17 minute read
TAKING FLIGHT
There are 116 young alumni in the Class of 2020, each with a different and fascinating story to tell. Here is one of them.
Photo: D. Wells
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SOPHIA WAGNER ’20: Curious. Creative. Innovative. Engaged.
When she arrived at Kent Denver as a ninth-grader, Sophia Wagner ’20 thought her strong interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) would define her high school years. However, she surprised herself by finding an equal passion for history, literature and social justice, thanks in large part to the influence of some favorite Kent Denver teachers. We sat down with Sophia to talk about her Kent Denver journey and how a well-rounded curriculum—and ample opportunities for self-directed studies— have shaped her experience.
What were your first impressions of Kent Denver? I went to elementary and middle school at American Academy—a charter school in Castle Rock—and I remember feeling really nervous as I was the only person coming from my middle school. I thought that it would be painfully difficult to meet people and to make connections, but in retrospect it happened surprisingly quickly. The small class sizes were at first a shock to me, but I quickly fell in love with them.
Your relationships with teachers have been a key element in your Kent Denver experience. Which teachers have made the most significant impacts? My freshman biology teacher was Ms. Malone. She was the first teacher that I communicated with a lot outside of class. I would send her emails with links to cool articles about biology, and she did the same. Sophomore year, I had a really good relationship with Ms. NeJame in metalsmithing. I wouldn’t say I am necessarily artsy, but I loved her class and there is something really therapeutic about working with your hands and creating something. I also really appreciated working with Mx. Haynes in computer science that year. I took the class on a whim (giving up my only free period) and it was really out of my comfort zone! But Mx. Hayes helped me so much and introduced me to a whole new method of thought and language. Lately, Ms. Park and Mr. Richardson have probably had the biggest impact. Coming into Mr. Richardson’s U.S. History class junior year, I was like, ‘I’m not good at history; I’m a science person.’ He gave and continues to give me the freedom to direct myself towards topics I find interesting and allowed me the creative license to take risks that I hadn’t in other classes. This year, I took his Race in Modern America class in the first semester and now I am taking Class and Gender in Modern America, both of which look at history and literature with a social justice lens. It’s been an amazing part of my Kent Denver experience. Ms. Park has been my independent study sponsor and is an amazing mentor for ocean-related research in Colorado, which is hard to find! She is also very supportive of my advocacy for gender equality, especially through the EmpowHERment initiative.
You are very involved with the Upper School REEFS club, which supports marine science and advocacy. How did you become interested in the ocean as a landlocked Colorado native, and how does REEFS support this passion?
I already loved biology and have been a competitive swimmer since I was eight years old. My older sister [Addy Wagner ’14] assisted in founding the Teens4Oceans club at Kent Denver, so I think it was a mixture of those influences. I really appreciate the ocean and realize how vital it is to the world and our climate.
