Petroglyph THE ALEXANDER DAWSON SCHOOL SPRING & SUMMER 2018
CONNECTING THE DAWSON EXPERIENCE How We Help Develop the Next Generation of Change Agents
From the Head of School The Petroglyph is the magazine of The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain. Its Mission is to celebrate Dawson’s growth and the achievements of its students, alumni and faculty. It is published twice per year. EDITOR, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Megan Gray Director of Marketing & Communications mgray@adsrm.org COPY EDITORS Rachael Lachhwani Shea Phillips HEAD OF SCHOOL Carola E. Wittmann, Ph.D.
“Challenge and Experience followed by Reflection leading to Learning and Growth.” – The Association for Experiential Education Welcome to the spring and summer 2018 edition of the Petroglyph. In this issue, we explore the why and what behind Dawson’s commitment to experiential learning. Assistant Head of School Roxanne Stansbury and Director of K-8 Chris Estrella offer an in-depth look at what we call the Dawson Difference: the ability for all our students, beginning in preschool, to engage in high-level academics that are steeped in experiences and hands-on learning.
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL Roxanne Stansbury ENROLLMENT MANAGER Stella Finfrock sfinfrock@adsrm.org DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Cathi Muckle cmuckle@adsrm.org
CONNECT WITH US!
We know that, in addition to classroom learning, 21st century skills require the ability to collaborate, reach consensus, develop situational awareness, and respect what makes us unique and different, both as humans and as learners. Every day, our students are challenged to “commit themselves to being agents of positive change”, one of Dawson’s Core Beliefs. This edition of the Petroglyph offers unique insight into how we facilitate the parallel paths of academics and experiential education while fostering our commitment to diversity and learning from each other.
FACEBOOK @AlexanderDawsonSchool INSTAGRAM @dawson_bears TWITTER @DawsonSchool
Carola E. Wittmann, Ph.D. Head of School
Experience the #DawsonDifference at AlexanderDawsonSchool.org
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VIMEO alexanderdawsonschool ISSUU alexanderdawsonschool
This page: Dawson’s pre-k students partnered with their third-grade buddies and held the first Farmers’ Market in The Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden. Cover: Clay scultpture titled “Colored Hands, Warm Heart” by Dawson eighth-grade student Kendall Bear.
4 | CONNECTING THE DAWSON EXPERIENCE How we help develop the next generation of change agents. By Roxanne Stansbury 8 | BEAR DEN NEWS The latest and greatest happenings around Dawson’s campus and in athletics 14 | GREETINGS FROM EVERYWHERE The power of experiential education By Chris Estrella 18 | DAWSON ALUMNI PROFILE Twins Amanda and Taler Brazell, Class of 2009
Contents 24 | WINNING GRADUATE ESSAY By Charlie Griffith, Class of 2018
26 | DAWSON GRADUATE PHOTO & TRIBUTES Discover where our 2018 graduates are headed for high school and read their family tributes 36 | WINNING GRADUATE ESSAY By Ashley Vanek, Class of 2018 38 | STUDENT ART GALLERY A photo gallery of Dawson’s 2018 Scholastic Art Award winners in the category of photography
22 | AN EVENING IN NAPA AT DAWSON A successful community-fundraising event held in the Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden
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Connecting the Dawson How We Help Develop the Next Generation of Change Agents
P
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oet-in-Residence. We Need Diverse Books Day. Capstone
A common thread for all Dawson educators is the commitment
Service-Learning Project. What do these three Dawson
to providing students with a learning journey and environment
events all have in common? The unpacking of “untold stories�.
that best meets the unique needs of our diverse thinkers and
This year, Dawson used this throughline to help our students
innovators. We know our students will face future adversities
develop global perspectives. Throughout the year, real-time
with reckless perseverance and resilience. So how do we
exposure to speakers and organizations helped guide our
equip them with the knowledge and versatile mindset to
students on their journey toward civic efficacy. This emphasis
thrive in this environment? A deep understanding of how
challenged students to go beyond surface-level research and dig
modern society and workforce needs are changing is the key
deep to gain first-person perspectives of real-world struggles.
to implementing curricula that reflects deep competencies and
The results of these opportunities proved rewarding as their lens
essential capacities. Academic success is no longer mainly about
of the world began to sharpen and become more focused. The
reproducing content knowledge, but about sifting through digital
learning and growth were visible.
bombardment, adapting to diverse situations, and developing
Pictured here: Eighth-grade students with Poetry Promise Founder and Clark County Poet Laureate Vogue Robinson (front, center) and Nancy Nelson (third from right), published poet and major advocate for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
n Experience By Roxanne Stansbury
creative products or systems that solve real-world issues.
with people who have fallen victim to hardships such as foster
Our teaching practices need to be transformed to respond
care, unemployment, illiteracy, hunger, racism and Alzheimer’s
responsibly to global needs, and relevancy and connections need
disease, our students developed the empathy needed to become
to be established while perspectives are challenged.
passionate advocates. As future change agents, our students will need to carve out time on their path toward solutions to see
Take a look at the service-learning programs that exist in schools
the world from other viewpoints. The eighth-grade capstone
and businesses throughout the valley, and you will find students
service-learning project allowed students to recognize that good
and employees volunteering their time and energy to help those
decision making comes from the interconnectedness of essential
in need. This work is commendable and rewarding. Dawson’s
capacities such as communication, collaboration, resilience, self-
service-learning program encourages students to volunteer their
awareness and creativity.
time and energy after a comprehensive study of root causes that contribute to a social injustice or inequality. Through interviews
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Connecting the Dawson Experience
Digging Beyond the Surface: A Classroom Snapshot
help. The visit became a life-changing learning experience, and students left the center wanting to continue their conversations
In April, our eighth graders selected a service-learning project
with the people who so greatly appreciated their individual
that resulted in a capstone presentation. They were presented
attention.
with the following organization choices: Friends of Red Rock Canyon, Goodwill, Spread the Word Nevada, Nevada Adult
The next stop was the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Day Healthcare Center, the Anti-Defamation League, the
Students were given a tour of the facility to gain in-
American Bird Conservatory and Three Square. Over the
depth understanding of the how the center is researching
course of the three-day project, student teams created a three-
neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
part capstone project that included a day of research and
They learned that, while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s,
problem framing, a day of service learning in the field, and a
cognitive, emotional, and physical strategies can be applied
day of reflection. For example, one team explored the causes,
to delay the effects of the disease. Students asked questions,
daily management, and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
took notes and explored the center with a determined mindset to further understand how this disease robs people of their
To fully understand the impact of this diagnosis, students
precious memories. With this first-hand glimpse, students were
interviewed Nancy Nelson – Nevada’s Senior Citizen of
hyper-focused on gleaning information that would help them
the Year recipient, poet, and advocate – who was diagnosed
discover the root cause of Alzheimer’s.
with Alzheimer’s disease. When Nancy came to Dawson and shared her untold story, she described the feelings of fear and
On Wednesday, May 2, our eighth-grade service-learning
devastation that initially accompanied her diagnosis, followed
teams reflected upon their experiences and collaborated on
by feelings of determination and hope. Nancy brought a reality
the creation of a capstone project. In their presentations,
that fueled the students’ commitment to finding a solution.
students documented their learning journey and synthesized
Through their research, a focus on word usage emerged as
their research into a forward-thinking strategic plan of how
an exercise that could help people with memory loss. The
to combat their global issue. Each team used Dawson’s Core
students then partnered with Clark Country’s Poet Laureate,
Beliefs to connect what they learned to the values and principles
Vogue Robinson, on a project through the organization Poetry
that shape a Dawson education. The student takeaways were
Promise called The Alzheimer’s Poetry Project – Nevada (APP
powerful.
