'In a year where the world made it so hard to connect with each other, we managed to do just that...'

Eighth grade graduation is already a celebratory occasion, but for the 93 members of Flagstaff Academy's class of 2021, the May 26 ceremony was also one last chance to celebrate together, after being kept apart for so much of the past year. For co-valedictorian Olivia DeRose, it was also a chance to reflect on some of the unexpected lessons she learned in and out of the classroom.

"This year has taught us many things," the future Niwot Cougar said in a speech to her classmates. "Some of these things are less important, such as how to avoid having our cameras on during class, and how to complete five hours of schoolwork in under two hours. We also learned about the importance of community. In a year where the world made it so hard to connect with each other, we managed to do just that, even while six feet apart for most of it. After a year that was difficult for so many, we finally made it....And while we're all moving on to different schools, I hope that the friendships we made here continue."

DeRose's optimistic tone matched the mood of the crowd, as they gathered in Flagstaff's parking lot during a rare bout of mild spring weather to watch the proceedings. The in-person ceremony was a refreshing return to normalcy for many, including longtime Dean of Students Keven Pugh, who noted the contrast to Flagstaff's drive-by graduation for the class of 2020 during his opening remarks.

"It's really good to see everybody get out of their cars," he said. "And I can see faces. Dragons, I would like you to recognize just what this looks like right now, and what this feels like right now. Having all of the family, and staff, and board of directors, and your peers, your fellow Dragons, all here together with each other is a fitting tribute to all of the support that helps you get where you are right now."

For Flagstaff executive principal Katie Gustafson, the 2020-21 school year was filled with extraordinary challenges for eighth graders, but it was also filled with extraordinary accomplishments and will undoubtedly lead to "wonderful future adventures" for Flagstaff's newest alumni. During her remarks, she echoed DeRose's comments about learning beyond the classroom.

"You asked questions to find out how things work. You've solved numerous equations. You've written essays, read the classics, and discuss the causes of war. But some of the most important lessons you've learned at Flagstaff cannot be taught in our classes. You found out what makes a true friend, how to manage your time, and how you learn best. You've also learned to do this from home, even when we all would have much rather been together in person. Middle School has been a time to find out who you are and where this life will take you. You have a solid foundation, and we believe that you Dragons are now ready to take flight."

Niwot High 2021 salutatorian and 2017 Flagstaff graduate Siddartha Bushan also addressed the graduates, telling them how the school's core virtues of perseverance, respect, integrity, dependability, and empathy had helped him navigate the rough-and-tumble world of public high school.

"These values helped me see opportunities to succeed and become the person I am today," Bushan said. "Perseverance in particular was important to me throughout high school. Like any endeavor in life, there were plenty of difficult times between schoolwork and extracurricular activities and personal responsibility, but the value of perseverance I learned here at Flagstaff helped get me through."

Gustafson and Pugh then recognized several individual student accomplishments, including the Decade Dragons (students who have attended Flagstaff since preschool) and the 10 valedictorians, among them Olivia's sister Grace DeRose and student council president Mark Rohklenko, who told his classmates, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is courage to continue that counts."

The administrators then announced the winner of the 2021 Ethical Leadership Award (Kennah Brackett) and the Good Neighbor citizenship award (Kye Toothaker).

The future high schoolers then crossed the stage and took their diplomas, ready for the next stage of their journeys.

(See additional photos here)