Keeping In Touch 2014 Senior Edition

THE ROEPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Keeping In Touch

WHAT WILL THE NEXT MILLENIUM LOOK LIKE?

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UT U R MAY 1931

SENIOR EDITION VOLUME 7: 4 SUMMER 2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS David Feldman Head of School david.feldman@roeper.org Denita Banks-Sims Director of Development denita.banks-sims@roeper.org Keeping in Touch Editorial Committee Katie Buchmann Editor Bonnie Schemm Art Director

FEATURES OPENING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 David Feldman, Head of School FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Peter Roeper ’63*, read by Michael Deneroff, co-President, Class of 2015 SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nadia Salman, President – Class of 2014 INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contributors Lisa Baker Denita Banks-Sims Katie Buchmann David Feldman Erica Parker ’13 Peter Roeper ’63* Marcia Ruff Nadia Salman ’14 Adam Smock ’87

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SENIOR PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Katie Buchmann, Editor, and Erica Parker ’13, Development Intern OUTTAKES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CLOSING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Lisa Baker, Upper School Director SENIOR PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PASSIONS AND PURSUITS

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AWARDS & HONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

THE ROEPER SCHOOL 41190 Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills Michigan 48304 248/203.7300 www.roeper.org

The Roeper School is an independent coeducational day school for gifted and talented students preschool through grade 12 and an equal-opportunity institution

A MESSAGE FROM ADAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adam Smock, Alumni Relations Coordinator

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PARTING THOUGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Denita Banks-Sims, Director of Development

ON THE COVER Graphic art by Liam Gloster, Class of 2014

PHOTOGRAPHS Commencement photos by Joshua Kristal

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David Feldman Head of School

OPENING REMARKS I love to watch the faces of faculty during ceremonies like today’s. We each feel such a deep investment in our students; it’s what makes us good teachers. At Roeper, we talk about being educators who teach the whole child. It is this total investment in the academic, social and ethical development of our students that makes us so successful and so emotionally connected to celebrations like today.

To my colleagues: Thank you for your boundless energy, your deep dedication to building strong relationships with students, and your meaningful development of our incredible academic program.

Most of all thank you for providing a nurturing environment where, as George Roeper told us, “Students find teachers who respect them as individuals, where they are bound to makes mistakes and learn from them, where they search for the unknown and the unseen.” (GAR, Brief Statement, 1969) Family members: You are your child’s first teachers.

You are there for the first steps, the first words, and the first day of school. A milestone like today is only possible because of the care and nurture you provide. Thank you for sharing your child with us, and for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s journey. This day is a celebration for your whole family!

When I talk with prospective parents about our school, I often find myself having interesting conversations that might sound familiar to some of you. They will say: “I love Roeper, it has a such challenging academic program; it’s a place where students find acceptance for who they are; students are valued for their passions; they have a voice in decision making; … but … come on … is this the real world? I mean … I want my child to be ready for the real world!”

I remind them of something George Roeper said: Many people who come to our school like and even admire the freedom at our school, the lack of regimentation, the minimum of stiff formality.

This kind of freedom makes much greater demands on discipline. Freedom requires responsibility for decision-making. Where there is freedom, there is responsibility. To act with responsibility in a free environment is much more challenging and demanding than in an

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environment where the thinking is done for you and where the responsibility for action does not rest with you.

GAR, Graduation 1964 The group of adults often looks at me with a puzzled stare, and so I press these families to tell me what they mean by the real world. I remind them that the real world of which they speak is filled with bullying, prejudice, and a disrespect for academic pursuits; it’s a place where children are cut from programs before they know what their passions are; it’s a place where students are measured by their ability to memorize — briefly — information, and are assessed with bubble tests; it’s a place where only half of our children are able to attend preschool, 74% graduate high school, and 68% of those who do graduate attend college.

At this point I remind families that The Roeper School was created around a vision influenced by some very real world circumstances. Conceived in the struggle to achieve human rights for all, to stand up to oppression, hatred, and voicelessness, the vision that George and Annemarie Roeper conceived that became our school’s philosophy is rooted in the real world challenges they faced as refugees from World War II and the Holocaust.

The Roeper School, you see, is a response to the real world’s attempt at taking away our humanity.

Graduates: This is a place where you have developed your individual voice; where teachers and peers listen to what you have to say, value your ideas, theories and hypotheses, and interact with you as an equal. Whether you are arguing about your theory of film, providing your insight for a teacher hiring committee, or serving as a member of our Board of Trustees; you have come to see in practice, that justice rather than power is a perspective worth striving to achieve.

This is a place where you are valued as an independent individual and not as part of some collective group. From the classes and programs you chose to how you were assessed, your teachers, coaches, and mentors have seen you for who you are, embraced your passions for music,

The Roeper School was created around a vision influenced by some very real world circumstances.

theater, sports, art, debate, performance, robotics, and so much more; we have engaged with you in your struggle to form your own unique identity.

You have been able to participate in the shaping of your own destiny. You have been part of the operations and governance of this school since you were a 3-year-old in Stage I, and we would have it no other way. How else do you become a good decision maker as an adult — In the real world — if you don’t have the chance to be heard, and to practice making real decisions that have real consequences?

How else do you become a good decision maker as an adult — in the real world — if you don’t have the chance to be heard and to practice making real decisions that have real consequences?

This is a place where the concept of equal human rights for all, while an ideal in concept, is something we overtly work toward achieving.

Born of an era where human rights were taken because of what you believed, who you loved, where you were born or how you looked, this core tenet of our school reminds us of our commitment to social justice, and the work we have to do.

You, my friends, are that future generation George and Annemarie described whom we are working to prepare for the unknown!

As President Obama reminded graduates earlier this year, “There is nothing naïve about your impulse to change the world. Because all it takes is one act of service — one blow against injustice — to send forth what Robert Kennedy called that tiny ripple of hope. That’s what changes the world.

That one act. “ The real world is a place of constant change, it is a place that needs strong voices, it needs people who understand the interdependent nature of our world, it needs you to be active and to share your vision of what is possible.

You see, the beauty of the Roeper philosophy is that it is not merely a philosophy that guides our school; it’s not something you leave behind with a diploma in your hand; as Annemarie would tell you, it is a philosophy for your life.

You leave here having been exposed to these aspirational tenets to varying degrees, and now you enter the real world as young people ready to create new ripples on the water.

You graduate today having developed a set of skills — not just the academic skills that most entering college freshmen take with them to their first classes, but rather a set of life skills, an understanding of who you are, and the role you play in the larger world. As citizens of the world I ask you to put those skills to their fullest use, as George Roeper reminded our first graduating high school class in 1969: You may have immense success, you may fail.

Regardless, you will have an outlook towards life that is open-minded, progressive, more understanding and accepting of differences among human beings.

You’ll be intolerant of ruthless, inhuman cruelty and I hope intolerant of violence of any kind.

You will feel passionate about justice and rights of the individual and fight injustices, racism, and narrow-minded bigotry. You will not be ignorant and indifferent about these matters. These are vital issues to you, and you know quite well where you stand.

If our school has contributed to this outlook towards life, we will be satisfied and feel the school served an important purpose. Of course, it is taken for granted that we also hope for the full development in use of your talents and capabilities. However I think this is less predictable than your likely attitudes towards life.

“You have learned to relate honestly and naturally to one another, how to express yourself openly and directly, yet with sensitivity and consideration for other persons involved, how to respect the individuality of friend and teacher, how to incorporate in your life new ideas.

Maybe these years have given you a sense of community with the school, a sense of having gotten values dear to you, a sense of having had meaningful relationships with friends. If that is so, I cannot see how we can ever forget each other.

Congratulations, Class of 2014! F

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Peter Roeper ’63*

Founders’s Younger Son

FOUNDERS’ FAMILY MESSAGE First, thank you for inviting the Roeper Family to continue to play a role in the school’s graduation.

In her later years my mother, Annemarie, and I had many discussions about the school and why she and George created it. There were two equal themes in these talks, themes that are familiar to you. One, the individual. How to have respect for and foster the development of each person’s individual qualities and talents, with a deep appreciation of the complex psychology we all have. Two, the community. How to have respect for and understanding of what it means to be a member of a community, with a clear idea of what the community stands for.

The origins of how my parents thought about these two concepts come from Annemarie’s parents, Max and Gertrude Bondy. From Gertrude came the emphasis on the individual, from Max the emphasis on the community. In a talk to students of your age, in 1940, Max Bondy tried to convey the concept of community with the metaphor of a ship. On a ship, everyone has separate responsibilities, knowledge and talents. But the ship only functions successfully when everyone understands the common purpose and functions in unison towards that purpose. Then the ship moves, then the ship gets to its destination. Then each person feels their effort was a factor in the overall accomplishment, and understand it could not be done by one person alone. A choir or an orchestra, are good examples of a community we may be more familiar with, the talent and strength of each person, the sound of each instrument, becomes part of a larger beauty, statement, and voice, which combines all the individual efforts into a group accomplishment. This is an example of the interdependence we all have with each other that my mother often spoke about.

Community can create a very important and powerful sense of belonging. The individual can experience a powerful sense of attainment.

Unfortunately, our larger society appreciates the individual over the community. Henry Ford and Bill Gates are put on pedestals with little awareness of the community of effort, creativity and determination that is the superstructure behind their individual status.

The value of the individual and the strength of community are for the most part complimentary, often even synergistic. However, there are natural tensions between these two concepts. When a choir performs well, to whom should the credit be given: the main singer, the conductor, the whole group or all the above? When all credit goes only to the leader, one faces a dangerous situation of misuse of power, and the whole is not cultivated.

When the extra contributions of some are not recognized, the community is less robust and individual efforts not nurtured. One needs to show respect to all that deserve recognition and the combined group effort.

This conflict between emphasis on the individual and the community has been a central part of human history and is evident today. You can see these tensions within the individual — what Freud called the ego and alter ego — in a sports team, in a school, and you can see them in American politics.

If being gifted has a problem, it is dwelling on uniqueness and individual capacity over the value and importance of community. If being gifted has a social importance, it is a unique awareness of these tensions and particular ability to navigate through the tensions so the outcome values both.

Cherish your experience here at Roeper. It is in many ways a model of a successful community, a crucial goal of my parents. Roeper is one of the few places that actively recognizes the importance of community, the value of being part of something larger than oneself as well as the individual. When you think of Roeper, pay attention to what you have received that was greater than a formal education or wonderful lifelong friends — an experience of belonging to something, a community. In the end, it is the community that defines our common experience.

Thank you your attention. F

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Each year since the passing of George and Annemarie Roeper, one of the Roeper “children” — Tom ’61*, Peter ’63* or Karen ’66* — has written a message for the graduating class.

This year it was Peter’s turn.

The message was delivered by Michael Deneroff, Class of 2015 coPresident.

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Nadia Salman

President, Class of 2014

SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL Graduation ceremonies are held every year at high schools across the nation. Diplomas are issued, handshakes and hugs are traded, and parents are given a free pass to cry as much as they want and for as long as they want — all weekend — especially my mom.

But — no high school graduation, whether it’s in Michigan or Minnesota, is quite like Roeper’s.

Here, you don’t just get that handshake and a piece of paper, you get a speech. Graduates get a personal declaration from a teacher of their choice, telling all who dare to endure the four-hour ceremony, about the essence of the graduate. Who they are, what they do, what their peers think about them …

But before you get to know each of the graduates personally, I would like you to get to know the Class of 2014 personally, and as a whole — an entity of its own.

I think we can all agree …

The Class of 2014 is diverse, eclectic, and unique. We’re different; you’re not going to find many others like us. We are innovative; we break every rule, sometimes make up our own, and then we break those, too.

The first time the class of 2014 really came together was just last year at Junior/Senior Dinner. Our grade suddenly transformed into waitresses, line cooks, emcees, and baristas in order to throw our very own Jamaican Jamboree, complete with an African vibraphonist, whom we dubbed “vibe man”, and one of our class advisors, Ernie, grilling chicken on the sidewalk.

Things weren’t always smooth sailing, though. Let’s fast forward to February of this year: Roeper’s Spirit Week. After losing some very stressful games of cone hunt, Uno, and musical chairs, the Class of 2014 had fallen … behind. In fact, we were treading last place. And so, a new plan was born.

