Introduction

The Middle School Recognition Program was held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades were honored for their achievements in academics, including outstanding student awards in each department, and for special achievements. Highlights of the recognition program follow.

8th grade graduation took place on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Congratulations to all of our graduates; the best of luck to you in high school! Come back and visit often!

Mac Rives Award -- Marisol K.

"The Mac Rives Award goes to a member of the graduating class of 2011. This award is named for the man who was first hired to serve as Head of our school, which was then called Shawnee Country Day School. Mr. Rives was killed in a car accident the summer before the school first opened. The board members who knew him wanted his important contributions to the founding of the school to be remembered. The award recipient was selected by a majority vote of the entire faculty. The student is also awarded a $100 scholarship.

"The Rives scholar is chosen based on the following criteria:

• Intellectual curiosity and a respect for excellence.
• A love of nature and respect for all forms of life.
• Enjoyment and appreciation of athletics and team sports.
• Imagination.
• A loving, compassionate concern towards others.
• A desire to make the world a better place.

"In sum, the recipient possess 'The Mind of a Scientist, the Heart of a Poet, and the Ways of a Gentle Person.'

"Marisol K. is the epitome of all the aforementioned qualities. In the classroom, she displays the total attention and engagement of a devoted scholar. This student approaches every subject with interest and a commitment to doing the very best she can. Her leadership by example has set a high standard for all to emulate.

"Throughout the dramatic highs and lows of this eighth grade class's middle school experience, Soly has been like the calm port in the storm, offering kindness to everyone. In this regard, she most definitely embodies the 'ways of a gentle person.' Yet another teacher writes, 'I associate Marisol with the word 'graceful,' in the way she moves, sits, listens to your opinion or expresses hers. She is literally 'full of grace,' of kindness, and generosity.'

"It is my honor to present this year's Mac Rives Award to Marisol K."

-- Presented by Sonja Czarnecki

Debra Pakaluk Award -- Skyler D.

"Named for a former TCS teacher, the Debra Pakaluk award is given annually to a student on the 'road to lifelong learning' who finds 'joy in learning and joy in life.' Specifically, the student takes pride in his or her work; is intellectually curious; goes well beyond what is required academically, and demonstrates cheer, humor, acceptance and kindness.

"I've never known Skyler D. to take a short cut, or to do the minimum to meet the requirements of any assignment or special activity or project. Instead, she embraces them, wraps her arms around them, makes them fun, makes sure she learns from them, and always, always gives them her all...And although she's involved in many activities, she never uses that as an excuse to do less than quality work. 

"Skyler is the epitome of a person who is, indeed, on the 'road to lifelong learning,' and who 'finds joy in learning, joy in life.' She is intellectually curious, compassionate, and FUN! Her quiet, gentle spirit carries an inner strength which makes her a dependable, positive leader. 

"It's my pleasure, and a real honor, to present this year's Debra Pakaluk award to Skyler D."

-- Presented by Lanny Moyer 

Our apologies to Mrs. Moyer for catching her with her eyes closed.

Head of School Award -- Ella B. R.

"The Head of School Award was established in 1990, and has been awarded every year since to honor a student who exemplifies 'leadership, scholarship and service.' The award recipient is decided by the Head of School with significant input from faculty and staff.

"Ella B. R. is described by one of her teachers as 'the kind of student who lights up the room. She brings enthusiasm and joy to everything she does.' Another says, 'She is a natural leader, always ensuring that things get done, even if she doesn't have a formal leadership role.'

"Ella is described as a leader and mentor to younger students, someone who is very sensitive to the needs of others. 'More than once,' says a faculty member, 'I've watched her notice a student who's been left out of a group, approach him or her, and ask or, if necessary, drag the person into her group.' This, too, from a teacher: 'Ella is comfortable taking the minority opinion because standing up for what's right and doing what's right are very important to her.'

"As one of her teachers puts it, 'Ella's joie de vivre, her sense of responsibility and leadership, and her ebullient personality' make her an outstanding recipient of this year's Head of School Award. While others chose you for this award, Ella, it is my great pleasure to present it to you."

