Growing Up Graland 2015

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CLASS OF 2015

Growing Up Graland

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On June 3, the Class of 2015 entered the Fieldhouse for the last time as students and exited as our newest alumni. In between, they were lauded by Graland leaders as a class like no other and one which has made its mark on our halls.

Among this year’s graduates were 38 students who have attended the school since kindergarten. The start of high school in the fall will have them setting foot on a new campus for the first time in nine years. Coincidentally, there were also 38 families saying goodbye to Graland after this year; their youngest children were among the 66 graduates.

But enough about numbers. This graduation ceremony was more about heart and grit, hugs and tears, laughter and song. In 2014-15, the eighth grade class led, served, studied, affected change and gave their best to each other and to Graland.

Christopher Hunt, president of the Board of Trustees, encouraged graduates to take their Graland foundation forward and to use the guiding principles they have learned to lead and change the world. The

ceremony was especially poignant for Hunt, who is not only concluding his term as Board President, he watched his oldest daughter Madeleine walk across the stage with her diploma.

Student leaders had the chance to say a few parting words. In describing her class’ Graland experience, co-president Hannah Siegel said, “Every year teachers have encouraged us to be our own unique person; that we can do whatever we want with our lives. And thank goodness for that! Look what it did to create all of our incredibly unique personalities. We are a jumble of amazingly talented, extremely gifted young adults who are who we are today because of Graland.”

Co-president Austin Barish talked about the challenges of going separate ways next year after sharing so many unforgettable memories: “We will always be able to rely on one another for help in times of need. Some of us have known each other for nine years or more, and some of us have only known each other for one year; yet, we have all built bonds that will last a lifetime.”

Ceremony Marks Milestone for Graduates


Ceremony Marks Milestone for GraduatesIn his remarks, Head of Middle School Josh

Cobb retold the life story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who overcame a physical disability to help lead the country through World War II and out of the Great Depression.

“You are way ahead of FDR, who, when he was your age, was described as colorless, average, and even aloof,” said Mr. Cobb. “You have been anything but aloof. You have been fun-loving, engaged and respectful, and for that, we will miss you greatly.”

Citations were read, diplomas were awarded, hands were shaken, photos were taken, and teachers were thanked. In closing, Head of School Ronni McCaffrey shared a traditional Irish blessing before the recessional of new alumni marched off to celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

To the Class of 2015, we send you out into the world with the hope that you will use your gifts, talents and tools to GO wherever you want in life. Congratulations, graduates!

TRADITIONAL IRISH BLESSINGMay the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune,Rich in blessings,

May you know nothing but happinessFrom this day forward.

May the road rise to meet youMay the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your homeAnd may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,May true be the hearts that love you.

graland.org/2015gradslideshowGRADUATION SLIDESHOW

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“Remember”Lyrics: Members of the Grade 8 choir

Music: Mercedes Campana and Josh Gaffga

The year that everything changes:Familiar faces, new exchanges.

Hiding behind a mask no one knows,The first hours of our lives.

Years go too fast.Let’s keep what lasts.

Looking back on all we’ve been through,How can I say “goodbye" to you?In our last moments together,

don’t forget to remember.

Now I know you and you know me,Happier than I thought I’d be.

These past few months have felt like years.With you by my side I have no fears.

Years go too fast.Let’s keep what lasts.



But at the end, when we say goodbye,We’ll share tears and joy, laughter and pain,

Shattering love, and dancing in the rain.These are the moments we’ll never forget

When we’ve gone our ways.



graland.org/2015choir

GRADUATION PERFORMANCE


graland.org/2015gradvideo

REMEMBRANCE VIDEO

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JOHN COMFORT HEADMASTER’S AWARD

Mr. Comfort was the School’s head from 1964-75 and 1995-96. The award in his honor recognizes a student for his or her well-rounded development in the areas of academics, athletics, arts and citizenship.

Hannah Finke excels in all four areas and is described as “hardworking, talented, kind and driven.” She has been called “the true definition of a professional student,” according to one of her eighth grade teachers. She is especially known for her maturity and standards of excellence in the classroom, art studio, band, film studio, and sports arenas. Finally, Hannah’s teachers say she is a student who makes others around her want to be better. Congratulations, Hannah.

Awards Honor Student AchievementGraduation awards are a distinguished honor given each year to outstanding eighth graders. Congratulations to these deserving students.

(L-R) Lizzy Howard, Alex Alijani, Josh Hankin, Hannah Siegel, and Hannah Finke

GEORGIA NELSON AWARDS

The Georgia Nelson Award is given to the student who personifies an outstanding work ethic; courage and fortitude; enthusiasm and love of learning; passion and conscientiousness; and personal growth. Congratulations to two students who were awarded this year: Alex Alijani and Josh Hankin.