We decided that last place was fine as long as we were having the most fun. And so, at the Spirit Week award ceremony, where final points were tallied, the Senior Class of 2014 prepared to accept whatever place we had earned, whether it was last place or third. We had a game plan, and when our name was called for second place, we erupted into cheers, ran out of the gym, and proceeded to have an exclusive party of seniors that included cake and sparkling beverages (non-alcoholic, of course). And, since we would not receive the first-place trophy (the Spirit Jug), we made our own.

The Class of 2014 is diverse, eclectic, and unique. We’re different; you’re not going to find many others like us. We are innovative; we break every rule, sometimes make up our own, and then we break those, too.

The 44 of us sent out 270 college applications this year to 136 different colleges. After the whirlwind of this year’s application process, we will be settling down at 23 different institutions across the country, from Alabama to Iowa to our very own Ann Arbor.

And after years at this place (for some of us it was 13, 14, or just three) with teachers who doubled as parents, and friends who became family, no matter where we spend the next four years, we’ll always remember our second home in Birmingham. F

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INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI THE ROEPER SCHOOL

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1. Molly Phlips 2. Alyssa Flynn 3. Rachel Nichols 4. Swarna Shil 5. Marie Carozza 6. Nadia Salman 7. Maddie Wilson 8. Aaron Rosenfeld 9. Yumiko Post 10. Liam Gloster 11. Sammiey Johnson 12. Rebecca Benedict 13. La Tressa Newberry 14. Lauren Anderson 15. Cece Watry 16. Dmitry Senic 17. Ryan Maxwell 18. Jonah Sklar 19. Akiko Abe 20. Mohaymin Kadir 21. Graeme Schulman 22. Francesca Bennett 23. Corinne Vens 24. Emma Kristal 25. Rachel Stamler-Jonas 26. (name withheld) 27. Eli Simons 28. Farid Al Sabeh 29. Eric Roenecke 30. Ben Voyt 31. Max Berlin 32. Navraj Singh 33. Connor Gillikin 34. Clara Bird 35. Dylan Bennett 36. Tori Farrow 37. Dylan Shallow 38. Daryl Hurley 39. Jeffrey Fox 40. Jon Kaufman Not pictured: Jalen Raines, Steven Saham and Adam Scholl

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THE GRADUATES & THEIR PRESENTERS THE CLASS OF 2014 IN GRADUATION ORDER Relationships are important at Roeper.

Each senior chooses the staff member s/he wants to be presented by at commencement.

Speeches are factual, humorous and poignant, with words drawn from student records, friends, family and staff members.

Historically, George Roeper spoke a few minutes about each graduate, and upon his retirement, the Upper School Director assumed that commitment.

As the classes grew larger, it became a daunting task for one person to undertake, so in the mid-’80s a group of five or six teachers was designated by each graduating class from which the seniors could choose. In the early ’90s the choice was widened to include any current or former staff member.

It is considered an honor to be invited to present.

Graduation order is determined by the student’s length of time at The Roeper School. The newest student to Roeper graduates first; and the student who has attended the longest is presented last.

GRADUATE*

presenter

NADIA ANN SALMAN (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . linda vernon DMITRY SENIC (16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . regis carozza FARID RASHID AL SABEH (28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . ed bergonzi LAUREN NICOLE ANDERSON (14) . . . . . . . . . . . christina miceli MD MOHAYMIN KADIR (20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . karen johnson LA TRESSA CYNELLE NEWBERRY (13) . . . . . . . . . kelly mcdowell JALEN FISHMAN RAINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . michelle stamler SWARNA SHIL (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . karen johnson NAVRAJ SINGH 32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sharon carter TORI MARIAH FARROW (36) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . egyirba high MAGDALENA IZABELA WILSON (7) . . . . . . . . . . . karen johnson ASTRID THERESE PHLIPS (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . susannah nichols AARON ROBERT ROSENFELD (8) . . . . . . . . . . . kelly mcdowell STEVEN MICHAEL SAHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . susannah nichols MAXWELL GILBERT BERLIN (31) . . . . . . . . . . . andrew blechman MARIE SUZANNE CAROZZA (5) . . . . . . . . . . . jamie lyons-eddy EMMA MARGARET KRISTAL (24) . . . . . . . . . . . kelly mcdowell ADAM CARL SCHOLL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . regis carozza ELI GERALD SIMONS (27) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jason mcintosh JONAH FOX SKLAR (18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mike ruddy DYLAN SHANE BENNETT (35) . . . . . . . . . . . susannah nichols GRAEME SAMUEL SCHULMAN (21) . . . . . . . . . . jamie lyons-eddy CECELIA RAINE WATRY (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . christina miceli FRANCESCA JADE BENNETT (22) . . . . . . . . . . . colleen potocki LIAM CHRISTOPHER DENNING GLOSTER (10) . . . . . . michelle stamler RYAN CURTIS MAXWELL (17) . . . . . . . . . . . . michal mcconville SAMANTHA LYNNE JOHNSON (11) . . . . . . . . . . . ttari hellmer JONATHAN BRUCE KAUFMAN (40) . . . . . . . . . . christina miceli CORINNE NICOLE VENS (23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . matt vallus REBECCA SUZANNE BENEDICT (12) . . . . . . . . . . jamie lyons-eddy CLARA NICOLE BIRD (34) . . . . . . . . . . . . . jamie lyons-eddy ALYSSA KATHERINE FLYNN (2) . . . . . . . . . . . christina miceli JEFFREY JAMES FOX (39) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jason mcintosh CONNOR DEMARS GILLIKIN (33) . . . . . . . . . . . michal mcconville YUMIKO NAKOMA POST (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . colleen potocki RACHEL MAYA STAMLER-JONAS (25) . . . . . . . . . christina miceli DARYL LEVIN HURLEY II (38) . . . . . . . . . . . . . linda vernon RACHEL ANN NICHOLS (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jamie benigna read by michelle stamler ERIC AUGUST ROENNECKE (29) . . . . . . . . . . . . linda vernon DYLAN EDWARD SHALLOW (37) . . . . . . . . . . . . kevin roberts BENJAMIN RYAN VOYT (30) . . . . . . . . . . . . . jason mcintosh AKIKO JEANNE ABE (19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dan jacobs * the numbers in parentheses correspond to the numbers in the adjacent class photo

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Katie Buchmann

KIT Editor

Erica Parker ’13

Summer Intern Development Office

SENIOR PROFILES

NADIA ANN SALMAN, daughter of Taleb and Darcy Salman of Farmington Hills, attended Roeper for four years.

Linda Vernon explained how Nadia first visited Roeper in 7th grade, and found, “People cared — it was so different than what I thought school was,” Nadia said about that experience.

She tried public school in 9th grade, but, as her mother wrote on her application, “Nadia’s insatiable quest and passion for learning was not being satisfied.” Nadia made a power point presentation for her parents about why she wanted to go to Roeper — and suddenly Roeper became a reality. The timid transfer student took advantage of many opportunities that Roeper offered, including planning last year’s Junior/Senior Dinner. Linda stated, in her senior year, Nadia confidently took on the jobs of Student Government Secretary, as well as serving as Class President. She handled the numerous details of “Yacht Prom” and the senior class trip. Nadia’s writing talents led her to being selected as a guest columnist for USA Today last fall. As the editor of the school newspaper, Tuna Talk, Nadia used that venue to write thoughtprovoking articles for her readers. Nadia has been playing basketball since she was nine years old, and her determination and competitive nature has impressed opponents, teammates and Coach Ernie Righetti, who says it has been an honor to coach such a hard worker. Nadia went from an Honorable Mention basketball player in 2013, to an All-State player in 2014. “To go from being Honorable Mention to All-State in one year is really crazy, and mostly unheard of,” Nadia says.

“I put a lot of work into my game in the summer to get there.” Nadia will play basketball at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa where she was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship.

Roeper, You have helped me grow into someone I was not sure I could become. I will be forever grateful.

Love, Nadia Salman

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DMITRY SENIC, son of Anatolie and Ann Senic of Royal Oak, and brother of Adeline and Lucas, attended Roeper for three years. Regis Carozza explained that Dmitry moved to the United States from a different world in the Ukraine in time to start 9th grade in a public school — with only the most basic verbal skills in English. He was, as he describes it, effectively unable to read or write the language. But he learned — and quickly — not just because he’s brilliant, but because there was no way he was going to be that kid who didn’t know English. A few short years later, this young man now waxes eloquent (albeit with an accent that grows heavier as his excitement level rises) about complex translations of Aristotle’s metaphysics and Oliver Wendell Holmes’s soaring legal prose. His teachers speak of the momentum of his sharp intellect, how he refuses to shy away from voicing a contrary perspective, his delightfully wicked sense of humor, and how his insights emerge in rapid, energetic bursts. His friends describe how Dmitry “does nothing nonchalantly,” living hard and at full speed, physically and emotionally. Dmitry’s footwork is solid. That flash which we see — that boldness — is born of a fearlessness and a sense of confidence forged through challenges that few his age have faced — and overcome — with such courage. And it is this foundation which will continue to serve him well as he heads to Wayne State University, where he will compete on the fencing team under the guidance of its coach — who also happens to be his dad.

Bye-bye, The Roeper School.

Senior Profiles are excerpts from the Senior Speeches presented at commencement by the faculty member chosen by each graduate.

Nadia … compassionate, imaginative, introspective and brilliant.

Dmitry … lives hard and at full speed, physically and emotionally.

FARID RASHID AL SABEH,

Farid … interested, informed, passionate and critical.

Lauren … she has an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

son of Rand Jahni and Rashid al Sabeh of West Bloomfield, attended Roeper for four years.

Ed Bergonzi explained, “When Farid asked me to speak at his graduation, I had a sense that things between us had come full circle. After all, Farid and I go back … back to the lengthy and unusual hiring process at Roeper. I was asked to give a class on a topic of their choosing … protein synthesis. I’m interacting with the students and Farid asks me my opinion of Richard Dawkins’s The Selfish Gene.”

It was about that time that Ed stated he was having a “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” moment. “You know … every time they looked behind them there’s this guy in the white hat.”

He asked himself, “Who is this guy?” For second semester, Ed was asked to teach Bioethics.

That Bioethics class contained an “extraordinary group of students, and Farid was one of the stand-outs.”

Ed learned Farid possessed a blazing intellect. He was interested, informed, passionate and critical.

He would often propel a discussion, occasionally incurring the wrath of his fellow students in the process. He also learned of Farid’s deep concern about the unfolding civil war in Syria, and the plight of close family members still residing there.

The tragedy in Syria was both a distraction and the cause of anguish for Farid and sparked discussions that built a friendship between Ed and Farid. He is headed to the University of Michigan as a pre-med student. Farid states he will be “following in his father’s footsteps” in becoming a doctor.

This is truly a unique environment.

LAUREN NICOLE ANDERSON, daughter of Lori and Lionel Anderson of Southfield, attended Roeper for four years. Volleyball Coach Christina Miceli describes one of her favorite memories of Lauren while working a volleyball regional — they had trouble getting the audio system working. I told Lauren she had to sing the National Anthem so Roeper didn’t look bad. “She wanted to know if I was serious, and after I said yes, four minutes later she sang beautifully for the large crowd. It is this type of confidence that makes Lauren so unique.

She knows herself, is happy with who she is, but is always looking for ways to grow and push herself.”

Lauren said, “Being a part of a community like Roeper helps you see how important you are to the group and that sometimes the group is more important than you. You learn how your individuality can contribute to something greater.”

Lauren’s honest humor and vivacious personality are what friends immediately describe when thinking of her.

Jonah Sklar said, “She’s loud, smart, and aggressive — in the most positive ways.” As one of the volleyball captains this season, Christina stated the team often looked to Lauren when a conflict arose and a player needed someone in her corner. She has been recognized by the conference in volleyball and in track, qualifying for States this year in discus, finishing her career with a season high toss. Lauren was a National Achievement Scholarship Program finalist.

Her teachers all speak about her quick intellectual mind and huge mental energy.

Max Collins said her comments were consistently informed, intelligent, and helped sustain momentum in the discussion. In the fall, Lauren plans to study business at Western Michigan University. She hopes to do work in translation because of her penchant for languages.

Thank you, Roeper, for allowing me to find myself these last few years; I have learned so many things and built lasting relationships. Being a member of this community has taught me many things — from time management to team work — and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.

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MD MOHAYMIN KADIR, son of Mohammed and Julfa Kadir of Hamtramck, attended Roeper for four years. Karen Johnson stated that Mohaymin has a laid-back personality. He comes across as a quiet guy and is deeply respectful in the classroom.

