An Albuquerque Academy Community Newsletter
Special Commencement Issue
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Graduation Ceremony Highlights Achievements and Service
Albuquerque Academy’s 2025 commencement ceremony was more than a milestone — it was a celebration of character, curiosity, and community. In a heartfelt and humorous address, Head of School Julianne Puente honored the 167 graduates not only for meeting the academic demands of an Academy diploma but for the “less traditional skills” they picked up along the way. “There are 167 of you in the senior class,” she quipped, “and yet, somehow, someway, you managed to use 331 parking spaces. At the same time. It’s like a logistical magic trick — one car, three spots, zero apologies.”
Julianne praised the Class of 2025 for their intellect, leadership, service, and creativity, highlighting accomplishments that reached from state championships and scientific research to national arts recognition and entrepreneurial ventures. “You are scholars and scientists, artists and athletes, builders and caregivers, leaders and dreamers,” she said. “And as we celebrate your graduation today, we celebrate you — not just for what you’ve done, but for how you’ve gone about it, with courage, conviction, and compassion.”
In addition to Julianne’s remarks, the ceremony featured two student speakers. Class Officer Miel Padilla reflected on the bonds this class forged, while Student Senate President Maya Macias urged her peers to carry their Academy values into whatever comes next.
The ceremony also included a reflection on a schoolwide cleanout earlier in the year, when over 300 faculty and staff unearthed decades of forgotten items — among them a jar of corn (or possibly moonshine), 3,694 pounds of shredded documents, and a piece of a science project from the 1980s. “It was funny. It was messy. But it was also revealing,” said Julianne. “Because it showed us just how hard it is to let go of things that once mattered. Even if they’re gathering dust.”
Making a connection between old books and lasting memories, Julianne encouraged graduates and families to consider why we hold on to certain objects — and certain moments. “A book only lives when you engage with it,” she said. “Like a relationship, it’s not meant to sit on a shelf. It’s meant to move you, change you, challenge you.” She noted that parents, too, carry a quiet library of memories: scribbled notes, dance recital programs, math quizzes with corrections in the margins. “Not because they need them, but because they tell the story of who your child once was. The growth. The laughter. Even the struggle. ”
The message was clear: this class has left its mark — not just in transcripts and trophies, but in the way they’ve lived and learned together. “Graduation isn’t just a ceremony,” Julianne reminded them. “It’s a moment of transition. A line in the sand between what was and what’s next. And as you step across that line, know this: you carry with you not only what you’ve learned, but who you’ve become.”
Alexi Ashe Meyers ’02 Delivers Commencement Address
Alexi Ashe Meyers, Academy Class of 2002, returned to campus to deliver the keynote address at Albuquerque Academy’s commencement, marking 23 years since her mother first pulled into the 6-7 circle in her minivan. Now the director of anti-trafficking policy at Sanctuary for Families in New York City, Alexi has dedicated her career to advocating for survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Her work has shaped federal and state policy, including legislation that led to the takedown of Backpage.com, a site notorious for enabling trafficking. Yet in her speech, she reminded the Class of 2025 that even her path began with small moments of courage, like speaking out about bullying in 8th grade — with the support of an adviser who showed her what it meant to use her voice for others.
Alexi wove humor and honesty into her reflections on her time at the Academy, from a joke about her husband’s first impression of New Mexico (thanks to Breaking Bad) to the Blair Witch-style camping trip that was her Ex Ed experience. She admitted she was once terrified of public speaking but learned to hone her abilities by participating in Model UN and the debate team, skills that would become essential in her legal and advocacy career. She spoke warmly of teachers like Darrel Gage, who, with persistence and kindness, helped her raise her C in math to an A, and Stephanie Lipkowitz, who helped shape her writing and college applications.
In her address, Alexi emphasized that the Academy is, at its core, about people and diversity — a place where there is room for everyone. While students often try to downplay that they attend the Academy during their time here, she joked, they spend the rest of their lives announcing it. She recalled the surreal experience of seeing the campus again through the eyes of her own children — more focused on the rabbits than the Foucault pendulums — and how proud she felt to return.
To the Class of 2025, Alexi offered practical advice and heartfelt encouragement. “You are prepared,” she said, noting their skill in sprinting across campus on an eight-day schedule, but reminding them that college runs on the hour and the quality breakfast burritos might not follow them to their next schools. She acknowledged the role AI will play in their future, but affirmed that “nothing replaces one-on-one time with your professors.” Most of all, she encouraged graduates to go forward with confidence in the foundation they’ve built: “Academy gave you a community of friends. Go forward proudly, Class of 2025.”
Graduates Will Span the U.S. and Beyond
The 167 students of the Class of 2025 will attend 100 colleges in 31 states, the District of Columbia, and Austria, England, Italy, and Spain. This number ties an Academy record set by the Class of 2021. Visit the matriculation page at aa.edu to see the full list of schools our grads are attending.