Photo: D. Wylde
Photo: M. Dickman ’94 REEFS tries to make a difference through a student-wide approach. Co-leader, Alexandra Haymons ’20 launched the SayNo2Plastics pledge this fall to cut down on singleuse plastics, and we are working with student leaders and Mr. Walker to reduce the plastics sold in Café Bogue. Additionally, we are leading a Meatless Mondays initiative in the Dining Hall. We also do research to support healthy coral reefs. Three of us have been working on an independent study with Ms. Park focused on zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae that live within coral. We are learning how to quantify them in order to understand the health of coral and then we’re using that information to understand how these algae are affected by climate change. [In Kent Denver’s Ocean Lab], we mimic conditions of coral bleaching, rising temperatures and ocean acidification, and then see how to re-establish zooxanthellae numbers afterwards. We are hoping to publish our results or at least get enough data that other students can publish them in the future. You will be one of the first students to graduate from Kent Denver with an Innovation Scholar certificate for experimental research. In addition to your marine research, what other elements are contributing to your certification? I worked with Dr. Caulfield, who has also been a wonderful mentor, on an independent study last year examining the health of Kent Denver’s reservoirs. We looked at dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which involved taking measurements in eight different locations at different times of day and different seasons. We even came out at 4 a.m. to get data before sunlight hit the water triggering photosynthesis, which impacts the baseline oxygen levels. We found that there is an invasive plant species blocking sunlight and preventing oxygen from getting into the lower parts of the water. There are also high levels of nitrates that encourage anaerobic bacteria growth in the reservoir, which produces a scum at the surface. The nitrates are largely attributed to excrement produced by the Canada goose population on campus—each produces over a pound a day!— in addition to nitrates from upstream fertilizers and dog walkers not picking up after their pets. During the winter months, we tried to recreate these conditions in fish tanks in the labs to see if anything can be done to improve the reservoir health. Our tank ecosystems both collapsed. While the tank with a bubbler did slightly better, the data wasn’t conclusive enough to take direct action in changing the balance of the ecosystem. As an engineering project, I am working to create a knitting bike, which will knit as you pedal. I have been using the Impact Studio to make parts using the 3D printer. I have two more parts to go then I will start building the actual structure. The hard part is that all of the pieces have to fit seamlessly with each other and the compatibility needs to be perfect. For my senior capstone project, I am creating three research databases for Kent Denver, one for coral research, one for reservoir research and one to support alumnae mentorships for the EmpowHERment initiative. Sophia works on her knitting bike in the Upper School Impact Studio.
S O P H I A W A G N E R Grade 12
Photo courtesy of Wagner Family
Photo: L Mortell Photo: D. Wells
S O P H I A W A G N E R Grade 9
Recently, you shared your independent study work during a campus tour for STEM educators from Africa. What did you learn from that experience? During the tour, the educators kept affirming that I’m doing the right thing and that I’m in the right place. They kept saying “Wow, you have so many amazing opportunities and it looks like you’re really taking advantage of them,” which was great to hear. It was nice to get their perspective of our life [at Kent Denver] because we definitely do take it for granted sometimes.
You have been a member of Kent Denver’s swim and dive team all four years. What does it mean to you to be on the team? At the beginning of every season, I think, ‘I’m so out of shape, I don’t want to do it,’ but then I have such a great time and wonder why I ever questioned it! There’s something about swimming that’s very calming and therapeutic in being alone with your thoughts but also pushing yourself. Although it’s an individual sport, there is also such a sense of community. I think that the people who decide to swim are all really amazing. As an underclassman, I learned so much from the older girls and now I try to mentor [the younger swimmers].
Next year, you are off to college. What factors are you considering during your application process? I am mostly looking at liberal arts colleges that will let me study science but also take humanities classes with a focus on social justice and human rights. I also want a school with opportunities to study abroad. Most of the schools I have applied to do not have a specific marine biology program, but I can study that in graduate school, which I have a feeling I probably will do. I might be the only person in the class that did not submit any Early Decision or Early Action applications, so mostly I am excited to figure out where I get in!
Where do you see yourself in your future career? The summer between sophomore and junior year I went with Ms. Frederick on a coral restoration trip to St. Croix. There were two marine scientists with us and I was like, ‘I want to be you!’ They were just a perfect mixture between really nerdy people who love nature and being outdoors and truly care about conserving it. I would love to be a field researcher, doing some sort of work on the ocean. It would be fascinating to know a deep, deep amount of information about one specific thing. I could see myself being very happy doing that. In addition, I could see myself being a teacher or professor, because schools are an intersection of everything that I love: deep conversations, research and activism. I have had really amazing teachers who have shaped my education and I would love to try to do the same. But in many ways, I can’t imagine doing the same job for my entire life, so who knows!
You have really gotten the most out of your Kent Denver experience. What advice would you offer to next year’s freshman class? I would tell them to go and talk to your teachers! Freshman and sophomore year, I was still kind of hesitant to reach out to teachers because I wasn’t used to it coming from my middle school. I think that there is an aspect of mutual respect that comes from having deep conversations with teachers and that has allowed me to grow as a student and a person. I would also tell them to do things that are out of your comfort zone. Take the tough class that you’re not quite sure about, or do the independent study that makes you excited to learn, or create a club that you are passionate about. There are a lot of really interested teachers and students here that will support you in your efforts, so take advantage of that community!
