By: Ryan Jolton
Why D’Evelyn. Throughout all of my six years at D’Evelyn I have always wondered why I stayed and what drives me to get up every morning and continue to choose D’Evelyn. Now as a senior, ready to graduate, the answer comes to my mind with ease. Having previously spoken to the school about the “Jag Spirit,” it is our tight-knit community that helps me choose D’Evelyn every day. Having a graduating class of less than 150, I know every person that I will be walking with on May 21st. Although very different from other schools, it is a privilege to know every one of my classmates. Additionally, as academically challenging as D’Evelyn is, it is extremely important to develop study groups and classmates you can work with. For example, before every test, all students come together in our glass GroupMe to ask questions about the material and to even seek calming reassurance, which reminds me of the privilege I have to call myself a Jag. Furthermore, aside from having developed deep connections with my classmates, I have also made relationships with my teachers. As school can get challenging, it is very important to me to be able to get one-on-one help, and at D’Evelyn, I do not have to go far to find such help. Being able to go over classwork, and real-life issues with my teachers makes me feel comfortable at D’Evelyn. Thus, my relationships with my classmates and teachers help me answer “Why D’Evelyn.” D’Evelyn’s extracurricular activities also help me continue to say yes to D’Evelyn; primarily, being a member of the baseball team. As I could say for any other sport, having time every day with my teammates has helped me develop extremely close relationships with every player. From 6:30 A.M. practices to winning the regional championship, every minute spent with my team makes me feel honored to be a part of such a close group. To continue, being with my classmates away from schoolwork is comforting: we get to talk about our workload and what may be stressing us out, then when game time comes, it is all focus. All in all, being a part of any team at D’Evelyn helps to alleviate stress and keep me a jag. In addition to being on the baseball team, I also support every team. From football games to volleyball games to basketball games, I, along with other classmates cheer on our teams. Being able to relax from school work and watch our outstanding student-athletes compete is an activity I have always cherished. Being a fan holds importance to me because I have pride in being a jaguar, on and off the field, court, whatever it may be. Watching our “smart school” compete and even beat other large schools is one of the most amazing things to be a part of as a jaguar. While my personal relationships and sporting events keep me a jag, D’Evelyn has a group or activity to make anyone feel welcome. From religious groups to social inclusion groups, D’Evelyn has what it takes to make sure every student has someone they can talk to. These groups also bring spirit to the halls. From a canned food drive put on by the Spanish Honor Society, to a healthy activities day by Sources of Strength, there is always something fun at school. Having these activities reminds me that D’Evelyn is more than just a place for me to take tests and do homework, it is somewhere I can have fun. Reflecting on my six years at this amazing school, there is not just one thing that kept me a jag; it is a full circle of components that make it worth it to be a D’Evelyn Jaguar. Ryan Jolton Class of 2022 By: Megan Choun, Math Teacher
Is D’Evelyn worth it in the end? The simple answer to the question is yes, however if someone had asked me when I was a D’Evelyn student, my answer would have been no. While attending D’Evelyn, like many students, I was stressed, struggled academically, struggled with friendships, and there were numerous times I wanted to leave. My parents were, and still are, firm believers in the D’Evelyn philosophy, and leaving was not an option. I was upset I was “forced” to stay and I believed I would have been a much better student elsewhere. Of course, that was merely based on my perceptions of what my friends at other schools were doing. I saw them enjoy free time after school, have little to no homework, and always spending time together. My evenings and weekends, on the other hand, were consumed with homework and studying. Although I did have time to participate in cheer and be a part of the track team, in my eyes that wasn’t enough. Reading and comprehension were challenging for me, so reading and annotating complex novels and textbooks, and taking notes were the last things I wanted to do. I fought the homework, I fought my parents, but most of all I was battling with myself. I was figuring out who I was, who my true friends were, what it meant to be a true friend, and all the while trying to keep up with the rigorous and high expectations of D’Evelyn. It was not an easy time, but I made it! It took a lot of courage and perseverance. When I chose to look at the positives around me, my