NV). The mission of this project is to facilitate the creativity of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In
Impactful Learning: The Ultimate Goal
preparation for their visit to the Adult Day Healthcare Center, our students selected classic, well-loved poems and learned how
At Dawson, empowering voice in our young learners is the
to use a call-and-response technique to engage an audience.
fabric of the culture. We Need Diverse Books Day, Poet-inResidence and the eighth-grade Capstone Service-Learning
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At the Adult Day Healthcare Center, our students were greeted
Project allowed students to complement classroom knowledge
by applause and smiles. It was so touching to see how our
and acquire relevant disciplinary and social-emotional skills
students brought such joy to the people at the center. They
by participating in substantive, real-world work. At Dawson,
greeted each person individually, spoke to them with attentive
we believe in creating an educational community that adopts
listening and performed their poems using an interactive
a cohesive climate of care, where the definition of success,
technique. They interviewed Dotty, the center’s activity director,
engagement, and life satisfaction is authentic to the individual
about the needs of the people she served and how they could
experience. k
The Poetry Promise Student Experience
Eighth-grade students help volunteers clean trails at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for their capstone project.
“My expectations of people with Alzheimer’s was totally different than what I pictured it would be. At the healthcare center, 65 to 75 percent of the people actually had a form of dementia. They were all so positive and happy to talk to us, and I was not expecting their energy level to be so high!” - Skye Landess “It was incredible to hear everyone’s stories. Everyone at the AHC was so excited to see us. It was amazing that we could bring that much joy. We also learned so much at the Lou Ruvo Brain Center about dementia.” - Ashley Vanek
Eighth-grade students on-site at the Goodwill headquarters to learn about how the organization assists the community.
“When I saw how excited the people at the AHC were to see us, I realized that simple things can really make a difference. Just by showing up and reading short poems, there were many people who were happy and eager to talk to us about their lives.” - Sophie Gray “When our group first showed up at the Adult Day Healthcare Center, I was a little nervous about what their reaction was going to be. But as soon as I walked in, everybody was so excited to see us and that made me very happy. Everybody was so energetic and I had a wonderful experience.” - Conor Kelly
Eighth-grade students present their capstone project experiences and findings as a team to their peers, faculty, and parents.
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UNLV SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR DAWSON STUDENTS EARN AWARDS
Five Dawson students – eighth-grade team members Sophie Gray, Camille Oh and Ashley Vanek; eighth grader Vanessa Orton; and seventh grader Abby Shih – had science projects selected by Nevada State College graduate students to advance to the final round of the 2018 K-12 UNLV Regional Science & Engineering Fair, where they competed with hundreds of students from across the valley. Ashley, Camille and Sophie (pictured above with science teacher Dr. Kelly Gooden) took second place in the eighth-grade Invention Team category for their hydroponic garden project. Abby (bottom left) received honorable mention in the seventh-grade Life Sciences Individual category for her poster that explores using pectinase enzymes to determine the juice content of organic versus non-organic apples. Vanessa (bottom right) received honorable mention in the eighth-grade Physical Sciences Individual category for her poster on the effect of temperature on luminal.
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Bear Den News
DAWSON VOTED MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS! The Alexander Dawson School was featured in Business Insider magazine’s list of “Most Beautiful Schools By State” as the most beautiful school in Nevada. As incredible as our campus may look, it doesn’t compare to our truly amazing faculty and students. It’s the Dawson community, Mission and Vision that make a Dawson education extraordinary. Our beautiful campus is just the icing on the cake.
DAWSON STUDENTS SCORE HIGH ON LANGUAGE APTITUDE EXAMS DAWSON FRENCH & SPANISH STUDENTS PLACE NATIONALLY The Alexander Dawson School is very proud to announce that our sixth, seventh and eighth-grade world language students took this year’s International French Exam and the National Spanish Exam, and the majority of our students ranked in the top 10 nationally. They earned gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as honorable mention. French: More than 23,000 sixth through eighth-grade students took the national French exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Two Dawson students, Charlie Griffith (8) and Christina Podisor (6), scored gold medals and ranked in the top five nationally. Spanish: More than 40,000 sixth through eighth-grade students took the national Spanish exam, administered by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish. Two Dawson students, Elijah Porras (8) and Andrew Golden (7), placed first in the state.
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Bear Den News
FUTURE CITY COMPETITION DAWSON TEAM PLACES SECOND REGIONALLY Dawson’s Future City team – eighth graders Michael Rosenblum, Patrick McNulty, Charlie Griffith and Carson McCue – won second place overall for the Nevada region, as well as the Best Presentation award, at the Future City competition. Under the guidance and mentorship of Southwest Gas Corporation Transmission Engineer Maria Rushing and Dawson faculty member Matsuko Freeman, the team conducted in-depth research and selected Panama City, in the country of Panama, as the location to design an age-friendly city of the future. Their visionary plans would allow the city’s senior citizen population to be active, independent members of the community.
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DAWSON’S FIRST FARMERS’ MARKET PRE-K & THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS PARTNER TOGETHER In honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Week of the Young Child celebrations, Dawson’s Early Childhood (EC) and third-grade student buddies held the School’s first Farmers’ Market in The Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden. They picked, packaged and sold veggies, fruit, herbs, and flowers from The Ruffin Garden, as well as created herbal bath salts, satchels of lavender, and decorative vases full of flowers and herbs. All proceeds from the Farmers’ Market benefited Barn Buddies Rescue, a local farm animal rescue organization. “It was exciting and wonderful to see our students working together so beautifully,” said Early Childhood Director Amanda Musgrave.
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Bear Den News
Dawson Bears Athletics It was a great spring sports season for our Dawson Bears athletes! Whether on the field, court or track, our student-athletes represented Dawson with pride. Here’s a recap of the Red Rock Athletic Conference (RRAC) season: Basketball
The 7/8 girls’ team had the most season wins in Dawson history! Both the 7/8 girls’ and boys’ teams made it to the RRAC championship finals. The 5/6 boys’ team made it to the RRAC conference playoffs. The girls’ 5/6 team showed growth and improvement.
Tennis
The boys’ tennis team placed third in the RRAC league for the first time, and the girls’ team worked hard to improve. Both teams were led by strong eighthgrade athletes who mentored our younger players. Watching our younger players this season, we know Dawson tennis has a bright future.
Soccer
The 7/8 team made it to the RRAC semifinals and lost in overtime. The 5/6 team displayed excellent teamwork and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next year.
Track & Field
Dawson track and field student-athletes finished the season at The Meadows Invitational, securing four first place finishes in the girls’ and boys’ 4x100 meter relay, first and third place in the girls’ 100, third place in the boys’ 1600, and second place in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles.
Cheerleading
Dawson’s cheer athletes support our sports program throughout the year and keep school spirit high. Thank you, cheer!
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Washington, D.C.
Greetings from... Camp Stevens 14
Camp Surf
EVERYWHERE
THE POWER OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION By Chris Estrella
Camp Pali 15
Experiential Education
T
he alarm rings and zero movement. It’s dark outside.
taught didactically. At Dawson, we recognize the value and
Bleary-eyed, the Dawson sixth grader thinks, “Where is
power of experiential education; this value is supported by
the sun?” She looks over and it’s 5 a.m. “Are you serious? It is
our Core Belief, “Teachers best engage and motivate students
way too early to do anything.” Then, it dawns on her why she is
through encouragement, nurturing, inspiration and inquiry.”
up so early. “How could I forget? I’ve been waiting for this day for weeks. Today is the day we leave for Camp Stevens.” She
“Living it” has become a goal for Dawson. For example,
sprints around her room, collecting last-minute items. She finds
Dawson does not just teach U.S. history and government, or ask
her phone in the kitchen and begins texting her friends. “This is
students to create documentaries to submit to C-SPAN about
going to be awesome! Don’t forget the movies and snacks.”
public policies deeply affecting our nation. Instead, we travel with our students to Washington, D.C., to see the Declaration
As I finish my seventh year at Dawson, I can finally say I’ve
of Independence at the National Archives, tour Congress with
been on every overnight field trip Dawson’s Middle School
a Nevada senator’s aid, explore the magnitude of the Lincoln
offers. Some parents might think I should get a badge of honor
Memorial, and learn at the Smithsonian Museums. Overnight
because, when we pack the undercarriage of the charter buses,
trips in Middle School give faculty the opportunity to integrate
faculty attending the trip are used to hearing comments such
curricular threads into multiple subject areas, and we see that
as, “Good luck!” “How do you travel with 50 eighth graders?”
the development of the “whole child” and character education
“Thank you.” The faculty who attend these trips are “on”
are more fully realized.
