Dear Class of 2022 and Families,
As we move toward the end of another outstanding school year, it is an honor to recognize the unwavering drive, strength of character, and rigorous academic preparation that has propelled approximately 2,000 students to the day of their high school graduation. The thunderous applause these students will receive as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma is not only a testament to their academic achievements, but a symbol of our community’s enduring commitment to the continued success of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
From the time our 2022 graduates entered preschool in 2008 through today, they have been faced with both significant challenges and great opportunities. It is through these experiences that our students have built a strong foundation from which they will launch into the next chapter of their lives.
This class of St. Vrain Valley graduates – and the families, teachers, staff, neighbors, friends, and communities who have championed their success – have played a critical role in shaping the high-quality education and extraordinary learning opportunities afforded to every student in our district. As St. Vrain Valley Schools has grown over the past decade, we have continued to design learning systems that will ensure our students are successful and engaged citizens in our complex, highly-competitive globalized world. We are preparing our students for their future by giving them a strong competitive advantage, and cultivating a drive for learning and continued growth.
Today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce demand an education that is rooted in rigorous traditional academics while also leveraging modern, cutting-edge robust technologies and many opportunities to create a truly personalized educational experience. Toward this end, the Class of 2022 has advanced their skills through enrollment in high-quality instructional focus academics in Biomedical Sciences, Energy, Engineering and Aerospace, Medical and BioScience, Leadership, STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH), Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), and more. They have been connected to the best technology and learning resources through our 1:1 technology initiative and nationally recognized Learning Technology Plan. They have been highly engaged in their school communities and extended learning beyond the school day through the arts, music, athletics, advanced career and technology programs, and other quality co-curricular activities. Through all of this, they have also become highly engaged and caring citizens who remain focused on building stronger, healthier communities and advancing our society.
Our graduates enrolled in a record number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment college courses, giving them the opportunity to start their postsecondary education with approximately 21,000 college credits on their transcripts, potentially saving their families $5.3 million in tuition costs. Our graduating seniors have also received numerous recognitions for their academic achievements, talents, and innovative ideas, including: Boettcher Scholarships; Daniels Scholarships; National Merit semifinalists and finalists; All-State athletes; All-State musicians; and thousands of college acceptance letters from institutions across the country including many Ivy League schools, military academies, and other highly competitive colleges and universities. We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished in a time of increasing academic rigor, expanding graduation requirements, and the highest expectations of leadership, community and citizenship.
Public education is one of the most powerful systems for driving positive change in our society.
Across the United States, over 90 percent of our nation’s children attend a public school, and in the St. Vrain Valley, that percentage is even higher. With the future success of our community and nation dependent on the quality of our public schools, we have no greater responsibility than ensuring every child in our community receives a rigorous, engaging, and high-quality education. To this end, it is an honor to stand alongside our Board of Education, teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and other community partners to celebrate the Class of 2022 and recognize their high levels of success.
Lastly, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude to all of our seniors and wish you the very best in life. Our schools will forever be strengthened by your time in our community – you are truly a class of compassionate, dedicated, intelligent, and outstanding people who will boldly lead our country into the future.
Sincerely,
Don Haddad, Ed.D.
Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley Schools