Class of 2025 Senior Tributes (Acker-Johnson)

Upper School

CA Communications

June 5, 2025

Senior Tributes: Acker-Johnson Senior Tributes: Keil-Thorpe Senior Tributes: Toland-Zimmerman

Melissa Jordan Acker

You bring fierce determination, a sharp wit, and loyalty to everything you do. Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, championing your friendships, and balancing your love of science and animals with your love for equestrian, your passions are endless. You’ve shaped our community with creativity and care, and we’re all the better for it.

Clark Aiden Akuthota

With unwavering dedication, you can be found scaling a climbing wall, commanding the tech theater booth, or captaining the Ultimate Frisbee team—while also earning All-State honors. Gifted pianist and mentor, you demonstrate thoughtful leadership in REDI Lab and the Adventure Sports Club. As our Math Achievement Award winner, your generous spirit makes you one of a kind.

Everest Andrew Akuthota

Curious and creative, you move through the world as an artist, Horizons tutor, climber, skier, pianist, and scientist extraordinaire—never seeking attention, and always supporting others. You make your excellence look effortless. From calculus integrations to mixed-media masterpieces in Portfolio ASR, you brought intellect and depth to our community.

Jackson Barclay Ammann

You are the embodiment of a true historian. Your teachers love your desire to discover the world around you. Whether in REDI Lab, Ski Patrol, theater, tutoring younger students, or Ultimate Frisbee, your kindness permeates all. We won’t be surprised to see your name on a ballot one day, because leadership comes naturally to you.

Tyler Calvin Andringa

A commanding presence grounded in kindness, you embraced CA with humility and grit, especially on the ice, anchoring our Hockey team as a true defensive force. Meticulous in your preparation and relentless in your pursuit of understanding, you lead by example. A thinker, a teammate, a friend—your impact will be felt long after you skate off.

Emily Paige Archie

You show up with empathy and strength, building community everywhere: on our Tennis courts, and Horizons, and as Co-President of the Black Student Affinity Group. At POCC, you lit up the dance stage with joy and pride. A State Champion and a Mustang for life, you lift others with your humor and heart.

Anna Grace Baumbusch

With energy and unshakable determination, you extend yourself to others. A true scholar-athlete in Field Hockey and Soccer, you are the quintessential Senior Athlete of the Year. In the classroom, you bring passion, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. A leader in CLT, HOPE, and Co-President of the Children’s Hospital Club, you build family wherever you go.

Storm Sofia Bearley

You’re a true force: fearless, fashionable, funny, and full of heart. You’ve weathered challenges gracefully, found your voice in our science labs, and brought the storm to everything you do. From your CIP with Project Angel Heart, to Ceramics, to your team’s first Tennis State Championship—you’ve truly lived up to your name.

Lilly Joan Biederman

The glue of the crew, you bring people together with warmth, wit, and conviction. Your leadership in Mock Trial and your passion for social studies reveal grit and curiosity. From Ceramics class to travel in Spain, you’ve become more eloquent, open-hearted, and deeply grounded. You elevate others and know exactly who you are.

Leah Patricia Blake

Your courage is contagious: On stage and in class, you embrace who you are and empower others. Cindy Jordan Award winner, from Chanteurs to Mock Trial to Volleyball and theater, you organize, serve, and spark joy. Your heart is so huge that it holds friends, family, Taylor Swift, teachers, and an entire school of girls in Chile who adore you. Your authenticity is simply never lost in translation.

Yori Queenceta Blanchard

With vulnerability and kindness, you inspire others to look beneath the surface. Friends say you help them see things more clearly. In dance, Tennis, Volleyball, and in the classroom, teachers watched you leap beyond your comfort zone, engage with challenging ideas, and foster inclusive conversations. Genuine, wise big sister, and deep thinker.

