pushed me to be successful and helped me when I needed. Special thanks to Eric Ambrose, Andrew Blechman, Kevin Kildea, and Todd Dunfield.

RUBY AMELIA Mc KEEVER, daughter of Perry and Darin McKeever of Birmingham, attended Roeper for eight years Dan Jacobs began his speech for her by stating, “We only have three minutes, so we have to pick the single most important facet of Ruby McKeever’s life, which is musical composition The roots of this singular obsession go back to the age of three, when Ruby’s mother took her to see the musical Into the Woods This set her on a path of fascination with the magic of musicals, the works of Steven Sondheim, and musical composition and arrangement in general It led to her being Stage Manager for three Roeper musicals ” Dan continued, “Of course, some things are stable across the multiverse Forensics Coach Laura Moore points out that, in all universes, all Rubys categorically stand by their perspectives and opinions And everything went through the Ruby Test — an extensive process where counter suggestions were challenged like we were defending our doctoral dissertations She would try what we suggested and then come up with a better way of doing it … All Rubys become 9th grade Class President, a few Student Rep to the Board, all brought homemade baked goods to every forensics tournament, created a wonderful Stone Circle experience as their Senior Project, and have had no appreciation whatsoever for my dad jokes for the past seven years ” To conclude, Dan quoted Ruby’s mom, who shared that “Ruby learns the separate parts of things until they merge into a single piece — be it an essay, a performance, or the musicals she will likely create ” Ruby will be attending Oberlin College & Conservatory in the fall said, “Hayden is a cool guy; if you know Hayden, you know this

Thank you for eight entertaining years of education! I’m grateful to have learned a lot about myself and the world.

That cool guy who spent last summer as a volunteer with a Mobile Health Unit vaccinating underserved communities against Covid 19 That cool guy who helps students with homework or devises gym workout plans; that cool guy who reads Russian literature in his spare time and was raised to believe more for others, less for me ” Amare McElwee said that Hayden is always there to help his friends, and Aristide Gardette sees him as a “Renaissance man with innumerable niche interests who taught himself how ski and how to play the guitar ” Kelly McDowell shared, “While we were virtual, Hayden added a welcomed bit of humanity by playing intro music on his guitar at the start of every class,” and Dan Jacobs pointed out Hayden’s “comedic timing and his willingness to commit to anything ” Michelle echoed this statement and said, “Commitment drives most things in Hayden’s life The task may be insignificant, but the commitment will always be 100% ” Hayden will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

Thank you for some good memories. It was pretty fun.

MIA JUNE KYSIA, daughter of Kalee Georgescu of Birmingham and Brian Kysia of Pleasant Ridge, attended Roeper for 11 years In Natalie Abbott’s speech for Mia, she said, “From impish to contemplative but always considerate and accepting, Mia is so many things packaged inside an unassuming young woman Responsible, silly, thoughtful, and creative, Mia forges her own path while helping others along the way ” Kelly McDowell shared, “Mia is one of the wisest students I have encountered She exudes a groundedness and maturity that is far beyond her years She is just so comfortably authentic And her impressive creativity originates from this place, which is why it is so good ” Katelyn Teetsel said, “Every time I see Mia, she always gives me a hug Mia gives really great hugs, and it shows how much love she pours into others Mia’s best quality is how loving she is Mia is so genuine and acts like herself no matter who she’s around Mia is unique because she’s not afraid to tell other people how she feels ” Julia Raphael added, “Mia is fiercely independent in a way that has left me consistently inspired and in awe She is sure of herself, and she has been my role model for many years ” Mia will be attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall

Silly geese, beware: the sludge in the pipes is real!

