Growing Up Graland I 1

Class of 2013

Growing Up Graland

2

contributions, they movingly (and, at times, humorously) shared how this unique class made a genuine impression on Graland.

“You find joy in the happiness of others, a rare quality.”“You care for others and are quick to lend a helping hand.”“Your sense of self and ability to internalize thoughts and

emotions before giving your opinion is a strength that even we adults can struggle with at times.”

The effect was not lost in creating a sense of pride for these young men and women. “I thought the speeches were so personal and wonderful,” said Patty Goltermann, whose only child Amy is among this year’s graduates. “I’m very proud of all the graduates.”

Parents like Patty and even grandparents savored the moment, watching proudly as their children took their first steps into young adulthood. Next year, there will be many firsts, including the first time dozens attend a school other than Graland.

Inevitably, the campus slowly cleared. The reception area was dismantled. The streets emptied of cars as parents took their new graduates home or to lunch or to other celebrations.

The Class of 2013: They entered campus that day as students; they left as young alumni. Congratulations and best wishes. You will be missed.

Graduation Day: A Time to CelebrateAs the sun shone brightly on Preisser Field, they lingered. They laughed out loud. They posed for photos. They moved with grace and confidence. Girls flitted in milky dresses, clutching colorful flower bouquets. Boys strode stylishly in crisp navy jackets. Graduates now, with one foot in the past and one in the future.

On Friday, June 7, 59 members of the Class of 2013 walked across the stage in the Fieldhouse for the last time, culminating weeks of memorable “lasts” at Graland.

When the day came to finally graduate, the achievement of these students was impressive. “I’ve never seen a class come so far from the first day of school to the last,” noted Josh Forke, band teacher and eighth grade advisor.

As if to prove his point, class co-presidents gave speeches that went beyond their years. Madeleine Dodge and Max Waldbaum spoke decidedly to first thank their teachers then to describe their collective experiences at Graland and the confidence in their preparation to move forward in life.

“Our roads are not perfectly paved, and our maps not acutely drawn out,” said Madeleine. “But as Graland graduates, we should not worry. This school equips us with the tools to face all twists and turns of life. We have learned everything from problem solving to social skills.”

To award diplomas, advisors lauded the students in their care. Drawing on each child’s greatest characteristics and

I encourage you to continue to resist stereotypes. Yes, to be part of a society, you do have to conform to some basic rules, but it is equally important for you to

have the ability to stand up as an individual.~ Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School

Growing Up Graland I 3

“This school has shaped our character, built our strengths, and made us

the leaders of tomorrow. We are forever,

Graland Eagles.” ~ Madeleine Dodge, Co-President,

Class of 2013

“Teaching is in essence a relational experience …

when you teach someone, you give him a part of your

heart and he gives you a part of his. Remember, you are a part of us and always

will be.” ~ Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

The Class of 2013 has 35 graduates who have been Graland classmates since kindergarten!

Photo credit: Bowers Photographics

and Adam Writer

4

The graduation dinner Thursday, June 6, was all about celebrating the amazing Class of 2013. Awards, speeches and a special slideshow served to remind parents and invited guests that this class made its mark on Graland.

Georgia Nelson AwardTo begin, several highly-anticipated awards were given. Grade 5 history teacher Mitch Masters first took the stage to describe the criteria for the Georgia Nelson Award, including outstanding work ethic, courage, enthusiasm, conscientiousness and personal growth. In giving the honor to Madeleine Dodge, Mr. Masters reconstructed her Graland career from first grade on calling her “loyal” and “hard working.”

“Madeleine has the ability to look beyond what is and to see what might be, what could be: to dream,” he said. “And she has the courage and determination to make those dreams a joyful reality. We know that the founder of our school shared this same vision and passion.”

Timothy Johnson Service and Leadership AwardNext, the Timothy Johnson Service and Leadership Award winner was introduced by band director Josh Forke. Claire Wright embodies the characteristics necessary for this honor, including a sense of caring and unselfish work for the benefit of others.

In presenting the award, Mr. Forke said, “You have grown into a wonderfully caring young woman. Your positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life will take you far; please never let that go. I can speak for all the teachers here when I say it has been a pleasure to teach you over the years and we all wish you well as you go forward, serving whatever community you happen to find yourself in.”

