An Albuquerque Academy Community Newsletter
Special Commencement Issue
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Achievements and Service
Albuquerque Academy celebrated its 65th Commencement on Saturday, May 25, beginning with the Charger tradition of performing the wave, when faculty and students try to out-wave the other. There is no question that seniors bested their teachers this year!
In her commencement address, Head of School Julianne Puente celebrated the Class of 2024 by highlighting their outstanding achievements and exceptional dedication to service. The ceremony marked the culmination of seven years of rigorous academic and personal growth, during which the graduates mastered critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
The Class of 2024's accomplishments are impressive. Collectively, they:
- Solved approximately 1,179,000 math problems and checked out 2,372 library items.
- Wrote 58,000 pages of prose and read 168,000 pages of literature.
- Participated in 33 plays and musicals, 35 orchestra and choral performances, and 21 dance showcases.
The Class of 2024's achievements extend well beyond academics and the arts. They spent close to 2,600 days on experiential education trips in the Southwest, won 26 state championships and 53 district titles, and conducted original scientific research published in peer-reviewed journals.
"While the academic achievements, scholarly pursuits, athletic triumphs, and artistic talents of the Class of 2024 are indeed impressive, what truly stands out – and what struck me the most – is your extraordinary commitment to service.” From organizing community clean-ups and leading fundraising campaigns for global causes to volunteering countless hours in local shelters and mentoring younger students, the Class of 2024 logged thousands of volunteer hours and demonstrated a profound dedication to serving others:
- Sixty-four seniors logged 5,474 volunteer hours beyond the Academy’s service requirement.
- Sixteen seniors volunteered at least 150 hours, earning a letter in community service, with three seniors exceeding 300 hours.
- The class volunteered at 184 locations, most within Albuquerque.
"Service is not just about what we do; it's about who we are," Julianne emphasized, praising the graduates' embodiment of empathy, generosity, and responsibility. "Service to others is the real currency of our world. While material wealth provides comfort and security, acts of service create true value and meaning in our lives and the lives of others. Service enriches our communities, strengthens our bonds to others, and lifts our spirits. This selflessness brings profound meaning and joy that material possessions cannot provide."
She encouraged the graduates to continue their spirit of service, fostering a more compassionate and just society. Julianne’s final words resonated with hope and inspiration: "Go forth and spread beauty and light."
Watch the full commencement ceremony, including speeches by Arielle Siegel ’06, Student Senate President Abhishek Narahari ’24, and Senior Class Officer Serla Kundeling ’24.
Graduates Will Span the U.S. and Beyond
The 157 students in the Class of 2024 will matriculate to 89 different college campuses in 24 states, the District of Columbia, England, and Scotland. Visit the news story at aa.edu to see the full list of schools.
Senior Projects Reflect a Broad Spectrum of Interests
Seniors spend the last six weeks of school on a self-directed project that can help them make career decisions and build resumes. Senior Projects offer them a diverse range of opportunities from immersing themselves into the working world, exploring wilderness areas, or navigating an independent project. Students return before graduation to share their experiences and self-reflect. This year, their projects spanned a wide range of fields and interests, showcasing the creativity and ambition of our seniors.
Addie Siembieda spent her senior project with Albuquerque The Magazine, working on writing, photography, and marketing projects. She even earned two bylines in the June issue!
Pamela Meza learned the art of glass manipulation and blowing at High Desert Flameworks. She says she loved the creative freedom, making almost anything she wanted with the techniques she learned.
Gavin Farley bought, repaired, and re-sold a non-running Suzuki GSX-R 600 motorcycle. He got a taste of what flipping a bike is like and even turned a profit in the process.
Kate Aubin delved into how companies of all sizes create safe spaces for employees. She compared tactics across such industries as tech, entertainment, and hospitality, exploring how they handle challenges like COVID-19 and hybrid work.
Alex Lescher interned at the APD Real Time Crime Center. He spent his time shadowing criminal analysts, 911 operators, and forensic scientists to understand better how these roles bring justice to our community.
Sam James shadowed physical therapists at a local gym, Elevate PHW. From hands-on physical therapy sessions to mastering the Neubie machine for muscle stimulation and neuro pathway clearance, he even did some PT on himself!
Isabel Thomas lent a helping hand at Roadrunner Food Bank. She worked at food distribution sites, supporting those in need. She also learned about marketing strategies and volunteer organization while gaining hands-on experience in the warehouse.
Maya Van Atta interned at a Pilates studio, where she immersed herself in all aspects of the business. Maya did everything from cleaning machines and equipment to signing in clients and observing classes to learn new positions.
Christine Dang and Baiyun Xie cooked dishes from scratch, nearly all of which were brand-new recipes for them. Once they perfected a recipe, they donated the food to people in need.