However, when his friends are interviewed, a list of adjectives like: fun, rambunctious, outgoing, playful, magical, hooligan, come up. Jeremy Kruman and Alex Rossetti agreed that he is like an uncontrolled release of energy. Orlando Bustos described how much he will miss the vibe that Mohaymin brings to a group. Karen recalls an observation made in the Advanced Topics in Latin class this year when he noticed how the cultural concerns of balance, symmetry, and mathematical principles seen in the architecture of the ancient world could also be applied to an analysis of poetic meter. His holistic perspective of the world and the things he has studied and seen will lead him to become an especially creative scientist with sensitivities to the bigger picture, especially given his passion for the natural sciences, particularly medicine. Mohaymin will enter the freshman class at the University of Michigan in the fall, where Karen knows that his talents — whether it is mental math or the fastest copy/ paste in the nation — will carry him far.

So long, and thanks for all the fish!

LA TRESSA CYNELLE NEWBERRY, daughter of Kimberly Newberry of Southfield, sister of Serena ‘15, attended Roeper for four years.

Kelly McDowell stated for La Tressa Newberry, the saying rings true: there is more than meets the eye!

“When one encounters La Tressa in class, he or she is sure to discover a friendly, strikingly unassuming student, typically prepared and ready to offer a smile. A great image by all accounts. But what this image fails to account for is La Tressa’s immense talent. It is perhaps why her displays of brilliance can catch one off-guard. Beneath her friendly demeanor lies a highly skilled, highly creative critical thinker.” Kelly states she discovered this

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in Shakespeare class last year. “She was a delight — in all respects.” But there was a moment when it became clear to Kelly that there is much more to La Tressa. For her final project, La Tressa chose to write a series of sonnets. At her class presentation, she proceeded in a pragmatic, reasoned voice to present a spectacularly impressive project. “Her sonnets were beautiful, expertly crafted. She finished her presentation with a subtle smile. This is who she is; her vast talent is disarming, always demonstrated with a quiet grace.” Out of 52,000 applications, 1000 students were selected for the famed Gates Millennium Scholars Award, and La Tressa was one of them. La Tressa explained to Kelly about the exciting moment with her family as they opened the envelope together and the tears of pride and excitement that were shed at the discovery of this incredible honor. But back at school, “La Tressa remained her typical diligent, unwavering self.” “La Tressa — totally under the radar — wins one of the most prestigious awards that a high school student can receive.” This fall she will enter Howard University to pursue a premed program.

Enjoy your time at Roeper, but stay on track.

Roeper taught me responsibility and time management more than anything else, and I still found time to have fun. Good Luck!!

JALEN FISHMAN RAINES, son of Jodee and Roy Raines of Detroit, attended Roeper for four years. Michelle Stamler described Jalen as a self-confessed Contrarian who identifies with Statler and Waldorf, the two disagreeable Muppet curmudgeons who heckled from their balcony seats. Jalen can lob a lethal combination of truth and humor; Liam states that Jalen “is an unflinching bomb thrower, with no patience for moderation.” Jalen wrote in his geometry self-evaluation, “I could put more effort into graphing, but it is tedious.”

He has been described by his instructors as, “An extraordinary student with a high level

Mohaymin … fun, outgoing and magical.

La Tressa … she is a delight … in all respects.

Jalen … exceptional artistic talent.

Swarna … hardworking, caring, responsible, respectful, genuine, and warm.

Navraj … motivated by a strong sense of personal ethics and responsibility.

of critical engagement,” with “exceptional artistic talent,” and “analytical abilities unparalleled in the … class.” Jalen has a razor-sharp eye for composition. Michelle Stamler, the Photography instructor, stated, “When I miss Jalen next year, it will be the times we sat in my room, talking during hundreds of free blocks, leaving few stones unturned.” Jalen is leaning towards a life in the arts, but were that to change to a career in science no one would be surprised. Jalen is not setting fixed goals now for the future, yet he did let it slip the other day that he is looking forward to being an older, kooky person, well-rounded in every way.

In his junior year Jalen created a club devoted to visiting museums to see art: Roeper Art Trip, so named by Jalen in part because its acronym “RAT” allowed him to draw a menacing rodent on posters to advertise the trips. In the fall, Jalen will attend Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.

Bye and stuff.

SWARNA SHIL, daughter of Sujit Shil and Suma Chakraborty of Warren, attended Roeper for four years. Karen Johnson explained Swarna has always been the same kind of support to her friends, whether it has been leaving them little notes or imposing on them their animal personalities and identities. La Tressa Newberry shared that she has this tendency to be funny without trying, and Yumiko Post described how she has the ability to make any situation better — she never turns down a friend, and she is always able to bring light and perspective to things. This does not only apply to people in her circle. Michelle Stamler described all of the ways she has been of intellectual and emotional support to both UMOJA and the Sierra Club over the last few years. When asked what type of punctuation she is, Liam Gloster explained that she is an “interrobang,” the nonstandard punctuation mark that is a combination of an exclamation and

question. As Karen stated, “To those who know Swarna, this fits perfectly. The exclamation comes from the awe with which she beholds the world, and the question is the moment of self-doubt when she seems to ask, ‘Did that really just happen?‘ She is an awesome puzzle-solver, with a way of cutting away the clutter that problems can present, to seek those variables that are most germane to a working solution.” Swarna will begin the Masters of Science program at the University of Michigan this fall. Karen hopes Swarna will “maintain her glittering eyes and that sense of wonder and magic she has for this world.”

NAVRAJ SINGH, son of Jugraj and Sandeep Singh of Lake Orion, attended Roeper for four years. As Sharon Carter stated, “Truth and integrity are important for all of us. Navraj is motivated by a strong sense of personal ethics and responsibility.

He has established himself as a humanistic genius. Navraj’s mind makes leaps and bounds in connecting class work to material not yet taught. He practically reinvented calculus when I was teaching it too slowly for him.” Jamie Benigna, his Chemistry teacher said Navraj “was the only student to get the answer on a question that needed to invoke a protocol not yet taught.”

Christina Miceli said he is “extremely insightful and can often explain a concept better than the teacher because of the complex thought he has acquired from each chapter.” This year, he scored in the top one-third in the whole state on the Michigan Math Prize exam. This exam requires out-of-thebox, creative thinking. In fact, self-actualized individuals tend to be highly resourceful, creative and independent; free from the reliance on external authorities or other people. He is not susceptible to social pressure to “fit in.” Ed Sack said, “His fearless attitude and willingness to take on any challenge was contagious and set a positive tone for our activities.“ When Navraj’s mom suggested that he try soccer, Navraj took a risk and joined the team. Additionally, Navraj has played JV

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Basketball as well. In the fall, Navraj will enter the Engineering Program at the University of Michigan.

I hope to see you all later! Take care of the school and stay good.

TORI MARIAH FARROW, daughter of Regina Farrow of Highland Park, sister of Austin Farrow ’13, attended Roeper for five years.

Egyirba High stated, “Tori enchants and delights with her effervescent personality, and with her mature understanding of life. Those who have spoken with her are dazzled by her outlook, wisdom and reasonableness, something rarely seen in a person so young.” Her instructors have been impressed with her thoughtful answers, earnest effort, and sharp questions — she has the ability to articulate boldly out loud, or in writing, what others might have wanted to say but did not, or perhaps, could not. Susannah Nichols, noted that Tori has “grown incredibly as a writer, very good at telling the truth in a clear and no-holds-barred way, possessed of a growing self-assurance and confidence.” Christina Micelli also admires Tori’s ability to “stick to what she believes is right and to hold others to the same expectation.” She is like an “old soul” — wise beyond her years, pragmatic, outspoken, but again, grateful for her blessings.

Jamie Lyons-Eddy remarked on Tori’s insight, motivation, self-discipline and leadership, and how she has learned to reach her considerable potential as a student, refusing to let any opportunity slip past her. However, the serious side of Tori was not the only thing Jamie observed. Jamie told me that she will miss Tori’s daily comments on her wardrobe, things like, “There’s Jamie in her black pants again,” or “Hey, it must be casual Friday!”

Jamie is simply not certain she will be able to tell if she is dressed appropriately next year. Egyirba believes there is no doubt Tori will hit the ground

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running and make the best possible impression at Kentucky State University where she will study either Business or Biology, and where she will most certainly be lightning on the field in Division 2 Volleyball for the Thoroughbreds.

Roeper has taught me many things, but most of all it’s given me a view of the world. Things may not always be great, but make the most of the situation you’re in, and things will turn around before you know it.

MAGDALENA IZABELA WILSON, daughter of Suzanne Busdiecker of Beverly Hills and Tomasz Witkowski of Grand Rapids, sister of Blaise (Stage I), attended Roeper for five years. Karen Johnson stated, when talking to Maddie, one of her friends has said that they sometimes have to be mindful of how much time they have before engaging in dialogue with her, because there are always follow- up questions and comments that could keep a conversation running. This is especially evident to those in the Linguistics Club, an organization she founded with classmate Max Berlin. For three years Maddie led, with Max, the Linguistics Club, sharing her deep fondness for the puzzles of language with the entire Birmingham campus — and donuts … she shared many donuts, too. But what strikes Karen most about Maddie’s enigmaphilous character is her deep reverence for mystery itself: “It is something to be respected; it changes with your perspective; and it should be explored but never fully revealed. She has a love

Tori … her grace, beauty, smile, maturity, thoughtfulness, humor, perseverance, talent, and sense of rightness are strong.

Maddie …

Perinquisitrix — feminine noun.

Definition: one who thoroughly inquires about absolutely everything.

Molly … she has a knack for the finer things.

Aaron … great intellect, sensitivity, and a wicked sense of humor.

for all languages, even attending a conference about Ojibwe language and culture in Sault Ste. Marie. Her nature encourages people to ask more questions and stretches their abilities to learn and even to instruct.” In the fall, Maddie will be joining the Residential College at the University of Michigan where she intends to pursue medicine, languages and creative writing.

Thanks, Everyone ASTRID THERESE PHLIPS, daughter of Patrick Phlips and Chantal Mattheeuws of West Bloomfield, attended Roeper for six years. As Susannah Nichols explains, Astrid, lovingly known as Molly, has been fearless in her quest to seek out new experiences. Molly’s life has been quite an adventure. When she was 12, her family moved here from Belgium. She met her circumstances with not only good humor, but also a work ethic that allowed her to navigate this new life, in not a second, but a third language.

Despite a cosmopolitan upbringing, her approach to learning is pragmatic: Jamie Lyons-Eddy compared Molly’s thought processes to “those of an engineer.” Karen Johnson praised Molly’s resilience in conquering yet another language, Latin, to the point where she could deliver a courageous Cicero speech to her classmates. Ed Sack saw her determination as she worked her way up to dead-lifting 210 pounds in his Weights class. And Susannah stated, “I saw a different, but no less impressive resolve, when Molly took Expository Writing and had to profile someone in a professional setting. Molly, interested in party-planning, queried leaders in that field and found a new contact of her own. She handled the initial call — and the subsequent experience of helping run a 500-person wedding gala — with her characteristic grace and poise.” Rebecca Benedict shared, “When it comes to her passions, she loves to learn and takes them to the next level; she’s always ready to move forward and doesn’t let

anyone hold her back.” Molly is acutely aware of artistry in the world. Her rendering of Dairy Mat was the piece that Janet Szeto praised most highly: “It was a standout among her peers because she did such a terrific job of studying buildings, colors, textures, and cast shadows.” That assessment describes more than Molly’s approach to painting; it describes her approach to all things. This summer Molly will be exploring Italy and Greece and will pursue her undergraduate work at Case Western Reserve University this fall.

Hello Everyone, First of all I want to thank my friends, teachers, parents and anyone else who was there for me and believed in me. I’m grateful for being able to attend Roeper because I learned a lot and it opened my eyes to many new things. However, I’m also glad I can move on now and start a new chapter in my life. Thank you again and see you soon, Molly Phlips AARON ROBERT ROSENFELD, son of Beth and Michael Rosenfeld of Farmington Hills, attended Roeper for six years. Kelly McDowell stated, “Aaron Rosenfeld can use terms like postmodernism and heteronormativity and actually know what they mean.” Some of her “favorite memories of Aaron have occurred in down time in my room — even though down time is always at least slightly intellectual, often profoundly creative, and sometimes wickedly comic. We can have conversations about aesthetics and theory, peppered with forays into the absurd, and I forget that I’m talking with a student. It always feels more like conversations with a colleague.” One cannot speak about Aaron without talking about film. Kelly explained, “He possesses a keen sense of visual aesthetics and a genuine love of film.” One of Aaron’s closest friendships is formed in part by a shared love of film — that is his friendship with Ethan Rosenberg.