24/7, get little sleep, and go above and beyond to make the trip memorable for each individual student. But we do not need a
This is accompanied by brain research indicating that people
badge of honor; the memories, smiles, laughter, collaboration,
learn better when actively engaged in the subject matter, rather
healthy competition, and sense of community cultivated is worth
than passively accepting it. For instance, at YMCA Camp Surf
every wink of sleep lost and planning leading up to the trip.
in San Diego County, the seventh-grade students spend four days participating in hands-on activities meant to build trust
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A rapidly-changing society and decreasing sense of community
and confidence through high-energy, challenging experiences
have reduced opportunities for many youths to receive the
in a safe environment. The idea that some things cannot be
support necessary to become self-sufficient. Consequently,
taught but must be learned through experience is a key element
Dawson overnight trips to Camp Pali, Camp Stevens, YMCA
of youth development and our Core Belief, “Global citizens
Camp Surf, and Washington, D.C. focus on the “whole
investigate root causes, analyze solutions, connect with people
person”. The outcomes of these trips are based on experiences
in need and become empowered activists in the problem-solving
and include complex dynamics, such as the development of
process.” Development is supported through involvement with
character, citizenship, and leadership - things that cannot be
people and places offering intellectual and emotional nurturing.
Washington Monument Photo courtesy of Jolie Lindley When designing these trips, John Dewey also comes to mind.
A third major idea at the core of youth development and our
For Dewey, it was vitally important that education be not just
experiential education program is expanding students’ comfort
the teaching of facts, but the full integration of the skills and
with being outdoors. From building a fort to playing in a
knowledge that youth have learned into their lives as citizens
stream, we act on the ideas Richard Louv outlines in his book
and human beings. Dewey saw learning as a result of the
Last Child in the Woods. Students progress through a sequenced
interaction between youth and their environment, which
and developmentally-appropriate program integrated into
meant the experience was different for each individual as it
the fabric of the School. We want to make the environment
combined new learning with previous learning and capacity.
practical and personal for students so they make different peer
Sixth-grade students at Camp Stevens in Julian, California, have
connections, appreciate and reconnect with nature, and think
the opportunity to witness what environmental sustainability
about sustainability through a positive and personal experience
looks like on a farm and in a garden. Further, they help camp
with the outdoors.
counselors maintain the fertile land. A highlight of the trip is when students pick from the land and work with their friends to
The basic idea behind Dawson’s youth development and
prepare a campfire feast. Leadership, empathy and collaboration
experiential program is some things cannot be taught; they must
emerge during meal prep.
be learned through experience. Experiences are transformed by participating individuals, development occurs when a person
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky emphasized not only the interactional
is at a level they’ve achieved with assistance, and we learn
nature of learning, but also the importance of relationships with
from observing the actions of others. By putting these ideas
others for learning to be most effective. What makes Vygotsky’s
and Dawson’s Core Beliefs into practice, overnight trips create
theory relevant to Dawson’s overnight trips is the idea that
opportunities for our students to meet their developmental
instruction is most efficient when there are others who can assist
needs in productive ways. Dawson’s approach serves its Mission
in determining the correct balance of challenge and support.
by considering the “whole” child as a central actor in his or
This helps learners complete a task near the upper-level end
her own development. With our focus on environments and
of their ability, or in the “zone of proximal development” as
opportunities, each graduate reaching their individual potential
Vygotsky called it. In addition, they must then systematically
is dependent upon others in the context of family, community,
withdraw support as the learner moves to higher levels of ability.
and society. Dawson’s trips are designed to focus on the positive
For example, our fifth-grade students attending Camp Pali in
outcomes we desire for all young people, such as becoming
Running Springs, California, have the chance to tackle a series
economically self-sufficient, remaining physically and mentally
of ropes course challenges. This encourages students to push
healthy, developing caring and cooperative relationships, and
personal limits, and develop self-confidence and teamwork,
becoming a responsible and contributing member of the
which leaves them feeling accomplished and exhilarated.
community. k
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Dawson librarian Jan Brazell, left, with her Dawson alumni twin daughters Amanda, center, and Taler Brazell
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TWINNING! DAWSON ALUM PROFILE
Amanda & Taler Brazell, ‘09 By Shea Phillips
T
win sisters Amanda and Taler Brazell have been part of
Academy,” says Taler. “I believe it was due to the foundation
the Dawson family since the founding kindergarten class in
I gained at Dawson. Dawson not only pushed me, but it gave
2000. They graduated from eighth grade in 2009 and attended
me the essential study habits and work ethic, and taught me the
The Meadows School, where they succeeded academically and
importance of balance that I believe led to my success down the
athletically. Amanda ultimately graduated summa cum laude
road.”
from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and currently teaches preschool in the Clark County School District through
Amanda chose to attend Wheaton College, in part, due to the
Teach For America. She is also working toward a master’s
small class sizes. “I wanted to go to a smaller school where I
degree in early childhood education at UNLV. Taler graduated
could have...a more intimate campus community. I had gone to
as a Medical Service officer from the United States Military
small schools my whole educational career, and felt I learned
Academy in West Point, New York, and is now a 2nd Lieutenant
best when I could get to know my professors and not just be a
training to be a U.S. military pilot in Alabama.
number in a huge sea of students,” she says.
Though it’s been nearly a decade since they moved on from
Taler says, “The class size [at Dawson] was perfect in that you
Dawson, both recognize the lifelong benefits of a strong
really got to know your classmates and teachers very well. I had
educational foundation and supportive teachers. Academically,
a similar atmosphere in both high school and college, and I
they feel Dawson prepared them for high school and beyond.
honestly believe that is the best way to learn.”
“For instance, first year biology at The Meadows just felt like
While many students choose a college and major during the
an extension of what I had learned at Dawson,” says Amanda.
admissions process, both Amanda and Taler made that specific
Further, she learned valuable study and thinking skills, critical
choice after classes started, based on content and teachers.
to early learning. “I am fortunate Dawson taught me these skills because I was able to know what I need to do to be successful in
“I went into college undecided, and only really decided on my
class and on exams.”
majors and minors after taking a few classes,” says Amanda. She studied economics and minored in both math and business
“My sister and I were at the top of our class at The Meadows,
because she really enjoyed the course material.
and I graduated ninth in my class at the United States Military
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#AmazingDawsonAlums “My economics professors at Wheaton were awesome!” says
place by herself, she’s grateful for the experience. “I was able to
Amanda. “They were always willing to help and provided
experience a new country, and (I) became more independent
challenging material.”
and confident in myself,” Amanda says. To this day, she recommends any student thinking about studying abroad to take
For Taler, her teachers in the math department at West Point
the chance.
motivated her to major in mathematical sciences with a minor in statistics and a nuclear engineering track. “They went out of
Amanda is now back in the southwest as part of Teach for
their way to make (me) feel like part of their family. Very much
America, which places recent graduates in low-income schools
like Dawson teachers and staff, they wanted to see (me) succeed,
for two years in an effort to minimize educational inequality.
and would go above and beyond to help in any way,” says Taler.