perceptions of school and my struggles with friendships improved. This change did not happen overnight and with time and maturity, my senior year was by far the best year at D’Evelyn. Growing up is hard, being a teenager is tough, and attending a rigorous, challenging school adds to those growing pains. Remember, every high school experience comes with highs and lows, regardless of the school. However, the benefits of D’Evelyn is something very few can share. D’Evelyn is unique and I do believe it is not for everyone, but for those the school is for, it is worth it. A few well-known quotes come to mind when considering the D’Evelyn’s unique brand, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” “There’s good and bad in everything,” “Everything happens for a reason.” Life is full of wonderful moments and challenges. It is how we embrace those hard times that sharpen us to become more well-rounded people. With courage, strength, perseverance and maturity, I can now say D’Evelyn was worth it. College was enjoyable and easier because I knew how to study efficiently and write well, and most of all I had learned how to be a good student. I chose to return to D’Evelyn as a teacher because I have seen the benefits this unique school provides to all students. D’Evelyn prepares students for college, future careers, and helps shape young people into strong well-rounded members of society through its rigorous and demanding culture. It may be hard to see the silver lining when in the thick of it all, but trust me, it is worth it and then some. Megan Choun D’Evelyn Class of 2007 Current Math Teacher at D’Evelyn By: Mia Schmetter
As a senior at D’Evelyn, trying to make a decision that will shape my future, I’m spending a lot of time reflecting. I know it sounds cliche, but my six years here in middle school and high school has been the home to lots of change, growth, and challenges. As an 11-year-old 7th grader, surrounded by upperclassmen, all I wanted was to be older and to grow up faster than I was meant to, but the opportunities given to me here at D’Evelyn allowed me to slow down, and cherish my high school experience. The community of students and teachers here makes all of the late nights, long days, and hours of schoolwork worth it. I have been able to be a part of around 10 different clubs/organizations/teams in my six years here, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Girls Mentoring, Latin Club, Advanced Orchestra, Girls Swim Team, Sources of Strength (SOS), National Honor Society (NHS), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Student Council, Swing Dance Club, and Marching Band. Also during my time I have started my NonProfit Organization, InstruMentors, and have been a part of the Executive High School Internship (EHSI), working at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Getting involved has been one of the best decisions I have made, and it has allowed me to create relationships with my peers and teachers. Teachers and students care about YOU and your interests. They don’t base their opinions of you on your grades, GPA, or the difficulty of the classes you take, but instead, they focus on building your character: your hard work, dedication, and honesty. There’s something special about having teachers who take a genuine interest in us as students, allowing us to thrive in our academics and in our activities. I still believe that focusing on your academics and taking pride in your grades is important, and it opens a lot of doors for you during and after high school, but grades do not define you. Going to the top school in the state comes with rigorous schoolwork, but I promise, if you balance out your classes with activities you enjoy, your high school experience will be made better. Take risks, try new things, make lasting relationships, and find your community, because the people at D’Evelyn will love and support you. Mia Schmetter Class of 2022 By: Keith Beams, D'Evelyn Teacher
The conversation went basically like this: My mom: “There’s a new high school opening up that has strong academics and only includes 7th through 9th grades. It’s called D’Evelyn. You can go there or to Wheatridge.“ Me (in my mind): Only 7th through 9th grades??!! That means I won’t have to deal with older students… I don’t want to be around older students… I’m too awkward to deal with that… Me (out loud): “I’ll take the new school.” Yep, that’s the extent of my 14-year-old decision-making process back in 1994. Look, sometimes we don’t make choices out of any deep set of well-thought-out reasons. Sometimes we just go with a quick decision with faulty logic that feels good to us at the time. Nonetheless, I’m thankful to say that my mom laid out the situation just right to make me jump at D’Evelyn. I think that the most meaningful part of being at D’Evelyn as a student and as a teacher (now for 16ish years) is the sense of belonging to something that I’m proud to fight for. I began at D’Evelyn in the school’s first year (1994) and it was definitely a work