AIDEN JACOB SONG, son of Thomas and Julie Song of Novi, attended Roeper for 11 years Brian Hewitt wrote in his speech for him, “These past six years have presented you and your classmates with numerous obstacles, but I have enjoyed watching you overcome those obstacles and become the well-rounded young man you are today ” He continued, “In addition to being a standout student, Aiden was also very accomplished on the athletic field, specifically the soccer pitch ” Brian described a story given to him by Coach Ed Sack, “Ed described how he would make Aiden take penalty kicks as a freshman because he was the best option they had; but Aiden was very reluctant Fast forward to his senior year, and Ed never had to say a word to Aiden, as soon as a penalty was called, Aiden grabbed the ball because he knew he was the best option to take the kick This confidence led Aiden to be one of the best finishers in the history of Roeper soccer and multiple All-State selections ” Brian concluded, “Aiden, I know I can speak for all your teachers and coaches here at Roeper when I say, best of luck moving forward Your work at Roeper has laid the foundation for a successful future ” Aiden will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Thank you to all of my classmates and teachers, this place wouldn’t be the same without you!

MICHAEL ANDREW TALBOTT, son of Lori and Ryan Talbott of Rochester Hills and brother of 6th grader Mia, attended Roeper for 11 years In Michal McConville’s speech for Michael, she shared, “A Scout since first grade, Michael has demonstrated many of the key qualities presented in Scout Law throughout his career at Roeper Scouts are asked to be ‘mentally awake ’ Michael is not simply smart; he is introspective, thoughtful, and inquisitive His teachers note his strong ability to problemsolve and openness to constructive criticism A Scout must also be trustworthy and helpful, which Michael demonstrates through his job, cooking at an Italian restaurant Not only does he maintain his busy work schedule while managing academics, but Michael has been recognized as one of the most capable and dynamic employees ” Yasir Yuhas said that one of Michael’s most special characteristics is “the compassion he shows to his friends He’s always ready to do something for any of us ” Amare McElwee shared about time spent in what is supposed to be a group-study room but would instead be filled with laughter and smiles Alex Fleming added, “Michael can always make me laugh ” Michal continued and said that Michael’s “love for something can become allconsuming, like when he worked for hours on mastering one tricky scale for a midterm in Band Michael lives life with his whole heart ” Michael will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

It’s been a long time coming, and on one side, I’m sad to leave, but on the other, it couldn’t have come a minute too soon. Thanks to all of the friends, teachers and anyone else who has helped me become the person I am today.

ANNABEL JANE WILSON, child of Kari and Jeff Wilson of Royal Oak, sibling of Tristan Wilson ’20, attended Roeper for 11 years In his speech for Annabel, Eric Ambrose stated, “Annabel is a fiercely independent, incredibly creative person with intense passions for their interests, but also an incredible friend and deeply loyal sibling I will greatly miss Annabel’s sarcasm, which is always so perfectly timed, you’d think they have a team of writers working for them ” Annabel’s brother, Tristan, said, “As Annabel’s brother, I’ve seen them mature into a person fiercely involved in their own interests ” Annabel volunteered at New Beginnings

Animal Rescue Brett Norman, Volunteer Coordinator, stated, “Do you know what makes a good volunteer? Conviction You have to want to come in and give up your time for the betterment of others Many volunteers come and go like the wind, but not Annabel They have the conviction I admire in a person It also doesn’t hurt that they’re a natural cat whisperer ” Eric concluded, “I will always admire their tenacity in the face of struggle, as evidenced by their solo performance at the Showcase concert in front of a standing-room only crowd And I know that wherever life takes them, they will make the world better for their presence in it ” Annabel will be attending Bowling Green State University in the fall

To my teachers, thank you for always supporting me, especially when I was struggling. I can’t convey enough appreciation for the constant guidance and care.

RACHEL EVE WINE, daughter of Emily and Larry Wine of Royal Oak and sister of Emma ’20, attended Roeper for 11 years In Amy Cova’s speech for Rachel, she shared that Rachel has “grown from a seemingly shy, introverted student into a captivating performer, a quiet but strong and hilarious leader in our school community and beyond Rachel has always followed her strong moral compass with empathy and compassion ” Emma Wine recalled that Rachel would draw what she called a “magic rainbow” whenever someone in their family was feeling down, conveying her pure love and care Emma also shared that Rachel is “as firm in her values and unwavering sense of right and wrong as she is in her compassion for others ” Kendra McKenzie said she was impressed with the way “Rachel took the time to observe and absorb, to make independent choices in her thoughtful care of the Roeper campers ” Amy noted that Rachel is “gifted in both performing and fine arts She is an unassuming leader in the Roeper Dance Department, embodying strength, confidence, and dedication to her craft and her community ” Amy continued, saying, “I am impressed by Rachel in so many ways I am overwhelmed by her poised leadership and her active presence in the Roeper community ” Rachel will be attending Butler University in the fall