She recently completed her first year teaching preschool. “The kids really make the job what it is,” Amanda says. Even on
Taler was also able to travel during her college years. She spent
rough days where students don’t make the best choices, “they
three summers working with a Harvard research lab, one of
are smart, creative, funny, and I know they are capable of
which was spent in Korea. Her math background helped her
anything they put their minds to.”
assist graduate students on nanofiber research, and she brought data back to work on during the school year.
Amanda is also continuing her education at UNLV. “Being a student and working full time has its challenging moments,
Beyond academics, building relationships with peers and holding
but what I like about it is I can take what I am learning in my
a leadership role were also a big part of Taler’s experience at
lectures and apply it to my classroom. It has also opened my eyes
West Point. In her junior year, she was a platoon sergeant for
more to how my students learn and think, and has shaped my
her company and was in charge of 50 students, ranging from
teaching.”
freshman to seniors. As a senior herself, she went on to be the Adjutant of the Corps in charge of 4,000 cadets. But she loved
After she completes her two years with Teach for America,
being platoon sergeant. “Every day I had face-to-face contact
Amanda would consider coming back to Dawson to teach. “I
with everyone in my platoon, and I loved just getting to know
think it would be really fun to come back to Dawson and be
each and every one of them. That’s one experience that really
at the same school as my mom,” she says. Ms. Jan Brazell has
got me excited to lead soldiers once I joined the ‘big Army’
worked at Dawson for 17 years as a librarian, and as part of the
when I graduated,” she says.
health and fitness and technology teams.
Now, she looks forward to being the best pilot possible in the
Amanda’s earliest memory at Dawson was playing dress up that
force, fighting for her country and caring for soldiers. She will
first year in Mrs. Hibler’s kindergarten class. “It’s funny because,
eventually go on to fly Blackhawks (UH-60s) as a MEDEVAC
as a teacher, I dread opening this station in my classroom
Pilot.
because it always results in a huge mess and the kids pretending a little too far sometimes (i.e., putting fake food in their mouth
“Our mission set is unique and important in that we are going
and pretending to eat it), but I just remember having so much
out to pick up the injured soldiers and potentially save their lives
fun playing pretend with my other classmates,” she said.
in hostile areas,” she says. One of Taler’s earliest memories in Mrs. Hibler’s class was
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A college highlight for Amanda was the opportunity to study
career day. “I dressed up and wanted to be an ice cream seller. I
abroad. During her junior year, she went to the University of
never would have expected my life would be where I am today,
Edinburgh in Scotland. While it was challenging to be in a new
though I will say I still love ice cream!”
Top: Taler, middle, before flight training. Botton: Amanda, who is a vegan, and Taler are both proponents of health and fitness.
Top: Amanda in her Teach for America classroom. Bottom: Taler, third from right, celebrating her graduation from West Point.
Looking back, Amanda and Taler recall Mr. Josh Keilty’s
gut instincts is also important. “You will know what school is
science classes having a major impact on them: pushing them
right for you,” she said.
as individuals who think outside of the box while caring about each students’ progress.
Also, explore. “Study abroad, take time to visit a friend in a nearby town (or) city, do something fun on the weekends!
“We dissected worms and pigs, learned about human anatomy,
Studying is important and times will be challenging, but making
and did lots of engaging projects. Though I am not in the
memories is also really important,” she says.
medical or science field currently, I am still so fascinated with the human body and always try to read about it!” says Amanda.
Taler says, “Life takes you places you will never expect, but just
“I think Mr. Keilty made a difference because he was the first to
always strive to work hard and earn everything you want. The
expose me to this subject and it sparked my interest.”
continuous theme I learned at Dawson, West Point and even in flight school is that caring that little extra bit – whether it be
Other special memories include hanging out in the Library
to cheer someone up when they are having a bad day, choosing
after school with their mom and participating in annual events,
to take a harder class rather than the easy A, taking extra time
such as the Fall Festival and Gingerbread. Like many Dawson
to proofread a paper, go out for a run after a hard day or shine
alumni, they like to volunteer at these events whenever possible.
your shoes – can go a long way.”
When asked what they wish someone would have told them about high school and college, both Brazell twins say to keep an
Both Brazell sisters are also extremely appreciative of their
open mind.
parents. “I was very fortunate and thankful to my parents for allowing me to attend Dawson,” says Taler. “All of their
“My advice would be to trust the process because, somewhere
sacrifices...allowed me the opportunities I’ve had. I cannot be
down the line, there is a reason,” Amanda says. Trusting your
more grateful.” k
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An Evening in Na p We want to thank our wonderful Dawson community for helping us celebrate April’s An Evening in Napa at Dawson event. It was a beautiful night with great food and wine, garden décor, and support from our families and faculty. Thanks to our participants, VIP sponsors and auction donors, we raised thousands of dollars for the Dawson First Fund and funded two of our new innovation grants! Thank you to the families and businesses that donated to our incredible auction baskets: Anne Mazzola & Russell Rosenblum, Anthem Country Club, Barry Shulman, Beer Park, Bonanno Family, Canyon Gate Country Club, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Cathi Muckle, Cece Ventura, Chien Family, Cirque du Soleil, David Saxe Productions, Dee Berkley, Dennis Uniform, Don & Lori Forman, Eclipse Theater, El Dorado Cantina, Evel Pie, Hexx Kitchen + Bar, HUE Salon and Spa, Jayne Kelly, Jessica Gitlin, Jessica Gordon, Kim Katunis, La Strega, Las Vegas 51s, Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas Lights FC, Live Nation, Mary Murphy and Les Ottolenghi, Micatrotto Family, Michael Stamm, N. Kluger Designs, Nadine Kluger, Nick & Heather McCabe, PBR, Phil, Oleksandra, Richard & Malena Ruffin, Pure Barre Las Vegas, Raising Cane’s, Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub, Rogers Family, Shake Shack, Shelly Gregory, Shivon Geeb Square Salon, SPI Entertainment, Sweat Squared Xtreme Pilates, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Trattoria Reggiano, TruFusion, Vegas Golden Knights, Warner Family, & Xcycle.
pa at Dawson We’d like to extend a special thank you to our new Innovation Grant Sponsors: Five Sound Recording Booths: Joseph Family Light Lab: Abin Family, Carol Lamb, Garcia Family, Ketchum Family, Lefkowitz Family, Mazzola & Rosenblum Family, Lubas & Nadal Family, Melendez Family, Shulman Family, Vernon-Olivera Family, and Vonderahe Family Thank you to our Evening in Napa Planning Committee for donating their time and talents to the event: Corri Backman, Christy Shulman, Jayne Kelly, Laila Spiegel, Laine Warner, Les Ottolenghi, Suzanne Richardson, Crystal Lone, and Carli Snyder
Thank You!
Winning Graduate Essay
DAWSON GRADUATE ESSAY
Charlie Griffith, ‘18
N
elson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible
then, they made it a duo so somebody could keep an eye on me.
until it’s done.” This speaks especially true to me. If you
Little me felt betrayed, and so I came to the conclusion that the
had told me eight years ago that I would actually manage to
only solution was to kick a hole in the wall of the cafeteria in
keep my grades up long enough for me to graduate, I would
rebellion. That’s another story.
have laughed. Probably because eight years ago, I wasn’t the best student. I didn’t sit still or stand in straight lines, and I had a
Experiences like these have brought me closer to the people in
bad habit of pushing my teachers just a little bit too far when it
my graduating class right now than I have ever been. I am very
came to my antics. I was a proud kindergarten delinquent, and I
lucky to have shared these kinds of moments with the people
have the pink slips and office referrals to show for it.
sitting in front of me today. We’ve been through a lot if you think about it. We were stuck in an airport in Washington, D.C.