in progress. The vision was set, but many of the logistics had to be hammered out. Case in point: our boys soccer team that first fall had all of 11 players (no subs), our uniforms were gray T-shirts that had D’Evelyn written on them in rainbow colors with what may have been black electrical tape numbers on the back, and before our first game we were instructed to bring rakes so that we could rake out the goatheads from the baseball infield that took up a sizeable chunk of one of the corners of the field. But we played; we played hard; and we played proud. D’Evelyn was an outsider underdog even as I was an outsider underdog. At D’Evelyn I could be a part of the school: the soccer team, the musical, the debate team, even though I wasn’t particularly good at any of those things. I still had a place. I had a place in school dances and in the Historic Gaming Club and, wonder-of-wonders, you could be a gamer AND have a social life. I wasn’t lost in the mob; I mattered. D’Evelyn as a school was the same way and we were PROUD to be from D’Evelyn because it was different, because it was challenging, because it welcomed us, and because we had to fight for it. High school was, for me, a long time ago. I’m turning 41 this year and my 20th Class Reunion is in the rear-view mirror. Sometimes something is lost in success and D’Evelyn has had lots of success, year after year after year. I think we begin to feel that success is just a natural neutral process like osmosis - just hang around and it’ll happen. It’s just not true. I wonder if what we’ve lost is that underdog passion, that outsider loyalty for a group that provided belonging, that fierce pride in a unique culture and unique vision. Sometimes we need to spend some time raking out the goatheads, together; something wonderful can happen as we do. I would like to see a way for us to recapture that sense that we are here to play hard and to play proud. I believe that spirit is still here, but it needs to be nurtured. Oh, and mom? Thanks for giving me the choice to come here. Keith Beams D’Evelyn teacher D’Evelyn graduate of 1998 (first class) By: Bethany Ericson, D’Evelyn 6th Grade Teacher
A week before my freshman year of highschool began, I was accepted to D’Evelyn! I was excited, nervous, and a bit bummed to leave my middle school friends behind and attend a school known for its rigorous academic program. I entered the school feeling very alone. There were only four new freshmen in the whole class, and my other classmates already knew each other. I was anxious to see if I would ever belong in this environment that was so new to me. As I began my time at D’Evelyn, I acclimated to the homework load and embraced the challenge of meeting new people. Slowly, I became more involved in the school. I played on the tennis team, joined band and choir, and met different students from multiple grade levels and backgrounds. By my junior year I was surrounded by other students who were striving for excellence as much as I was. We worked hard at our academics, performing arts, and social clubs. We pushed each other to be better scholars, artists, and people. Throughout high school, I learned I would be held accountable for my actions. I developed a strong work ethic to meet the expectations set before me. By graduation, I understood that the school I had been nervous to attend not only welcomed me as a freshman, but also gave me true lifelong friends, valuable experiences, and important academic lessons. Most of all, I realized I found a place where I belonged. After graduating college from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in education, the middle schools I taught at promoted mission statements that didn’t align with mine. I never felt I truly belonged to these schools whose mission statements emphasized academic achievement at the cost of kindness, or emphasized kindness at the cost of academic achievement. While these are worthy values to strive for, I needed to find a school that balanced both. My experience taught me that D’Evelyn balances both values well, and once I learned that D’Evelyn was adding a 6th grade program, I jumped at the opportunity! It is a joy to teach at a school that aligns with values which mirror my own. As the Founding Document states, I know “that all students, not just an elite group, should be held to rigorous academic and behavioral standards, and that all students can achieve in a challenging program.” As a student and now as a teacher, I believe in this mission statement, and I belong to it. It is an honor to teach students of families who also believe this and who strive to be their best each day. This is why I choose D’Evelyn: it is a supportive community that helps students achieve in a challenging program. It trains students in the work ethic they need to succeed not only in college, but in their future careers, relationships, and other aspects of life. The lessons I learned, people I met, and the activities I did set me up for success in life, and perhaps even more importantly, gave me a place where I belong. Bethany Ericson D’Evelyn Class of 2008 Current D’Evelyn 6th Grade Teacher By: Millicent Boemper
