Volume 21, Issue 2
Volume 21 Issue 2
Cover art by Aidan Mullaney.
Aidan Mullaney, a member of The Vanguard School’s Class of 2016,
won a gold key at the Colorado Scholastic Art and Writing Competition
for her self-portrait, seen on the cover. She created this portrait with
charcoal and white pastel on grey paper. Aidan’s incredible eye for
detail emanates from this piece; she not only sees the detail, but she has
the perseverance and ability to carry it out with remarkable accuracy.
In addition to being a talented artist, she also aspires to major in biology
after graduation. This past summer she participated in a program at
Notre Dame University entitled, “Science, Ethics, and Responsibility.”
Aidan worked on an assignment centered around the controversial topic
of using modified viruses for medical research and development, also
exploring how viruses have been developed for warfare. Aidan looks
back on her time this summer as an incredible experience, reinforcing
her decision to make Notre Dame her number one choice for school
next year.
-Greg Custer / Vanguard Art Instructor
The Vanguard School is a tuition-free, K-12 charter school with
a classically based, college-preparatory curriculum designed to
develop academic excellence, virtue, and leadership.
4 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
8 CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS
10 TEACHER PROFILE
Elizabeth Schalchlin
12 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
14 COACHES CORNER
Dina Fuqua
16 REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11
18 CONSTITUTION DAY
Clint Randall
19 FACULTY IN THE NEWS
Mr. Schwab named Educator of Distinction
20 RECYCLING CLUB TAKES HOME GOLD
22 NATIONAL MERIT RECOGNITIONS
23 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Letter from the Executive Director
Colin Mullaney
Dear Vanguard Friends and Families,
On Friday, September 25, we took the opportunity to
celebrate the success of our school over the past
twenty years and to recognize the founders, board
members, teachers, staff, parents, community
members, and students who have all made that
success possible. My letter this week is drawn from my
comments during the event.
I used to say we could teach out of a tent and get results,
because it was the quality of instruction and the content of the
curriculum that made the difference. I would still say that we
could successfully teach out of a tent, but not just because of
the instructional quality (as outstanding as it is) and the
curriculum (which is vitally important), but because of the
culture of our school. The culture planted by our founders has
taken root and flourished – it is a culture of excellence in virtue
and intellectual pursuits. It is perpetuated through teachers,
through their teaching, and their daily interactions with
students, the support they provide, their modeling of virtue and
upholding of standards. The people, attitudes, successes,
history, and standards of this school have defined a culture that
cultivates excellence in our students. Our school provides the
fertile, supportive environment in which our students don’t just
grow, they thrive. Where excellence is shown not only on test
scores, but in all pursuits, especially those requiring strength of
character, and where the fruits of the culture are not just a high
school diploma, acceptance into a fine college, and readiness
for a career, but are the habits of thinking, acting, and relating
that are required to live a good life.
I also used to say that if eating doughnuts and watching
television led to student learning, then that is what we would
do. I no longer say that. The cultivation of character that is the
core element of education cannot happen passively.
An education requires work. The struggle of the student molds his
character and gives value to the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding
that is gained. The effort itself develops patience, perseverance,
industriousness, and time-management and organizational skills. The
results achieved by that effort create humility and confidence,
developing a foundation of character that supports all future endeavors
in addition to the mastery of the academic material.
Aristotle describes it this way: Excellence is an art won by training and
habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence,
but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what
we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
A lot has happened in the past twenty years as we have developed these
habits of excellence. We have grown tremendously in students, staff,
and facilities. As key faculty members left over the years, we wondered
how we would continue without them. State and federal regulations
have expanded bringing on CSAP / TCAP / PARCC, UIPs, and ICAPs
and numerous other ever-changing mandates. When tragedy struck our
state and country in the form of Columbine and 9-11, we knew the
world had changed.
We decided to start the high school ten years ago. With these significant
changes, however, we not only maintained our commitment to our
Mission statement and the habits of excellence it requires, but we
grasped it more closely and defined it more fully as we developed an
understanding of the meaning and importance of such a mission.
To borrow words from C.S. Lewis, we are about transmitting manhood
to men. We are not technicians, creating better cogs to fit the machinery
of society. We are as old birds teaching young birds how to fly.
Sometimes I definitely feel like an old bird, but I am surrounded by a
staff of eagles who challenge our students to soar, and it is amazing to
watch them take flight.