-- Presented by Mary Beth Marchiony

Character Counts Award -- Elena B.

"Caring, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, citizenship, and fairness - these are the six pillars that make up the Character Counts program.

"One factor that is very noteworthy about this award is that the middle school students, not the teachers, who nominate for this award. What better than to be nominated and recognized by one's peers! A teacher sums up Elena's character: 'Elena is one of the most compassionate young people I have ever known. She genuinely wants others to be happy! She works to resolve conflicts. I think of her as a peacemaker, a mediator. Her mantra is 'I'll do it.'"

"Congratulations to this year's Character Counts award winner, Elena B."

-- Presented by John MacDonald

Susan H. Garlinghouse Humanitarian Award -- Ariel S.

"The Susan H. Garlinghouse Humanitarian Award was established in the 2006-2007 school year to honor Susan Garlinghouse, one of the founders of our school. In addition to helping to establish Topeka Collegiate School, Susan has been instrumental in improving life in the entire city of Topeka through her many years of community service. The student chosen for this award will receive a $100 scholarship.

"The recipient of this award is a student who has demonstrated the following: 

• Significant contributions to the community
• Humanitarian service to improve the welfare of humankind
• An innovative approach to addressing community needs
• An ability to lead, inspire, and engage other students, and
• A legacy of positive change

"Ariel S. has grown tremendously as a person and leader during her time in middle school. She is remarkably other-centered for someone of her young age; she is always thinking of what is best for others instead of putting herself first. As an 8th grade Student Council representative, she was an outstanding contributor to the leadership of the group.  

"If you say, 'Please help,' Ariel responds to the call. She takes true pleasure in helping others, whether volunteering at the zoo or simply responding to a friend's need. People sense her compassionate nature; the little kids love her, clamoring to be her book buddy."

-- Presented by Susan Garlinghouse and Phyllis Hoyt

Student Council Gavel Award -- Marisol K.

"I want to thank our stalwart Student Council president, Marisol K., who will receive this gavel in honor of her leadership. Marisol ably led meetings week after week, refereed many heated debates about everything from dances to the Lock-In agenda to what our fundraising project would be. Her calm presence and firm but collaborative style helped make this a productive year in StuCo."

-- Presented by Sonja Czarnecki

Physical Education Award -- Cheyenne K.

"The Outstanding Physical Education award is given each year to a student who demonstrates good leadership, gives good effort, and has a positive attitude each and every week in P.E. class.

"Cheyenne K. showed great interest in working hard this year in class no matter what we played, and I could always count on her to help set up or help clean up after an activity or game. I could also count on her to try to do her best when it came to the kids' favorite P.E. activity - running.

"I appreciate this student's attitude and effort this year in P.E. class and that is why the Outstanding P.E. award goes to Cheyenne K."

 -- Presented by Nick Ginapp

Technology Award -- Tyler V.

"Technology is a rapidly moving target. One must be able to learn quickly and adapt. This year's departmental award winner, Tyler V., has shown that he has these capabilities.

"I invited my fellow teachers to share their thoughts about this student and I'd like to read a few of them to you.

"Mrs. Moyer wrote: '[Tyler]'s a creative thinker, quickly picking up new information and making connections to that which he already knows. He's been my go-to guy for computer related issues, teaching me new skills and fixing problems. He's always done this with patience, kindness, and ease.'

"Tyler has also served the school as a member of the sound crew, supporting plays and assemblies."

-- Presented by David Zlotky 

Music Award -- Skyler Dykes

"It is always difficult to give out only one departmental award. One of this year's eighth graders has been singing with me not only in music class, but also in choir ever since she came to Collegiate - and that was a very long time ago. That person is Mariella K. and today I want to present her with the Outstanding Choir Student award. Her dedication to choir has been exemplary and it is students like Mariella who make a performance group like choir work."