Then, the fateful day arrived. My teacher said we would put
for five hours! We went surfing in freezing, kelp-filled California
on a performance of the story The Little Red Hen. You know,
water in October! We passed math! And all of this was possible
the story of a single mother hen with awful animal friends who
thanks to some very special people who deserve some very
don’t help with anything, even though she is simultaneously
special praise. So excuse me for a second while I give back to
raising children and making bread from scratch. It was a perfect
those who have given us so much.
tale to tell innocent six year olds on a stage. I’ll be honest; I
7 24
didn’t really know what we were doing but I had to be the star!
Mr. Hennemann’s gift for storytelling and upbeat attitude
I was going to be the best mother hen in the galaxy – no, the
transformed math into an adventure. I’m not a fan of math
UNIVERSE! So naturally, my teachers laughed and made me
but I loved his classes. He had such a big influence on my
a miller, who – for the record – only appears once. And even
outlook on life and he is truly one of the nicest people I know.
“Dawson has helped us grow into powerful, lifelong learners. Just like the Dawson Mission Statement, we have done our best to achieve excellence in mind, body, and character, and only together have we made that a reality.” Mrs. Donohue, your classes helped make my sixth-grade year
who started it all for me. Mrs. Stoehr was my ECEC teacher
incredible. You make history come alive right before your
and, if it weren’t for the loving environment she and the other
students’ eyes with fun and interactive activities. You helped me
Early Childhood teachers created, I would never have stayed
learn Mesopotamia was the cradle of civilization and history
and met the rest of these fantastic people.
can be fun if you make it fun. Dr. Gooden, I know I am – in your eyes – a walking fire hazard, but your love for science and
Now that I’ve finished my thank yous, there are some people
the exciting activities you planned for us left me a bigger fan of
to whom I need to apologize. Mr. Burby, I am so sorry I made
science than I was.
you sit through that one-man show I made for financial literacy. That was a mistake and we both know it. I hope you’ll forgive
Possibly the funniest teacher I ever had, Mr. Ellis, takes
me, Dr. Gooden, for that one science class where Alena and I
education to another level. “El Supremo’s” ability to create a
burned pieces of rope soaked in lighter fluid “in the name of
lighthearted and caring environment wherever he goes makes
science”. Hopefully, the smell has left your room by now. Mr.
learning fun. I’m really going to miss him in high school.
Finfrock, a few years ago I wrote on your floor in Sharpie so I hope it’s gone by now. I know I gave you that sled on your
Mr. Burby, your faith in USC, combined with the integration
birthday, Mr. Ellis, as a replacement for the one I buried in your
of English into your history classroom, creates an interesting
backyard last year, but I just wanted to make sure we’re cool.
dynamic. Your “CNN 10” quizzes may be difficult, but your
Mrs. Boyum, I promise I will never stack all of the stools in your
class greatly improved my writing skills and gave me a smile
room on top of each other and climb atop them ever again.
every time I walked through the door. Ms. Lindley, your class
Mrs. Freeman, I couldn’t apologize for everything if I tried.
was one of my favorites, with your great book recommendations and witty comebacks. I wish I had more of your classes this
Let’s revisit what Nelson Mandela once said: “It always seems
year, and I do hope future students have novel studies more
impossible until it’s done.” Graduating seemed impossible
often than we did. I’d be lost without Mrs. Boyum. She helped
but Dawson made it a reality. Dawson has helped us grow
me find what I wanted to be in life, and I can never thank her
into powerful, lifelong learners. Just like the Dawson Mission
enough for the fun times and experiences she shared with her
Statement, we have done our best to achieve excellence in
classes. Mrs. DeRidder is the reason I love science. She made
mind, body, and character, and only together have we made
the experiments we did fun and her class was always my favorite
that a reality. We’ve laughed and cried and through it all; we
part of the day. Although it has been a long time since we played
kept going. I look at you all and I remember all of the fantastic,
with snails or tested the buoyancy of wood, I’ll always have
difficult, incredible, hard, amazing times through which we
memories to make me smile.
have lived. So before we embark upon the next great part of our journey through life, look around you, for this may be the
Madame Griffith gave me my passion for French, and she
last time we ever meet together. As you leave campus for the last
encouraged me with such an earnest love for teaching that it’s
time, look for what has made this school special for you. Take
impossible for me to imagine anybody else as my language
a moment to appreciate all that Dawson, our parents and life
teacher. The way she creates a group of semi-fluent students in
in general have given us so far. So please, as you leave, look at
just a few years is incredible. You can’t find that at other schools.
this moment not as the end of your childhood, but merely the beginning of the rest of your life. k
Lastly, I need to give some very special thanks to the woman
25
2018 Dawson Graduates
WHAT DAWSON MEANS TO OUR GRADUATES
“What did Dawson do for me? Well, Dawson gave me a variety of people. Some who love sports, such as basketball, volleyball
“My teachers and advisors helped me become the person I am.
or tennis. Or even people who want to do well in school and
They have taught and led me to be successful. From ECEC
actually like learning. But what Dawson really gave me was
to eighth grade, my teachers have always been there for me
friends, friends who have stuck with me.”
from teaching me how to tie my shoe or do complicated math
- Sofia Pelaez
problems. I have always felt like I had support if I needed it.” - Jake Chang
“Dawson gave me the best and most powerful mindset I would ever find anywhere. It gave me the spirit of hope, joy, responsibility
“I think this is a very important narrative that is pushed at
and, most importantly, independence. It gave me an education
Dawson. The school teaches students how to question everything
that has transformed me into the person I am today.”
and how to ask questions to obtain knowledge, to understand
- Dominik van den Branden
not just other people but the world. Imagine people being able
26
to understand each other, not necessarily by agreeing, but by
“At Dawson, I have the kinds of friends who give positive peer
understanding. In my opinion, that could create a much more
pressure – the kind of pressure everyone needs to make them
caring community of people and, here at Dawson, we believe we
overcome their fears, try new things, pursue their passions, and
are a family.”
to grow mentally and emotionally.”
- Dedric Calhoun
-Sophie Gray
WHERE ARE THEY GOING? BOARDING SCHOOLS
Camden Bachochin, Holderness School, NH Katie Hamilton, Forman School, CT Conor Kelly, The Thacher School, CA Elijah (Eli) Porras, Phillips Exeter Academy, NH Justin Tarquino, St. Paul’s School, NH Michael Rosenblum, Stevenson School, CA
BISHOP GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL Deen Afifi Noor Afifi Jake Chang Kamran Grover Anya Gururaj Michael Maini Nikki Mahmoudzadeh Rachel McDonald
Zachary Monkarsh Bohdi Norvell Emily Rowland Gianni Serrano Stella Spiegel ChaseThompson Dominik van den Branden
FAITH LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
Kendall Bear Emily Cutter Jack Routh Silberman
Charlotte Wilkes Ashley Vanek
INDEPENDENT STUDY Carson McCue
THE MEADOWS SCHOOL “I would like to thank everybody who has made an influence in my years at this school. Thank you to all of my classmates for your friendliness and for supporting me throughout my three years here. Thank you to my teachers for providing the best-of-the-best education and for molding me into who I am today. Thank you to the administration, faculty and staff for being the backbone of such a wonderful school.” - Elijah Porras “Dawson has been a home for me for the past 10 years. That’s 10
Payton Buchmiller McKenzie Gross Madelyn Katz Ming Yi “Cameron” Liu
CLARK COUNTY MAGNET SCHOOLS A-Tech Treyson Le Patrick McNulty
Las Vegas Academy Charlie Griffith Skye Landess
years of comfort, laughs, uniqueness and opportunities. The one thing I shall never forget about this school are the people. The people here are extraordinary. I mean everyone - the students, teachers and staff. The memories I have made over the years are ones I will remember forever..” - Anya Gururaj
Alena Pasha Sofia Pelaez Nicholas Ruybal
West Career & Tech Dedric Calhoun Evan Fife Cole Garney Sophie Gray Camille Oh Nalin “Coco” Poopat Junior Reynolds
CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Brayden Bayne, Centennial High School Vanessa Orton, Palo Verde High School Makenzy (Kenzy) Smith, Palo Verde High School Ella Pesqueira, Spring Valley High School
ADELSON EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS Judah Hafter
27
2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes DEEN & NOOR AFIFI
BRAYDEN BAYNE
Deen has blossomed
This is just a new beginning for
into a smart and confi-
you! We love you and can’t wait
dent young man. He is
to see what the future holds!
always inquisitive and
Let’s go, B!!!
insightful and can have
Love, Mom, Dad, Cameron &
a discussion with any-
Makenna
Brayden,
one about anything. He is attentive toward others and has great focus and ambition. His strong sense of self-motivation is inspirational to others and draws the potential of those around him. He is driven and will succeed in any goal he chooses. Noor is also one of four brothers and is the twin of Deen. He is a sweet, caring and intelligent young man. His personality shines and brings brightness to those around him. His adventurous tendencies as a child have evolved into a creative and gifted young man. Those who are around him are struck by his compassion for others and his lighthearted social personality. A considerate young man, he always puts others first. Our family wishes Deen and Noor the best in all their future endeavors.