Chesterton has said that Education is passing the soul of society from
one generation to another. At twenty years, we have been about that
very work for a generation. At our elementary Back to School Night
last month, I watched as one former student after another came through
the doors as parents. Similarly, we have several others as staff
members. As parents and teachers, they have taken up the baton and are
passing it on. In like manner, many of our staff members who did not
have the opportunity of a CMCA / Vanguard education have their own
children at our school.
My own children started in our College Kindergarten. Like all of our
students, they learned the states and capitals and the presidents, they
memorized all of Paul Revere’s Ride in 4th grade, and now on the verge
of college themselves, they’re doing advanced work in history,
calculus, and science. During their senior year they will write and
present a capstone paper which requires them to draw on all they have
learned to answer the question, “What is the good life?”
I’m proud not just of their academic achievements, but who they are as
human beings. I’m proud of our student body – a group that values
excellence, applauds effort and achievement, and holds one another to a
high standard. The intentional culture of this school has cultivated an
amazing group of high character individuals. Our goal for all of our
students is that they graduate from our high school prepared to meet the
moral and intellectual challenges that face them in the wider world. It is
the natural outgrowth of our mission.
As we have defined our mission, it has become clearer how countercultural we are as an organization:
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In a world that is losing its way in moral relativism, we stand up for
universal truth.
In a culture that defines success as acquisition of wealth and power,
we strive to attain the Good, the True, and the Beautiful.
In a country that is quickly forgetting its past in an effort to be one
nation among many, we celebrate the exceptional nature of our
country, and we teach and honor the unique principles upon which
this country was founded.
In a society that sees the value of an education in terms of the salary
it commands, we focus on the value that is inherent in each human
being, and we strive to develop our students’ human potential in a
way that leads to self-understanding and guiding purpose which
produce fulfillment, inner peace, and true happiness – outcomes
that no amount of money can buy.
For the past twenty years, our staff has passed on these timeless lessons
to our students. Our students have worked through rigorous material
and risen to a high standard. Parents have supported students through
the challenges of the curriculum and the efforts required to do the work
while also encouraging the work of our teachers. Together, we have
achieved something worth celebrating. Not just the existence of a
school for twenty years, but a lasting legacy of excellence that
continues as an organization, as well as in the very lives of our students.
We have positively developed the character and academic potential of
other human beings, and we continue to do so.
And so, I am excited about our future as we continue to do this most
important work. Our staff is top-notch and teaches with a missionary
zeal, we have a lot of experience now, but we continue to strive to
improve in every area, we are committed to a shared purpose, and we
get to see the results of our work play out daily in the lives of our
students. As much as we are commemorating the past twenty years of
success, we are celebrating the vision and opportunities for the next
twenty years.
Thank you for joining us in support of our mission as we pass on
the soul of society for the next generation.
Colorado Senate Proclamation
Delivered by Senator Bill Cadman
As The Vanguard School at Cheyenne Mountain Charter
Academy celebrates its twentieth anniversary, this milestone provides an appropriate opportunity to commemorate its success. The Vanguard School has the distinction
of being recognized as one of the preeminent high schools
in Colorado and in the nation. Vanguard’s performance is
affirmed through its distinguished results in graduation
rates, college readiness scores, and college bound percentages. Vanguard students receive an educational foundation
that sets the stage for college success, with many graduates
progressing to attend some of the most prestigious colleges
and universities in the country. The Colorado Senate recognizes and appreciates the dedication and commitment of
all who have faithfully served on The Vanguard School’s
staff, faculty, and board during its first twenty years. We
extend our best wishes for continued success providing
world-class educational opportunities for Colorado students.
Teacher Profile
Elizabeth Schalchlin
“When I was in
high school,
everyone except
me knew I was
going to be a
teacher. I did not
become
interested in
teaching until I
saw the power of
a classical
education in
supporting
parents in
educating their
children in virtue
and knowledge.”
How many years have
you been at Vanguard,
and in what capacity?
I am a rare Vanguard
creature who has been
in the same grade for
her entire career here—
the exciting, ARFFfilled sixth grade! I was
an assistant for two
years and have been
educating a homeroom
now for five years.
What is your
background before
coming to The
Vanguard School?
I was a fellow at The
John Jay Institute which
used to be located in the
downtown area of
Colorado Springs. The
John Jay Fellows
Program is a postundergraduate
educational and
professional experience
for men and women
aspiring to public
stations in society and
the church. My fellow
classmates and I became
interested in classical
education during this
semester studying
classical thought and
theology.
