Mount Madonna School (MMS) is pleased to announce Lexi Julien as the 2015 senior class Valedictorian. Julien earned this distinction through hard work and focused effort, edging out her peers at the small Central Coast school known for strong academics, environmental education, performing arts and a competitive volleyball program. The 2015 high school graduation ceremony will commence at 9:30am on Thursday, June 11 at the school’s upper campus. Julien, who lives in Santa Cruz, will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, this fall. She plans to major in English while also pursuing a pre-med track.
‘One of the greatest lessons I have learned at Mount Madonna is that you attain personal growth by taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. This was one of my primary motivations behind choosing to attend UCLA next fall,’ shared Julien. ‘Transitioning from a high school with 60 kids in it to a university with over 20,000 is going to be quite a change! Another reason for my choice was the opportunities UCLA has to offer, which can include working beside doctors in the on-campus hospital to conducting research with world class professors. I am excited to challenge myself in a rigorous academic environment and learn what I am truly capable of, in addition to following my passion for writing in my studies.
“As I prepare for the next chapter of my life and reflect on my time at Mount Madonna, there is one piece of advice that I keep circling back to: ’embrace vulnerability.’ This is something that has been taught to me over and over again by two of my greatest teachers and mentors throughout high school, Ward Maillard and Matt Meachen. They both encouraged me to be my most honest and true self, to embrace my faults and mistakes in order to grow as an intellectual and as a person. Instead of viewing vulnerability as a weakness, Ward and Matt showed me that it is a gift, a way to let go of perfectionism and seek out a more meaningful life.”
In addition to Julien, Mount Madonna School’s Class of 2015 includes fifteen other students. They are listed below with their college choices:Alyssa Feskanin, Willamette University; Caitlin Gray-Harley, Santa Barbara Community College; Carlo LeGan, Cabrillo College; Cassidy Caborn, Chapman University; Christopher Colip, Willamette University; Cooper Stevens, California State University, Chico; David Kerr, Santa Clara University; Magdalena Griffin Wiley, University of California, Santa Barbara; Noah Hartman, University of Puget Sound; Pedro Aguirre, California State University, Chico; Rami Walker, Southern Oregon University; Renata Massion, Tulane University; Sage Buzzini, Santa Clara University; Tobin Mitchell, University of California, Santa Cruz; and Zoe Kelly, Whitman College.
Some of the about-to-be graduates took time recently to reflect on their college choice and planned studies:
‘I chose Willamette University because its community centered environment is very similar to the Mount Madonna community that I have come to love. Being in Oregon, will also provide me with the opportunity to branch out and experience college completely separated from home. I am not sure yet what I want to pursue, but I am considering business and administration at the moment.’ — Alyssa Feskanin
‘I made my decision based upon the supportive community, beautiful environment, and the amazing dance department that I was accepted into at Chapman University. I will be majoring in dance, and will most likely end up double majoring. I am extremely excited about this new adventure, and can’t wait to see where my future takes me!’ — Cassidy Caborn
‘I want to attend Willamette University because of its unique program which combines a liberal arts education with a traditional business route, all accomplishable in five years. This along with the ‘open arms’ shown by the students and faculty made Willamette an easy choice.’ — Christopher Colip
‘I plan to study business and marketing at Chico State, and look forward to attending a school with Division II soccer program in a small university-based town.’ — Cooper Stevens
‘Santa Clara University accepted me on early decision. I chose to go there because I believed it would be the best fit for me given my parents’ requirement that I attend a school in the bay area. It also fits my current passion, music, and has a strong music department where I can study while I try to decide what my main major will be.’ — David Kerr
‘I choose UCSB because there I can get a great education without going into debt, and it is in a beautiful location!’ — Magdalena Griffin Wiley
‘I’m going to the University of Puget Sound and plan to major in history. I chose UPS because of the sense of care and community that I felt so completely from both the students there and the faculty I would also like to note that for some reason, right from the beginning, they were the only school that I actually liked getting emails from.’ — Noah Hartman
‘I chose Chico State because I am ready to move into the next stage of my life and it is the beginning of that adventure. By going through their kinesiology program I plan to explore my interest in physical therapy, personal training and their outdoor program.’ — Pedro Aguirre
‘I chose Southern Oregon University because it is small, has a wonderful community, and the teachers are very approachable and involved in student life. I am majoring in biology with a focus on ecology and evolution, as well as pursuing a minor in creative writing. Ashland is a beautiful town that has a similar feel to Santa Cruz and I am looking forward to exploring the area.’ — Rami Walker
‘While there were many colleges and universities that had everything I was looking for, I chose to attend Tulane University because of the emphasis the school puts on giving back to the community that supports it and the culture of giving that is saturated into the school. I have always felt passionate about using my time to help others, and Tulane will allow me to continue to grow that passion. Being a city that is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, there is ample space to grow and develop, and Tulane has a wide array of programs that connect students with local non-profits and volunteer organizations. I plan to double major in political economy and international development.’ — Renata Massion
‘I like the look and feel of Santa Clara University and that it is close to my home and family. I like the size of the school and that it offers a variety of opportunities. It a well-respected school in the bay area and they offered me a generous financial package. There are a few Mount Madonna alumni attending SCU, which makes it feel supportive as well. At present I am planning to major in biology on a pre-med track.’ — Sage Buzzini
‘I chose Whitman College because of the community, small class sizes, and the ‘three to three’ law school partnership with Columbia Law School. I will be majoring in Political Science.’ — Zoe Kelly
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Photos by Maureen Pramanik
Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.