Senior Projects: Learning Beyond the Classroom
During their final six weeks at the Academy, seniors step away from the classroom to pursue self-directed projects that provide hands-on experience that can help them make career decisions and build resumes. Senior projects can take them into the working world, the wilderness, or their own world through independent projects. 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.
William Reese participated in a three-week Ex Ed capstone trip featuring climbing, whitewater rafting, and canyoneering.
I enjoyed taking a break from the city and exploring the wilderness with a great group of people. I really enjoyed rowing an oarboat down rapids on the river section. I have learned that I am stronger and more capable than I thought before I started this adventure.”
Dat Le grew his small business and prepared for a real estate license exam.
For my senior project, I continued to work on my small business that I run outside of school selling flowers and other handmade products at the Downtown Growers Market…. I have learned about different types of land, ownership, titles, and rules of real estate.”
Rachel Lewis worked with the Oregon Research Institute, helping recruit participants for a teen mental health study.
I focused on helping them recruit participants for their study through running an Instagram account. I learned about the research and recruiting process for a psychology study and what that looks like in a day-to-day setting.”
Miles Kammler took a hands-on approach, working in metal fabrication at a lumber mill.
I’ve learned that I would rather not work at a lumber mill for the rest of my life. However, the hands-on aspect of working in a shop was way more engaging than most of the time in classroom learning, so there’s something to say for that.”
Rhese Fine studied entomology in rivers around New Mexico, observing insect life cycles in the wild.
The fishing and nature were amazing, and I learned so much about how the insect cycles work.”
Jacob Anderson interned with the Mind Research Network, where he helped analyze data from subject visits.
I’ve enjoyed the amount and variety of scientific papers that I read, and I further developed my scientific writing as well as implemented statistics knowledge almost daily.”
Lilia Sanchez collaborated with two classmates, Nahili Biffa and Theo Gallant, to write and record a full-length album.
We met around three times a week for long sessions of writing, first recording our goals for the project and then presenting our own potential ideas to the group to start a new song…. It was super fun to experiment with new genres and sounds, and we hope that excitement can be felt by each listener of our work.”
Matthew Anderson joined the Ex Ed seminar. When asked what he learned, he said simply:
Everything. How to groove.”
August Steele interned at the Ronald McDonald House, helping families and answering phones.
I’ve learned how to navigate a landline phone, and I’ve enjoyed helping all the premature babies that are around. They are so small.”
Sierra Sedillo designed and built a custom terrarium for her bearded dragon, complete with a painted rock wall and live plants.
I love that I got to build a mansion for my bearded dragon and that it’s custom. I worked with a lot of tools and materials that I haven’t used before, like caulk, Drylock, and spray foam.”
Miel Padilla shadowed surgeons at Boston Children’s Hospital, following them through rounds, clinics, and surgeries.
I enjoyed learning about the diseases and unique cases these doctors treat. I learned what it’s like to be a surgeon as well as what it takes to become one.”
Yone Lim wrote and illustrated a creative, humorous book to help younger students understand calculus.
It occurred to me how hard it is to simplify complex calculus topics into words that a younger student can understand…. Regardless, it’s my attempt, as a student who’s only known calculus for three years, to help the math community. I hope people will remember my book is only a PROJECT and will treat it as such.”
Max Ashcraft worked for Redwire, an engineering firm that designs, produces, and refines satellite parts and systems. The company operates out of the Air Force base, using various testing labs that are sublet to them by the military.
One of the highlights for me was getting to design my own component for one of the projects they were working on."
Senior/Parent/Faculty Showcase Dinner
Seniors, their parents, and faculty gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025 with heartfelt words and shared traditions before the Senior Showcase. Speakers included Head of School Julianne Puente and 10-12 Division Head David Kim, senior class officer Nate Boone, Ari Rosner-Salazar, and friends who presented this year’s Senior Mosaic, and Alumni Council President-Elect Noël Richeson '96. In a special moment, alumni welcomed the soon-to-be graduates into the alumni community by presenting each senior with an alumni pin.
Senior Project Showcase
Faculty/Senior Luncheon
Remarkable Careers and Endowed Fund to Honor Stephanie Lipkowitz
As we celebrate the remarkable careers of this year’s departing staff and faculty — Stephanie Lipkowitz (36 years), Cynde Moore (35 years), Casey Citrin (22 years), Kiran Manne (18 years), and Carol Swift (10 years) — we are especially proud to recognize Stephanie, whose 42-year teaching career — including 36 years at Albuquerque Academy — has left an indelible mark on generations of students and colleagues.
Stephanie’s classroom was a place of both discovery and belonging, where students were challenged to think critically and creatively as part of a supportive group seeking mutual understanding. A master teacher of English, she inspired deep thinking, creativity, and a true love of learning. More than an exceptional educator, Stephanie has been a mentor, leader, and role model — elevating the standard of teaching and shaping the culture of our school in profound ways.