John Comfort Headmaster’s AwardThe last award of the evening, the John Comfort Headmaster's Award, was reserved for a graduate who excelled in four areas: academics, athletics, arts and

Their History in PhotosTo conclude the celebration, guests enjoyed a slideshow prepared by Graland Parent Association President Holly Price, whose youngest child, Corinne, was set to graduate. Going back nine years, students were shown literally growing up at Graland. The moving tribute left many with tears at, no doubt, how time truly does fly.

Students Shine at Graduation Dinner

Growing Up Graland I 5

citizenship. Among his many outstanding attributes, Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School, called this student “insightful,” “intellectually curious” and “a reliable teammate.”

“David Wolf speaks with honesty, eloquence and conviction,” Ms. McCaffrey told the audience. “He is polite and respectful to peers and adults. He values the opinions of others. He has a clever and fun sense of humor. No matter whom you ask, this graduate is known as a genuinely nice person and good friend. What more can you ask?”

Faculty and Student SpeakersThe evening’s entertainment came courtesy of the Grade 7 choir who dedicated two beautiful songs to the Class of 2013 before Grade 8 history teacher Jake Dresden came forward to share his thoughts and advice.

Delivered with characteristic dry humor, Mr. Dresden discussed, ironically, humor itself. In selecting his topic, Mr. Dresden recalled how “laughter was a part of our daily interactions.”

“Two goldfish are in their tank, and one says to the other, ‘You man the guns, I’ll drive.’”

– Jake Dresden

Touching on the history of humor, its indication of intelligence levels, its role in the family and its importance in life, he concluded with the following words of wisdom: “Keep laughing and trying to make others laugh. Laugh at yourself and with others. It is good for you – physically and

emotionally.”Later, David Wolf again took the stage as the

class’ elected speaker for the evening. It’s no small task to characterize such a unique and

accomplished group of students, but David’s address ably recognized the class’ differences while calling attention to their unity of spirit.

“When I was trying to categorize our class, I asked for the opinions of students and teachers, but none fit,” he said. “I finally decided that our class is diverse. Probably

not in the way you’re thinking, though. The definition of diverse is: ‘Showing a great deal of

variety; different.’”David went on to describe the wide variety of

interests belonging to his peers, including swimming, photography, comedy, baking and fishing. “Our class is different,” he shared, “and that is something to embrace.”

6

Jordyn Talia Abramsu EastNina Claire Bartellê EastHayden McHenry Bartholomew St. Mary’s AcademyLauren Cooper Baukus Cherry CreekLyndsey Frances Benesu Kent Denver DenverSara Catherine Browner St. Mary’s AcademyMorgan Elise Bullen Colorado AcademyGabriel Francisco Burson Regis JesuitIsabel Dana Chandlerêu Colorado AcademyEmma Frances Cohenu Denver School of the ArtsMcCoy Prescott Crombleholme EastSpencer Davis DellaSalleu MullenAnna Jensine Demseyu Denver WaldorfJohn Egan Dodge Regis JesuitMadeleine Christine Dodgeêu George WashingtonÉParker Marius Door EastBrian Tracy Dorman ArapahoeLauren Adelaine Emerson Valor ChristianJackson Richard Gillespieu Colorado AcademyElias Armand Gironu George WashingtonÉDavid Grant Glazeru EastAlie Susan Goldblattu Kent DenverAmy Claire Goltermannê Kent DenverSamuel Joseph Grieru Kent DenverGrace Elizabeth Hawkeyu Kent DenverSamuel Bryce Heckendorfu Cherry CreekRory Daniel Richard Higson-Smith SouthKierra Monae Hillu Cherry CreekWilliam Philip Austin Huntu Kent DenverAndré Charles Janoff George WashingtonÉ