Roeper has been a huge part of my life, and I am really going to miss it. Thank you to all the teachers who have given me so much support along the way, and thank you to all the incredible friends I’ve made through Roeper. The Roeper community is truly special, and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it for the past 11 years.

JACOB JOHN BRODY, son of Erin Hill-Brody of Farmington, attended Roeper for 12 years In his speech for him, Kevin Kildea stated, “Outwardly, it is easy to see Jake’s kindness and empathy to others But, inwardly, he is fiercely determined and shows great perseverance ” Kevin said, “Jake entered Roeper as a Youngling in first grade I met him during his freshman year in high school as a member of my homeroom with Hale It did not take long to discover Jake’s love of Star Wars During the first two years, rarely a homeroom went by where we didn’t talk about Star Wars ” Kevin continued, “Believe in yourself You are more talented than you know, braver than you imagine and more determined than you realize I believe in you, Jake Brody I am proud of all that you have accomplished, and I am glad that I got to know you If it was in my power, I would grant you the title of Jedi Knight ” Teacher Eric Ambrose shared of Jake, “Seeing his improvements on bass over the past six years has been a wonderful thing to see I remember him back in Middle School, struggling to read the notes, and now he’s able to handle anything I toss his way ” Kevin concluded, “Go … study … continue to grow … pass on what you have learned ” Jake will be attending Michigan State University in the fall

My time at Roeper has been the best school experience I could have asked for. I have learned so much, made many long-lasting friends, and now it’s coming to an end. I will miss the time at this school, but I’ll be back to visit. Don’t miss me too much.

SOFIA LUCIANA MILIOTTO, daughter of Beth Taylor and Mark Miliotto of Royal Oak and sister of Gianni ’20, attended Roeper for 12 years In Sara Mendez’s speech for Sofia, she said that Sofia is an “empathetic, quiet leader who can be counted on to be honest, supportive, and can look out for people’s needs without them even realizing that she is ” Annabel Wilson shared that Sofia is “willing to do things to help other people, even if it’s not something that is really important to her ” Susannah Nichols noted, “Sofia has a grace and authenticity that allows anyone to be more comfortable and empowered in her presence Even at the height of COVID, when many of our homeroom meetings were virtual, she was always present and engaged, her calm demeanor helped create a stable space in a turbulent time ” Li Harris said Sofia’s best quality is her “humanity Most humans lack it, but Sofia genuinely cares about other people ” Ben Shepard described Sofia as a “quiet conductor of sorts She is very conscious of the needs of other students, and she works quietly to ensure those needs are met Sofia chooses her words carefully She doesn’t want to steal the spotlight from others She never makes a scene, but she always makes an impact And it’s always a tremendously positive

RACHEL: empathetic, caring, creative

JAKE: determined, talented, empathetic

SOFIA: caring, supportive, impactful one ” Sofia will be attending Loyola University Chicago in the fall

Grateful for the memories I made and the things I learned here. Thank you, Roeper!