CAMDEN BACHOCHIN
KENDALL BEAR Congratulations, Kendall. We are so incredibly proud of your dedication to school, friends and our community. What we treasure the most is your kind and loving nature that brings a smile to everyone that knows you. We know that you will continue to bring love and light to our world. Your future is so bright, both on and off the stage our little, shining star. We love you so much. - Mom, Daddy & Makenna
“Live the wonderful life that is in you! Be afraid of NOTHING.” -Oscar Wilde Camden, First, I Love You More! Secondly, I am SO blessed and thankful to have you as my daughter. You possess incredible talents, a strong will, infectious spirit, contagious laughter and have a generous heart. I am so proud of the young woman you’ve become. As you prepare for high school, always remember that each day provided to you is a gift, so use it by doing something you genuinely love. Congratulations, Wammer, on your graduation! Love, Mom, Chance & Master Sudoku
28
PAYTON BUCHMILLER Payton, We can’t believe our baby boy is graduating from eighth grade! It seems like just yesterday you were racing around the ECEC playground on your tricycle, with that sweet, little giggle filling the air. You’ve made us incredibly proud of the stellar student you are and, more importantly, the amazing person you are becoming each and everyday. Continue to work hard, stay focused, find joy in everything, be a kind human and strive for excellence in all that you do. We know you will. Love, Mom, Dad, Gracie & the Bean
DEDRIC CALHOUN
COLE GARNEY
Dedric, it seems like just yesterday
Dear Cole, We are so incredibly
I was enrolling you in ECEC. Your
proud of you! Congratulations
goal was to graduate from Dawson
on your graduation from
and move on to West Tech. So far
Alexander Dawson. A new city,
you are two for two! Always contin-
new school, new friends and
ue to dare to do great things in life.
so many adventures this year.
Keep on growing and developing
May you always keep your zest
those unique dreams and talents
for life and learning, and for
that make you who you are. Never
travel and adventure. We are
stop learning, exploring, growing and challenging yourself to be
honored to be your parents and
your best. Your biggest cheerleaders...Mom, Grandma, PaPa,
have loved every minute watching as you grow into an amazing
Uncle Greg, Erine and Juliet, Deanna, DJ, and a host of many
person. We love you! Mom, Dad, Eme & the rest of the family!
are shouting congratulations from the rooftops!
SOPHIE GRAY Mr. Lewis said it best: you are
JAKE CHANG Congratulations, Jake! You have come a long way in the last 10 years at Dawson! We love you and we are super proud of you. Mom, Dad, Chloe & Snickers
a true gem and a beautiful soul inside and out. We cannot wait to see where your curiosity and creativity take you! You constantly amaze us and we are so proud of you. No matter what you choose do, we know you will make the world a better place. All our love, Mom, Dad, Stella, Weezer & Pups
EMILY CUTTER Congratulations, Emily, on your graduation from Dawson! We’re grateful you have great memories and have met great teachers and made friends. We can’t believe you are graduating from Dawson already – it feels like you just started yesterday you were in sixth grade and excited to go to middle school. One day, you will look back on what a wonderful time it was. We want you to enjoy and push yourself to be the best version of you, which sometimes causes conflicts between us, but you should know we love you always and want the best for you. Love, Mom & Dad
MCKENZIE GROSS Congratulations, McKenzie! I am so proud of you! You embraced our move from Minnesota to Las Vegas and transitioned seamlessly into your new environment. You excelled academically, courageously participated in new activities and openly built some amazing new friendships. Your hard work, dedication, selfdiscipline and determination will help you face any challenge that lies ahead. Everyday, I am proud of the person you are becoming and know you will make a difference in this world. Follow your dreams and reach for the stars. Love you to the moon and back! Mom
29
2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes KAMRAN GROVER
CONOR KELLY
Congratulations! What might
“The only person you are destined to
have seemed like a lifetime to you
become is the person you decide to be.
was a blink of the eye for us. We
What lies behind you and what lies in
are very proud of the young man
front of you pales in comparison to what
that you are growing into. Your
lies inside of you. Do not go where the
firm values and beliefs and your
path may lead, go instead where there is
dedication to not compromis-
no path and leave a trail. Dare to live
ing them has been impressive to
the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams
watch. You have overcome many obstacles in these last few years
come true.” We hope these Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes inspire
and have emerged a strong young man. We watch with anticipa-
you! Love, Mom & Dad
tion as you continue to grow and develop. May you be blessed with academic success and surrounded by amazing friendships as
SKYE LANDESS
you embark on your high school years at Bishop Gorman.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
JUDAH HAFTER
efforts and accomplishments. This one, like most, is entirely on
-Eleanor Roosevelt Congratulations! We are so proud of all your
Judah, your light shines bright in
you. Congratulations on serving
all that you do, from your passion
two years as StuCo secretary,
on the field and on the court, your
achieving high honor roll and
tenacity in academics, the relation-
NJHS, all with endless hours
ships you create with your peers
spent at Nevada Ballet Theatre.
and adults, the dedication and
We encourage you to continue
loyalty you have for the people who
to take risks and benefit from
you love, to your smile and laughter
the rewards. Enjoy skiing the
that illuminates every room you enter. As you embark on the
black diamond bumps and
next part of your journey in life, remember what Maya Ange-
powder of life - where no one
lou said, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”
else has yet gone. Love, Mommy and Daddy (aka Super Steve)
LYSC, Abba, Ima, Gabriel, Aviva & Sofia
KATIE HAMILTON
TREYSON LE
We are so proud of the smart, courageous, curious, creative and
I’m so proud of my son. He has grown into such a kind, lov-
kind person you are. We admire your strength to stand up for
ing, humble and generous kid. Everyday he teaches me so much
what’s right and your determination
about life. He is right so many times when he tells me, “Mom, it
to follow where your talents lead.
is not a big deal.” His perspective surprises me many times be-
The world is a better place because
cause I cannot believe his mature
you’re in it! Thank you for bringing
mindset. It is truly an honor to be
dedication, joy and wisdom to all
his mom. My hope for Treyson
you do. We love you, we applaud
is he continues to be confident in
you and we look forward to support-
himself, be open to new oppor-
ing how you’ll choose to thrive.
tunities and know he is loved by
Love forever, Mom and Dad
so many people. I love you son! Congratulations!