Emerson Elizabeth Brown

Dedicated and thoughtful, you pursue your passions and redefine your limits. In Calculus, you puzzle your way through complicated proofs. In Field Hockey and Lacrosse, you love working towards a common goal. And while coaching kids at Horizons, you focus on connection, not just technique. Teachers say that you glow with joy, smile quickly, and always ask about their day.

Georgiana Ferree Brown

You show up with purpose and greet everyone with a smile. Diving deep, you are quick to get to work in Calculus, eager to grow in ASR English, and always ready with thoughtful questions. It doesn’t matter if you’re at Children's Hospital, babysitting, or on the Lacrosse field, you love working with kids, bringing this joy to every space you enter.

Serafina Jocelyn Brunner

Soccer star and underwater photographer, you're always diving into the next adventure. Your confidence is magnetic, drawing people in wherever you go. As a CLT, you welcomed Ninth Graders to the Upper School with a patient ear. State Champion, dedicated lifeguard, and all-around go-getter, we know you'll serve our country with the same heart and hustle.

Mengistu Abraham Caleb

Confident, reflective, charismatic, you inspire your peers. You’re an asset on the Soccer field and in the classroom, as your passion is contagious. A storyteller at your core, your films and Senior speech highlighted the depth of your presence and your bright future. Charming, curious, and full of big ideas, your voice uplifts us all.

Finn Leonard Campbell

You bring joy, charisma, and trademark energy to everything. As a CLT, on the Lacrosse field and Ice Hockey rink, or in the classroom, teachers say you are “enthusiasm personified.” Your work ethic and desire to challenge yourself are rooted in relationships, connection, and collaboration. You light up every room.

Addison Kate Chandler

Endlessly joyful, you take on life with a grin—even when it involves interpretive dance. Field Hockey phenom, Zach Hills and Chris Babbs Awards winner, HOPE Co-President, Senior Knockout mastermind—you make things happen. Blending fierce and friendly, you bring people together, whether in the pool or in the classroom, where you received an English award. You don’t just show up, you lift others up.

Eva Quetzal Chandler

A creative force with a sharp mind, you’re an artist through and through. While painting, writing, or speaking out for what you believe in, you've brought passion and purpose to our community. As the Visual Arts Award winner, you help others see the world differently. As GSA Co-President and ER volunteer, you turn conviction into action with compassion and strength.

Megan Elsa Clarke

Researcher, avid reader, coder, committed volunteer and golfer, you show up with curiosity and grit. Through REDI Lab, you inspired children to love science, but most importantly, to have greater self-confidence. Teachers call you “intentional” and a “quiet powerhouse.” Your courage and deep interests make CA better and will fuel your journey ahead.

James Alexander Claypool

A powerhouse of positivity, you bring curiosity, kindness, and good vibes to everything you do. Whether you’re dropping solos in Academy jazz, mentoring with CLT, or diving into debate for the first time, you do it all with authenticity and a smile. On stage, in the classroom, or grabbing boards in Basketball or as Chess Club Co-President, you’re a true original.

Charlotte Paige DeNezza

You bring your whole self to every room. In science and English, you infuse scholarship with substance. As a CLT, Horizons tutor, and dedicated Kokopelli editor, you elevate others by honoring their ideas. In Ethics Bowl, or even around the family dinner table, you are always up for a good debate. And through your portraits in photography, you capture the best in others.

Aziza Zeyneba Diallo

No matter the call, your answer rings, “Yes!” You gave us your all, from CLT to FACES, BSA to STAMP, to the platforms of Speech & Debate. You’ve hiked the jungles of Panama, unearthed fungi research in ASR and REDI Lab, and spoke your truth in your Penumbra speech. Your poetry, your purpose, your presence—this place will echo with it long after you’ve gone.

Oliver Zebarah Ebel

You bring people together—curious, inclusive, and full of heart. Through CLT, your athletic teams, your time as a beloved camp counselor, and simply being an all-in son and brother, you set the tone with gratitude wherever you go. You’ve grown up with CA in your DNA, and now you give back to our community tenfold: a model of CA’s mission.