What has brought you
the most joy since
being at Vanguard?
Since being at
Vanguard, I have had
the immense enjoyment
of learning virtue and
knowledge alongside
students. How can we
not have fun together
learning about frog
water and kangaroo rat
diamonds?! My coteachers have also
brought me great joy
because of the support
and sense of humor they
bring each day.
What has been your
favorite teaching
moment of this year?
My Marvelous Math
Minds students inspire
me daily with their
willingness to persevere
even when things are
not easy, bravely asking
for support when they
need it.
What are your
academic interests?
Story has filled my life
ever since my mom read
Make Way for
Ducklings when I was
small, and so I greatly
enjoy history and English. This
past summer, I traveled to
Versailles in France, and I am so
excited to be able to teach the
French Revolution with a new
perspective and firsthand
knowledge this year!
How do you spend your free
time?
I sing on the praise team at my
home church, Calvary Baptist
Church. If I have down time after
that, I enjoy catching up on my
favorite television shows, playing
the piano, and hiking in Palmer
Park with my friends.
What is ARFF?
A-Achievement
R-Respect
F-Fun
F-Freedom
At every Friday assembly,
the 5/6 grade building passes along ARFF trophies.
Each fifth and sixth grade
class who earns the weekly
ARFF award demonstrates
all of the character traits
The Vanguard School
embraces as well as exemplifies all four principles in
the ARFF acronym.
What made you want to become
a teacher?
Oddly enough, when I was in high
school, everyone except me knew I
was going to be a teacher. I did not
become interested in teaching until
I saw the power of a classical
education in supporting parents in
educating their children in virtue
and knowledge. It was Vanguard’s
love for students, drive for
excellence, and my supportive coworkers who taught me how to
teach, thereby helping me discover
a passion and calling I did not even
know was inside of me.
High School Retreat 2015
“The retreat was so much
fun! I had a great time
getting to know people
and making new friends!
The Leap of Faith on the
high ropes challenge was
the bomb!”
-Allison Hetherington
“I loved the retreat! Being
new to The Vanguard
School, I was so nervous
about coming into the
year and not knowing
anyone. The retreat made
making friends in a fun
environment so much
easier!”
-Anonymous
“This year’s retreat was a
breath of fresh air. Not only
was the venue different (and
better!), but having it during
school was nice because we
had already somewhat met
each other, so we could expand on our newfound
friendships!”
-Elle Sandvik
“I personally had a great time at the
retreat. I liked how we all came together
to get to know each other from all grade
levels. This was definitely a fantastic way
to start my freshmen year!”
-Luisa Rodriguez
Coaches Corner—Featuring Cross Country
By Dina Fuqua, Athletic Director
Vanguard sports continue to
develop. Nine years ago we
started with twenty-five high
school students and only a couple of sports. This year we have
over 290 high school students
and 210 junior high students!
The programs at Vanguard continue to be strong, competitive,
and a fun experience for all.
hop. With our coaches’ combined experience and passion
for the sport, our teams are
competing well above our 3A
division in many meets, earning
fantastic results. Seniors Slade
Kelling, Miles Hatton, Tyler
Gard, Jenny Smith, and Aubrey
Milroy show great leadership
for their teammates, always encouraging them. At nearly eveOne of our outstanding teams
ry meet, our runners improve
this year is our high school
upon their own personal best
cross country team, coached by times, helping to support the
Adam Rich and Gwen Buchteam and finishing times.
HIGHLIGHTS
Boys:
 5th place—Cherry Creek Steve
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Loman Invite
1st place—Joe Davis Invite
2nd place—Widefield Invite
1st place—Pueblo Invitational
1st place—DII at the Dave
Sanders Invitational
Girls:
 5th place—Joe Davis Invite
 2nd place—Widefield Invite
 1st place—Pueblo Invitational
Remembering September 11
Each year we take a moment to
reflect on September 11 and the
events that transpired fourteen
years ago. This year, the date fell
on a Friday, making it possible for
our school family to gather together to honor the innocent lives lost.
Our K-4 classes held a respectful
and solemn ceremony where the
first graders sang, “America the
Beautiful.” During the morning’s
Pledge of Allegiance, small hands
covered each of their hearts as
voices joined together to honor
and pay tribute to our country. In
addition to putting their hands
over their hearts, some students
chose to salute the flag, standing
proudly at attention throughout the
duration of the pledge.
