March 11, 2024
On September 1, 2023, we rang the same school bell that was used on our first day of school 25 years ago (I had a little help this year from Kobie and Sebastian, who were also celebrating birthdays!). Every year, this bell has marked a beginning: a kick off of the academic year; a start to new routines and introductions to friends and educators; a launch into new lessons and challenges.
In 1999, this bell marked the beginning of what has become a central storyline in my life and in the lives of many others. It was also the culmination of 10 years of inspiration, planning, and encouragement from key figures like Martin Mathews, who gave me the sound advice to build a school that I would want for my own children, and from Oliver Langenberg, who made the first personal investment in the idea that would become City Academy.
I began volunteering in 1989 at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club with plans to serve the community. I had no idea that years later, that work would lead me here—and that what I have received in return for that service has become so much larger, so much more important, and so much more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.
Over the last 25 years, many incredible people have graced the halls of City Academy. Educators, students, alumni, parents, supporters — all have left indelible marks and personal touches that have inspired those who have come after them. For example, former Head of School Nikki Doughty left a legacy that we are excited to honor (see more on page 3). Outstanding alumni like Marshall Strawbridge continue to inspire others, make a difference in their communities, and stay in touch with City Academy (read about Marshall’s achievements on page 2). Our community of support came together on November 4th to celebrate our school’s 25th year and it was an amazing night of reunions and sharing memories about the people and the work that have led to City Academy’s accomplishments today (read more on page 4).
Reflecting on the past can help guide our future. I envision the next 25 years of City Academy to bring more joy, more success, and more support to our scholars than ever before. This May, we will graduate our 6th graders and send them off to exceptional partner schools. This graduation will be remarkable not only for each individual student, but for City Academy as a whole: this class will bring our total number of alumni to over 300 scholars.
Every City Academy student brings something special to our community table. These singular talents and individual personalities together make something unique, and I have been beyond thankful to be a part of it all for 25 years and counting. Thank you for being a part of it, too.
Sincerely,
Don Danforth III
President and Co-Founder