"Anyone who has watched Skyler D. sing or watched her become a character on stage knows that Skyler embraces music with passion and that she is wonderfully musically talented. Skyler has participated in solo festivals - receiving superior ratings both years - in community theater productions, and in Topeka Collegiate musicals.

"It is my pleasure to present Skyler with the 2011 Music Department Award."

-- Presented by Kay Siebert

Art Award -- Skyler D.

"This is the first year that I have had the privilege of working with the middle school students in their art classes. I have been repeatedly amazed and inspired by their creativity.

"Skyler D. is an extraordinary person with many talents. She is a very creative and disciplined artist who employs careful, accurate draftsmanship and a keen sense of color and composition. In additional to these technical abilities, her work often displays a wonderful sense of whimsy. Time and again, Skyler has shown her willingness to help. When there is something to be done, to be cleaned, or to be put away, Skyler has been there to lend a hand."

-- Presented by David Zlotky

Latin Award -- Mollie M.

"This year's Latin award goes to a student who not only works hard to translate a text correctly or to get the right answers on an assignment, she wants to understand the material. 

"Mollie M. remains intellectually engaged even through the most tedious of discussions about grammar. Beyond that, she is pleasant, cheerful, and a delightful student to have in class. The plaque that she will receive has a crown of laurel leaves engraved on it. In classical mythology, these represent the laurel leaves that Daphne gave to Apollo. Since ancient times, laurel leaves have been awarded to heroes and athletes - and to young persons of distinction."

-- Presented by Gail Franklin

Spanish Award -- Skyler D.

"One more year it is time to present the Spanish Departmental Award to an outstanding student and one more year I have really struggled with the decision. After careful consideration one student started to stand out and finally became my choice for this year's Spanish Award.

"Skyler D. shows a true love for learning and a wonderful attitude at all times. I have never heard her complain when we had to work on long translations or grammar exercises. She has always done a great job with all activities and she actively participated in class every single day, becoming a positive leader in her class. She has also completed amazing projects and she always had a kind word for everybody.

"Skyler is a hard worker and really enjoys being at school. It is a pleasure for me to have such a student in my classroom. She makes everybody's day better with her attitude and love for learning.  I have felt very fortunate and honored to meet her and I know that she is destined to do big things in life." 

-- Presented by Miguel Martinez

Language Arts Award -- Ella B. R.

"Ella B. R. excels in the areas of expository writing, poetry, and reading. Her expository writing paragraphs and essays are well organized and and very well thought out. 

"There's another element of Language Arts at which Ella excels: voice. In writing, voice is the imprint of the person on the piece, and it gives the writing flavor and personality. Her strong feelings about issues and her exuberant personality show up all over her written work. But I think what I appreciate most is that exuberance, that passion during class discussion, particularly about a piece of literature. Not only does she have keen insight into theme and symbol, for example, but she gets so excited about them. Her enthusiasm generates more discussion. And she certainly has no problem expressing her opinion. She is a force in class, making it more dynamic, more interesting, more fun.

"Mr. MacDonald and I are so proud of you, Ella. We take great pleasure in presenting the 2011 departmental award in Language Arts to Ella B. R."

-- Presented by John MacDonald and Lanny Moyer

History Award -- Courtney B.

"This year's outstanding History Student Award goes to an eighth grader who, in the process of History Day research, truly caught the spark - a student who found not only drudgery but joy in sniffing out new primary sources, who discovered that research can be like a great detective mystery.  

"Courtney B's research and paper on Yalta - draft after draft (I lost count) - was better than most of what I have seen in ten years of teaching history in high school. Her ability to unpack the many dimensions of the agreement and sift through challenging diplomatic sources was most impressive for someone of her age.

"For these reasons, Lanny Moyer, who also worked with Courtney on her paper in study skills, has also honored Courtney with recognition for 'excellence in research.' Courtney deserves high praise not only for her work for History Day, but also for her work in eighth grade history. Time after time, Courtney grasped the complexities of historical topics and cut right to the point when we were discussing a document. She could articulate any point-of-view in our numerous role-play activities, both orally, in debate with classmates, or in writing.