As students in grades 5-8 gathered
in the high school’s Cafetorium,
the room was packed with students, teachers, and parents. Mr.
Tande presented a slideshow of
the events that occurred on September 11. He impressed into the
students’ minds the knowledge
that this date is not just a single
date in history that can be
forgotten; rather, it is a continual
reminder that we should always
confront evil with good, learn how
to make wise choices, and practice
doing so every day. One of the
highlights of this assembly was
the singing from the united 5-6
and 7-8 choirs. Joining together on
stage and led by Ms. Judge, the
unified choir harmoniously sang,
“America the Beautiful.”
Many of the high school students
have some knowledge regarding
this date, but they were all still
fairly young. To add to their
understanding, Mr. Hoepner gave
a brief presentation regarding September 11. Like all of the adults in
the room, Mr. Hoepner could recount exactly where he was when
he heard the news about the planes
flying into the Twin Towers, how
he felt, and what he knew would
come out of it. While Mr. Hoepner
did talk about the acts of terror, he
chose to focus his message to the
students more on America’s reaction to the events, rather than the
heinous acts themselves. The
choices America made that day
showed what we, as a country, can
do collectively when under fire.
Firefighters chose to run into a
burning building in order to save
lives. Passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 knew what the terrorists wanted to do and chose to
crash the plane themselves, knowing that it would end their lives in
the process of saving others.
Thousands of Americans chose to
enlist in the military in the days
following the attacks, feeling the
call of duty to serve their homeland.
When it would have been easy to
lash out at the world, Americans
bravely chose to come together to
rebuild what had been destroyed,
creating a stronger nation of more
unified citizens.
Celebrating Constitution Day
By Clint Randall, 7-8 Assistant Principal
On September 18, 2015, General George
Washington (David Wallace) and one of his
Continental Soldiers (David Mann) spoke at
the 5-8 Friday Assembly. General Washington and his Continental, in period accurate
uniforms, briefly spoke about their experiences during the founding of our country, paying
specific attention to the creation of our U.S.
Constitution and what it meant for them and
other Americans during their time. The men’s
visit helped our students celebrate U.S. Constitution Day which is remembered every year
on September 17. This date has significance
because in 1787, thirty-nine delegates of the
Constitutional Convention signed and sent
our Constitution to the American people for
ratification.
The Constitution needed the approval of nine
states for it to become the supreme law of the
land, and this occurred the following spring of
1788, with Rhode Island finally joining the Union in 1790.
Adding to the Constitution Day festivities, the
fifth grade class wowed all present by boldly
reciting the Preamble to the Constitution, articulating each word with perfection. Following
them, Ms. Schalchlin’s class recited the first
amendment, leading the remaining 6-8 grade
classes to recite the rest of the Bill of Rights,
following each other and not missing a beat.
This joint 5-8 recitation proved to be not only
impressive to all present, but also to George
Washington and his Continental Soldier, too!
Faculty in the News
Mr. Schwab named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction
Soren Schwab,
High School
English teacher
and department
chair, was selected as a Claes
Nobel Educator
of Distinction by
The National Honor Society of
High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Nour Ben Hmieida, a graduate
from the Class of 2015, nominated
Mr. Schwab because of his dedication and commitment to excellence. The Claes Nobel Educator
of Distinction award recognizes
these role models who have inspired students and made a lasting
impression in their classrooms.
James W. Lewis. “We’re excited
to provide an ongoing means to do
so, and we encourage our student
members to nominate teachers,
counselors, and administrators
who have contributed to their academic success.”
NSHSS members become lifetime
members, finding connection with
other outstanding scholars and
gaining resources to develop their
strengths and pursue their passions. Details about this program
and its benefits can be found at
www.nshss.org.
In addition to his teaching duties,
Mr. Schwab is also the National
Honor Society mentor and was the
“Dedicated educators who exhibit High School Activities Coordinaa commitment to excellence detor last year. He joins fellow Vanserve our highest praise and appre- guard teacher, Lucus Augustin, in
ciation,” said NSHSS President
receipt of this award.
Save the date for this year’s
production of:
Shrek, the Musical
The performances will take
place over two weekends,
Evening performances:
November 13-14 and 20-21
Matinee performances:
November 15 and 22
Recycling Club Takes Home Gold
CHAMPs on Ice Fundraiser
On Sunday, September 13, The
Vanguard School’s Recycling
Club took its cause to the ice to
raise awareness and funds for recycling facilities on campus. Organized and promoted by Sabrina
Cohen, Vanguard junior, the event
was well-attended with Vanguard
family, friends, and community
members nearly maxing out the
bleachers.
