Marti Champion, Head of Middle School
Back in January, as the clock struck midnight to usher in a new year, I decided the best way to commemorate 2025, a big birthday year for me (I’ll let you guess which one), was to write a thank you note each week to the people, places, and pastimes that have enriched my life along the way. To date, I’ve written letters to my mom and dad, my godmother, a mentor, and many other important people in my life. This week, it’s your turn.
Dear Class of 2025,
Do you remember when we first met? Or at least when you realized I existed? I do! It was Community Day, February 6, 2020. The theme for that day was “Your Story, My Story, Our Story.” You were third graders, and Mrs. Remington and I had to battle on the mic, and I did my best impression of Lizzo, “I do my hair toss, check my nails, Baby how you feelin’?” Please tell me you remember that. Nan?
You were a lively bunch back then—and, you still are! When you joined the Middle School, your story and my story collided to become our story. And what a story it’s been. Because of you, I’ve truly learned what it means to show up—with empathy, with energy, and with an open heart. Thank you. You’ve left a unique mark on me. You’ve reminded me daily why I do what I do.
Here are the marks that I hope Graland has left on you:
Have courage to do the right thing, even when it’s hard and be kind.
Have courage to do the right thing, even when it’s hard and be kind.
Have courage to speak up when you see injustice and be kind.
Have courage to see the best in the people you encounter and be kind.
Have courage to finish strong, especially when things don’t go your way and be kind.
Have courage, and be kind—to your teachers. They work hard, every day, to help you unlock your true potential.
Have courage, and be kind—to your parents. They love you fiercely and are doing their absolute best to keep you safe, to guide you, and to support you—even when it doesn’t always feel that way.
Have courage, and be kind—to one another. This is the last time you will be together as a group sharing a Graland experience. That’s a big deal!
Most of all, have courage, and be kind—to yourselves. Growth is messy. Learning is hard. But you are more capable, more brilliant, and more resilient than you sometimes believe.
As you look ahead to summer, to high school, and to all the adventures that await, I want to take a final moment to share my gratitude—for each and every one of you. One of our Guiding Principles is to Honor Individuality, and you’ve certainly done that. Thank you for showing up as your wonderfully unique selves. Every interaction—whether it stretched me or made me smile—helped me grow in ways I’ll carry forward. I’m sincerely grateful for the journey we’ve shared.
And as you continue your journey, know this: I am rooting for you. Better yet, we are all rooting for you. Don’t forget to come back to visit us.
Love,
Ms. Champion
Now, I will say what have become my parting words to each graduating class. Sawubona (sah-woo-bone-ah). I see you. I see your personality. I see your humanity. I see your dignity. As an educator, I am in the precious position of working with young people who possess many unique qualities, needs, and dreams. I see you. I see you as a complex young person trying to find their way as a student, a friend, and a family member. You are enough and you have so much to offer those whose paths you’ll cross in your lifetime. I see you.
Here’s to a good summer and a whole new adventure called high school. I believe in each one of you, and I look forward to hearing about the remarkable young people you become. Good luck.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