When I first found out that I was accepted into D’Evelyn, I was ecstatic. Twelve-year-old me was eager to attend a new school with new friends and a clean slate. I immediately jumped into every activity I could, from playing the clarinet in band and participating in the Girl’s Mentoring club to supporting my peers by serving as a representative on the Junior High Student Council. Once I reached High School, my interests pivoted completely. I decided that it was time to try something new. I have always had an interest in cheerleading, and I thought it would be a fun activity to try alongside my academics. I tried out for the team and immediately fell in love with the activity and knew I had to be a member. The sport is the embodiment of the leadership, school spirit, and talent at D’Evelyn and being able to represent the cheer team for the past four years has been an honor. Through the cheer team, I have made tons of connections within the student body, as well as with staff, coaches and members, and just as many connections outside of the school. I believe that without the cheer team at D’Evelyn, I would not have the interpersonal connections that I do today. These connections have led to many opportunities including performing at the National Cheerleading Competition in Disney World amongst many other competitions, cheering alongside our champion marching band in the 9News Denver Parade of Lights, supporting our athletes in and out of the game day environment, and planning our school’s annual Sadie Hawkins dance. These are just a few of the opportunities I have received through the cheer program at D’Evelyn. If you were to ask any student here, they would list a ton of unique events they have participated in through the school’s programs. There are many aspects to D’Evelyn, but my favorite part is the support. Every sport and activity is supported by the entirety of the student body and the staff has an immense amount of spirit in support of every student. As a leader of the cheer team, supporting my peers is extremely important to me. I believe that every sport and activity should be cheered on (even if I cannot be there to ruffle my poms at every event). I am thankful for this positive and encouraging environment that makes D’Evelyn such a special school, and the reason I continue to stay so involved is because of this support. D’Evelyn has the ability to maintain such supportive connections between students because of the special environment inside the student body. I can confidently say that although everyone has their own friend groups, there are not really “cliques” among the students. D’Evelyn has fairly small classes, and I credit this to why everyone is so friendly with one another. Also, teachers and staff encourage participation and collaboration with peers, and because of this, each student gets to know their classmates very well. I chose D’Evelyn in seventh grade knowing nothing about it, but I am so glad I did. The past six years at D’Evelyn have helped me to grow as a student, and as an athlete, but most importantly as a person. I am not going to ramble about the academics, because you already know about the advanced curriculum and bearing workload- which I know I will be even more thankful for as I head off to college this Fall. Instead I am going to reiterate that what makes D’Evelyn such a special school are the students and staff that keep the school going with constant school spirit and support. I am thankful for being able to represent D’Evelyn for the past six years, and I am truly proud to be a Jaguar. Millicent Boemper Class of 2022 By: Holly McCollough
I am grateful I attended D’Evelyn because I was offered the privilege of discovering how to learn, a skill few other students gain as a teenager. The first lesson I learned in Life Science as a seventh grader was how to take Cornell-formatted notes. This class also required me to both identify and name the family, genus, and many more characteristics of invertebrates sitting in jars covering the counters of the classroom for the famous invertebrate test. In my English class, I memorized hundreds of Latin and Greek root words. In Geography, I was assigned to write my own tests to better study for exams of maps and weather patterns. Completing 30 math questions per night in Pre-Algebra quickly became a simple routine. When would I, a 13 year old, ever choose to challenge myself to the rigor of these assignments? Never. However, with the support of countless teachers who believed in my ability to succeed, I was able to memorize and apply incredible amounts of knowledge just in seventh grade. Throughout the rest of my time at D’Evelyn, I was continually pushed to learn more than my peers at other schools. My teachers believed that any student could learn advanced material, so they passionately taught extra math lessons, showed “exceptions-to-the-rule” chemistry reactions, and