Honnen Ice Arena donated their
facilities, and more than twenty ice
skaters donated their time, allowing for the event to be free and
donation-based only.
Gracing the ice were over twenty
skaters from all over the area.
Among this group were three Vanguard students: Krysten Gard (10th
grade), Cady Sandifer (5th grade),
and Emma Viera (7th grade). In
Sabrina has a passion for recycling addition to our own ice skaters and
and caring for the environment,
those training throughout Coloraand when she noticed the need for do Springs were two current Team
better recycling facilities on cam- USA skaters, Jordan Moeller
pus, she took swift action. She
(2014 Junior Silver Medalist) and
wanted to combine two of her pas- Mariah Bell (Junior Silver Medalsions, ice skating and recycling,
ist 2013), as well as Ryan Jahnke
into one big cause, so she decided (U.S. Bronze Medalist 2003).
to organize a CHAMPs on Ice
Skating Event that would benefit To say that the event was a sucthe school’s Recycling Club.
cess would be an understatement.
Bringing in over $3300, the Recycling Club will be using the funds
to purchase a recycling dumpster
to be kept on campus and emptied
weekly. Congratulations to Sabrina and her team of volunteers who
made this afternoon possible, paving the way for Vanguard’s recycling efforts.
*All photos courtesy of Colorado College
National Merit Recognitions
The Vanguard School is eager to
announce that eight out of fiftyone students in the senior class
have received recognition from the
61st Annual National Merit Scholarship Competition for their performance on the 2014 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Jacquelyn Drosendahl, Ryan
Hughes, Slade Kelling, Hannah
Molloy, and Javier Padilla received recognition as Commended
Scholars, a title that was wellearned and deserved.
In addition to these five Commended Scholars, Vanguard has
three seniors who have been designated as Semifinalists in this competition. These three students, Eoin
Doherty, Laura Koop, and Aidan
Mullaney, are among a select pool
of 16,000 seniors across the country who have earned this recognition. Assistant Principal Jeff Fenton commented that this is “the
natural fruit of outstanding teaching, dedicated study, and a rigorous, meaningful curriculum that
are at the heart of what we do at
The Vanguard School.”
Approximately 1.5 million juniors
in more than 22,000 high schools
entered the 2016 National Merit
Scholarship Program by taking the
2014 PSAT/NMSQT, which
served as an initial screen of program entrants. The pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one
percent of U.S. seniors, includes
the highest-scoring entrants in
each state. Semifinalists participate
in a rigorous application process to
earn the title of Finalist. Finalists
qualify to receive one of 7400 National Merit Scholarships worth
more than $32 million. Merit
Scholar designees are selected on
the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
The Vanguard School had two National Merit Scholars last year and
has had a total of ten in the past
five years. Eoin, Laura, and Aidan
certainly hope to add their names
to that impressive list!
Student Spotlight
Tswana Caine, sophomore at The Vanguard
School, spent her summer in China as a student
ambassador with the People to People youth
program. Every year, this program gives
American youth the opportunity to experience
Chinese culture and bridge understanding for
Chinese – American relations.
While in China, Tswana participated in service
projects that involved picking persimmons and
tea leaves and spending time at a special needs
elementary school. She and her fellow ambassadors were also able to visit several cities,
including Beijing and Shanghai. She fondly
recalls spending an evening with a Chinese
family, eating authentic Chinese food, and visiting with those sitting around the table. Climbing the Great Wall will always be one of her
highlights from this trip, coupled with all of
the new friends, Chinese and American, she
was fortunate to meet during her time.
PTO Grand Prize Winner
On Friday, September 18, PTO Board
President Chris Gilkes named first grade
student Kacee Johnson as this year’s
Grand Prize winner for the PTO Cookie
Dough Fundraiser. Kacee sold $864 worth
of product, filled up four order forms, and
sold each of her sixty-five items by going
door to door. This PTO fundraiser found
much success with students selling over
$46,000 worth of cookie dough and other
items. The PTO received forty percent of
this, and the funds have already been
making their way into the classrooms for
our teachers and students to put to use.
Inside: Remembering 9/11
Celebrating Twenty Years of Excellence
1605 South Corona Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
The Vanguard School
Student Achievements