JULIA ANNE HOOVER, child of Joshua Hoover of Bloomfield Hills and Allison Hoover of Berkley, sibling of William ’21 and Stage IV student Timothy, attended Roeper for 13 years In her speech for them, Susannah Nichols shared, “During their Lower School years, Julia checked out 1,196 library books That breaks down to about six books per week If that statistic seems unbelievable, you have not yet had the delight of knowing Julia ‘Spaghetti’ Hoover ” Susannah continued, “Beyond an impeccable eye for detail, Julia’s delight in reading — and living — also stems from how they revel in the complexities and quirks of humanity and see interconnections across and within stories ” Teacher Dan Jacobs stated, “selfunderstanding as well as a deeper understanding of each other requires what Julia frequently does but many others find difficult: observing ourselves as objects being studied by other beings ” Friend Ava Bagne sees future Julia “wandering the lands, pulling random objects from pockets, collecting old artifacts and shouting loudly from atop a cliff about their historical importance and terrorizing the hoi polloi, all while on the run after robbing the British Museum and returning the items within to their countries of origin ” Susannah concluded, “A fierce, detail-oriented person in relentless pursuit of truth and the greater good — that sounds exactly right to me ” Julia will be attending Hampshire College in the fall

Thank you for my favorite number of years at Roeper, expecially the odd ones.

HARRISON JOSEPH KLEE, son of Chris and Elizabeth Klee of Lathrup Village and brother of Alexandra ’18, attended Roeper for 13 years In Matt Vallus’s speech for Harrison, he said, “Harrison Klee is the epitome of team spirit A three-season athlete during all four years of his high school career, Harrison has earned the title of ‘Iron athlete ’ Players and coaches alike view Harrison as a leader, especially when it comes to team spirit What sets Harrison apart is his ability to embrace mistakes with humor, injecting laughter into moments that could have otherwise been filled with frustration ” Matt also pointed out how Harrison “not only strives to do well in his courses, but he creates a fun atmosphere with his positive outlook and commitment to doing the hard work ” Brian Hewitt reflected on Harrison’s selfless nature and shared, “As a coach, he was a guy I could trust to lead the younger individuals on the team and always give encouragement ” Matt also shared, “Harrison’s first block teachers all mention his unreasonable energy levels in the mornings which really started their days on the right path It was also no surprise that most teachers commended Harrison’s collaborative nature and excitement in class discussions ” Harrison will be attending Purdue University in the fall

I want to thank everyone for making Roeper a place for all to enjoy. Everyone that makes up Roeper helps contribute to a wonderful place that is great to be apart of.

Alexander Alan

LYON, son of Christine Lyon of Clawson and David Lyon of Detroit, brother of Veronica ’20 and Nick ’18, attended Roeper for 13 years In her speech for Alex, Michelle Stamler wrote, “He constantly demonstrated his understanding of the interconnectedness of the Roeper community, someone who was sensitive to others helping others in need ” His friend Amare McElwee said that Alex is “a real go-getter, someone who fits in anywhere, and always knows when to be mature ” Michelle shared that in Stage IV, Alex himself stated, “I think about what my actions do to others For example, if I walk without a coat and a smaller kid does this too, they might get hurt; I try to be a good role model ” Michelle continued, “Alex credits Roeper for teaching him how to talk to people, to be respectful and humble and how to fend for himself Roeper instilled in Alex the importance of listening and he tries to learn something from everyone meets ” Alex’s sister Veronica says, “Alex treats everyone he encounters with kindness and patience ” Michelle concluded on that sentiment, “True, yet, I have seen him when he is infuriated at people who are spineless and take the easy way out ” Alex will be attending Oakland University in the fall

Thank you to all of my teachers. I hold you all close in my heart and will never forget the lessons you taught me.

JULIA FAYE RAPHAEL, daughter of Amy Barron and Eric Raphael of Birmingham, sister of Steven Raphael ’20, attended Roeper for 13 years In her speech for Julia, Barb Lasecki-Webb stated, “#Roeperkid — a slogan that’s been around for quite some time at Roeper Admittedly, when I first discovered Roeper about five years ago, I didn’t really know what it meant Engaging with Julia, watching her grow and thrive, create and succeed on so many levels, has helped me to understand ” A friend since kindergarten, Katelyn Teetsel said, “Julia has made a huge impact on my life She has taught me how to be confident and have conviction Julia has a huge heart and would do anything to help others She is independent and is often the first to volunteer Most importantly, Julia has taught me how to be a leader ” Friend Mia Kysia stated, “Julia has not just impacted me, she has quite literally shaped my life ” Barb concluded, “George Roeper stated, ‘The truly gifted person is one who is capable of revising what is known, exploring the unknown and constructing new forms ’ How lucky we all are to have someone like Julia at the helm of future genetics research guiding the balance between biomedical ethics and the likes of gene therapy yet to be seen ” Julia will be attending Washington University in St Louis in the fall

