Signing Off for Summer
Dear CA Community:
Welcome to you all – Seniors, Families, Visitors, Teachers, Staff, and Well-Wishers to the Class of 2013 Commencement Exercises.
Seniors: we are so proud of you. Part of my job is to look at this school’s functions from a global perspective: Pre-K - 12th grade, one that is inclusive of academics, arts, athletics, character, and experiential education. One of the joys I have in my role is the ability to wander campus periodically and take in this large view. If I have a moment, I like to go to classrooms and just observe. It is quite amazing what happens on a daily basis at this school.
In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes, our students begin to learn the fundamentals of what it means to be a good person. At this early age, CA students learn the basic building blocks of reading, writing, and arithmetic. As students grow, they go deeper and build upon this knowledge. Students dive into different subjects, like the arts and sciences. Along the way, they learn essential skills, and the values of hard work, commitment, and even sacrifice.
By the time you are seniors, think of the things you have experienced at this school: Great teachers and classes. Challenging academics. Artistic programs that have helped make you more creative and aspire to excellence. In athletics, you have experienced victory and defeat, but have learned about the value of being part of a team and working collaboratively towards a shared goal.
You’ve had interim and wilderness experiences that have stretched your comfort levels and made you more resilient. You’ve made friendships and been there to support one another. You have thrown yourself into this community and defined it by your good works. All of you have dedicated a significant part of your existence to Colorado Academy.
More than 20 of you have been here since Kindergarten, and others joined along the journey. You and your families made a decision to make this your school home. You did so knowing that the challenges would be more than what typical students might confront, but you also recognized that there were greater opportunities for you. Your families know this, and this is why so many relatives have come from far and wide to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this extraordinary class of students. Let’s thank our parents and their family for supporting these students.
Robert Frost once wrote: “There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies.” As Nicholas Sparks notes, “[Teachers] inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even when you don't know it.” Here at Colorado Academy, you have had amazing teachers in all divisions of the school. They are the kind of teachers that have helped your realize great things. While some of this is obvious to you, some of it isn’t and won’t be until you have more perspective and have a couple of college professors or teaching assistants who, as Robert Frost noted, will fill you full of birdshot. Colorado Academy has educators who promote creative expression and independent thinking and push you to excellence. Please join me in recognizing the tremendous faculty of Colorado Academy.
In addition, our Trustees at Colorado Academy take on the crucial role of ensuring the long-term success of this institution. They serve in countless ways to articulate and preserve the mission of CA. They are here to today to show their support for the accomplishments of the students and the work of the faculty. I want to thank this group of dedicated volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the school, as well as their vision for our future. Thank you, board members, for being here today to celebrate this milestone.
In a recent meeting with one of our board committees that ponders long-term issues for the school, we invited a group of seniors to share what they learned from being a student at CA. We heard many amazing things about the impact of Colorado Academy and how the people here have shaped each one of you. But, a high point is when one board member asked, “How would you describe a Colorado Academy in a sentence?” I have actually been asked this question many times by people outside of our community interested in learning more about CA, and I find that we are such a diverse, dynamic, and engaging place, that is nearly impossible to do so. But, senior Slide Kelly took this on instantly.
“We are a small school full of BIG people.”
Slide, we are going to trademark this and aside from all your memorable arts performances and students leadership contributions, this may be a permanent part of your legacy. The marketing person in me wants to put this in all of our admissions materials. But, what a true statement: “We ARE a small school full of BIG people.”
Later in the ceremony, I have the honor of recognizing each of you and describing what you have meant to Colorado Academy. It will be clear to our audience what BIG people each of you are. On the stage behind me are students who have spoken up for justice both on our campus and in American society; students who have demonstrated that they have grit and determination to take on any challenge; friends who would do anything to support a peer; people who give their all to what they believe in. Even when you make mistakes, you sometimes do so in BIG, epic ways—and that is ok! Don’t worry, I am not going to name names! Because we know, you learn from this failure and emerge as better students, thinkers, and people!
Slide’s comments made me think about what it means to be a “big” person. What are the characteristics? It has nothing to do with size or loudness or ego. Some of the “biggest” people in your class are small in stature and quiet, humble leaders. If I think about our faculty, there are giants – not unlike the iconic CA cottonwood trees behind me – but they are the same. These greats are modest. They ask questions. They put students first and make them a priority. They dive into their work with diligence and commitment. They are role models.
As Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.” When I look out at the tremendous faculty of this school, I know that there are teachers who have inspired you to be the best you can be; and they helped you think BIG.