critiqued even the tiniest details of essays so that every student in the building received an education that challenged them to learn something new each day. By prioritizing repetition in each subject, multidisciplinary mastery of both fine arts and mathematical subjects were not only achievable, but normal. D’Evelyn’s culture of excellence proves the words of one of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell: “Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.” This culture is not only encouraged by teachers; the students who attend D’Evelyn truly care about learning about the world itself and not just simply getting through the school day. The atmosphere of achievement at D’Evelyn contributes to the success of each student. During all of middle and high school, I was surrounded by other students who lovingly pushed me to do well on my English tests, on the SAT, in sports, in relationships, in my student council work, in music, and more. D’Evelyn students inspire each other to work hard and dream big. I am so thankful that I was encouraged as a teenager to learn more than I even thought was possible for someone my age. I now feel completely capable of researching any topic, whether it be for fun, for business, or for a college paper. Attending D’Evelyn throughout middle and high school provided a low stakes environment to learn efficient studying habits that have carried into college. As a Boettcher Scholar and a member of the President’s Leadership Class at CU Boulder, I have discovered firsthand the power of loving to learn. I know that because of my education and the investment of every teacher at D’Evelyn into my success, I am fully capable of becoming an expert on any topic and using this knowledge to change the world. By: Kylie Williams
Hello! My name is Kylie Williams, and I have made attending D’Evelyn into one of my personality traits over the past six years. I am a current senior, I entered the school from Mount Carbon Elementary school as a seventh grader, and I have participated in over twenty clubs, committees and activities since my enrollment in 2016. While I have always been naturally busy, this year I have quite the extensive list of extracurricular activities. I am the acting Student Body President, Sources of Strength Presentations leader, Tri-M Vice President, D’Evelyn Disguise Improv Troupe leader, Jr. High Play director, Marching Band section leader, a lead role in this year’s musical, cast member in the upcoming Melodrama, and two time Heart of D’Evelyn award winner. I also volunteered at D’Evelyn during our open house nights and orientations, and I find time here and there to volunteer at my local library and work a paid job as well. That’s this year alone, so I find myself quite the active member in our community. Above all these activities, I am a D’Evelyn student, and I do the same math sets and physics tests and term papers as everyone else, which is, hilariously enough, a core trait of the school’s culture. As well as experiencing and surviving the rigorous D’Evelyn lifestyle the last six years, I have also recently had the opportunity to watch my younger sisters attend here. My youngest sister is a current seventh grader who attended D’Evelyn’s first year of offering sixth grade. All three of us have worked through the same core classes and succeeded, while struggling with common issues, like stress or being overwhelmed by the liberal arts curriculum, or individual struggles. Whatever the obstacle may be, we have had a wealth of teacher, peer, and counselor support to help us by whatever means necessary. My favorite activities I have participated in at D’Evelyn have been Marching Band and Musical, most definitely. Marching Band sounds so nerdy, but it's a community of nerds doing what we love, so naturally we all have way too much fun. We are also extraordinarily successful, with us winning state titles all five of my years of attendance. I auditioned and was selected for a leadership role in Marching Band this year and I had the honor of guiding and working with eight other flutists on our show. Over the course of the season, however, I feel like those eight marching members truly taught me more than I could have ever provided them. Band also created a sense of pride in my school and our work ethic that is unparalleled, especially when we traveled out of state, competed in Texas, and broke records. In the Musical I have found and solidified my love of performing and directing that I plan to pursue in college and my career. It has created opportunities and skills that will live with me through my future in the performing industry. The wonderful staff of both of these performing arts made those dreams, ambitions, and life long lessons possible. In middle school I participated in Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, Latin Club, Jr. High Play, and a handful of other activities here and there. Unlike a normal middle school, D’Evelyn’s younger grades are like their title “Jr. High”. It's a small and