”I was very fond of you, but now I’m so, so tired. I’m not happy to go, but one needn’t be happy to make another start.” —

Albert Camus

SIGNE PERRY LEE SMITH, daughter of Jameel and Diallo Smith of Detroit, sister of Josiah Smith, attended Roeper for 13 years In his speech for her, Dan Jacobs stated, “Signe Smith is uncannily nice ” Dan continued to quote her Stage II teachers, who wrote, “Signe is a true peacemaker; she seeks harmony in her world and will often choose to smooth disagreements over rather than negotiate a compromise ” Dan stated of Signe, “When I asked her to talk about the organizations she has been involved in, it was always for a nice reason: helping coordinate Student Government’s donations to the Pakistan Relief Fund; creating new workshops in sync with current student interests on the Student Diversity Advisory Committee; raising awareness through the Black Student Union; implementing a service- learning senior project; and working as a rep to the Board of Trustees to help guide Roeper’s future ” Friend Elyse Kane shared, “She lights up every room she’s in ” Dan concluded, “Signe, when we were chatting the other day, you wondered if you would have a completely different personality if not for Roeper Maybe But everyone I talked with agreed we would have a completely different Roeper if not for you Thank you for everything you’ve given to this community ” Signe will be attending Harvard College in the fall

Thank you to the Roeper community for making me who I am today. They say environment is the most important part of a child’s development, and being at Roeper my whole life has fostered an environment in which I can say more, do more, and be more.

KATELYN OLIVIA TEETSEL, daughter of Derek and Vickie Teetsel of Rochester Hills and sister of sophomore Alivia, attended Roeper for 13 years In Wendy Mayer’s speech for Katelyn, she said that since getting to know her through robotics, “Katelyn’s presence always brought a balance of silliness and organization to our practices, whether it was chasing people around the room with a broom she named Shelly or organizing and adding style and flair to our competition boards ” Gwen

AMARE:

Haslett shared, “Katelyn is a great friend, and she’s really fun to talk to, whether it’s a deep conversation about life or just her proposing another dumb game show idea ” Julia Raphael added, “I have always seen Katelyn as the ‘main character ’ If life were a TV show, Katelyn would be the star I’ve watched her handle hardships with inspiring grace and optimism She lights up the room I know I can turn to her for anything, be it heartfelt advice, a shoulder to cry on, an answer to a difficult homework problem, or to be cheered up ” Wendy continued, “Katelyn is a natural leader She knows when to jump in and finish tasks that need doing, when to delegate to others, when to give praise to encourage others, and when we need to add some playfulness to give us a break and to keep things fun with some timely infusion of shenanigans ” Katelyn will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Thank you to my family, friends, and teachers who have helped me both inside and outside my educational journey; I love and appreciate all of you!

AMARE JHALIL Mc ELWEE, son of Latrese Singleton of Pontiac, and brother of Mikaila Singleton ’16, attended Roeper for 14 years In his speech for him, Scott Vartanian stated, “Always thoughtful, always caring, and never the one to need to be heard These are the incredible attributes of Amare, and I can’t think of any better for a young man to carry with him in life ” He continued, “Amare’s time at Roeper was filled with friends I think that is one thing that will always be important to him as moves through life Every teacher or coach I talked to started with the exact same description Amare is unselfish, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for a friend ” Scott stated that Amare will miss Roeper’s basketball team the most after graduation: “The joy he took learning from Ryan and Brian and the appreciation he had for how hard they worked to make him a better player, the camaraderie of being on a team and the pride he took this last year as he watched his younger teammates begin to take over ” Scott concluded, “Amare, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being a part of your educational journey ” Amare will be attending North Carolina A&T in the fall

Roeper has transformed me into the young man I am today, and I appreciate all the community has done for me.