Back
It has been another phenomenal year. We've put up a new building, created innovative education programming, developed a new iPad program about to roll out next year, won state championships and excelled at athletics, and nurtured a creative and talented artistic community. On top of this, we have had new developments in our experiential and outdoor education program. All the while, we have stayed true to our core mission of supporting students. Our community and our successful outcomes were on full display this past week with 5th and 8th grade Continuation events and 12th grade Commencement. These celebrations of key milestones affirm our work and CA's purpose. I have numerous thank you’s from parents who took the time to express what CA has done for their child. I am grateful for the work of our dedicated faculty.
I am looking forward to summer, but am about to head down to Haiti with our first student trip to our partner school in Nordette. I look forward to sharing out our work with our partner school and our partner organization, the Road to Hope, as we seek to further social justice and development in that troubled nation. I hope everyone will enjoy the summer, and I am already looking forward to next August when we all come together again.
To close out my blog this year, I though I would share out my commencement speech. Be safe this summer and get out there and make a difference!
Class of 2013 Commencement Address, Head of School Dr. Mike Davis Welcome to you all – Seniors, Families, Visitors, Teachers, Staff, and Well-Wishers to the Class of 2013 Commencement Exercises.
Seniors: we are so proud of you. Part of my job is to look at this school’s functions from a global perspective: Pre-K - 12th grade, one that is inclusive of academics, arts, athletics, character, and experiential education. One of the joys I have in my role is the ability to wander campus periodically and take in this large view. If I have a moment, I like to go to classrooms and just observe. It is quite amazing what happens on a daily basis at this school.
In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes, our students begin to learn the fundamentals of what it means to be a good person. At this early age, CA students learn the basic building blocks of reading, writing, and arithmetic. As students grow, they go deeper and build upon this knowledge. Students dive into different subjects, like the arts and sciences. Along the way, they learn essential skills, and the values of hard work, commitment, and even sacrifice.
By the time you are seniors, think of the things you have experienced at this school: Great teachers and classes. Challenging academics. Artistic programs that have helped make you more creative and aspire to excellence. In athletics, you have experienced victory and defeat, but have learned about the value of being part of a team and working collaboratively towards a shared goal.
You’ve had interim and wilderness experiences that have stretched your comfort levels and made you more resilient. You’ve made friendships and been there to support one another. You have thrown yourself into this community and defined it by your good works. All of you have dedicated a significant part of your existence to Colorado Academy.
More than 20 of you have been here since Kindergarten, and others joined along the journey. You and your families made a decision to make this your school home. You did so knowing that the challenges would be more than what typical students might confront, but you also recognized that there were greater opportunities for you. Your families know this, and this is why so many relatives have come from far and wide to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this extraordinary class of students. Let’s thank our parents and their family for supporting these students.
Robert Frost once wrote: “There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies.” As Nicholas Sparks notes, “[Teachers] inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even when you don't know it.” Here at Colorado Academy, you have had amazing teachers in all divisions of the school. They are the kind of teachers that have helped your realize great things. While some of this is obvious to you, some of it isn’t and won’t be until you have more perspective and have a couple of college professors or teaching assistants who, as Robert Frost noted, will fill you full of birdshot. Colorado Academy has educators who promote creative expression and independent thinking and push you to excellence. Please join me in recognizing the tremendous faculty of Colorado Academy.
In addition, our Trustees at Colorado Academy take on the crucial role of ensuring the long-term success of this institution. They serve in countless ways to articulate and preserve the mission of CA. They are here to today to show their support for the accomplishments of the students and the work of the faculty. I want to thank this group of dedicated volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the school, as well as their vision for our future. Thank you, board members, for being here today to celebrate this milestone.
In a recent meeting with one of our board committees that ponders long-term issues for the school, we invited a group of seniors to share what they learned from being a student at CA. We heard many amazing things about the impact of Colorado Academy and how the people here have shaped each one of you. But, a high point is when one board member asked, “How would you describe a Colorado Academy in a sentence?” I have actually been asked this question many times by people outside of our community interested in learning more about CA, and I find that we are such a diverse, dynamic, and engaging place, that is nearly impossible to do so. But, senior Slide Kelly took this on instantly.
“We are a small school full of BIG people.”
Slide, we are going to trademark this and aside from all your memorable arts performances and students leadership contributions, this may be a permanent part of your legacy. The marketing person in me wants to put this in all of our admissions materials. But, what a true statement: “We ARE a small school full of BIG people.”
Later in the ceremony, I have the honor of recognizing each of you and describing what you have meant to Colorado Academy. It will be clear to our audience what BIG people each of you are. On the stage behind me are students who have spoken up for justice both on our campus and in American society; students who have demonstrated that they have grit and determination to take on any challenge; friends who would do anything to support a peer; people who give their all to what they believe in. Even when you make mistakes, you sometimes do so in BIG, epic ways—and that is ok! Don’t worry, I am not going to name names! Because we know, you learn from this failure and emerge as better students, thinkers, and people!
