A downpour from a swiftly moving storm may have sent the attendees of the 2024 All-School Picnic scurrying inside the Campus Center to wait the weather out, but it didn’t much matter in the end. By the time families stocked up on bratwurst, hamburgers (even “Impossible” ones), and frozen treats in the Dining Hall, the clouds had passed, the summer sun had returned, rainbows had spread over campus, and the beloved gathering had done what it always seems to: bring old friends and new acquaintances together to kick off the new school year with a celebration of the Colorado Academy community.
Fueled by Chef Paul Worley’s unending supply of picnic favorites, the 600-plus children, parents, and guardians who braved the temperamental weather were rewarded with an unforgettable evening before the first day of school on August 20, 2024.
As always, there was no agenda for this come-as-you-are tradition. Those new to CA learned the ropes from veterans, embracing friendships with families from across the street and across the city—CA’s 10 bus routes bring students from around 300 square miles of the Denver Metro area to campus. Head of School Dr. Mike Davis went from conversation to conversation, facilitating introductions and sharing ideas about education.
Representatives from the Advancement Office made sure everyone got their official CA Directory and school-year calendar, and the Safety & Security Team distributed dozens of campus access badges to keep the community safe.
Of course, the younger guests had more fun than anyone: Lower Schoolers explored their playgrounds and fields, while Middle and Upper School students reunited with classmates, sharing hugs, summer stories, and hopes for the fall.
Many had come to campus earlier in the day for the Lower School “Meet and Greet” or new-student events for Middle and Upper Schoolers; the Picnic was the festive topper to a day full of information, introductions, and anticipation.
Plenty of faculty and staff members were in attendance, as well—many with their own kids who are current or future Mustangs in tow. Everyone was excited to reconnect with favorite teachers, meet those new to the faculty and staff ranks, and look ahead to the coming days and weeks full of learning and new experiences.
In his summer message to families, Dr. Davis wrote about why events such as the All-School Picnic have remained so important for CA, year after year—no matter the weather. “It’s incumbent on us as a community to elevate a sense of valuing others. With today’s deep societal polarization, this is the perfect time to model our approach to building relationships, seeing humanity in one another, and fostering a deep curiosity for genuinely connecting with others.”