JAMESON PATRICK GERRITS, son of Peter and Charlotte Gerrits of Birmingham, brother of sophomore Andrew Gerrits, attended Roeper for 15 years In his speech for him, Dan Jacobs said, “In the past, Jameson Gerrits was a troublemaker Looking back over the trail Jameson has blazed for himself over the past 15 years at Roeper, it’s clear that the core of what looked like ‘troublemaking’ was actually rooted in his boundless energy to explore and learn everything as quickly and thoroughly as possible ”

Teacher Matt Vallus shared that, in Model UN,

“Jameson brought the focus clearly onto human rights, showing not only that he has a tremendous heart … but also that he understands what it means to be a citizen of the world ” Friend Ruby McKeever stated, “Jameson always does the right thing In fact, he makes it an important part of his identity to do the right thing ” Dan continued, “Jameson’s senior project focused on modeling how to carry out a community service project, and he leaves a literal living legacy in the form of the garden he created in front of the Birmingham campus ” Dan quoted teacher Paula Romano to conclude that “Jameson embodies the Roeper Philosophy: he values diversity, seeks harmony, and cherishes learning He thrills at the prospect of sharing his wealth of knowledge It has been a pleasure being part of his educational journey His daily presence in the classroom will be missed I wish him all the best as he continues his journey!” Jameson will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

I’ve had a great time here and really appreciate all of this. Thanks to everyone who has supported me.

ARISTIDE JAN GARDETTE, son of Patrycja

Krzok of White Lake, attended Roeper for 15 years In her speech for Aristide, Kelly McDowell stated, “I cannot think of someone with a more grounded, secure, realized sense of self than Aristide He is the consummate thinker, always aware of himself, his presence in the world, and his place among others ” Teacher Susannah Nichols shared, “Aristide is easily one of the most thoughtful students I’ve worked with — not only in his approach to academic material, but also in his approach to life I loved reading his writing for the authenticity and care he brought to his subjects He also inspired me to listen to a 20-episode podcast on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, and I am a better scholar and person for it ” Friend Amare McElwee stated, “Aristide has always given me advice when needed Always non-biased and logical advice This is very useful when there are many emotions involved He is also a person who will always be there for you when you need it, no matter what the situation is ” Friend Kessonga Allen said, “Aristide is an innovator with many ideas that would benefit the whole of humanity He is already doing so when it comes to integrating technology into daily life ” Kelly concluded by quoting Alex Fleming, who shared, “Aristide has so much to offer the world I know this because of two qualities: his high ambition and his genuine desire to help people Put these qualities together, and you can change the world ” Aristide will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Through all the good memories, happy faces, trials and tribulations, and bittersweet farewells, I have loved, and will always appreciate, my time here at Roeper.

ADAM WALTHOUR HUNEKE, son of Thomas Huneke of Beverly Hills and Tricia Ruby of Bloomfield Hills, brother of Cameron ’20 and Griffin ’21, attended Roeper for 15 years In his speech for him, Eric Ambrose wrote, “Adam is clearly a creative, intelligent and thoughtful young man ” Eric continued by describing Adam’s senior project, “an entire fictional universe that others could use as setting for their games of D&D ” Adam’s brother, Griffin, stated, “Adam has a strong creative vision and definitely loves sharing [it] and his ideas ” Eric continued, “It’s no wonder Adam will be majoring in interactive media and game development next year ” Adam’s friend Jack Schwartz shared, “I think he’s one of the most accepting and comforting people I’ve ever met without exaggeration I always feel safe around him, and he works like a beacon of happiness for me, seemingly always knowing the right thing to say, the right discussion to bring up, when to give silence and when to distract I owe him so much for giving me one of the best friends I can ask for ” Eric concluded, “Adam most definitely has the head to think his vision and the hands to make it real, but most importantly, it’s quite obvious from the words of Adam’s friends, that he has the heart to shape his vision with compassion and kindness I’m very excited to someday play a game developed by this young man ” Adam will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall

I’ll never forget all the memories and friends I made at Roeper, but the time has come to move on. Thank you for everything, and goodbye.

