Alumni Memories
Alumni are a living testament to the success of a school district. From our students’ first days with us to the day they walk across the stage, we know how much a school can shape a person’s life – and how much a person can shape a school! Whether it’s the friends they made, the clubs they started, or the accomplishments they remember, our alumni are proud members of the Cherry Creek Schools family.
“I helped start the drill team at Smoky Hill High School. It was memorable because it gave some of our students the opportunity to participate in a spirit squad that was not cheer or poms. My friend and I started the team and it gave students, mostly students of color, the ability to be on a spirit squad. This team gave them the opportunity to show off their skills and have diversity on the sidelines at games.” –Natriece Bryant, Smoky Hill High School, Class of 1999
“Being a student assistant at CT helped shape my career as an ILC teacher today working with students with special needs.” –Crystal Summers, Cherokee Trail High School, Class of 2007
“I remember in my sophomore or junior year, I had an English teacher who understood that I was struggling and gave me the poem "When I am old I shall wear purple.” It's a poem about an older woman ignoring society's pressures and doing as she pleases. It made me laugh and gave me some hope that I could just be myself and it would be okay.” -Meg Brennan, Cherry Creek High School, Class of 1987
“For my sophomore English class, I remember Mr. DeSalle reading aloud to us the entire novel of “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes. I can't tell you if we discussed the book or identified themes or diagrammed sentences (I think I did that in my Freshman English class). What I do remember is being read to for probably the first time in my life. I was 15 years old and did not have much exposure to literature. When Mr. DeSalle would read, I got lost in the story; or maybe I would just get lost in his voice. In fact, throughout high school I don't think I remembered many details of the story. Since then, however, I read Don Quixote every year. It is my favorite book and I owe that to Mr. DeSalle.” -Adrian Neibauer, Cherry Creek High School, Class of 1998
“One of the best experiences I had at Cherry Creek High School was a class called MAL (Mutually Aided Learning) Science. It was a class in the science department in which the students in high school went to Belleview Elementary to teach third graders different science units. Since I wanted to be a teacher, this was an amazing opportunity for me. I took it for 3 semesters!” -Heather Forth, Cherry Creek High School, Class of 1993
“Serving as Student Body President at Grandview High School was a memorable time. This opportunity helped me define my skills as a leader. Mrs. Beaird did an excellent job at guiding me through the process, especially when we got much push back from senior leadership at the school. Serving as student body president helped me get scholarships for college. Most importantly, the opportunity gave me friends for life.” -Sam Camper, Grandview High School, Class of 2019
“The best week at Smoky Hill every year was World Awareness Week. It brought a greater understanding of the world to our little sliver of Colorado. I specifically remember many of the presenters and sessions I attended.” -Ashley Hyyppa, Smoky Hill High School, Class of 1993
Are you a CCSD alum? Share your story and stay involved - join our Alumni Network today!