In honor of her extraordinary legacy, we are proud to announce the creation of the Stephanie Lipkowitz Outstanding Teaching Fund, an endowed fund that will recognize and celebrate teachers who embody the same passion, excellence, and dedication that defined Stephanie’s career. To honor the full arc of a teaching life, up to three prizes may be awarded annually:
- Emerging Teacher Prize, recognizing a teacher who has taught for fewer than five years and whose early promise and commitment to students signal a bright and impactful future
- Innovation in Teaching Prize, awarded to a teacher whose creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking practices inspire both students and peers, and advance the craft of teaching
- Master Teacher Prize, honoring a teacher with more than a decade of service at the Academy, whose lasting contributions have shaped students, colleagues, and our school community
You can help carry forward her legacy. Let’s celebrate a life’s work that changed lives — and ensure that future generations of Academy teachers continue to inspire as she has. Make a gift in Stephanie’s honor, and support this meaningful new initiative.
Stephanie Lipkowitz, third from right; photo courtesy of Frank Frost Photography.
Business Leaders Share Thoughts on Helping New Mexico
To conclude the Senior Project experience, a thought-provoking panel discussion featured five local business leaders who are also Academy alumni or parents.
- Jocelyn Chao — Talin Market
- Tony Lenhart — Eye Associates
- David Martinez '74— Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero
- Cynthia Schultz '97 — Bradbury Stamm Construction
- Tonya Turner Carroll — Turner Carroll Gallery and Art Advisors
Moderated by Head of School Julianne Puente, the conversation explored what it takes to run a business in Albuquerque, as well as the challenges and rewards of building a career in New Mexico. Panelists spoke about the important role Academy graduates can play in shaping the state’s future and encouraged students to consider returning to New Mexico after college.
Designed especially for seniors and their Senior Project sponsors, the event was also open to all faculty and staff. The panel discussion served as a fitting close to this distinctive Academy program and offered a timely opportunity to reflect on the potential impact students can have beyond graduation.
Grads Playing Sports in College
Congratulations to the 11 Chargers who will continue with their sport in college! They come from the Academy pool, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and soccer and football fields. Plus, there's a fencer and flag football player in this talented and hard-working group!
- Baseball: Matthew Delaney (Pima Community College)
- Fencing: Jackson Richards (Haverford College)
- Flag Football: Emanee Cerda (Mars Hill College)
- Football: Ryan Ramirez (Calvin University)
- Soccer: Townes Richardson (Pomona-Pitzer)
- Softball: Melissa Purcella (Rider University)
- Swimming: Cindy Fan (Harvey Mudd College), Pierce McShane (Claremont McKenna College), Jack Yu (California Institute of Technology)
- Tennis: Michelle Deng (Whitman College), Shay Villegas (Bryn Mawr College)
Welcome, Class of 2025 — Our Newest Alumni
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are thrilled to welcome you into the Albuquerque Academy alumni community. Your time as a student may be ending, but your journey with the Academy is far from over. You’re now part of a lifelong network of more than 10,000 alumni, and we can’t wait to see where life takes you next.
Staying connected to the Academy opens doors to a wide range of opportunities — from career networking and alumni events to meaningful ways to give back. Visit the alumni page on our website to find updates, resources, and ways to stay engaged. You’ll also find information about the Alumni Council, a group of volunteer leaders who plan reunions, Alumni Weekend, alumni awards, and more — we’d love to connect you with them!
While you’re still nearby, stop by the advancement offices in the library (just ask a librarian to point you in the right direction) to pick up your alumni window decal. Take a piece of Charger pride with you wherever you go!
Your teachers, coaches, advisers, and friends are cheering you on — and they’d love to see you again soon. Mark your calendars now for Alumni Weekend, September 19-20, 2025, and don’t miss our young alumni gathering on Wednesday, November 26, the evening before Thanksgiving. These are perfect opportunities to reconnect and share what’s new in your life.
Wherever your next steps lead, know that you’ll always have a home at Albuquerque Academy. We hope you’ll return often, retrace your steps, and keep sharing your story with us.
With pride in your past and excitement for your future — welcome to the Albuquerque Academy alumni family.
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 Hollywood-themed events organized by the Albuquerque Academy Parents’ Association. Seniors enjoyed a Star is Born music festival, 007 Casino Royale casino night, Hunger Games party, Happy Gilmore Topgolf, and Academy Awards farewell dinner, dance, and slideshow.
Well Done, Class of 2025!
We wish our graduates much happiness and success in their next steps! Our seniors have grown up here — on the quad, in studios and science labs, in classrooms, and across our lawns and trails. It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s easy to feel excited for all that lies ahead. Light the way, Chargers!