Slide’s comments made me think about what it means to be a “big” person. What are the characteristics? It has nothing to do with size or loudness or ego. Some of the “biggest” people in your class are small in stature and quiet, humble leaders. If I think about our faculty, there are giants – not unlike the iconic CA cottonwood trees behind me – but they are the same. These greats are modest. They ask questions. They put students first and make them a priority. They dive into their work with diligence and commitment. They are role models.
As Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.” When I look out at the tremendous faculty of this school, I know that there are teachers who have inspired you to be the best you can be; and they helped you think BIG.
My advice for you today is to set high goals for yourself and strive for greatness. You have surrounded yourself with excellent people –why stop now? I know this is actually a lot to ask, and it probably conjures up images of positions or job titles that may seem unrealistic or even elitist.
In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare wrote, “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” When I think of greatness, I truly believe one can achieve it anywhere from any position or station in life. It can be as a CEO or Senator, to be sure, but you also can be a great carpenter, or computer programmer, or social justice advocate, or parent, spouse, or child. The great human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi once said, “My top priority is to help people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.” I think this includes oneself. We can change and grow – you have done that here.
Within each of you lies the capacity to make a difference in this world. Within each of you, is the power to make yourself a better person. Within each of you is the training and ability to take on challenges that will come your way. It will require the mental fortitude and determination to use all your resources and facilities to rise to the occasion.
And rise you must. You are entering a world in which one rarely finds excellence. Many share the belief that we, as a society, have settled in a way. We have come to accept mediocrity all around us. Churchill said, “Good and great are seldom in the same man.” It takes discipline, self-discipline in particular to hold true to your inner and potential greatness.
I actually like the country music singer Dolly Parton’s way of phrasing this idea, “It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.” Dolly’s right -- It is not easy, when you set high goals for yourself and those around you don’t have vision or a sense of a higher purpose or calling. In fact, not setting them cane easily bring you down. Einstein observed, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
But, it seems to me that the ultimate sign of a big person is that person’s ability to make the world better; to raise the quality of life for another or to help raise others up to greatness. This is what sets BIG people apart—they role model, they inspire, they achieve, they try, and even thought they may fail, they persevere. On this day in 1944, thousands of men waded ashore on the beaches of Normandy. By this hour, the day was won, but with terrible costs in human life. It was a day of bravery, and courage, and sacrifice. I hope that in your life, you never have to face something like that, but you will face challenges in your life. They are opportunities for you to make a difference.
What I can say to you on this day is this: Stay true to yourself and stay on course. There is a lot out there for you to take on and we know that each of you is capable of greatness. My wish for you is that you follow a dream that gives you personal fulfillment and joy.
In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare wrote, “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” When I think of greatness, I truly believe one can achieve it anywhere from any position or station in life. It can be as a CEO or Senator, to be sure, but you also can be a great carpenter, or computer programmer, or social justice advocate, or parent, spouse, or child. The great human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi once said, “My top priority is to help people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.” I think this includes oneself. We can change and grow – you have done that here.
Within each of you lies the capacity to make a difference in this world. Within each of you, is the power to make yourself a better person. Within each of you is the training and ability to take on challenges that will come your way. It will require the mental fortitude and determination to use all your resources and facilities to rise to the occasion.
And rise you must. You are entering a world in which one rarely finds excellence. Many share the belief that we, as a society, have settled in a way. We have come to accept mediocrity all around us. Churchill said, “Good and great are seldom in the same man.” It takes discipline, self-discipline in particular to hold true to your inner and potential greatness.
I actually like the country music singer Dolly Parton’s way of phrasing this idea, “It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.” Dolly’s right -- It is not easy, when you set high goals for yourself and those around you don’t have vision or a sense of a higher purpose or calling. In fact, not setting them cane easily bring you down. Einstein observed, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
But, it seems to me that the ultimate sign of a big person is that person’s ability to make the world better; to raise the quality of life for another or to help raise others up to greatness. This is what sets BIG people apart—they role model, they inspire, they achieve, they try, and even thought they may fail, they persevere. On this day in 1944, thousands of men waded ashore on the beaches of Normandy. By this hour, the day was won, but with terrible costs in human life. It was a day of bravery, and courage, and sacrifice. I hope that in your life, you never have to face something like that, but you will face challenges in your life. They are opportunities for you to make a difference.
What I can say to you on this day is this: Stay true to yourself and stay on course. There is a lot out there for you to take on and we know that each of you is capable of greatness. My wish for you is that you follow a dream that gives you personal fulfillment and joy.
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