Longest-Serving Educator

to enrich classroom learning. Meaningful outings to sites such as Union Station and the Denver Museum of Natural History, as well as to local businesses and government buildings, were part of everyday school life.

Mrs. Gorham expanded the importance of travel by chaperoning trips to Europe starting in the 1960s. Those students who accompanied her on those summer trips have countless fond memories of their explorations together. These special experiences have led to other school travels, including those to the Southwest by Mrs. Priest and to Russia by Mr. Rice.

Mrs. Gorham also became the school’s first historian and preservationist. She took charge of organizing precious parts of the school’s history—school records, publications, brochures, memorabilia, and other items—and even authored the school’s first history book in 1977, “Graland Country Day School - The First 50 Years - 1927-77.”

As head of alumni relations, after retiring from teaching, she devotedly kept in contact with former students. I fondly remember her invitations to return to campus and attend the annual holiday program in the gym, followed by

Two Alumni Awards, What’s the Difference?

an alumni reception in the library. She was genuinely interested in every former student or family member who returned to Graland. Visiting with her was always the highlight.

Here is one final fun fact about Mrs. Gorham. She and her husband, Paul, were members of the Colorado Mountain Club, and they were the first married couple to climb all 52 of the designated peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado. After climbing Capitol Peak on July 15, 1944, “The Saturday Evening Post” celebrated their accomplishment with an illustrated article.

With the school’s motto being Ascende Omnem Montem (Climb Every Mountain), it seems fitting that Mrs. Gorham and her legacy are so well connected to Graland. She showed deep caring and encouragement for every student’s endeavors and inspired them to take every step toward attaining their dreams.

With Mrs. Gorham’s warmth and encouraging nature, It is not difficult to imagine her in the lobby of the Corkins Center greeting us and saying, “Keep climbing those mountains!”

2023 Carnival: SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 2, 2023

The highly anticipated Carnival is an end-of-year Graland tradition. Classic carnival games, a dunk tank, inflatables, popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones make this event a hit for the entire family! This year’s Carnival will take place on June 2, 2023, from 3-5 p.m. on campus.

To purchase tickets, visit graland.org/carnival

Spring Community Breakfast

Wednesday, May 17 8:15 a.m.

Anschutz Commons

Please join Cat Carlson and the GPA in Anschutz Commons on Wednesday, May 17, to celebrate the year and honor volunteers at the 2022-23 Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Breakfast. Whether you could volunteer or not, we hope everyone will join us at this community event!

To register, please visit graland.org/CommunityBreakfast

Spring Art Show Recap

The Spring Art Show, a longtime campus tradition, took place on Friday, April 14, 2023. This colorful afternoon included a student art gallery walk, scavenger hunt, art stations, and delicious treats. Prior to the Art Show, parents were invited to a special ribboncutting ceremony for a new sculpture installation on campus. The custom art, welded into the shape of birch leaves, honors Graland educators, thanks Inspire Campaign donors, and celebrates the entire community. See inside the front cover to learn more.

Graland Spirit Store

Community Outreach: Thank You, Volunteers!

The GPA would like to thank the countless volunteers that participated in outreach opportunities during the 2022-23 school year. A special thank you to our community partners, Xcel Energy, Chatfield Botanic Gardens, WeeCycle Baby, Growing Home Food Pantry, Special Olympics Colorado, A Precious Child, and Grow Local for allowing our volunteers to work alongside your organizations.

Spring has sprung at the Graland Spirit Store! So stock up on t-shirts, baseball caps, and water bottles to keep you cool as the days get warmer. And, showing school spirit is easier than ever, with options to shop in-store and online at graland.org/ store. An added perk? All proceeds from the Graland Store fund your favorite GPA events. Thank you for supporting the school and programs you love! Go Graland!

graland.org/store

13th Annual Eagle Invitational

Friday, May 19, 8 a.m.

CommonGround Golf Course in Lowry

We are looking forward to seeing registered golfers at the tournament on May 19! If you are interested in playing, please contact Jeri Volpe at 303-399-8370 or jvolpe@graland.org for availability.

Junior Eagle Invitational

Thursday, May 18, 3:30 p.m.

CommonGround Par-3 Golf Course in Lowry

Graland students will tee off in a sold-out mini-tournament on May 18! Fun prizes will be awarded to the champions of the Par-3 course.

Junior Eagle Golf Clinic (K-4)

Thursday, May 18th, 4 p.m.

CommonGround Par-3 Golf Course in Lowry

Lower School students new to golf are invited to learn basic skills of the game during a one-hour clinic! To sign up, visit graland.org/golf.