"Thank you, Courtney, for your outstanding work this year, and best of luck to you in all your future detective work!"

-- Presented by Sonja Czarencki, Gail Franklin, and Laura Morris

Science Award -- Shaylene R.

"A departmental award is also given to the outstanding eighth grade student in science. This award could have gone to any one of a number of my students on the basis of their academic achievement. However, I feel that in addition to scholarship, it is important to reward leadership and encourage students to believe in themselves and their capacity to be life-long learners. Accordingly, this year's award goes to Shaylene R., a student who once proclaimed that she was 'no good in science'.

"In addition to academic excellence, Shay demonstrated good leadership qualities and has acted as a responsible team member on numerous occasions in the projects we completed.

"It is my hope that this award will be an encouraging sign reminding her that she is capable of being successful in any career she wishes to pursue, even one in science. I cannot think of a more gratifying experience as a teacher than changing the phrase 'I can't' to 'I can.' It is now my privilege to present Shay with this award."

-- Presented by Allen Macfarlane

Mathematics Award -- Grayson M.

"The Outstanding Mathematics Award goes to Grayson M., an eighth grader who has set the standard of excellence for her fellow classmates.

"For three years her classwork has been of the highest quality. Although she is often busy with volleyball tournaments that require many weekends away from home, she is always on top of her work, and it is always excellent.

"In addition, she has attended mathletics sessions three times a week for two years in preparation for the Mathcounts competition. She was an integral part of this year's team, which brought home both chapter and state trophies. She has been a ribbon winner at the SUMday contest every year as well.

"Learning with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye, this year's Outstanding Mathematics student is Grayson M."

-- Presented by Phyllis Hoyt and Laura Morris

Congratulations, Class of 2011!

The Class of 2011 and the High Schools They Have Chosen

(photo by Nathan Ham)

Courtney Alison B.                                                   Perry-Lecompton High School

Elena Gabrielle B.                                                                  Topeka High School

Gabriel Cole B.                                                                     Seaman High School

Ella Louise B. R.                           Bishop O'Dowd High School, Oakland, California

Corben Lyle William B.                                                                         Undecided

Skyler Elise D.                                                                       Topeka High School

Ryland Samuel E.                                                                  Topeka High School

Max Jordan Stucky H.                                                            Topeka High School

Cheyenne Rhena K.                                                              Seaman High School

Mariella Raquel K.                                                                 Topeka High School

Marisol Kathleen Didakiyosk K.                                              Topeka High School

Grayson Rae M.                                                                    Topeka High School

Mary Amelia M.                                                                     Topeka High School

 Shaylene Sue R.                           Bishop Seabury High School, Lawrence, Kansas

Ariel Marie S.                                                                       Topeka High School

John Tyler V.                       Either Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Missouri or
                         Laurel Springs School for the Gifted and Talented (Distance Learning)

Greetings From the Board of Trustees -- President John Dietrick

"The first thing I want to say to the class of 2011 - which I also said to the class of 2010 - and with all due respect to Mr. Patterson is: 'This is a big deal!' Many of you have been students at Topeka Collegiate since Pre-K or Kindergarten. Others have joined the class later. But today all of you are 2010 graduates of Topeka Collegiate School. That is a big deal!

"The second point I want to impart is that each of you should be incredibly proud of what you've accomplished at Topeka Collegiate...You have survived - exceeded - the academic rigors and challenges that were presented to you. And you have done it with honesty, respect, responsibility and compassion. You have made Topeka Collegiate proud!

"Finally, I want to say, as you enter the next phase of your lives, take time to reflect on the memories of the past, take time to enjoy the excitement and challenges of the future and, by all means, take time to make yourself happy.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2011."

Graduation Speaker -- Stacie Kossoy '97

"One of the most incredible things about being back here at Topeka Collegiate is the number of educators who are still here nearly 14 years later. Being someone who is in education, it is rare to find people who commit a lifetime of high quality service to one school. And, as part of my professional experience, I've traveled and evaluated teachers and schools across the country, and I can tell you that Topeka Collegiate is a top tier school that provides outstanding educational experiences to its

students in science, math, language arts, music and art. 