The Next 100 Years Campaign Nears Completion
Since the launch ofThe Next 100 Years Campaign in the fall of 2016, more than 500 Kent Denver parents, alumni, grandparents and friends have made gifts in support of the largest philanthropic undertaking in our school’s history. In just under three years, we have built new or renovated over 100,000 square feet of teaching and learning spaces, launched three new Institutes, created an Innovation Scholars program, and added significantly to our endowment in support of teachers, programs and financial aid.
“The Kent Denver community’s generosity is transforming our school,” said Head of School Rand Harrington. “As we look forward to our Centennial in 2022 and the bright future that lies ahead, we do so with the utmost confidence in our ability to meet the changing needs of our students and teachers. We couldn’t be more grateful for the continued outpouring of support for our mission, vision and priorities.”
Please visit kentdenver.org/next100 to learn more and see photos of all the new facilities, or email Phil Klein, Director of Development, at pklein@kentdenver.org, for more information.
The Scobie Center for Student Life is the new home of wellness on our campus, with space for our professional counselors, health and wellness programming, and informal student gatherings.
The newly transformed Upper School south wing has 11 large, sunlit classrooms, two student gathering areas, a spacious faculty workroom, a new home for the Athletics Department and offices for teachers, deans and the Upper School Division Head.
The Upper School Impact Studios, located below the Duncan Center, provide ample space and cutting-edge technology for students to explore, experiment and innovate.
The Alumni Courtyard, rendered above, celebrates our school’s proud history and unites the generations of students and families that built Kent Denver with the generations of students who will carry the Kent Denver name into the next 100 years!
- Hayden Howell ’02
Last Chance to Make Your Mark: Alumni Courtyard Future Kent Denver graduates will collect their diplomas in Chenery Theater, then walk through the Brian Trice ‘85 Gate and into the brand-new Alumni Courtyard. We can’t think of a more fitting place to celebrate with our graduates as they join our extraordinary alumni community.
“Extraordinary” certainly describes your enthusiasm for the Alumni Courtyard and generosity in supporting The Next 100 Years Campaign. Thank you to the more than 200 alumni and parents of alumni who have already made gifts to the campaign and supported our campus transformation by sponsoring bricks, trees, benches and other Courtyard features!
We will hold a dedication ceremony for the Alumni Courtyard over Homecoming Weekend—Oct. 2–4, 2020— and hope we’ll see you there!
If you have not yet made a gift to The Next 100 Years Campaign, there is still time to make your mark! Order your brick or paver by June 30 to have it included in the celebration in October.
Please visit kentdenver.org/courtyard to see all the Alumni Courtyard recognition options, and make your gift. You can also call Elyse Rudolph, Director of Alumni Relations, at 303-770-7660 x228.
’50s Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright ‘55 has been touring the country to celebrate the release of her memoir, Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir. According to Kirkus review, the book is “dishy, as policy-wonkish memoirs go, and a pleasure for readers interested in the art of negotiation.”
’60s Michael McVey ’67 wrote in to share this update: “I have continued to work for the Sheriff’s Office as the Open/Unsolved case investigator and remain fully certified as a Florida Law Enforcement Officer. I live with my wife of 30 years in LaBelle. I am a bench rest shooter, fly fisherman and raise orchids. I also own a black cat who is in dire need of a witch.”
Share with us!