John Albert Ege

You bring boldness, brains, and a drive to match. As Captain of Lacrosse, you lead with purpose and set the bar high. Debater and Co-President of Ethics Bowl, you’re always ready to dive into tough conversations, inspiring your teammates and the CA community. Confident, articulate, and fiercely motivated, you’re just getting started.

Guilherme Martins Eichstaedt

A proud big brother, rooted in culture and community, you bring bold energy and authentic presence to every space you enter. Whether sparking conversation in three different languages or giving your all in Calculus, you show up with humor and care. It was a joy to see you join everyone on the Soccer pitch this year—one of a kind, in the best way.

Justin Ambrose Fagelson

Never one to shy away from tough conversations, as a CLT you led Ninth Graders with honesty and openness. A true Renaissance scholar, you're just as comfortable behind a video camera as you are in front of a whiteboard solving differential equations. Tutoring through Horizons, you’ve shown that your love of learning is matched only by your gift for sharing it.

Ella Grace Firman

A stellar big sister and natural storyteller, you care deeply and love big. You bring energy to your Golf team and to your friends, family, and teachers, always with a smile. Your time walking dogs at Humane Colorado showed your patience for creatures of all sizes. We can’t wait to read the many chapters you write next.

Charlie Becher Frankum

The final Frankum! Ice Hockey and Lacrosse Captain, HOPE volunteer, and a joy in tech theater, you bring a smile—and your signature enthusiasm—everywhere you go. In Tanzania, you planted over 200 trees, and through Special Olympics, you lent an impactful hand. A true gentleman, you rise above the fray with kindness and poise beyond your years.

Celina Marie Frenz

State Champion and scholar, you do it all with grit, grace, and humor. You bring your A-game to the Soccer field, the classroom, and the Ceramics studio, chasing excellence with joy and drive. Rooted in your global experience and powered by fierce independence, you’re the teammate everyone wants and the friend everyone counts on.

Zola Lucielle Garnsey

Soccer goalie star, nothing gets past you. A State Champion, and First Team All-State member, you’ve proven yourself time and time again. Through REDI Lab, you used your love of family to show others how to connect and grow. Quick to learn, you’ve stepped outside of your comfort zone in computer science and video, and excelled. Big heart, loyal friend.

Emerson Sienna Geisler

Cool under pressure, you make it look easy. In science and math, your logic is laser sharp. With words, you weave memories into magic. Dedicated HOPE volunteer and Swim Captain, you fly to the finish line and rally your teams. Whether spinning tables at Homegrown Pizza or sculpting with clay, your unique eye bends time and space. Caring sister, daughter, and friend.

Jackson Robert Gilliland

Authentic and curious, you don’t just talk about ideas—you build them. Whether winning a Tennis State Championship, coaching kids, or creating an AI tool in REDI Lab to support teachers, you show up with empathy. You embrace deep learning and creating, fearlessly putting your work out there. We admire your kindness, growth mindset, and deep insight.

Alicia Catherine Gold

An intellectual explorer with a curiosity that never hits pause—you dived into ASR classes and soaked up the world like it was your favorite subject. Whether you’re captaining the Swim team, organizing the Blood Drive, playing cello, or showing up for HOPE, you give your all. With big ideas and an even bigger heart, you’re a global citizen who makes us believe a better world is possible.

Regina Gomez Aguilar

With a passport full of questions, you explore the world and bring depth to every conversation. In class, you tackled the language of math and explored economies of gender and culture. On the Field Hockey pitch or juggling Soccer and school, you pivot without missing a beat. And as a beloved tutor and teacher, you build bridges with words and wonder.

Dalila Gómez Meraz

You dazzled us with your talent—from poetic essays and beautiful Spanish prose to intricately designed ceramic pieces inspired by your roots. Whether dancing folklórico, tutoring with Horizons, or holding it down as a full-time barista, you do it all with care, creativity, and deep thought. Your presence will be missed in our community.