The two of them have had innumerable conversations about film. They don’t always agree. But

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they are both willing to challenge themselves and stretch themselves intellectually. This fall, Aaron will enter the Honors Program at Columbia College in Chicago where he will continue his pursuit of film.

Thank you to the Roeper community for all you have given me. Roeper is my second home, and the people in the community are my second family. Thank you to my teachers for challenging me and for always being willing to talk to me. Thanks to my friends for making school fun. Thank you to my family for being a source of constant support and laughs. You guys are so amazing and I’m going to miss you so much next year. Lastly, thank you especially to my parents for sending me to Roeper; I am so thankful that you gave me the opportunity to attend such an amazing and unique school. I love you all.

STEVEN MICHAEL SAHAM, son of Geoff and Laurie Saham of Bloomfield Hills, brother of Ellie (Stage IV), attended Roeper for six years. Susannah Nichols stated, “Most everyone knows Steven is smart, but it’s easy to take him for one of those kids who coasts by on natural brilliance.

With a cursory look, one might completely miss the fact that he’s curious, involved, and decidedly ambitious. But get past that first glance — notice the flawless Windsor knot in his tie when he’s bringing his A-game, or listen to him deftly deconstruct a document in history class — and you’ll understand what Lauren Anderson means when she says, ‘A lot of people write him off as a pretty lazy guy, and that’s really not the case.

He doesn’t have a sign on him about what means a lot to him, but things do.’” If Susannah had to articulate what seems most important to Steven, it might be a rigidly defined sense of authenticity and substance. Dan Jacobs praised Steven’s remarkable ability as a debater to cut to the heart of the matter by identifying where arguments go off track, establishing facts, and attacking weaknesses.

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Dan went on to say, “When he engaged in discussion, I always felt like the cavalry had come.”

It’s this faculty that helped earn Steven the honor of Best Delegate at the 2012 Model UN conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Steven will head to the University of Michigan this fall.

MAXWELL GILBERT BERLIN, son of Howard and Julianne Berlin of Huntington Woods, attended Roeper for seven years.

Andrew Blechman stated Max came to Roeper during the middle-school years, and before he arrived, he described himself as “introverted and shy, doing his own thing, and living in his own world.” He makes a claim that Roeper taught him to come out of his shell and explore the world around him, but Andrew begged to differ with that assessment: “I would argue that, instead, Roeper taught him, and taught him very well, how to grab all those around him, and then drag them down into his world where he could bend them to his will!” His hypothesis is confirmed by a story Liam Rybicki-Kler told him: One night around 8:00 Max randomly called him up, telling him to get ready for what he called ‘a little adventure’. Max arrived shortly thereafter driving a Ford Fusion he affectionately named Maurice (whose official sound track happened to be the Greatest Hits of Tom Jones), and they headed out for what seemed to be a quick, simple trip to downtown Royal Oak, which quickly evolved into dinner followed by a full jazz performance (by Max) at a tea house, then finally a walk-and-talk through the streets of Birmingham well into the evening hours. As Andrew said, “Max’s key Roeper vision has been to be, as he calls it, The Guy on the Side, playing backup to others, helping to fulfill their dreams. He started with Chris Torres’s senior project four years ago, where he directed the pit orchestra, and continued the tradition until very recently where he helped Jeffrey Fox complete his awesome Cabaret just a few days ago.” This fall, Max will attend The

Steven … has never met anyone who hates losing as much as he does.

Max …

There is something very soothing about Max — his calm, steady voice ... the dulcet tones he produces from the keys.

Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, one of the best music conservatories in the world.

Marie … serious, dedicated, and successful.

Emma … whatever she does, it will be big, loud and brilliant.

To the Roeper Community: I am reminded every day of how much I have learned from this wonderful institution, and the sensational people who give it life. Roeper gave me the confidence to stand by my music and my ideas, as well a thirst for collaboration and a lasting sense of humility. This will be a place that will still be teaching me long after I leave the school.

Thank you.

MARIE SUZANNE CAROZZA, daughter of Regis and Mary Beth Carozza of Troy, sister of Jackie ’10, attended Roeper for seven years.

Jamie LyonsEddy stated, “When Marie sees a challenge ahead of her, she charges forward and overcomes it. After setting a Roeper record at her sophomore Cross Country state finals, she suffered an injury that prevented her from running until this year. Instead of leaving track and cross country, she remained an active and supportive teammate, attending every meet, even if that meant sitting in the cold and rain for hours.” Courtney Fox said that Marie was always “an encouraging and motivating captain” of the Cross Country team, turning “every situation into a positive one.”

French teacher Michal McConville told Jamie that she wishes she had an attitude like Marie’s. “She approaches every endeavor with the same modest and good-humored determination that she brings to her athletic pursuits.” Jamie continued, “In her quest for excellence, Marie welcomes criticism and views obstacles as opportunities. She is remarkably adept at re-formulating her plan after encountering a setback. This has never been more evident than when she literally re-formulated the lipstick she developed for her senior project at least a hundred times, finally arriving at the perfect colors using allnatural, FDA-approved materials. Marie was her

own test subject, frying her lips a few times, but she also did the marketing, purchasing, packaging, bookkeeping, and legal work in setting up Sock Hop Cosmetics. This fall, Marie will attend the University of Michigan, where new academic challenges and an expanded cosmetics market await her.

Thanks for a great seven years! I really appreciate the teachers and coaches and all the work that they do. I look forward to entering the world as a Roeper Graduate.

EMMA MARGARET KRISTAL, daughter of Steve Kristal of Royal Oak, sister of Hannah ‘11, attended Roeper for seven years.

Kelly McDowell explained, “Two years ago, an enthusiastic student burst into my film class at the start of the fall semester, having just spent her summer representing the U.S. National Rocketry Team at model rocketry competitions all over the world. I could not have entirely recognized then the highly symbolic implications of our introduction. Now I can say that I can think of no better symbol than a rocket for Emma Kristal.

Emma is brave, bold, and brilliant. She does nothing small, inconspicuous, or halfway. And when she succeeds, she does so in a blaze of glory that cannot be ignored by any who witness it. She is passionate about whatever she chooses to do, and this passion allows for real innovation and creativity, often with radical, rocket-like breakthroughs. Whether rockets, French poets, avant-garde photography, or horror films, Emma chooses her objects of study because they mean something to her. She dives headfirst into anything that occupies her interest.” This fall, Emma will enter Kalamazoo College. She is currently trying to decide whether to pursue neuroscience or astrophysics and dreams of becoming an astronaut someday.

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ADAM CARL SCHOLL, son of David Scholl and Laura Lucas of Huntington Woods, brother of Jacob ‘16, attended Roeper for seven years. Regis Carozza stated, “When Adam appears to be starting something, it’s already complete; at that point, he has both the theoretical answer and the exacting, practical application all worked out. Adam is an amazing artist — down to every exquisite and practical detail. He can build or fix anything, choosing to construct economical, practical items, things that, as his mom says, ‘demonstrate their purpose.’ Liam Gloster describes it as an appreciation for ‘elegant solutions to problems.’” Regis continued, “Adam is an avid outdoorsman, a biker, runner, and rock climber; but the draw for him really seems to be feeling self-sufficient. The contents of his signature, multi-pocketed cargo pants are a testament to sufficiency, efficiency, and practicality. He’s even economical with his words; friends and teachers describe him as stoic, with a quiet, confident toughness. Even when Adam unleashes one of his epic, seemingly impromptu drum solos, we’re only witnessing the manifestation of what Adam already has completed in his mind (down to the last, precise detail). And you can bet that there’s not a wasted stroke.” In the fall, Adam will head to the woods of Northern Michigan and the shores of Lake Superior, where he will study engineering at Michigan Tech.

Roeper has taught me so much of what I know today, and the people there have made me who I am. Thank you to everyone who made that happen, and I’ll be back to see you all soon.

ELI GERALD SIMONS, son of Rudy and Roseanne Simons of Southfield, attended Roeper for seven years. Jason McIntosh explained Eli’s love for adventure probably began when his father, Rudy, would unroll large maps over the basement floor to show the toddler all the places he’d been.

The stories that Eli remembers hearing are why traveling has become his favorite pastime. The mantra he lives by is that of 81x40: he will have visited at least 81 countries by the time he is 40 years old — outstripping his old man by one. He

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already has 15 under his belt. Best friend Morris told Jason that “the thing about Eli that makes him unique is his passion for experiencing new things, and his drive to find the best that the world has to offer. His connections to the people he’s met on his journey will stay strong as he traverses the globe.” Eli says that “producing music is definitely my passion.” He spent an unforgettable week in Nicaragua last year doing just that. Jason stated he heard from Sara, a good family friend, who can see clearly into Eli’s future. “Ten years from now, Eli will have visited 30 more countries. He will be engaged and immersed in social justice-related activities, most likely as an international civil rights attorney, or maybe with the UN. Perhaps he’ll direct a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of indigenous people. Or, who knows?

Maybe he’ll take a break after receiving his law degree and spend a year traveling with a band as its music producer. Whatever he’s doing, he will be with pretty women, looking around the corner for that next new adventure and having the time of his life!” Eli’s adventure continues in Ann Arbor next year, at the University of Michigan.

I have no clue what I would have done, especially in middle school, if it weren’t for Roeper. Thank you to my parents for knowing Roeper was the right place for me, Jason for being a friend and mentor, David and Mike for believing in and nurturing my passion for travel, and Regis Carozza for introducing me to what may very well turn into my life’s work. I am eternally grateful to all of you.

JONAH FOX SKLAR, son of Jill and Joel Sklar of Troy, attended Roeper for seven years. Mike Ruddy described Jonah as being known for “his efficiency and his modes of motivation.” Christina Miceli said, “Jonah’s big appeal is he does what he wants to, for himself. He always finds the quickest and easiest way to get things done.” English Teacher Kelly McDowell stated, “The first word when I think of Jonah is fearless. He surrounds

Adam …

Roeper’s own “Professor Gadget” or “McGyver” Eli … tireless generosity, effortless charm, wit, insight, and exaggeratedto-the-pointof-disbelief stories of his wild adventures.

Jonah … fearless.

Dylan … a supremely fun-loving guy.

Graeme … wild, hilarious, and genuine.

himself with smart, capable peers — in fact, he thrives in such an environment.” Jon Kauffman noted, “In basketball, in Jonah’s mind, he’s a 7-footer in a 5’ 8” body, and often says ‘I can dunk like that.’” Jonah’s career moment happened with Roeper losing by 9 with 1½ minutes left.

“Skylar” subbed in and hit three three-point shots in a row to take Roeper into OT. At Model UN conferences in the past two years, Jonah represented China in Stuttgart and Turkey in Budapest. His charm and ability to strongly assert his position won him support and many new international friends. Mike Ruddy said, “Jonah has matured an incredible amount in his years at Roeper. In an impressive European History term project, he wrote of a hypothetical visit by John Locke to Voltaire. Tellingly, he chose not to directly interject himself into these philosophers’ arguments.” Jonah will be heading to the University of Michigan in the fall to study either Economics or Finance. He plans to apply to the Ross School of Business his sophomore year.

I’d like to personally thank Ernie Righetti for taking the time he dedicated to coaching and managing Roeper athletics. Without athletics I wouldn’t have had the personal growth and maturation process that I had over my seven years here, nor would I have made the friendships that I did. I may have learned a lot from many other teachers in the classroom, but there were life lessons and skills that I picked up through Athletics that I could not have possibly learned in the classroom. If there is one piece of advice that I give to the Roeper student body, teachers and administration it is to make sure Athletics is a part of the culture for as long as Roeper is open and an experience that everyone can share.

DYLAN SHANE BENNETT, son of Mark and Joyce Bennett of Huntington Woods, twin brother of Francesca ‘14, attended Roeper for eight years.

Susannah Nichols stated that there’s a popular shirt that reads Detroit Hustles Harder. It’s something that Dylan is often spotted wearing, and it always

makes her smile. Not just because of Dylan’s wellknown love for and involvement in Detroit, but also because Dylan in fact hustles harder than just about anyone Susannah knows. Even as a baby, Dylan’s parents recall that he “learned to crawl and then run” — because “walking, apparently, might lead to missing something up ahead.”

