Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023! Over 4,000 students from CCSD received their diplomas during ten graduation ceremonies throughout the month of May. In addition to events held for the district’s six 
traditional high schools (Cherokee Trail, Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Grandview, Overland and Smoky Hill), ceremonies also included celebrations of graduates from Cherry Creek Elevation, the district’s online high school, and Endeavor Academy, the district’s alternative high school. Additionally, the third annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration and the third annual Future Military Service Celebration honored a diverse group of CCSD graduates.
Our seniors are now ready to take their next steps into the workforce, military service, and higher education. Cherry Creek Schools students are prepared for the next chapter thanks to the rigorous classes, including Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Concurrent Enrollment courses, as well as experiential learning opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships.
This class of 4,444 seniors are some of the most courageous and resilient students that the district has ever had the privilege of teaching. The class of 2023 not only endured a global pandemic,
but has demonstrated incredible compassion and inclusivity towards one another.
Reem Saeed, Overland High School Senior and recipient of a Questbridge Full Scholarship, testifies to this, “at Overland, we learned to not only welcome differences, but celebrate them. Here, we learned to come together rather than tear each other down. Here we created a community that unites in times of need, instead of divides.”
The class of 2023 is one of artists, innovators, and scholars who
all used their gifts and talents to better their communities and our district at large.
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At Smoky Hill, over 400 students participated in World Awareness presentations.
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At Eaglecrest, the dance team represented the country as Team USA at the ICU Cheerleading World and Junior World
Championship and earned the first-place title. -
At Overland, students learned about African American history as the only high school in Colorado to offer the pilot AP African American studies course.
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At CCIC, the Automotive Pathway was featured in multiple media outlets for the Electric Vehicles (EVs) curriculum.
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At Cherokee Trail, students participated in Unity Week and other spirit weeks that have highlighted and strengthened school relationships.
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Cherry Creek High School was identified as the top school in Colorado by Niche and recognized as one of 250 STEM
schools in the country as identified by US News. -
At Endeavor, the Leadership Academy planned and organized the first school-wide talent show since COVID.
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At Grandview, SOAR and Student Equity groups hosted lunch chats several times throughout the year.
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Cherry Creek Elevation had its first National Merit Finalists this year.
This graduating class broke down any barriers and soared over all hurdles that stood in their way of success.
“I witnessed your unprecedented strength and determination in having to overcome a global pandemic…[and] despite all the trials and tribulations you’ve had to endure over the last four years, you’re HERE!” said Smoky Hill Principal Andre Bala. “Think about ALL of the obstacles you had to overcome to be celebrated in this arena today. Think about the sacrifices you had to make. Think about the discipline you had to demonstrate. Think about what you were able to accomplish in the era you had to accomplish it in. Think about the impact this accomplishment has had on increasing your confidence and self-efficacy! Think about how proud we all are of you!”
