Lance Bonner '06

The classroom taught me work ethic and perseverance. Athletics taught me teamwork, leadership and tradition. Service taught me community engagement, global citizenship and justice. My peers taught me friendship, and my teachers and coaches taught me good stewardship.

Don't take for granted the opportunity to be a part of a supportive and healthy community of caring teachers, administrators and students with shared values. The uniqueness of the CDH community as a supportive high school community did not become apparent to me until I left high school and spoke with others about their high school experience.

It means community. My closest friends are still members of my high school graduating class, and I know this is also true of many of my classmates.

The first day of my sophomore year English class with Ms. Malone-Povolny. It was only an introduction to the class and her teaching approach, but I remember how entranced I was listening to her speak. The moment is etched in my memory as the beginning of intellectual curiosity that has driven much of my academic and career progress.