Alex fully embodies the spirit of this award and displays the intrinsic curiosity to excel in every effort. English teacher Jane Maslanka noted his ability to “work hard, but happily, and to continually seek deeper understanding of every topic.” Alex approaches tasks with the conviction that there is always more to learn.

Josh was described by teacher Elky Dorman as a “Renaissance Man” in the making -- one whose broad intellectual interests are balanced by accomplishments in the arts and athletics. His insatiable thirst for knowledge, work ethic and intrinsic motivation were unmatched. Josh modeled grit and courage while quietly serving as a leader among his peers.

graland.org/2015graddinner graland.org/2015gradspeech

DINNER SLIDESHOW TONY CATANESE SPEECH


“You can do it! Always put effort into your work and

learn to manage your time.” Alyvia Gonzales

CLASS OF 2015 GIVES SAGE ADVICE TO FUTURE

KINDERGARTNERS

“The best things about Graland are the teachers and

the classes. Be awesome at Graland!” Madeleine Hunt

“Enjoy your time at school and remember that you have to

want to learn more.” Andy Sevilla

“Make sure you pay attention in class and do your

homework. Always have fun!” Lily Fox

“Don’t study for tests at the last minute. Go into every

challenge head on!” Fiona Martin

“Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and talk to them.

Be brave as you go through Graland.” Shahan Asif

“Be confident as you go through Graland and make sure

you go on as many trips as you can.” Emma Williams

“Befriend the teachers. The closer you are with them the

better time you have.” Alex Alijani

“The best thing about Graland is the friendships. Be

thoughtful of your actions as you go through Graland.”

Michael Dodge

“Study for tests and don’t procrastinate.” Peter Sauer

“Go on a lot of field trips. The best trip is the

Bike Hike (Grade 4)!” Austin Barish

“I hope you make a ton of friends. Be nice to everyone and

pay attention to your teachers.” Averie Hughes

“Enjoy your time at Graland! Don’t lose your

pencils!” David Geldzahler

(L-R) Lizzy Howard, Alex Alijani, Josh Hankin, Hannah Siegel, and Hannah Finke

TIMOTHY JOHNSON SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS

This award is presented annually to a graduate who displays exemplary effort in service and leadership to the graduating class, school, community and self. Two students were awarded this honor; congratulations to Lizzy Howard and Hannah Siegel.

Wellness teacher Betsy Metcalfe calls Lizzy “inherently kind and compassionate, hardworking, humble, genuine, and committed.” A Peer Leader, Lizzy found joy in serving others and never hesitated to put others’ needs before her own. She makes those around her feel important and understood, a leadership quality that endears her to others.

In presenting the award to Hannah, math teacher Camille James described her as a sterling example of a servant and a leader. Hannah “graciously accepts criticism, loves volunteering, has a passion for social justice, unselfishly helps others and inspires her peers to be positive, ethical and to strive for excellence.” She is known for her resilience, unselfishness, and humility.

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2025

first milestone reunion year for this class

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class co-presidents who are also 2015 alumni

class representatives (Austin Barish and

Hannah Siegel)

38

families at their last Graland graduation

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different high schools selected

66

Graduates

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graduated with honors

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Boys attending boarding schools on

the East Coast

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retiring Master Teacher,

Tony Catanese

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Golden Eagle Award winners

38 “Lifers” who attended

Graland since kindergarten


Hallie Abrams▲ East High SchoolAlex Alijani✦▲ Deerfield Academy (MA)Max Andrus✶▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolShahan Asif Mullen High SchoolPierce Aymond▲ Cherry Creek High SchoolZoe Aymond▲ Cherry Creek High SchoolLilyrose Bahrabadi✶ Kent Denver SchoolEllie Bain✶▲ Colorado AcademyAustin Barish✦✶▲ East High SchoolAnna Belfance▲ St. Mary's Academy Ethan Bennett✶ Colorado Academy Sophie Berger✶▲ Colorado Academy Carter Coatsworth Colorado Academy Joe Cohen▲ Denver School of the ArtsJackson Dean▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolRoman DeLeon✶▲ George Washington High SchoolMichael Dodge✶ Regis Jesuit High SchoolWilliam Dodge▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolBradley Donaldson▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolHayden Door▲ East High SchoolHannah Finke✦✶▲ St. Mary's AcademyLily Fox✶ Colorado Academy Maxine Fuselier▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolDavid Geldzahler▲ East High SchoolCaroline Gillespie▲ Colorado Academy Alyvia Gonzales✶ Colorado Academy Oliver Greenwald✶▲ Kent Denver SchoolJosh Hankin▲ Colorado Academy Bryce Harvey▲ Colorado Academy Lizzy Howard✶ South High SchoolAverie Hughes East High SchoolMadeleine Hunt▲ Kent Denver School Rhys Jansen✶▲ East High School