Kayle Rockton Knucklesu Valor ChristianJacob Connor Leafferu Cherry CreekGeoffrey Glenn Lord Jr. Regis JesuitTalia Rose Marciano EastHannah Rose McCainu Denver AcademyRobert Patrick McDuffie Thomas JeffersonSarah Alles Merrifieldu MullenMatison Rose Marie Miller Kent DenverJessica Felicia Nekritzu EastParker Lee Nolanu Valor ChristianPatrick James Offneru Regis JesuitMaria Francesca Passarelli EastJacqueline Prince Patelêu Colorado AcademySarah Berit Pomerantzu Denver JewishCorinne Adams Priceu Regis JesuitAlexandra Jo Ringsbyêu Cherry CreekSamson Michael Rosen EastNathan Mark Rosenberg EastAnna Natassja Scheitleru MullenDaniel Aaron Shelanskiu EastAdreanna Althea Thompson-Paschettou Denver WaldorfHelen Bryan Turnageêu Colorado AcademyMax Geoffrey Waldbaumêu EastDavid Lawrence Wolfu Regis JesuitKeelan Harper Woodard Kent DenverTantum Lorene Woolley Colorado AcademyClaire Marie Wrightêu Colorado AcademyKylie Seta Writeru Kent DenverLauren Marie Zurcher Smoky HillÉ

ê Graduated with honors u Attended Graland since kindergarten ÉInternational Baccalaureate Program

Five Fun Ways to Stay Connected with GralandRecent graduates of Graland are invited to get active in the Graland Alumni Association.

Here are a few opportunities coming soon.

Represent your high school to the Class

of 2014! Come back to campus and share how Graland

prepared you for the next four years and offer advice to next year’s graduates.

Challenge the Class of 2012 to a kickball

game! Show your footwork at

Reunion 2014 and take on former classmates for bragging rights.

Babysit for other Graland alumni during the Fall Cocktail Party! Earn some cash and free up a fellow alumnus to attend this annual event. Once you turn

21, you’ll be invited to join the fun. Contact Kristin Eklund ’88 Weber (kweber@graland.org)

if you want to be on the babysitter list.

Make a $2 donation to Graland in

2013, and an $8 donation will be made in your name.

Keep Graland in the loop! Your contact

information is important to us, so please notify the

school if you move or change your email

address. (kweber@graland.org)

1 2 3 4 5

Class of 2013Honorees and Secondary School Choices

In a music career spanning four decades, bass guitarist Kenny Passarelli, father to eighth grader Maria, has played with more than a few celebrities.

He’s on a first-name basis with superstars like Joe Walsh, Elton John, Stephen Stills and Hall and Oates. He’s toured worldwide and made a living from creating music. At Graland’s graduation ceremony this year, he heard one of his own songs in a very personal and intimate setting as the Grade 8 choir performed Came into My Life.

“I love Graland,” Kenny says simply. “Graland has been an amazing education for my daughter since she came here in fifth grade. The music department is outstanding in my opinion.”

At Kenny’s request, music teacher Josh Gaffga was honored to write the choir parts that harmonize with the song’s melody. When he first heard the arrangement, Kenny was blown away. “It’s phenomenal. He went way beyond my expectations.”

Famous Musician Donates Song to GraduationIn May, Kenny graciously joined students

to rehearse the song. Drawing on years of musical experience, he introduced ideas for vocalization and gave advice for performing.

On the big day, the choir delivered its grand performance as Kenny, the renowned entertainer, accompanied on the piano. Soloists Maria Passarelli and Max Waldbaum effectively sang the notes with both precision and emotion while the choir provided harmony.

“It was a close to perfect graduation,” remarked Latin teacher Philip Hickey. “The music was one of the highlights at both graduation and the awards dinner.”

As a special keepsake, the song was professionally recorded by Grammy Award winning sound engineer Clark Hagan and distributed to all 2013 graduates. Kenny has donated rights to the song to Graland in honor of his daughter’s experiences here.

Class Representatives

Isabel Chandler '13izziechan98@gmail.com

Max Waldbaum '13max.waldbaum.11@gmail.com

Growing Up Graland I 7

Soloist Maria Passerelli (holding the microphone) and Max Waldbaum (wearing the pink tie) sang with

both precision and emotion.

8

Graland Country Day school55 Clermont streetDenver, Co 80220

303.399.0390graland.org

Join us on Facebook

Facebook.com/graland.alums

Kristin WeberAssociate Director of Alumni Relationskweber@graland.org303-398-3623

stay Connected

Connect with uson LinkedIn

L.graland.org/LI2013