Senior Projects Showcase
Senior Families Make $261,000 Gift at New Dinner
The countdown to commencement began with a special dinner for the Class of 2024, their parents, faculty, and Alumni Council members, who welcomed seniors into the alumni association. The crowd enjoyed New Mexican food, guitar music, and remarks by students, faculty members, and the Alumni Council president.
The Academy was also honored to receive a gift of more than $261,000 from senior families – a show of appreciation from the class and a way to pay forward their gratitude to future generations of Chargers. Thank you! We are deeply grateful for their involvement and generosity.
Faculty/Senior Luncheon
Karen Zhang ’24 Named Presidential Scholar
The Class of 2024’s Karen Zhang was named one of 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars by the Department of Education. The 161 high school seniors are selected based on their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
Karen will attend Princeton University to study computer and electrical engineering. As a Charger, she has been a member of the swim team and the robotics club, helped establish the nonprofit Mirukafei, received Scholastic Art Program awards for painting and drawing, and was the winner of the 2024 Math Department Book Award. Karen and a classmate designed the senior mosaic, and she is a recipient of the National Merit Battelle Scholarship.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students. Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding academic performance or through nominations made by chief state school officers.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
Business Leaders Share Thoughts on Helping New Mexico
The Class of 2024 closed out their Senior Projects with a panel discussion with local business leaders that included Academy parents and alumni: Justin Horwitz, Francine Jacobs, Meaghan Stern '05 Hindman, Mark Herman '87, and Notah Begay III '90. Head of School Julianne Puente moderated a discussion during which our guests shared with seniors their views on making a positive impact on New Mexico.
A few of the panelists returned to New Mexico after many years living out of state, a decision many seniors may face in the future. Meaghan, who moved back in 2016 and now heads a local charter school, suggested that grads consider where their skills can make the biggest difference. Notah, who lived in Dallas before moving home, told the seniors, “Somebody’s got to make [New Mexico] better and make sure there’s something for the next generation. Be a difference maker.”
Grads Playing Sports in College
The Academy athletics department celebrated the seniors who will continue their athletic careers at a signing ceremony in May.
- Baseball: Mark McNaney (United States Air Force Academy), Satish Raichur (Pomona-Pitzer Colleges)
- Basketball: Joe Jack (Chapman University)
- Beach Volleyball: Emma Eden (Pepperdine University)
- Football: Dalton Lee (Wabash College), Brody Whitaker (Eastern New Mexico University)
- Golf: Clark Sonnenberg (University of New Mexico)
- Soccer: Cara Anderson (California Polytechnic State University)
- Swimming: Ana-Adela Duran (University of Redlands), Maya Van Atta (Pomona-Pitzer Colleges), Sutton Cheves (University of Redlands)
- Tennis: Joseph Braun (Vassar College), Connor Dils (University of New Mexico)
- Track and Field: Aleea Bridges (Trinity University), Samuel James (University of Redlands), Jamal Witter (Rhodes College)
Welcome Newest Alumni
Congratulations, Class of 2024! We couldn’t be prouder to welcome you as our newest alumni! Your journey with Albuquerque Academy doesn’t end here – it’s just the beginning of a lifelong connection. We’re excited to see where your next steps take you, and we hope you’ll stay in touch to share your adventures and achievements.
Staying connected with the Academy comes with a host of benefits. From networking opportunities to exclusive alumni events, your connection to the Academy can open doors and create lasting relationships. Be sure to check out the alumni page on the Academy’s website, where you can find information about events, resources, and ways to stay involved. We would love to connect you to the Alumni Council, the volunteer leaders behind things like Alumni Weekend, reunions, and alumni awards.
We also invite you to stop by the advancement offices in the library (just ask a librarian where we are) and pick up your alumni window decal. It’s a great way to show your Charger pride wherever you go!
Your teachers, coaches, advisers, and friends would love to see you, so come back and visit us often! Mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend on September 13-14, 2024. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. Plus, we’re planning a young alumni gathering on Wednesday, November 27, the evening before Thanksgiving. Many of you will be home, and we’d love to catch up with you then. Visit the website for details, and stay tuned for more information.
Best of luck on your next steps, wherever they may take you! Remember, no matter where you go, you’ll always be a part of the Academy family. We hope to see you on campus again, retracing your footsteps and sharing your stories. Go Chargers!
~The Advancement/Alumni Team: Joe Weiss, Heather Harrigan, Scott Eldredge, Téa Salazar, Angela Sylvestre, and Dani Stromberg
Senior Week: Special Events for Seniors
Seniors got to enjoy their last week on the Academy’s campus – for most, their home for seven years – by participating in fun events organized by the Albuquerque Academy Parents’ Association. Seniors enjoyed an Adventure Awaits-themed week with a casino night, beach volleyball, a music festival, a carnival, and a farewell dinner.