“Thorough does not begin to scratch the surface of his efforts,” shares Jamie Benigna. However steep the learning curve, Dylan adapts. If he’s attending his first Model UN conference, he’ll compile an encyclopedic amount of information on the country he’s representing. If he’s the smallest player — and the only freshman — playing Varsity basketball, he’ll guard whoever he’s asked to, and he might just yell at an opponent “get out of my house!” even at an away game. And if there’s a contact to be made, an internship to obtain, or a chance to make a difference, he seizes it.

Susannah continues, “Dylan has done work with D:Hive, Eastern Market, and the 2024 Olympic Engagement Committee. His friends have seen a change in him over the years. He’s gone from being cautious and careful to being more open to trying new things, to experiencing things about the world. He’s more in the moment — but he doesn’t let that inhibit his ability to do well in everything.

Whether it’s dedicating himself to personal improvement or recognizing the beauty and hope in a city that so many are quick to dismiss, Dylan’s hustle is real, it pays off, and it will continue to be the most critical component of his success.

GRAEME SAMUEL SCHULMAN, son of David ’76 and Karen Schulman of Huntington Woods, brother of Adam ’09 and Beth ’18, attended Roeper for eight years. Jamie Lyons-Eddy described how Stage IV teachers Ayisha and Emily not only called Graeme “a delight to be with,” but observed that he “perseveres when faced with a challenge.” Jamie explained, “When Graeme came to Roeper, he had already begun to demonstrate the fierce determination he would come to be known for in high school.” His mom recalls a visit to a festival where Graeme refused

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to leave the expert-level rock climbing wall until he could get to the top and ring the bell. The poor attendant had to suit him up dozens of times, but just before closing time, that bell rang. Graeme never got to go on a single ride at the festival, but he made it to the top. That determination to push himself physically and mentally has only intensified during his athletic career at Roeper. Ed Sack says Graeme is one of the toughest kids he’s ever coached. He brings tenacity and a good head for strategy to both basketball and soccer. In his classes, he’s known for his insight and ability to bring life to discussions. “Graeme can find humor in just about any situation, but he’s also deeply perceptive and logical in his thinking,” Jamie said.

“His teachers, from Ted Appleton to Jamie Benigna, have been impressed with his reasoning ability and intelligence, and his positive attitude has influenced his classrooms throughout his time at Roeper.” This fall, Graeme will realize his goal of attending Michigan State University.

CECELIA RAINE WATRY, daughter of Jim and Jennifer Watry, sister of Calvin ’20, attended Roeper for eight years. Christina Miceli stated, “$3,389 is the total amount Cece and Alyssa raised at the end of their Roeper Charity Marathon for therapies that help students with disabilities lead more normal, active lives. Cece immediately connected with the cause because of her compassion for helping all students participate in the same childhood activities she still loves.

Laura Panek described Cece’s positive attitude in class every day and is impressed that Cece never lets frustration or life’s challenges get in the way. In addition to being a successful athlete in volleyball and soccer, Cece is an accomplished singer. This year Cece sang an Italian song for Senior Showcase and a French song for the talent show. Abha Dearing said, “Cece has a glorious voice that is naturally free and vibrant.” Outside of school, Cece has been active in community theater

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productions, playing Glinda the Good Witch and Cinderella. Lisa Baker believes Cece’s best role has been the caring big sister on the Birmingham campus. When describing this year with Cece, Calvin said, “If anything bad happens to me, she’s always there to help me talk through it. She can help me with anything.” Next fall Cece will attend the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University.

Roeper has been such a helpful tool for me the last eight years. It not only put emphasis on being a good academic student, but also put a lot of emphasis on becoming a good person to the world. Roeper allowed me to be myself and grow at a rate I was comfortable with. Today I am now a more responsible, mature, friendly human being because of it. Thank you, Roeper FRANCESCA JADE BENNETT, daughter of Mark and Joyce Bennett of Huntington Woods, twin sister of Dylan ’14, attended Roeper for nine years. Colleen Potocki explained that Francesca “brought her 10-year-old adult-child self to Roeper Lower School. She came to the Lower School after refusing to attend her previous elementary because they would not let her read at recess and, according to young Francesca, she could learn more at home reading her own books and the front page of The New York Times. In Upper School, Francesca began finding her inner child. Teacher Michal McConville describes senior Francesca as a person “who finds joy in everything, laughs with everyone, and just enjoys life.” Colleen described high points for Francesca this year, including serving as a student representative on the Aesthetics Committee and as a student representative on the Board of Trustees.

Francesca’s love of community duty has also remained. As described by Susannah Nichols, Francesca was part of a group of students who launched the Roeper Service Corps, a social justice and service learning initiative. She worked as CIT at Clara Barton Camp and was a representative

CeCe … is true to herself and won’t be influenced by other people.

Francesca …

“What is the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable?”

Liam … funny, open, witty, irreverent, dependable, nonjudgmental and deep.

to Student Government. And Francesca’s senior project — piloting a food-sharing program through an urban garden — is a way she is making her commitment to community empowerment tangible and significant. This fall Francesca will attend the University of Michigan.

Thank you to Roeper for showing me how to be a citizen of the world, and thank you to the Roeper community for being so wonderfully supportive of everything I do.

LIAM CHRISTOPHER DENNING GLOSTER, son of

Ryan … his determined, quiet nature guides him through the process of achieving his goals.

Sammiey … an abundance of both charm and grace.

Michael and Anne Gloster of Grosse Ile, attended Roeper for nine years.

Michelle Stamler remembers the first time she heard Liam’s voice, “Gravelly low register, marked by very selective inflection; the voice of a wizened sage, not a 6th grade student.” She describes an eight-year-old Liam filling in the admissions form, responding to the question, “What would you bring to the Roeper community?” by writing, “Me just being me.” That authenticity is how Liam has lived his life in this community. “A friend to all, funny, open, witty, often irreverent but 100% dependable and not judgmental” is how his friends speak of him. Liam’s father describes “his defense of the underdog and the controversial,” demonstrated in his staunch involvement with Roeper’s Sierra Club and diversity group UMOJA. Liam used his Senior Project, the critical study of the way gender and sexuality are portrayed on TV, to help him figure out what it meant to be “normal.” When he took the stage following a presentation on marine biology, he told us he was taking us to another kind of “deep,” but do not be fooled, Liam loves to have fun. Many Roeper Art Trips, Chicago and a trip to his Canadian sanctuary allowed Michelle to see the truly joyous and irreverently funny and excruciatingly witty side of Liam. Recently, Liam processed his feelings through his writing when his words were read at the memorial for his mother; beginning the healing process for family, friends and himself when he stated, “We are mourning the human’s constellation’s loss of a bright star; and we must map new constellations by turning to one another.”

Liam will head to Eugene Lang College of The New School for Liberal Arts in NYC this fall.

RYAN CURTIS MAXWELL, son of Karen and Curtis Maxwell of Sterling Heights, attended Roeper for nine years.

Michal McConville stated, “At one point or another, Ryan Maxwell has fixed your technological device. I have read it in reports, heard teachers and students thanking him for solving their mechanical mysteries, and witnessed it firsthand when my computer is having a meltdown in the middle of my class. Yes — Ryan is a tech god.” Michal explained, “Since Lower School, Ryan has set goals for himself to investigate and pursue new subjects. He started with science, and made it his mission to learn more about animals and environments, enjoying outdoor field trips and the freedom that came with them. As with any explorer, his interests only grew, and he rebooted his inquisitive nature to include electronics and technology. Soon, he was participating in Robotics Club, building computers, and working on graphic design. Ryan is also a talented artist, and one can easily spot a Ryan original: always detailed, precise, and simply inspired.” Karen Johnson says, “Ryan is truly a loyal friend.” His friend Mohaymin said that Ryan is so fun to hang out with, partially because he is “really blunt” and says that one of his favorite Ryan quotes is ending any debate simply by saying, “I don’t care!” and laughing it off. This fall Ryan will head to one of the top art schools in the country, Ringling College of Art and Design.

Goodbye.

SAMANTHA LYNNE JOHNSON, daughter of Robert and Sandra Johnson of Novi, sister of Thomas, attended Roeper for nine years. Ttari Helmer explained from the moment Sammiey introduced herself to her preschool

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teachers as “The Princess of Novi” to the time she “distracted police officers by doing their numerology charts, Sammiey has had the ability to let us feel as if we were making the world a better place by doing her bidding. As long as she, too, wants the world to be a better place, we are safe.” Ttari stated, “It is easy to see how charming Sammiey is. She makes you feel it the moment you meet her. She draws us in, whether we are peers, teachers, younger students, or strangers on the street ... Sammiey is driven to make us smile, and she does that by instantly finding a way to make us feel comfortable. She can quote lyrics to ’80s power ballads with Andy, fangirl over the latest young adult novel with a middle schooler, annotate Grendel with Dan, patch a sound board with a middle-aged tech director and make us all feel that we are cool enough to hang out with her.” Sammiey will attend Kalamazoo College this fall and would like to study zoology or become a trauma surgeon or maybe even a theatrical sound designer.

therefore, when Jon chooses to speak, people listen.” Jamie Lyons-Eddy said Jon’s improvement in math and self-direction over the years is unmatched. Colleen Potocki praised Jon’s genuine credibility as a writer and said, “His unaffected manner informs his writing voice and makes the reader want to just keep reading.” Christina stated, “Athletics is the area where Jon has shown the most growth in leadership and confidence. He played basketball and baseball for four years and has been a vital part of those teams.” Coach Todd Dunfield appreciates Jon’s versatility as a player and noted that though he was a three-year starting catcher, Jon stepped up this year to pitch when the team needed him there. Ernie Righetti said, “He’s very dedicated. I don’t think he has ever missed a practice or a game. His commitment to the program was the best it could be.” The MIAC recognized Jon’s accomplishments this season by awarding him Second Team All-League in basketball. Next fall Jon plans to study business at the University of Alabama.

I really appreciate everything Roeper as ever done for me. See you guys after graduation!

Thank you, Roeper, for everything you have given me. I will do my best to keep the Roeper philosophy with me in college.

CORINNE NICOLE VENS, daughter of Jim

JONATHAN BRUCE KAUFMAN, son of Liz Kaufman of Birmingham, attended Roeper for 11 years. Christina Miceli explained, “In Stage III Marta and Sue said, ‘Jon has a clever sense of humor, a gentle spirit, and a quiet way of observing everything.’ Because of his ability to carefully think things through, strong morals, and even temperament, Jon is often looked upon to provide an alternative and valued opinion. As Steven Saham said, Jon embodies the phrase ‘say what you mean and mean what you say,’ and

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and Beth Vens of White Lake, sister of Kaitlyn ’11, Kyle and Joshua ’20, attended Roeper for 12 years. Matt Vallus spoke about his first semester teaching at Roeper.

“Maneuvering such new experiences can be challenging, but having an arsenal of great friends and great role models that understand such fearful situations can help one emerge victorious.” He did not believe that a student would be one that would help in such a new and uneasy situation, but then he met Corinne Vens. It was the little things, like an enthusiastic yell from the end of the hallway saying, “Hi Matt!”

Or, having her appear through the door window (everyday) during a lesson and making a strange face. “Corinne always made me feel accepted, and as a new teacher, she helped me immensely.” Matt continues, “Corinne made academic improvements at a pace that I have never witnessed before in a

Jon … a silent leader and captain that others try to emulate.

Corinne … real and genuine.

Rebecca … wisdom and sensitivity are her greatest gifts.

Clara … dedicated to everything she does and still finds time to enjoy the little things that make her happy.

single semester. Her commitment, fearlessness, inquisitiveness, and constant enthusiasm for learning are admired by all of her instructors in Latin, History, Photography, Ceramics, and Anatomy.” Michelle Stamler accurately states, “Corinne Vens has very firmly held beliefs but always listens to other points of view; she is trusted in our community, and she is most dependable.

Corinne is under the radar, but a part of the fabric of this school; she holds things together, and she is a real Roeper kid.” In the fall, Corinne will attend Wittenberg University.

Hey Roeper, Thanks for the good times, laughs and friends I’ve made here. I’ll treasure the memories forever.

REBECCA SUZANNE BENEDICT, daughter of Paul and Susan Benedict of Royal Oak, sister of Elizabeth ’12, attended Roeper for 13 years. Jamie Lyons-Eddy stated, “Rebecca is the most thoughtful person I have ever known.