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CARSON MCCUE
ZACH MONKARSH
Carson, when you were scheduled
Zachary, we cannot believe
for “delivery” in 2003, your brother
how fast the years at Dawson
pondered the size of the FedEx
have flown by! You have
truck in which you’d arrive. Now,
made us all very proud as we
an 18-wheeler couldn’t contain the
watched you grow into a kind,
enormous character, intelligence,
loving, well-rounded individual
work ethic, humor and kindness
and passionate young man.
you exhibit always. In your first days at Dawson, you charmed us
You truly have excelled while
by swishing your horse tail in the ECEC play. Today, you wow us
at Dawson and we wish you
with your tech prowess, educating us on all things Gen Z, from
great success in your next
righting social injustices to rocking pop hoodies, and impressing
adventure at BGHS! Your family will be here to encourage and
us with your reliably calm and focused leadership.
support you along the way! Congratulations! We love you!
Congratulations! With love, Mom, Dad and Ian
RACHEL MCDONALD From a young age, you were
BOHDI NORVELL “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a
a fiercely independent soul
chance, take it. If it changes your life,
destined to make your own
let it. Nobody said life would be easy,
path. That strong independence
they just promised it would be worth
makes you a passionate fighter to
it.” ― Harvey MacKay
protect those who cannot protect
We are so proud you and look
themselves.You have that magic
forward to continuing this jour-
combination of deep thoughtful-
ney with you! GO GAELS! Love,
ness, intelligence, kindness, fearlessness and incredible wit. These
Mom, Chloe, Pap & Grandma
qualities have made you a success at Dawson and will get you everywhere at Bishop Gorman and in life. Stay true to yourself always and follow your dreams. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds! Get ready for the fun roller coaster ride!
CAMILLE OH Camille, when you were born, you were so still and were quiet as a mouse. It seemed you were not quite ready to be received by the world. Fastforward 13 years, and you’ve become a viva-
PATRICK MCNULTY Congratulations! Proud is the only word to describe how we feel about your accomplishments. Before our eyes you have grown into a strong sensitive young man with a good heart and soul. It has been amazing to watch your journey. Keep looking forward and never forget were you started. Your future is bright and, with hard work, anything is possible. Love, Mom & Dad
cious girl full of youthful energy and charm. You’re a talented pianist, spirited volleyball player, loyal friend, loving sister and #1 BTS fan. Dawson has helped you grow into the person you are today and we are excited to watch you continue to blossom in high school. Please know you are, and will always be, our treasure. Love, Mom, Dad & Axie
31
2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes VANESSA ORTON
ELIJAH PORRAS
Dear Vanessa, Since the day you
“The future belongs to those who believe
were born, you have given us
in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor
such immense joy, laughter, and
Roosevelt. Congratulations, Eli! We
love. Your kind and gentle spirit,
are beyond proud of and happy
your infectious and beautiful
for all of your accomplishments at
smile, your love of travel and
Dawson, and grateful for the kind
adventure, and the dedication
and responsible young man you
you give to your studies will all
have become. You came to Daw-
serve you well in your lifetime.
son shy and quiet, and here you are graduating with confidence,
We love the person you are and the young lady you are sure to
outgoing and resilient and ready to face high school. It will be
become. Congratulations, Shahshee, we are so very proud of
a challenging journey, but know we will always be here for you
you. With love, Mommy & Daddy
every step of the way. With much love, Dad, Mom and Ejay
ELLA PESQUEIRA
JUNIOR REYNOLDS
Dearest Ella, I can’t believe how quickly the years have passed
Congratulations, Junior! We are so thankful for all Dawson has
and that you are starting your journey to high school. I am so
taught you these years. It has shaped you into the intelligent and
proud of the person that you have
motivated young man you are today. Your ability to consistently
become: a fierce, loyal, funny, intel-
work hard and persevere
ligent, kind and imaginative human.
through all that life has
Your passion for the things that are
thrown at you in the past year
important to you will lead you far in
shows how ready you are for
life; I hope you never lose that fire. I
what is to come. We are so
am so proud to call you my daughter;
proud of all you have accom-
I love you to the moon and back.
plished and are looking for-
Congratulations, Ella! Love, Mom
ward to what you will achieve in the future. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. We love you!
COCO POOPAT Congratulations to our math tutorin’, volleyball diggin’, violin pluckin’, science experimentin’, “pundamentalist,” humdinger of a daughter! You keep doin’ you, because you are AWESOME! We are so proud of the person you have become. Stay strong yet humble, and forge an amazing future for yourself. We’re so excited to see what you have in store for the world! We love you so much, Mom, Dad, Kirin and Bodin
32
Love, Mom, Dad, Jenna and Meg
MICHAEL ROSENBLUM Hurray, Michael, on a job well done! Since starting in ECEC 11 years ago, you have embraced ‘all the new’ thrown your way. We could not be more proud of you. Now go out there and keep taking on new challenges,with that huge grin on your handsome face! Love, Mom, Dad & Katie
JACK ROUTH SILBERMAN
KENZY SMITH
My dear Jack, Every morning for
watching you grow from
the past eight years I watched a lit-
a sweet little pigtailed girl
tle boy run off to Dawson and who
to a beautiful, kind, and
now returns home each evening as
adventurous 8th grader.
a mature, handsome young man.
You have such a gift for
You are my greatest gift in life.
lighting up a room and
Kenzy, it has been a joy
Your constant smile, zest for life and sense of humor will never
showing others what a great heart you have. Your compassion for
wane and will always help you through life. You have developed
others is something special and we know it will help you go far
emotionally, spiritually and physically and are now prepared for
in life! We will be here to love and support you as you embark
high school. I am so proud to be your father.
upon the next journey of your life! Keep aiming high and know
Love, Dad
how FABULOUS we think you are. We love you! Mom and Dad
EMILY ROWLAND
STELLA SPIEGEL
Congratulations on graduating middle school in America. You
Congratulations, Stelly! We are incredibly proud of you. Your
were so brave to start a new
unconditional kindness, intelligence, compassion and innate
life at a new school where you
ability to always want to help others before yourself is something
made lots of new fabulous
truly special. You are the sweetest,
friends. With your beauti-
brightest star ever, and we can’t wait
ful and kind heart, big smile
to watch you continue to sparkle
and great determination you
and shine. You have always been
embraced this life and made
able to obtain every goal you have
it your own. We are so proud
set for yourself, and done so on your
of all your achievements. We
own, never looking back. We are the
thank the School and the teachers for such a positive learning
luckiest family ever to have you in our
environment, empowering you to be the best version of your-
lives and hearts. Watching you grow
self. All your family across the world sends you lots of love and
is the greatest gift we could ever imagine. We love you beyond
encouragement as you face your next adventures.
words. Love, Mom, Dad, Stone, Lucy & Oliver
NICHOLAS RUYBAL
CHASE THOMPSON
“I’ve always believed if you put in the work, the results will come” -
Chase, What an amazing nine years at Dawson! We are enor-
Michael Jordan You have always given 100 percent in everything
mously proud of you and the
you do, and we know you will
young man you have become.
carry this trait through the next
Believe in yourself because you
chapter of your life. We are very
are so unique with no limit as
proud of you! We love you very
to what you can do. This next
much and can’t wait to see what
chapter in your life is going to
the future brings at The Mead-
be just as amazing. Embrace
ows! GO MUSTANGS!
all of it! Always know you have
- Dad, Nicole & Alexa
our love and support in all you do. Love, Mom, Dad & Gage
33
2018 Dawson Graduate Tributes DOMINIK VAN DEN BRANDEN
CHARLOTTE WILKES
Dominik, Congratulations on graduating from Alexander
We are so proud of you,
Dawson! It’s been impres-
Charlotte! You have
sive to see all the great things
accomplished so much at
you accomplished through
Dawson and now you are
academics, athletics and the
moving on to bigger things!
performing arts. Over the
Your kind spirit, sharp mind
years, you’ve grown into
and endless loyalty will get you
such a strong, intelligent
far in life. We love you!! Mom,
and talented individual, and
Dad, Katie & Ryan xoxo
we couldn’t be any prouder of the young man you’ve become. We hope you carry this same passion for success as you enter the next chapter and look forward to all you’ve yet to accomplish. With all our love, Your Family
ASHLEY VANEK
MORE QUOTES FROM OUR DAWSON GRADUATES! “Dawson staff is not like any other staff you would meet at a private middle school or high school. Dawson is different.