I recognize these teachers both because I believe teaching should be our most valued and celebrated profession and also in hopes that you will reflect on the wonderful teachers you've had here. Be confident in the fact that the things you learned here, will stay with you and take you far. Congratulations to each of you on the hard work you've done to be here and to all the people who have helped you get here, teachers, parents, family members, and other supporters.

"I leave you with one of my most favorite quotes: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' I hope that each of you will join a committed group of citizens to help change the world, as you are the future of our planet. Congratulations on taking your first steps into the adult world."

Class Address -- Shaylene R.

"As our final year comes to an end, we pause to reflect upon the many memories which have brought us tears and joy. We came to this place together to learn, to grow, to share. Time and space may separate us, but we'll always be the Class of 2011.

"So today I leave you with this: It's gonna be a good life. We have our memories, our skills, and our talents to go on and make a wonderful rest of our lives with. As we go through high school and college, get jobs, and have a family of our own, remember to think back on where we learned to fly like an eagle. Congratulations, Class of 2011, we did it."

Dr. Scott Hamilton Faculty Award -- Laura Morris

"Today I am here to honor a nine-year teaching veteran who has taught something different virutally every year she has been at Topeka Collegiate. She's an English major who excels at teaching math, and this year she even took on history - and her students love it!  

"Here's what one student says of her: 'Mrs. Morris is my favorite teacher because she taught me to be a better student, to have confidence in myself, and to be a braver person...I hope someday I can grow up to be as great a person as Mrs. Morris.

"It's my pleasure to present this year's Scott Hamilton Teaching Award to an inspirational teacher - Laura Morris."

-- Presented by Scott Hamilton

Eighth Grade Teacher Appreciation Awards

Lower School: "The person who is receiving this award has touched our lives in a very special way. Danielle Huckins strives to connect with every student and her smile can change your day in a second. When you hear that sweet voice saying "Hi, friend" behind you, you feel like you truly belong. She has taught us about respect for ourselves and for others and she takes on the most difficult subjects even when we don't want to hear it. But what she does best of all is knowing not only how to put a Band-Aid on a cut, but how to put a Band-Aid on your heart.

"The eighth grade class of 2011 would like to present this year's Lower School Teacher Appreciation Award to Mrs. Huckins. Thank you for all you have done for us. We love you."

Middle School Award: "This year, our eighth grade class is honoring a person who is a mentor, a role model, a leader, and someone who inspires us to be the best we can be. In and out of the classroom, Lanny Moyer has always been there for us and recognizes the needs and emotions of students. She makes us feel loved, comforts us when we're down, and is quick to brighten our day with her big, beautiful smile.

"With her gentle spirit, she commands her classroom - not with the volume of her voice but with respect. Her incredible passion for teaching made us love being in her class and encouraged us to set goals for ourselves, nudging us one step closer to success. Thank you so much for letting us into your heart these past few years. We will miss you more than you know. We love you Mrs. Moyer!"

Class of 2011 Gift

"This year's eighth grade class wanted to honor Mr. Patterson through our class gift. As time went on we also wanted to include our Hawaiian adventure. When we found out about 'Patterson Prairie' [the landscaping project on the west side of the school] we concluded that we wanted to add something to it.

"Thank you, Mr. Patterson!"

Dick Patterson and Ella B. R.

Photo Gallery

(Left) Mrs. Hoyt presents an award to Bryce V. (6th) for achievement in the Math Olympiad at the Middle School Recognition Assembly.

(Below) Sarah S. and Jordie S. provide music for graduation prior to the program.

Incoming Head of School Mary Beth Marchiony presents 8th grader Max H. with his diploma.

Presenters at Graduation 2011 (from left) Middle School Head Sonja Czarnecki; incoming Head of School Mary Beth Marchiony; alum and graduation speaker Stacie Kossoy; former Board of Trustees President and parent Scott Hamilton; Board of Trustees President John Dietrick.