When she was in Lower School, she wrote: ‘I have the ability to think deeply about things, even though I don’t always talk about what I’m thinking about.’ Much has changed about Rebecca as she’s grown into adulthood, but that statement is as true today as it was then. While most of us talk a lot without saying much of anything, when Rebecca speaks, she always says something worth listening to.” Susannah Nichols says that Rebecca is “unceasingly insightful, partly because of (her) sharp mind, but also … because of (her) sensitivity and awareness of people.” Rebecca’s questions in Freshman Biology prompted Laura Panek to reexamine ideas from her graduate study and led to conversations Laura called “extraordinary.” Jamie added that while Rebecca is deeply analytical, she is also profoundly creative. She surprised the Senior Showcase audience with the song Zebra, which featured a piano part she secretly taught herself to play and a vocal solo that was as honest and unassuming as it was beautiful. An extremely talented visual artist, this year Rebecca won a prestigious Silver Key award for her first

major ceramics undertaking. Her senior project explored the neurological activity associated with art therapy and creative expression, featuring an exhibit of her own private work. This fall Rebecca will enter the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, where she will study zoology.

I am so thankful for all the things the Roeper community has taught me. Over my years here I’ve learned the true meaning of respect, support, and confidence. I will miss my friends, teachers, and peers, but I know that their contribution to my growth and education at Roeper will be with me forever. Farewell for now, and thank you to everyone who touched me with their brilliance, kindness, and love!

CLARA NICOLE BIRD, daughter of Eulalia Ferrer and Jeff Bird of Royal Oak, attended Roeper for 13 years.

Jamie Lyons-Eddy explained, “The volume of the World Ocean is about 1.3 billion cubic kilometers, less than 5% of which has been explored. Clara’s exploration began at eight months old at El Canadell beach in Spain, where her mom says little Clara’s enthusiasm attracted the attention of the other beach-goers. Over the years, her interest in all things oceanic led to snorkeling and diving, and last summer, nine days at sea collecting data and learning to sail.” Clara throws herself enthusiastically into everything she does.

Caitlin Stewart said, “Instead of simply falling through life like the rest of us, it is as if (Clara) is propelling herself.” Jamie stated, in addition to speaking four languages, she’s been a leader in choir and Roeper Theater Company, performing in countless shows and doing hair, makeup and choreography for the Middle School. Mike Ruddy said she was this season’s most consistent defender on the Soccer team, “on a mission” during every game. On top of all that, she excelled in Roeper’s most challenging courses and led her homeroom service project. Jamie Benigna

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compares Clara to a graduate student in both her intellectual functioning and maturity. Michelle Lane was impressed with Clara’s self-direction when she approached her about a senior project: teaching a Stage IV elective on marine biology and ecology.

Even before she took the project on, Michelle says she knew that Clara was “hard-working, thoughtful and brilliant,” but “through the experience (she) was able to witness her as a mature and responsive young woman … who cares passionately about the world around her.” This fall Clara will enter Duke University’s Marine Biology program.

The Roeper Community has been my family for as long as I can remember. I grew up here, and I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without this community. This community taught me how to listen and argue respectfully, to stand up for myself, and to be a confident and well-spoken person. Roeper has nurtured my love of learning and has let me pursue my interests and follow my dreams — and for that, I am extremely grateful.

ALYSSA KATHERINE FLYNN, daughter of Kris and Dave Flynn of Troy, sister of Nathan ’12 and Jake ‘16, attended Roeper for 13 years.

Christina Miceli stated Alyssa is an “admired leader amongst her teammates, selected as captain for volleyball, basketball and soccer. In Stage IV her reputation as a great friend and role model of integrity inspired peers to elect her to the town council.

And as a junior, the student body voted her as a representative to the Board of Trustees.” Alyssa is conscientious and caring and truly puts her entire self into every endeavor she takes on. Ernie Righetti noted, “Alyssa is a rare student athlete. I have never heard her be negative.” Clara Bird added, “There are moments you want to pick her up and take her off the field because she’s just too dedicated to stop on her own.” Laura Panek said, “Her integrity,

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commitment to education and concern about those around her is evident and makes any classroom she’s in a safer place to learn.” Christina explained, “As part of their senior project, Alyssa and Cece hosted disability awareness assemblies on both campuses where Alyssa was committed to finding simulations the Lower School students could engage with and learn from.” Rachel Stamler-Jonas says, “It’s hard to describe her because she rises above most adjectives. The same words used for other people wouldn’t mean as much for Alyssa.”

Alyssa plans to study Cellular Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins University next fall with the eventual goal of researching genetic diseases.

Thank you to the Roeper community for all you have given me. Roeper is my second home, and the people in the community are my second family. Thank you to my teachers for challenging me and for always being willing to talk to me. Thanks to my friends for making school fun. Thank you to my family for being a source of constant support and laughs. You guys are so amazing, and I’m going to miss you so much next year. Lastly, thank you especially to my parents for sending me to Roeper; I am so thankful that you gave me the opportunity to attend such an amazing and unique school. I love you all.

JEFFREY JAMES FOX, son of Wendy Fox and Jim Fox of West Bloomfield, sister of Courtney ’15, attended Roeper for 13 years. Jason McIntosh explained that “being the center of attention makes Jeffrey feel alive. The spotlight is his to

Alyssa … she has a reputation as a great friend and role model of integrity.

Jeffrey … he’ll never be content just performing on stage.

He’ll want to write the words, compose the songs, choreograph the movement, direct, produce, cater and run the show … and then write the review.

Connor … mad scientist, the friendly giant, the fierce activist, the linguist extraordinaire.

Yumiko … has rare patience with the unfolding of relationships.

share … or not to share, as the case may be. On Jeffrey James Fox’s stage, he is the star of the show. We are all characters in the script that he has written, and is now directing.” After his first Roeper visit, “Teachers admired his role-playing and organization of the children he had just met.”

Jennifer, Laura, and Sandy reported every year how the “gifted entertainer with great stage presence” brought life to each of their productions. At the end of Stage IV, Jeffrey wrote that what makes him smile (other than his family, of course) is “being clapped for.” In the Acheson Theater he appeared, and eventually starred in a musical every year.

Jason stated Jeffrey has the best friends — he lives and cares for them above almost everything else. Each of them agrees that “it’s hard to think of something that would surprise people about Jeffrey James Fox because he is such an open book. He connects with people wherever he goes, with his animated ‘light up the room’ persona. He’s willing to be emotional and vulnerable, while striving to show people the best in themselves, in others, and by default sharing the best of himself. His kindness is reflected in his acknowledgement of others — compliments, listening and compromising, congratulations and thank-you notes.” This Fall Jeffrey is going to attend the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance.

Thank you to Roeper for letting me be a theatre kid, a jock, a student, an art-lover, a leader, and a member of your community all at the same time. Thank you for teaching me the importance of relationships and speaking my mind. Most of all, thank you for letting me express myself and explore the world on your stage.

I will never forget my time here.

CONNOR DEMARS GILLIKIN, son of Craig and Julie Gillikin from Rochester Hills, brother of Anna ’16, attended Roeper for 13 years. Michal McConville tells the story of Stage IV Connor writing a letter to himself saying, “I can

really understand that bugs are living creatures.

Not bugs = squishy annoying things.” Now, the Connor graduating today has a small vacuum that he uses to safely remove bugs from his room and return them to nature. As his friend Liam Rybicki-Kler says, “Beneath his (introversion) is a deep love for all living things. His love is not exclusive and extends to creatures of all sizes.”

Michal adds, “Connor is and always has been a scientist — quiet, observant, and marveling at the ways in which the world works.” Connor is also deeply committed to community outreach and social justice. One of the few male members of Cherry Bomb and Gender Blender, Connor also participates in UMOJA and Michigan Roundtable.

UMOJA advisor Michelle Stamler notes, “Connor is the most consistent, selfless, and intellectual student I have worked with when planning diversity programming.” Emma McGlinnen added, “Connor considers everyone’s emotions and wants everyone to be happy.” Recently, Michal asked Connor what advice he would leave for his classmates. He fittingly quoted the English biologist Thomas Huxley, and said “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” In the fall, Connor will head to the University of Michigan.

I’ll miss all of the good times here, and I’ll cherish the good memories.

YUMIKO NAKOMA POST, daughter of Darren and Mité Post, sister of Kimiko ’07, attended Roeper for 13 years. Colleen Potocki stated, “Yumiko has an uncommon centeredness, openness and connectedness.

Her Lower School teachers repeatedly reported that classmates really liked and trusted Yumiko. Every morning before class, Yumiko was mobbed by all of her friends and acquaintances who wanted to be with her and enjoy her positive company.” Middle and Upper School were no different. Jason MacIntosh says “I have noticed that for Yumiko, being in the band is not just about performing music, but is about being with and having fun with friends. She is always friendly

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optimistic, happy, helpful, polite … many qualities that make people want to be around her.” US history teachers Mike Ruddy and Matt Vallus describe Yumiko as always able to see perspectives other than her own; she is a keen listener and able to see beyond trivial issues quickly, able to compose compelling, articulate arguments with alacrity, integrity and heart. Colleen stated Yumiko has channeled her leadership and commitment to the Sierra Club where she is dedicated to the cause. She has also worked with Stage IV Girls Mentoring alongside Carolyn Lett, and she is an accomplished musician. Friend Liam Gloster passed on some advice for Yumiko to follow when she attends Eckerd College in Florida next year: “Don’t hide in your car or your dorm. Be as fearless as I know you to be and seize the world. If there is one thing we have figured out together, it’s that there is no feeling as frustrating or avoidable as regret.”

Roeper has been a home to me for my entire life, and I will miss it. The relationships I built here and the skills I have learned have made these past 13 years ones I will never forget. I’m sad to leave, but I’m excited for what is to come, and I’m thankful for the foundation that this school has provided me with. I had a lot of good times here and a few not so good times, but that’s just how life is. Roeper will always hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t thank it enough.

RACHEL MAYA STAMLERJONAS, daughter of Patricia Stamler and Joel Jonas of Royal Oak, attended Roeper for 13 years.

Christina Miceli stated, “We remind you to live in the moment and take a deep breath.” That was the central theme of Rachel’s poetry piece that won third place at Forensics States this year. This topic meant a lot to Rachel because she has lived by that premise, immersing herself in whatever she is taking part in. Max Raimi ’13 says, “When she decides to work on something, especially

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something creative, she doesn’t just cook by the book, she is passionate and puts her all into everything.” Christina explained, “This year Rachel put a ton of vision into her senior project where she wrote an original song, created a music video and choreographed a live performance. From an epic YouTube début to a costume made out of film and two dog cones, it was as evident as ever that when Rachel is given a chance for creativity she goes all out and dreams big. Rachel’s academic work is no different; all of her teachers talk about her voracious intellectual curiosity, unmatched work ethic, and pursuit of knowledge beyond course requirements.” Rachel’s parents joke that she has been “clubbing” throughout high school because of her extensive work in extracurriculars like Sierra Club, Umoja, and Amnesty. Next fall Rachel will be attending Northwestern’s School of Communications. She plans to major in the theater program and another concentration to help her stay balanced.

Roeper challenged, inspired and strengthened me. What I will miss most about Roeper is its community: the students and teachers. Roeper allowed me to discover and explore my passions while encouraging me to be myself. I am forever grateful.

DARYL LEVIN HURLEY II, son of LaTeresa and Daryl Hurley of Detroit, brother of Daria ’14, attended Roeper for 14 years. Linda Vernon stated Daryl will be remembered for his smile that is almost as bright as his lime green sweatpants.

“Walking in the SLC in the morning and always seeing Daryl’s smiling face — it’s a great way to start off my day,” junior Max Whipple says. In addition to his smile, Daryl is recognized and admired for his outgoing and winning personality that allows him — as junior Michael Matthews says — “to become best friends with someone he just met.” “Daryl might be one of the most genuinely friendly people I’ve met,” English teacher Susannah Nichols says. “No surprise that his Hamlet group

Rachel … the type of person who just pulls you in, mostly because she loves helping people solve problems.

Daryl … one day “we will see his great smile every morning as he anchors the news.”

Rachel … makes the ordinary look extraordinary.

Eric … “under his laid-back, pleasant demeanor lies a very serious, highly talented, focused person.”

chose to call themselves Daryl and Friends.”

Linda explained his generous spirit is matched by his cooking talents, his sense of humor and his impressive work ethic — on the baseball diamond, the basketball court and in the classroom. Varsity Baseball team Captain and first baseman Hurley earned lst Team All-League and All-District honors last year, and boasted a .548 batting average.

“Daryl can do no wrong,” Coach Todd Dunfield said. He also saw great success as an editor of the Yearbook and a reporter for the school newspaper.