CLAIRE ELIZABETH AMIEL MARTIN, daughter of Clarence and Shannon Martin of Bloomfield Township and sister of 8th grader Chase, attended Roeper for 15 years In Laura Sobieralski’s speech for Claire, she said Claire is “an activist, athlete, Lego extraordinaire, musician, a leader, and at one point was even a Speed Cuber ” Laura also pointed out Claire’s gifts in basketball for “seeing the big picture to offer coaching suggestions,” as well as listening to her inner voice and believing in herself as an athlete Laura continued, “As a student, Claire has remained a hard worker She was incredibly dedicated throughout her journey at Roeper ” Laura recalled a time during Claire’s first week of Stage IV when she “turned to me and said, ‘you

ARISTIDE: innovative, logical, thoughtful know I have been at this school longer than you have?’ Now anyone who knows Claire, knows this was not her issuing some form of a check (as would be the case for many stage IV students), instead it was her way of saying ‘don’t worry we’ve got this ’ And we did ” Claire shared that her time at Roeper best prepared her for engaging with the world in a responsible and ethical way, and she noted that Roeper has also helped her to identify problems and become empowered to do something about them Claire will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology

ADAM: creative, visionary, thoughtful

I am eternally grateful for all the people I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned from my 15 years at Roeper. I will carry all that I’ve learned forward into the next chapters of my life!

Roeper community over the past 15 years ” Ava will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Thank you to the Roeper community for the past 15 years! I am incredibly grateful to all my amazing teachers and friends for making my time here so special. Roeper will always have a special place in my heart!

CLAIRE: leader, dedicated, thoughtful

AVA: selfless, empathetic, compassionate

IRENA: kind, generous, insightful

AVA D THOMAS, daughter of Bessy Despotis and Clay Thomas of Bloomfield Hills and sister of Irena ’23 and sophomore Ivana, attended Roeper for 15 years In Amy Cova’s speech for Ava, she said, “Ava is the kindest, most compassionate young person I have had the honor of knowing She is my heart I am in awe of her empathy and her authentic desire to support and positively impact not only her nuclear community, but the world at large ” Amy also called Ava “a natural teacher, a mentor to many peers and younger students in the community ” Carolyn Lett shared that Ava is “selfless, all-giving, intuitive, a friend to everyone she meets ” Riley Cova recalled the time when her duet partner was unable to perform in the Stage IV Dance concert this year, and Ava learned the dance during her lunch period and came straight from her soccer game that evening so that Riley wouldn’t miss her final Stage IV dance concert Riley shared that Ava is “selfless, and no matter where we are together, you light up the room ” Amy continued, “In the final moments of Ava’s last official Roeper Dance class, all the dancers surrounded Ava in a giant group hug This 12-person embrace was the physical representation of the love and care Ava has given to her beloved

IRENA D THOMAS, daughter of Bessy Despotis and Clay Thomas of Bloomfield Hills and sister of Ava ’23 and Ivana ’25, attended Roeper for 15 years In Amy Cova’s speech for Irena, she said, “When I first met Irena, she was the most confident, articulate 13-year-old I had ever been in discussion with She gave me my first taste of how profound and complex a conversation could be with an 8th grade Roeperian Irena is quick-witted, with a clever sense of humor that never misses a beat She is a deep thinker, generous with her insightful perspective on topics from mental health to Greek culture It is this generosity that has impacted the Roeper community for almost 15 years ” Amy also shared that one of her goals for her senior project, which was creating a Greek dance class for Stage III, was to “create connections with the Lower School students Wow, was she successful! What a joy to see her walk down the hallway as 14 young dancers sprint to her for a hug She has become a legend, a hero, a star to those kiddos who were lucky enough to learn from and be in community with THE Irena Thomas ” The Stage III dancers said that not only did they enjoy learning the dances, but they were especially taken by Irena’s kind, clever, and patient ways of interacting with them Irena will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall

Thank you for the past 15 years and everything this school has given me. F