On May 1, the entire DSST community will gather at the Denver Coliseum to celebrate the incredible Class of 2025—including the Founding Bulldog Class at Elevate High School!
Behind the scenes, our Senior Signing Day Leads are making it all happen. These staff members will be the heartbeat of SSD at each school, coordinating everything from schedules to swag (yes, including face gems!). But beyond the logistics, they’re deeply invested in making this day unforgettable.
For some, it’s about the electric atmosphere. Sadia Aziz (Cole HS) loves when the seniors are hanging out and having cheer battles behind the scene before the run out. Shannon Wright (Cole HS) agrees, saying, “The excitement in the atmosphere and seniors being able to announce their college/university of choice” makes the day so special.
Others, like Henry Whipple (Cedar HS), see SSD as the culmination of years of hard work. “After our seniors have spent so many months of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about their post-secondary planning, watching them get on stage with confidence and conviction to share their plans represents a heartwarming and inspiring capstone to their journey.”
For Mac McCracken (Elevate HS), the best part is seeing students “shout out their friends, and family who helped them get to the next chapter in life!” Ariel Smolik-Valles (AST HS) echoed that sentiment, adding, “All DSST students have been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and seeing them be able to be on stage and make it happen is powerful.”
Senior Signing Day is also a full-circle moment other SSD Leads like Kellie Phelps (College View HS) who loves “getting to see students who I've taught at previous campuses walk across the stage.” Damon Ehrett (AST MS) feels the same way, about getting to “connect with old students, colleagues and see my first crew of DSST Henry 6th graders graduate!”
For Dr. Kiersten Ellefsen-Olelewe (GVR MS), the most meaningful part is seeing how far students have come. “Since I've worked on four campuses in my time at DSST, the best part is seeing former students, especially those walking across the stage (shout-out Dragons!).”
We’re so grateful for our SSD Leads for making it all happen. Later this spring there will be a student Morning Meeting to go over the details of the day, as well as a Staff Meeting session where you can know all the logistics and FAQs.Here’s to the Class of 2025. See you on May 1st!
See the full list of SSD leads and more info here.