Send Class Notes to Elyse Rudolph, erudolph@ kentdenver.org
’70s Deborah Yardley Beers ’72 writes: “In the past year I performed my original piece of music for piano solo, Variations on a Laundry Song, three times. The world premiere took place at the Women Composers Festival of Hartford in March. I played the second performance at the 41st Annual Seminar on Contemporary Music for the Young at Rivers School Conservatory where I also teach piano. The final performance of the year took place at the Berklee College of Music in Boston as a part of the Women, Feminists, and Music: Transforming Tomorrow Today conference in June.” Sue Cavness Baird ’74 and her husband are spending 2019 and 2020 traveling the world! They started with a long hike in the Cotswolds of England in the fall, worked their way around the Mediterranean, then headed to Iceland, where they met up with their son. They look forward to more adventures abroad in 2020!
’80s Marquita Russel ’83 provided this update: “In December 2019, I was named CEO of the New Mexico Finance Authority, a broadbased finance agency that funds public infrastructure and economic development. Otherwise, I’ve zeroed in on the perfect margarita recipe and love living in Santa Fe!” Ted Greeley ’89 is entering his 25th year of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was promoted to Colonel in 2018, recently completed a two-year assignment with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., and was assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA, in July of 2019. He currently lives in San Clemente, CA, with his wife and their two children.
Kim Murdock ’89
published her first book, Feeling Left Behind: Permission to Grieve, in the fall of 2019.
Sue Baird and family in Iceland.
Photo courtesy of S. Baird.
Stanton Lorens ’79 shares that he is semi-retired and living in the Palm Springs area.
’90s Nadia Madan Morrow ’94 is married and the proud mother of two amazing boys. She writes, “I am the Executive Director of the English Language Acquisition department for Denver Public Schools, leading the work in Denver for those who speak English as a second language.” Jessica Rounds ’99 shares that she graduated from the University of Virginia, lived and worked as a freelance writer in Los Angeles, then moved to Bozeman, MT. She is currently VP of Production at Richter10.2 Media.
’00s Denver Beer Co., coowned by Charlie Berger ’01, just purchased a third Denver-metroarea location. The new space in the Rosedale/University neighborhoods will open this spring. Jon Warkentin ’03 and his wife Teresa welcomed their first child, Genevieve Marie, in October 2019.
Photo courtesy of J. Warkentin
Chase Lochmiller ’04 and Cully Cavness ’05 cofounded Crusoe Energy Systems, which harnesses surplus natural gas and converts it into electricity used to mine Bitcoin. Their company was recently profiled in Bloomberg and the Denver Business Journal. Mason Stabler ’06 moved back to Denver in the summer of 2019 with his wife Bella, and they have a baby girl on the way! He earned his doctorate degree in acupuncture and herbal medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2016 and was in private practice in Vermont for three years before his recent move home. Mason founded Blue Spruce Acupuncture in Denver and is practicing within the Nurture healthcare building in the Highlands.
’10s Emily Mayer ’11 lives in Nashville, TN where she works at Live Nation Entertainment. Chloe Rogers ’13 runs her own academic success coaching business, Prepster, in the Denver area. Her workshops focus on helping students with empowerment, habit formation, creating high-level systems with action-oriented goals, and rewriting self-limiting internal dialogues and narratives. Rachel Prokupek ’15 appeared on a January 2020 episode of the cooking competition TV show Chopped. Rachel represented the University of Pennsylvania in the college-themed episode. Laura Robinson ’15 received a year-long fellowship to Casablanca, Morocco, through the Middle East and North Africa Regional Fellowship Program (MENAR). As part of her fellowship, she is working as a sales and marketing associate with Experience Morocco, an organization dedicated to introducing visitors to the traditions and cultures of Morocco.
Photo courtesy of L. Robinson
Madi Rifkin ’16 and her startup Mount Locks, an early-stage business focused on smart locks for scooters, were featured on Medium’s “The Startup Buzz” blog.
Jonathan Ort ’17 was elected to serve as the editor-in-chief of The Daily Princetonian, Princeton University’s daily independent student newspaper. Kate Bleyle ’19 earned her Girl Scout Gold Award in the fall of 2019. She shared her final presentation with Kent Denver faculty in December and will receive her official Gold Award at a ceremony this spring.
Photo courtesy of K. Bleyle