“I like seeing something I worked hard on published, and I enjoyed being part of something that the whole community enjoys,” he says. Next fall, Daryl says that he “will probably be majoring in Communication and minoring in Journalism” at Wittenberg University, the small liberal arts college near Springfield, Ohio, where his parents met when they were students.

Well Roeperians, it’s been real. Enjoy the time you have left and never forget what Roeper taught you about loving your community, the people in your community, and more generally, the world.

looking like she’s breaking a sweat. This makeup needs to allow a young woman to become a chameleon; to adapt to any new challenge that the day may bring. But more than versatility, our makeup needs to be durable and long-lasting. This makeup needs to be as reliable as that friend you call on whenever your day has been too much, and you know that they’ll support you … that friend who will always show up when she says that she’ll be there. This product line needs to endure; not just through the day, but through the years. This needs to be the product that never gives up, no matter how tough the day. Now, as you all know, building brand loyalty is integral to good business.

We need to capture that market of women who, in elementary school, were princesses in tiaras but are now ready to live a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a glamorous city, so we’ll be basing our operations for the next four years in the heart of Greenwich Village at The New School in New York City.

We’re going to need to find the perfect name for this product line … May I propose that we name our new line simply, “Rachel”?

Thank you to all the teachers who made me what I am today!!!

RACHEL ANN NICHOLS, daughter of Art Nichols & Kimberly Ailes of Dearborn, attended Roeper for 14 years. Michelle Stamler read the words of Jamie Benigna: “I come before you here today so that we can develop a new line of exceptional makeup products; one like you’ve never seen before. This makeup line will be versatile; it will enable that go-getting young woman to transition seamlessly between her many high-level academic classes while still allowing her to dive into painting, drawing, and photography … all while continually looking fabulous. This line will enable her to debate fervently in Model UN and then transition into volleyball competitions at night, all without

ERIC AUGUST ROENNECKE, son of Werner Roennecke and Patricia Ignatius of Pleasant Ridge, brother of Werner ’11 and Simon ’17, attended Roeper for 14 years. Linda Vernon explained how Art teacher Jarie Ruddy recently shared her favorite Eric memory: “One day in Stage I Art, things were crazy. We had paint everywhere, several kids were crying, and one of them had locked someone in the bathroom. I was trying to

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solve all of these problems, and Eric kept tugging at my apron: ‘Jarie?’ ‘Just a minute, Eric.’ This went on for several minutes, and finally I said, ‘Ok, Eric — what?’ ‘I can lift up this whole Hill House by myself,’ he replied. Eric’s Herculean inspirations and his — no pun intended — strong sense of self, have been evident throughout his time at Roeper.”

Linda stated that Eric’s list of accomplishments is long — from teaching himself to ride a two-wheel bike with training wheels at 2½ to fulfilling a longtime dream and competing against more than 300 top amateur skateboarders from around the world last December at the Tampa Am and finishing 18th. Skating and art are profoundly connected for Eric. Eric admits, “If I’m doing a project — and it’s something that I enjoy — anything that’s creative — I’m not going to settle for anything less than perfect.” Eric is literally counting the days until he leaves for the California College of the Art in San Francisco where he will go into film making.

I’d like to thank everyone who made my Roeper experience so awesome. From my years at the Lower School to my senior year of high school, thank you to everyone who supported my dreams and encouraged my creativity to let me strive. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without all of your help.

I would also like to say a genuine farewell to the Roeper community and all the teachers I had throughout my years at this school. I’ve been going to Roeper my entire life, and I’m going to miss all of you. I loved the accepting atmosphere on both campuses and it really let me grow into the individual that l am. I truly feel like a citizen of the world now who can conquer anything and make a difference.

“See you dudes on the flip side.”

DYLAN EDWARD SHALLOW, son of Kent and Nancy Shallow of Auburn Hills, attended Roeper for 14 years. Kevin Roberts stated, “Roeper was founded to nurture extraordinary young people … like Dylan, a young man with the twin gifts of leadership and creativity that George and Annemarie prized. George Roeper said, ‘I am a citizen of the world.’ Dylan Shallow lives this statement, exhibiting as he does an extreme penchant for befriending people from around the globe. On at least one occasion there were kids whose families were from China, Ethiopia,

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India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Uruguay at his house. This veritable United Nations of Dylan showcases one of his most potent talents: Dylan brings people together. Dylan received the coveted honor of being inducted into the Order of the Fighting Tuna, reserved for the member of the class who most embodies the Roeper Spirit. Dylan lifts the mood of any room he enters, because he can’t help but make people laugh, smile, and feel good about themselves. Dylan has been beset, for several years, by multiple health challenges rooted in a persistent infection that doctors only recently figured out. Some days, getting out of bed has been a struggle. His perseverance reminds his mentors of what Winston Churchill said: ‘Never, never, never give up!’” This fall Dylan will attend Michigan State University.

I’ve been at Roeper for most of my life up until this point, so saying goodbye and leaving is quite surreal. I wish all my underclassmen good luck and all my teachers the same.

Best Wishes, Dylan BENJAMIN RYAN VOYT, son of Joseph and Deborah Voyt of Bloomfield Hills, brother of Michael ’09 and Scott, attended Roeper for 14 years. Jason McIntosh stated, “Ben has been at Roeper his whole life. It’s all he knows — a comfortable community accepting every part of who he is, which allowed him the freedom to explore whatever fascinates him. He feels fortunate to have only known the generosity, expertise, and fairness of Roeper teachers. And from them, he’s learned to choose his goals carefully, and pursue them relentlessly.” Ben’s friends describe him as “funny, outgoing, hard-working, friendly, expressive … bouncy.” Ben and Jason both thought he might pursue a career in music. “It’s something that he’s dedicated much of his life to, in and out of school.

He wanted to learn to play the bagpipes, but Laura convinced him the clarinet would fit better in the Stage IV Band. In the Upper School, it was the bass — both electric and upright; in the Jazz Band, strings, and with the Oakland Youth Orchestra as

Dylan … a leader because his whole being vibrates — YES WE CAN.

Ben … one in a million.

Akiko … “looks not just for the good in people, but the great, the extraordinary.”

well. His band, Arrowhead, played Pontiac’s The Crofoot and The Hard Rock Café in downtown Detroit — sponsored by Axis Music Academy.”

Ben is an Eagle Scout, an avid sailor, and an auto mechanic. He hopes to soon be a pilot. Ben has decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Western Michigan University, one of the top aviation programs in the country, while serving in the Air National Guard.

If I had won a state championship like she did in Forensics,‘ Gavin says, ‘you wouldn’t be able to fit me and my ego in the room. Akiko just takes it in stride.’” As Akiko says, “Roeper has given me such a high standard for friendship, because you can find such genuinely beautiful people here, and that’s something that I’m taking out into the world — I look not just for the good in people, but the great, the extraordinary.” Akiko will head to Wayne State University’s theatre program for stage management this fall. She feels confident from her years of experience with the Roeper Theatre Company, explaining, “My job as Stage Manager, is to be the thread that weaves the production together, to make the director’s vision come to fruition.”

Hello Roeper students/faculty, Roeper has been a defining time in my life, and has held as many bitter as happy moments for me. I’ve learned a lot from my teachers and fellow students, and I am deeply grateful for that. I encourage all of you to take everything you do seriously, but not overly serious. Be you and try to make your time at Roeper, or wherever else you may go, as enjoyable as possible. Goodbye, Roeper.

Sincerely, Benjamin AKIKO JEANNE ABE, daughter of Susan Steigerwalt of Detroit and Bruce Abe of Detroit, attended Roeper for 14 years. Dan Jacobs stated, “Akiko’s Lower School teachers described her at the age of four as ‘a calm, empathetic, and supportive friend … with a sophisticated understanding of people and human relationships.’

Sam Johnson said that Akiko is the most open, loyal friend ever and has always been there for her.

And Roeper alum Gavin Buckley says, ‘Akiko can really understand anybody’s perspective, and feel what other people are feeling just by being with them. She has taught me and others by example.

FFF

Dylan … is a leader because his whole being vibrates, YES WE CAN. Ben … one in a million.

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KIT OUTTAKES

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KIT

Lisa Baker

Upper School Director

CLOSING REMARKS

Take a look at the video screen for a brief moment … [video clip in which a skateboarder charges down the hill only to stop short of the jump. He assesses the situation and heads back up the hill.

In the next shot, we see him jump a gully filled with rubble and land effortlessly on the other side.]

This clip, a tiny part of Eric Roennecke’s Senior Project, may very well capture the Class of 2014.

They are quick to charge down the hill toward challenge and adventure. When they get close to the point of take off, they pause and take a closer look. Some simply assess, as Eric did, and head back up the hill to regain the momentum for the jump ahead. Others linger, maybe they procrastinate a bit, some show up just to ask what’s going on, because few want to miss a chance to hang out. Invariably any discussion will turn to heated debate as this class loves nothing more than a good argument. And then there are those who just lie down. The very thought of the walk back up the hill or making such a jump requires a good, solid nap — after a trip to Primo’s or Qdoba, of course.

I’m not entirely sure what causes this phenomenon — this sporadic break in momentum. It is a good practice to assess the situation before approaching a challenge. It’s safe and smart to know where you need to land or what obstacles you might want to avoid. It only becomes a problem if you linger too long next to the edge and get convinced that the jump is much harder than you originally thought and exhaust yourself with worry. The next time you’re standing close to the edge of something, remember the image of Eric flying with ease over the dangers below him. Remember the grace of his jump and the ease in his landing. Don’t wait too long close to the edge. Build your momentum and make your best jump.

This winter, the Roeper Theatre Company produced Harold and Maude, a 1971 movie written by Colin Higgins and directed by Hal Ashby. In the play, Maude, played

by Rachel Stamler-Jonas, helps Harold to see that there is good in the world. She reminds us all that, [sing] If you want to sing out, sing out And if you want to be free, be free ‘Cause there’s a million things to be You know that there are And if you want to live high, live high And if you want to live low, live low ‘Cause there’s a million ways to go You know that there are [Chorus] You can do what you want The opportunity’s on And if you can find a new way You can do it today You can make it all true And you can make it undo you see ah ah ah its easy ah ah ah You only need to know Rachel did a much nicer version of this, so here she is to remind you to sing out! [video of Rachel Stamler-Jonas and Lukas Sznewajs] Class of 2014, I wish you safe travels, great adventures, and lots of love. Keep your momentum and leap into life when you have the chance. And remember, we’ll always be here if you need a stop at home.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to present the Class of 2014.

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Build your momentum and make your best jump.

KIT SENIOR PROJECTS

The George A. Roeper Senior Projects are designed to allow students to follow their personal passions and extend their learning beyond the classroom. These projects represent skill sets that students have developed over time. The students have managed at least one semester of independent, self-directed learning. They have been supported by mentors within our walls as well as professionals in their respective areas of interest outside the Roeper Community. It would be easy to focus solely on the results these students have produced; however, the process they employed and relationships they developed are likely what will impact them most in the years to come.

Listed here are the Class of 2014 participants and their projects.

Farid Al Sabeh . . . . . . .

Experiments on Magnetic Hyperthermia Induced Drug Release

Rebecca Benedict . . . . . . Neurobiology and Art Francesca Bennett . . . . . . Exploring Eden Gardens Clara Bird . . . . . . . . .

Into the Deep: A Study of The Ocean’s Environments

Marie Carozza . . . . . . .

Sock Hop, LLC: A Study in Entrepreneurship

Alyssa Flynn & CeCe Watry . . Roeper Charity Mini-Marathon Jeffrey Fox . . . . . . . . . The Red Velvet Curtains:

A One-Man Cabaret starring Jeffrey Fox Liam Gloster . . . . . . . . Good Wives, Gay Husbands:

Gender & Sexual Identity on Contemporary Television Eric Roennecke . . . . . . . Dead End Justice: A Narrative Short Film Steven Saham . . . . . . . . The State of Michigan v. Robert Messer Nadia Salman . . . . . . . . Letters to the Leftovers Rachel Stamler-Jonas . . . .

Make It Pop: For the Record, Screen and Stage

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KIT

PASSIONS & PURSUITS Roeper students are not simply products of the curriculum; they are an integral part of the learning process and are encouraged to be fully engaged community participants by uncovering their passions in a myriad of venues. This important dimension allows students to experience the special rewards and self-awareness that come from exploration and mastering.