Gabriela Angelica Gonzales

With humble dedication, you hold yourself to the highest standards. On the dance floor, you radiate confidence and dazzle us with your talent. We know how hard you work to balance Salsa with school, writing with rhythm, and empathy with courage. Whether directing Latin Dance Club, shining on stage at POCC, or energizing your yoga Interim, you inspire every step of the way.

Ralph Clayton Hamm IV

You make everyone feel seen and live CA’s mission every day. Thoughtful to your core, you lift others up without hesitation and speak out for what’s right. Basketball is your heartbeat, and you steer your team with purpose, earning you a Captains Award. From REDI Lab and CLT to Mock Trial, you show us what it looks like to live with courage, conviction, and magic.

Thomas Edward Hardy

A natural at the helm, you have empathy, humor, and undeniable charisma. As a three-sport athlete, two-time Captain, and Zach Hills Award winner, you bring energy and positive presence to every room. You're the voice that rallies teammates, the coach who inspires kids, and the friend who always shows up. Caring, connected, and full of spark.

Aidan Jared Harrington

Wise and witty, you bring people together with sharp insight and genuine care. Whether synthesizing a class discussion, adventuring on the Panama trip, the Soccer pitch, or Speech & Debate—or even cracking a perfectly timed history pun—you elevate every space you’re in. A true liberal arts mind, you learn for the joy of it and inspire others to do the same.

Elizabeth Hadaway Haynes

As a CLT, you helped guide Ninth Graders with care and confidence. You’ve shined on the Tennis courts for four years and, as a creative force behind the scenes, built magic in Harry Potter and Alice by Heart. Your ability to balance school and a part-time job speaks to your dedication. A true team player, you make every community stronger.

Hector Hernandez Morales

Whether packaging 10,000 meals at the food bank or perfecting a ceramic form in the studio, you bring care to everything you do. Deep-thinking and big-hearted, you soak it all up—on the Soccer field, in STEM labs, in English classes, working on cars, and mentoring with Horizons. You’re sensitive, serious, and full of soul, with a work ethic that speaks volumes.

Tiffany Suzett Hernandez Najera

Beloved Horizons lacrosse coach, energetic Latin Dance Club leader, and the coolest sister, you extend yourself fully to mentor kids of all ages. In Ceramics and English, you mold meaning in clay and words. Each day, you march into class with conviction, tackle existential questions, and fill rooms and stages with your powerful voice and heart.

Josie Grace Hicks

Mature, steady, and positive, you have been a bright light in the Upper School. We loved watching you win the Senior Science Award, volunteer for Project Angel Heart, and create in Ceramics. Whether Captaining our Volleyball team or debating the history of epidemics in social studies, you are all in—dependable, engaged, with a heart of gold.

Harper Marley Hodgson

You radiate light and joy. Teachers say you “have a powerful and creative mind.” Your ASR Photography show beautifully blurred the lines between real and unreal. Whether capturing the world through a lens, flying down a mountain, working on Krew at Geneva Glen, or diving into sustainable architecture, you bring passion and purpose to it all.

Gabriel Morrison Huberman

A true problem-solver with a curious mind, you think deeply. Whether co-piloting your robotics team, playing Baseball, or guiding campers, you bring focus, generosity, and drive. You share your knowledge with enthusiasm and support others with compassion, both as a teammate and a brother. You don’t just build solutions—you help others grow, too.

Anna Claire Johnson

Whether on the courts or in the art studio, you are a force that moves and pivots with purpose. A powerhouse in our community, you set all-time scoring records in Basketball, served as Co-President of the Children's Hospital Club, and coached tennis. Gifted artist, you challenge yourself and those around you to rise to the occasion.

Senior Tributes: Acker-Johnson Senior Tributes: Keil-Thorpe Senior Tributes: Toland-Zimmerman

Class of 2025
Commencement
Senior Tributes

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