Ashley, congratulations. We couldn’t be more proud of the young
Dawson is Dawson and no one can change that.”
woman you’ve become. Ten years ago you marched into ECEC
- Nikki Mahmoudzadeh
like you owned the place, never
“This school has done so much for me. I would like to thank all
bothering to look
of my teachers over the years for the help they have given me.
back, and we
Thank you to Dawson for giving me the chances to become the
knew you were
best student I can be. I will never forget my experiences here.”
going to be re-
- Evan Fife
markable (even if it did make Mom
“This personal quest of mine would be impossible if it weren’t
cry a little). Now,
for the people around me. The friends I made here created
your leadership
an enjoyable atmosphere that is comforting throughout the
in the classroom
day and helped me feel like I belong. I would like to thank
and on the stage,
the outstanding teachers of Dawson who helped me develop
football field and basketball court are unparalleled. As your kind
my greatest academic interests and curiosities into a love for
heart and smart mouth have matured, there isn’t a day you don’t
learning.”
make us proud and laugh – often at the same time. Soon you’ll
- Justin Tarquino
start your next adventure at Faith. Continue being a leader and
34
striving for excellence while always lifting up those around you.
“Dawson has given us an amazing experience and definitely
Be brave. Be bold. Be you.
made an impact on our lives. Our lives revolve around school,
Don’t ever stop being our Renaissance Woman!
most of our friends are here and friends are pretty great.”
Love, Mom & Dad
- Alena Pasha
“I would like to thank my teachers for everything they were able to teach me and guide me through, while still being able to maintain a healthy student-teacher relationship. I would like to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to come to Dawson and for providing everything I needed to make my Dawson experience unforgettable. Dawson has been the best experience I could have possibly imagined.” - Michael Maini “The one thing I love about Dawson is that it teaches students to be human, to love learning in general, to learn from our mistakes and face challenges – some simple, some difficult. That there can’t be a tomorrow without a yesterday. Outsiders see Dawson as a school of academics. Dawson isn’t just that. Dawson improves our critical-thinking skills and, without Dawson, I would never know it’s so crucial to learn this.” - Madelyn Katz “From the time I have experienced on this campus, I would say I loved it because, for the first time, I could finally say I enjoyed and loved coming to school. Dawson is a friendly community because, from the time I started here, the teachers cared about me and they helped me when I needed help.” - Gianni Serrano “Dawson allows us to be who we are. In fact, we are lucky that
Hey, Dawson Alums! We love to share the many amazing accomplishments of our alumni with the world! Because it’s true: YOU are the #DawsonDifference
y STAY IN TOUCH! #AmazingDawsonAlums
Dawson celebrates all of us as individuals and as a family. We have been given the tools to improve our special selves. Students and teachers alike, Dawson recognizes and teaches us the value of hard work. Dawson students and teachers strive to do better, each and every day. We do this with pride and compassion for others.” - Vanessa Orton “Dawson has taught me to be a better person in my community, a team player and a leader. I’m so happy I have met great friends, and they have helped me through everything. This was the best class at Dawson by far; I’m going to miss each and every one of
FACEBOOK @AlexanderDawsonSchool INSTAGRAM @dawson_bears TWITTER @DawsonSchool VIMEO vimeo.com/alexanderdawsonschool
these kids.” - Jack Silberman
ISSUU issuu.com/alexanderdawsonschool
35
Winning Graduate Essay
736
DAWSON GRADUATE ESSAY
Ashley Vanek, ‘18
“Going to school here isn’t just sitting at your desk, waiting for the bell to ring. At Dawson, we don’t ‘punch the clock’, and it shows.” Dawson. Six of the 26 letters of the alphabet. To some
All jokes aside, Dawson is a fantastic school. I’ve been at Dawson
people, that’s all this word is: just six letters put in an order to
for 10 years and, in that time, I have done so many different and
make some random sounds. But to all of us here, it means so
interesting things. I built the sets for, and then acted in, plays,
much more. Dawson isn’t just a place for us to learn; it’s a place
sung in choirs, interviewed state senators and played on many
where we can experience life. From the D.C. trip in September
teams. Science fairs, Bears’ Night, Future City, Finance Park,
to our mid-year C-SPAN presentations to our service-learning
and Camps Pali, Stevens and Surf. So many things make up the
project in May, we at Dawson get to learn through living. This
“Dawson experience” that I’m sure I’ve left a ton out. Going to
year, we focused on the theme, “the danger of a single story”.
school here isn’t just sitting at your desk, waiting for the bell to
I am representing all of my peers up here as a single story. Yet,
ring. At Dawson, we don’t “punch the clock”, and it shows.
this is my story. There is a tradition at Dawson: At the beginning of the year, Dawson is my second family and the girls on the basketball team
the eighth graders shake the hands of the kindergarteners.
are my sisters. During the season, I spent more time with those
When I was in kindergarten, I shook the hand of an eighth
girls than I did with my actual family. We bonded in a way only
grader. For the next eight years, I dreamt of shaking the hand
teammates can.
of a kindergartener. I wanted to be just like them because they seemed so cool and grown up. I was so excited at the beginning
Ms. Mercado is that aunt who always has candy to give you or
of this year because my dream was finally going to come true.
a hug when you need it. And we all know who that really loud
While I have been “super cool” for many years, now was my
uncle is, but I promised Mr. Estrella I wouldn’t mention his
chance to be the mature eighth grader. This tradition is so
name. All the teachers here truly care about each and every one
important because it shows the kindergarteners what their future
of us. I always feel safe here…just like home.
could be.
The teachers at Dawson don’t just teach using textbooks; they
Author Sarah Dessen once said, “The future was one thing that
teach through their own experiences. Ms. Lindley is always
could never be broken because it had not yet had the chance
talking about her time teaching in high schools. We read a book
to be anything.” So basically, the future can be anything we
about 9/11 this year and she told us she remembers the exact
imagine. Anything.
moment when she heard the news with her students. Mr. Lewis somehow makes math understandable and enjoyable…. Well, at
Every one of us has a bright future ahead of us. Dawson has set
least understandable. Mr. Ellis is always going into his “cool guy
us up for amazing lives. We will all go on to do incredible things.
Californian” accent, even while he teaches us about very serious,
Some of us will go on to be doctors or photographers. Scientists
sometimes depressing, historical events.
or artists. Engineers or maybe even teachers at Dawson. We have all had the same middle-school experience here at Dawson,
And don’t even get me started on how much Mr. Burby talks
but we all have our own single stories within that experience.
about when he went to UCLA. Like, we get it. You love UCLA.
This one is just mine. And I loved every minute of it. k
Go, Bruins!
37
Scholastic Art Award Winners It was always the goal of Dawson photography teacher David Finfrock to inspire his Dawson students to see photography as more than just taking nice pictures. He explores it as a vital and complex form of artistic expression, leading his photography students to sweep the Scholastic Art Awards in 2018: seven Dawson students won four Silver Key and seven Honorable Mention awards. #DawsonDifference
An Infinite Crossing Justin Tarquino, 8th Grade
Bubbly Zephyr Simus, 7th Grade
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Age Away Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade
Leaf It at the Lake Ava Robertson,7th Grade
Death Match Humberto Trueba, 7th Grade
In My Dreams Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade
The Shy Light Alan Crompton, 7th Grade
Lincoln Memorial Wall Brayden Bayne, 8th Grade
Lifeless Life Maddox Mixer, 7th Grade 39
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DAWSON'S VISION Our graduates will be ready to achieve their individual potential, savor life and meet the challenges of the world.
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For more information, please visit AlexanderDawsonSchool.org or call (702) 949-3600