easier-to-digest version of high school, it prepares its students for the rigor to come. So once they continue into high school, they can handle the essays and the math homework and the stress that eventually ends in a well-earned diploma. Moving into high school, while the classes became harder, more opportunities opened and I was able to break through new ceilings, find new options and friends and new circles to become involved in. I would not go to any other high school if given the chance to change the past. I have loved my experience and friends and learnings, and I know that all of this will be reiterated in my graduation speech in about five months. But I will miss it all nonetheless. By: Kristin Kipp Why D’Evelyn As both a teacher at D’Evelyn and a parent of D’Evelyn students, my answer to the question of “Why D’Evelyn” may surprise you. I could go on and on about the high expectations, rigorous curriculum, dedicated teachers, or amazing extracurriculars, but the real reason I chose D’Evelyn is simpler. It’s about the culture among the student body. I’ve taught in public schools for eighteen years. One of the thorniest issues I’ve faced as an educator is a stigma around being smart. Even bright, curious, motivated students will sometimes hold themselves back to prevent being seen as “too smart” or a “nerd.” It’s maddening for teachers and parents alike, but D’Evelyn is different. I chose D’Evelyn because there’s no stigma about being smart. Within this school, it’s respected to work hard at learning. It’s the norm for students to dedicate themselves to their studies. Students who “geek out” about WWII, studying the violin, or the etymology of a word are not marginalized. They’re a valued part of the culture, and this is part of the reason that students at D’Evelyn excel. Yes, they’re exposed to a rigorous curriculum, steeped in challenging, enduring ideas, but students at D’Evelyn are also surrounded by kids who think like them, who want to learn. Because of the high value placed on learning, every student is able to achieve at a high level. It’s the norm rather than the exception, and it’s not stigmatized. Earlier this year, I received a new D’Evelyn t-shirt. It’s a throwback from a shirt that used to be common among the students years ago. You can see mockup of it below: The back identifies us as the “D’Evelyn Nerd Herd.” Originally the term was intended as an insult, used to taunt D’Evelyn at a sporting event. Instead of being insulted, the student body embraced the name and had shirts made. This is a place where it’s ok to value learning. It’s ok to “geek out,” and it’s ok to be a “nerd.” For this self-proclaimed nerd, that makes it a place I can belong, and it’s why I chose D’Evelyn.
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal and Activities Director
November is a tough month in the school year. By the end of the month we have endured four grueling months of the school year, and the end of the semester still seems far away. Assignments, grading, and other tasks seem to never end. But then the Thanksgiving Break comes along and gives everyone in the community a chance to step away and see the bigger picture. During this time of year, it’s important to reflect on where we came from, and to give thanks and truly appreciate all that we have here. I know I say this all the time, but it rings true more and more each day: D’Evelyn is a special place! I have seen many different school communities over the years, but D’Evelyn is truly unique. D’Evelyn has found the perfect blend of Academic achievement, strong Athletic and Activity performance, and a nurturing environment that helps students grow and be prepared to be successful in all walks of life after high school. I feel beyond blessed to be part of the D’Evelyn community. With Thanksgiving on Thursday, I wanted to share what I am most thankful for at D’Evelyn. -I’m thankful for the loving and dedicated teachers that spend enormous amounts of time, in and out of school hours, providing our students with the best education possible. -I’m thankful for the students at D’Evelyn. They are the most humble, enthusiastic, and reflective students that I have ever been around. They impress me every day with their commitment to their development, and their courteousness to everyone in the building. -I’m thankful for compassionate and motivated parents and family members. There have been so many times when I have been left in awe when I’ve seen what our families can do when they are given an opportunity to give back. From seeing the army of Marching Band parents at their events, to the parent volunteers at school events, there are so many examples of people working behind the scenes to make the D’Evelyn programming work. -I’m thankful for the staff members at D’Evelyn that help keep the building running every day. The school day couldn’t happen without the heroic work of custodial, food services, and office staff. -I’m thankful for a community that supports and promotes our patriotic and moral beliefs. I’m proud to have our daughter in the D’Evelyn system, knowing that someday she will be a Jaguar. Thank you for letting me be part of D’Evelyn. Even after only a few months, it feels like home. I hope that everyone has a restful and rejuvenating break. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Break! By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal and Activities Director