Here is a snapshot of the Class of 2014 journey:

AMNESTY PERFORMING INTERNATIONAL ARTS Farid al Sabeh Dylan Bennett Clara Bird Jeffrey Fox Eli Simons Rachel Stamler-Jonas CeCe Watry Maddie Wilson

FORENSICS Farid al Sabeh Max Berlin Alyssa Flynn Jeffrey Fox Daryl Hurley Sammiey Johnson Aaron Rosenfeld Rachel Stamler-Jonas Maddie Wilson

ROEPER DANCE ENSEMBLE

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Farid al Sabeh Max Berlin Clara Bird Jeffrey Fox Connor Gillikin Ryan Maxwell Astrid Phlips Yumiko Post Adam Scholl Graeme Schulman Eli Simons Rachel Stamler-Jonas Benjamin Voyt

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Dylan Bennett Francesca Bennett Max Berlin Clara Bird Jeffrey Fox Sammiey Johnson Rachel Nichol Jalen Raines Rachel Stamler-Jonas Benjamin Voyt Maddie Wilson

Clara Bird Tori Farrow LaTressa Newberry Rachel Nichols Rachel Stamler-Jonas

MODEL UN Farid al Sabeh Lauren Anderson Dylan Bennett Marie Carozza Rachel Nichols Steven Saham Eli Simons Jonah Sklar Rachel Stamler-Jonas CeCe Watry Maddie Wilson

ROEPER THEATRE COMPANY

VOCAL MUSIC Lauren Anderson Rebecca Benedict Max Berlin Clara Bird Marie Carozza Tori Farrow Jeffrey Fox Connor Gillikin Sammiey Johnson Nadia Salman Corinne Vens CeCe Watry

SPORTS BASEBALL Daryl Hurley Jon Kaufman Steven Saham Eli Simons Benjamin Voyt

BASKETBALL Lauren Anderson Francesca Bennett Dylan Bennett Tori Farrow Alyssa Flynn Jeffrey Fox Daryl Hurley Jon Kaufman LaTressa Newberry Molly Phlips Yumiko Post Steven Saham Nadia Salman Graeme Schulman Dylan Shallow Navraj Singh Jonah Sklar CeCe Watry

CROSS COUNTRY Max Berlin Marie Carozza Ryan Maxwell Eli Simons Maddie Wilson

GOLF Dylan Bennett Steven Saham

SOCCER Farid al Sabeh Francesca Bennett Clara Bird Alyssa Flynn Molly Phlips Graeme Schulman Navraj Singh Rachel Stamler-Jonas CeCe Watry Maddie Wilson

TRACK Lauren Anderson Dylan Bennett Marie Carozza Jeffrey Fox Mohaymin Kadir Nadia Salman Dmitry Senic Eli Simons

VOLLEYBALL Lauren Anderson Tori Farrow Alyssa Flynn Rachel Nichols Nadia Salman CeCe Watry

STUDENT GOVERNMENT Francesca Bennett Alyssa Flynn Rachel Nichols Molly Phlips Nadia Salman Jonah Sklar

TUNA TALK Francesca Bennett Daryl Hurley Mohaymin Kadir LaTressa Newberry Eric Roennecke Nadia Salman Jonah Sklar

UMOJA Lauren Anderson Jeffrey Fox Connor Gillikin LaTressa Newberry Rachel Nichols Rachel Stamler-Jonas

YEARBOOK Lauren Anderson Dylan Bennett Jeffrey Fox Daryl Hurley Ryan Maxwell Rachel Nichols Eric Roennecke Eli Simons Jonah Sklar

CLASS OF 2014 OFFICERS Nadia Salman, President Lauren Anderson, Vice President Clara Bird, Secretary Dylan Bennett, Treasurer

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KIT

AWARDS & HONORS The Order of

The Roeperian Empire

The Fighting Tuna

In 1975, David Jaffe ’74 proposed the creation of a new award to recognize exceptional Upper School students.

George accepted the proposal, and each year since, the school has awarded individuals who, by virtue of their extraordinary sharing of time, effort and self, made outstanding contributions to the Upper School community.

Remarkable achievements alone do not qualify a student for the award. Contributing to the community is most important. Richard B. Morris ’72 coined the term “Order of the Roeperian Empire” for the award, and designed the official crest.

Each year the reigning Knight or Dame Commander of the Order of the Fighting Tuna appoints a successor from the Junior Class. The Order of the Fighting Tuna was established in 1985 to “protect the honor of the members of the community of the Roeper City and Country School.” Each year, the new member of the Order is knighted during a ceremony befitting the mock-seriousness of the occasion.

The 2013/14 Fighting Tuna 21th Knight of the Order Dylan Shallow appointed

The Order of The Roeperian Empire 2014 Recipients

The Order of

ETHAN ROSENBERG

22 nd Knight of the Order

CLARA BIRD ALYSSA FLYNN RACHEL STAMLER-JONAS

Athletic Awards 2013/14

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Upper School Athletes of the Year

Roeper Scholar Athletes

George A. Roeper Sportsmanship Award

ALYSSA FLYNN NADIA SALMAN MAX WHIPPLE

DYLAN BENNETT MARIE CAROZZA NAVRAJ SINGH

JEFFREY FOX DARYL HURLEY CECE WATRY

Super Boosters of the Year

Roeper Hall of Fame Inductee

DAVE & KRIS FLYNN

JAY EWING

KIT

Patti Bostwick

Director of College Counseling

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Of the 43 members of the Class of 2014, all will go on to college immediately.

One student scored in the top 12 in the National Chemistry Olympiad in Michigan and was also a high scorer in the Michigan Math Prize competition.

One student was a National Merit Semifinalist and one a Commended Scholar. Another student was a National Achievement Finalist. And one student was honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholar award.

The Class of 2014 was offered more than $3 million in scholarships.

Class members were admitted to the listed institutions and enrolled at colleges and universities in BOLD CAPS.

Adrian College Albion College Allegheny College American University Babson College Beloit College Bennington College Berea College Bethune Cookman College Boston University Bowling Green State University Brandeis University CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY Champlain College Clark Atlanta University Coastal Carolina University College of Wooster Colorado State University COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO Concordia University Chicago Concordia University OC Canada Cornell College CORNELL UNIVERSITY DUKE UNIVERSITY Earlham College Eastern Michigan University EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER ECKERD COLLEGE Emory Universtiy EUGENE LANG COLLEGE THE NEW SCHOOL FOR LIBERAL ARTS Fairmont State University George Washington University Goucher College Grand Valley State University Hampshire College Hawaii Pacific University High Point University HOWARD UNIVERSITY Hunter College of the City University of New York Indiana University JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY KALAMAZOO COLLEGE Kent State University KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY Knox College

Lawrence Technological University Lawrence University Livingstone College Marlboro College MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Millsaps College New England Conservatory of Music New York University New York University Tisch School of the Arts Northeastern University Northern Michigan University NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Oglethorpe University Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Pace University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Ripon College Saint Augustine University SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE Spelman College Stetson University Susquehanna University Texas A & M University Tulane University UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA University of California Riverside University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Florida University of Hawaii-Manoa University of Miami UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN University of Michigan-Dearborn University of Puget Sound University of Texas at Austin University of Vermont University of Wisconsin WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY Wayne State University Med Start Program West Virginia Wesleyan College WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Wheaton College Illinois WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY

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KIT

Adam Smock ’87

Alumni Relations Coordinator

A MESSAGE FROM ADAM To begin with, I am so excited and honored to be standing here in front of all of you. I remember sitting right where you’re sitting when I was a senior here at Roeper. I remember a lot of the feelings going on at that moment. I was excited and eager. I remember listening to the speakers and feeling like I was special. I felt like I was respected, and I was given words of hope and encouragement.

know from yours, that when someone comes back to Roeper for a visit, it’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s important. That’s a gift you can give them.

Junior/Senior Dinner is all about you, our seniors, and welcoming you to an entirely new chapter in your lives. I speak to you today representing the school and the entire Alumni Community, of which you will soon be a part.

• a Roeper Alumni Business Network to help you connect with other alumni in similar or complementary fields;

The bottom line I want you to take away from what I say tonight is this: The time you’ve spent here at Roeper is something you MUST keep with you in your heart, not just your memory. Whether you’ve been here one year or you’ve been here all your life, you’ve experienced something so few get to experience.

You guys are all special, and you guys are all wonderful and strong individuals. You have talents and abilities that few out there possess. You’re bringing an educational foundation with you that will strengthen your every move. Know that and keep it in mind. Those of us who have graduated from this school are lucky. Bring the confidence and inspiration that this school was founded on with you. Be proud of it.

With all of this I’ve mentioned, comes a responsibility that I want you to embrace. Those who come after you need to know the same thing, and you can tell them by being an active member of the alumni community. As you focus on the challenges of life after Roeper … and it is challenging … keep a place in your life for this school. Don’t let the other things overshadow us.

It will be your efforts that will sustain our mission and allow us to give to future generations the gifts you received.

I would be lying if I wasn’t partially talking about financial support, but I’m also talking about emotional support. Please visit, please come back to meet current students whenever you can.

Please talk to them about what you are doing along the way, and please give them hope and courage. I know from my own experience, and you probably

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In addition to reunions, newsletters and Facebook pages, the coming months and years will also see a number of new things I’ll be creating that are specifically geared towards helping you remain an engaged alumni …

• a Roeper Alumni Mentoring Program to connect you with more recent grads to help them with the transition you’re embarking on right now; and • an Alumni Leadership Council that will be put in place to make sure that we are doing everything we can to keep people engaged and to continue the connections to the school and to each other.

By becoming an active alum, you can benefit from these and other initiatives.

You don’t have to remember these things I’ve mentioned because you’ll hear more about them from me. You’ll hear lots of things from me. From the moment you become official alumni, I will become your central connection to this school.

Lucky for you, you have the distinct honor of being my first graduating class as Director of Alumni Relations, and I will make sure I don’t lose any of you.

Please stay in touch with me. Let me know when you’re in town and have a few minutes to stop by. Let me know what you’re up to. I want to congratulate you, and I want to celebrate your achievements … and knowing you, there will be a lot to celebrate. When there are challenges and difficult events, I want to support you.

As you leave, I wish you luck and good fortune. I have so much confidence in you.

Thank you. Thank you for putting your stamp on Roeper, and thank you for being a part of our legacy.

Congratulations to each of you!

Adam spoke to the Class of 2014 and their parents at the Junior/ Senior Dinner on June 7.

The time you’ve spent here at Roeper is something you MUST keep with you in your heart, not just your memory.

KIT

Denita Banks-Sims

Director of Development

PARTING THOUGHTS I am increasingly appreciative of the privilege to offer a warm welcome — and often a hug — to alumni who drop by the school to visit and reminisce.

They are often joined by a spouse, partner, children or friend from college, and their excitement to share their experience is absolutely palpable! I suspect you can imagine how most of the exchanges ensue … ”Wow, I remember Tire Mountain being way larger than this!” … “May I go and push the pedal sink in the Domes?” … ”What happened to the Tree House?” … ”Is the Art Room still in use on the third floor?”

How do you measure familiarity or a sense of home? Annemarie Roeper once told me that the reason it is so important to simply be available to extend to alumni, alumni parents, former staff and friends an enthusiastic “WELCOME HOME” is because the community was so essential to them.

There is power in witnessing and accompanying a journey, and the Roeper community embraces the privilege …

There is power in witnessing and accompanying a journey, and the Roeper community embraces the privilege, and that natural and authentic connection was decidedly because of the remarkable stewardship and affection created by Mariann Hoag. She established an institutional foundation from which we continue to receive incalculable benefit.

In this traditional “Senior Edition” of Keeping In Touch we celebrate the remarkable Class of 2014, warmly welcome them to the alumni ranks, and then imagine the trajectory that will one day bring them back for a “visit home.”

Yours,

Former student Tim Baggerly (left Roeper in 1970)and his wife Ashley dropped by to reconnect and show their sons, James (left) and Steven, where Dad went to school.

Aimee Symington, Class of ’86, and her children, _____________ and ___________, join Head of School David Feldman on a recent visit back to Roeper.

PHOTO BY CARRI HAMMERS

PHOTO BY CARRI HAMMERS

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SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 DETROIT ATHLETIC CLUB TO DONATE ITEMS FOR AUCTION, BECOME AN AUCTION SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER, PLEASE CONTACT EVENT CHAIR BETH VENS, SCHMIDLY6@HOTMAIL.COM OR KATIE BUCHMANN, DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, KATIE.BUCHMANN@ROEPER.ORG