✦ Graduated with Honors ✶ Golden Eagle Award ▲ Attended Graland K-8

Sadie Jenkins✶ Colorado Academy Cailey Karshmer✦▲ Cherry Creek High SchoolEllie Kennicott East High SchoolEliza Kornfeld▲ Cherry Creek High SchoolMitch LaRocque✶▲ East High School Olivia Lieberman Denver School of the Arts Harkins Lord Regis Jesuit High SchoolAciano Maez South High SchoolFiona Martin East High School Alex Mayer▲ Kent Denver School Jordyn Medina✶▲ Mullen High School Noah Mintz✶▲ Thomas Jefferson High SchoolWill Morris Kent Denver School Emma Morrissey▲ St. Mary's Academy Jeremy Naiman Fountain Valley School of ColoradoSam Nassif▲ Kent Denver SchoolAriana Pia✶▲ Cherokee Trail High SchoolEric Rumsfeld✶▲ Colorado AcademyJamil Safieddine▲ Regis Jesuit High SchoolMorgyn Salter Rangeview High SchoolAnna Sanchez Mullen High SchoolPeter Sauer▲ Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)Lena Schneck▲ Colorado AcademyAndy Sevilla✦ St. Stephen's Episcopal School (FL)Andrei Shpilenok Concord Academy (MA)Hannah Siegel✦ Kent Denver SchoolCharlie Smith Colorado AcademyLucy Sobel East High SchoolBella Sperling Kent Denver SchoolWill Swaney Regis Jesuit High SchoolHenry Weisman Regis Jesuit High SchoolEmma Williams▲ Mullen High SchoolAiden Woodard Kent Denver School

HIGH SCHOOL SELECTIONS

Musician Joe Cohen had a unique experience when he attended a master class led by world renowned cellist and virtuoso, Yo-Yo Ma. Appearing at the University of Denver for a solo recital, Ma taught the class for area music students from DU and Denver School of the Arts. Other young musicians like Joe were able to sit in on the lesson for their own enrichment.

Joe has played cello since kindergarten, going on nine years. He is attending the Rocky Ridge Music Camp this summer before starting at Denver School of the Arts in the fall. He practices his instrument as much as five hours each week.

"I felt very privileged to learn some of Yo-Yo Ma’s techniques,” said Joe. He's a world famous cello player and that doesn't come without hours and hours of practice."

Greenwald and Nassif Awarded PatentTwo members of the Class of 2015 are the proud new owners of a United States patent for an invention they created in the Gates Invention Program. As fifth graders in 2012, Oliver Greenwald and Sam Nassif designed an edible ice cream cone holder that keeps hands clean from melted ice cream.

“We got our idea from watching little kids eat ice cream,” said Sam. “The ice cream was running down their arms and their moms were using a lot of napkins to try and keep them clean.”

At a school assembly, each inventor received a framed patent certificate. It takes three years to complete the patent process and 10 students from Graland have earned this prestigious recognition.

GALLOP BACK TO US!SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 IN WASHINGTON PARKRun, walk or cheer with your friends from the Class of 2015 at the annual Graland Gallop 5K race! Register this summer at graland.org/gallop and save $5 before September 18. See you at the Gallop!

Cohen Learns from World Master Cellist

Sam Nassif and Oliver Greenwald

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Join the Green & White Club!Congratulations, Class of 2015! Your Graland education is behind you but your alumni experience is just beginning!

You’re invited to join the Green & White Club, a program just for young alums like you that sets you on the path to continued involvement with the school. To become a member, make a $2 donation to Graland this year and increase your gift by $2 each year through high school. Your dollars will be matched by the Alumni Association and will be used to support the amazing programs and faculty that helped you succeed as a Graland student.

Thank you to those 2015 graduates who have already given. To get started on making a difference for future students, contact Kristin Eklund ‘88 Weber ([email protected]). All it takes is $2!

Andrus Takes Top Art Award In the 2015 Scholastic Art Awards of Colorado program, one Graland eighth grader brought home the top award, a Gold Key. Max Andrus’ work titled Civil Rights Captured by Media was singled out from more than 5,000 submissions to the competition.

The piece was created for an assignment related to the Grade 8 Civil Rights trip to the South when students were asked to reflect artistically on what they learned.

"I got inspiration from media because my dad works in radio and television," Max says. "My piece shows how the media were involved in furthering the Civil Rights Movement. On one of our stops we walked across the bridge in Selma, Alabama, where the first big news story about the movement was captured and people learned how bad things were there. We also visited a museum in Birmingham that ran videos from the day showing people who were for and against the movement."

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAX AND THESE ARTISTS FROM THE CLASS OF 2015: Sophie Berger, Honorable Mention, Separate is not Equal

Alyvia Gonzales, Honorable Mention, Flight of FancyAverie Hughes, Honorable Mention, Elephant

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Graland Country Day School55 Clermont StreetDenver, CO 80220

303.399.0390graland.org

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Kristin Eklund '88 WeberDirector of Alumni [email protected]

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Growing Up Graland 2015

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