Greetings D’Evelyn Community, Students, staff, and families that come to D’Evelyn and commit to the D’Evelyn program, soon realize what an incredible school we have. From Academic performance, to extracurricular opportunities, and incredible successes after high school; D’Evelyn is the best school in the state of Colorado for a reason. D’Evelyn was founded with the goals of providing a sound liberal arts education and preparing students to be leaders in society after high school. These goals are evident in our success rate after high school and the phenomenal impact our alums have on the places they live. We are all blessed to be part of this wonderful lifelong community. We need to help everyone around us understand why D’Evelyn is consistently rated as the #1 high school in the state of Colorado. The “Why D’Evelyn” campaign will help us spread our mission and vision to the metro area and let everyone know what we really are all about. Each week there will be articles from members of the D’Evelyn community, past and present, that will share their personal stories telling how D’Evelyn has played a significant role in their lives. Once you read their stories you will see why they say, “Once you’re a Jaguar, you’re always a Jaguar.” If you would like to contribute to this campaign, please reach out to Eric McCaslin-Hahn at [email protected] or 303-982-8151. By: Dan Wille, Assistant Principal
My D’Evelyn experience began in 1999 as an incoming 7th grade student attending the Prep School. My parents entered me into the lottery knowing D’Evelyn was quickly earning a reputation as an incredible place for kids to develop their academic prowess. All 4 of my grandparents were educators, 7 of my 9 aunts and uncles were educators, my mom is an educator, and many of my cousins are educators. Needless to say, my family places an enormous value on education. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into when my parents asked me if I wanted to go to D’Evelyn instead of my neighborhood middle and high school. They explained it is a school known for its academics and high expectations, and I would probably be the only one from my elementary school to go to D’Evelyn. They made it very clear it would be a challenge. My parents are incredible people and they sensed my hesitation but helped me overcome any anxiety by building me up with encouragement, support, understanding, and love: “ We know you can do it, and we will be here to help you. And you know what, if you dislike it after a semester we can try something else.” I graduated 6 years later, never having the desire to leave D’Evelyn. I then returned in 2014 as a Junior High Social Studies teacher, and now have the pleasure of serving as an Assistant Principal. I came back to the Jaguar family after having a rich experience of professional adventures, world travels, and personal growth. Which leads me to the question I get asked a lot, “why did you come back?” The answer is simple: I believe in this program and know what it can do to help kids reach their full potential. Completion of the D’Evelyn curriculum is an investment that yields incredible opportunities for young individuals. Is it tough? Absolutely. Were there times when I doubted the point of it? Oh yeah. Was I frustrated that my experience was different from the vast majority of other kids my age? You bet. Did it cause me stress and make me lose sleep? Yup. Was it worth it? Without a doubt! Looking back now, I wish I had a time machine where the 2005 Freshmen at Regis University version of myself could go back in time to tell my high school self how lucky I was to be a D’Evelyn Jaguar. Not only does D’Evelyn bestow strong academic abilities in young individuals, it teaches invaluable life lessons. One of which is that resilience, dedication, discipline, integrity, and grit builds confidence enabling D’Evelyn graduates to thrive in any post secondary endeavors. Additionally, compassion, heart, humility, and grace are requisite to interact with others, creating a better world. Knowledge acquired during a student’s D’Evelyn tenure is an invaluable currency graduates get to invest in their interests as they explore life outside of our halls. The skills students develop (analytical reasoning, problem solving, time management, communication, resilience) becomes a toolbox of gifts enabling graduates to succeed in all areas of life. In conclusion, “Why D’Evelyn?” Because D’Evelyn teaches kids lessons inside and outside of the classroom that will benefit them for life. -Dan Wille 2005 D’Evelyn Graduate Current Assistant Principal at D’Evelyn |
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