A Windsor High School biology class showed Kara Haj a whole new world of opportunity.
As an eighth grader, mechanical engineering seemed like the perfect job. However, after four years of high school, she now knows that she wants to be a specialized doctor.
The class of 2025 from Windsor High School and Severance High School graduated May 25. As graduates step into their next chapter, like becoming a doctor, furthering an athletic career or studying animation, they feel ready thanks to their time in the Weld RE-4 School District.
Involvement in academics, athletics, extracurriculars and volunteering has led them to finding and following their dreams.
“Class of 2025, you are bold,” Superintendent Michelle Scallon said at the Windsor High School graduation ceremony. “You are brilliant. You are beautifully complicated and deeply kind. And you are ready to light this world on fire.”
‘We are ready’
Haj held the highest grade-point average in her class at Windsor High School, 4.596, which landed her the valedictorian spot at graduation. She also graduated as an Advanced Placement (AP) capstone diploma recipient.
“At the beginning of high school, I told myself that I wanted to take every AP class that I could,” Haj said. “I just wanted to push myself to be the best version of me that I could be.”
Haj earned 32 credits during high school, half of which were college-level or AP. Recent accomplishments include receiving the Senior Student of the Year Award from the Optimist Club of Windsor and earning four additional scholarships to further her education.
“Although her GPA and course-load is impressive, it is her drive, her character, her ambition, her humility … those are the characteristics we’re going to remember about Kara,” assistant principal Joscelynn Schreiber said during the recent graduation ceremony.
Haj also participated in extracurriculars like theatre, swim, tennis, Link Crew and National Honor Society. Looking back, she feels her most valuable impact at Windsor High School involved her time as a leader, shaping the future of the school for the next generations.
As vice president of the drama club, she ensured students felt included and “everyone had a home at Windsor High School,” like she said.
Once Haj found her calling in the medical field, she began volunteering at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies. Every week, she hands out cookies and tea to new mothers.
In the fall, Haj will study microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“Our stories are just beginning,” Haj said during her valedictorian speech. “Although tomorrow may seem daunting, Windsor has prepared us for whatever may come. Today is the moment that we step forward, together. And one thing is certain: We are ready.”
Pitch-perfect plans
Like Haj, Aubrey Dare wants to work in health care. Similarly, Dare, a 2025 graduate from Severance High School, found her passion in science class, all thanks to great teachers.
Through lessons in biology, chemistry and forensic science, Dare’s educational experience and tight relationships with teachers sparked an interest in anesthesiology. In high school, she also had the opportunity to job-shadow a nurse at a Greeley hospital, solidifying her desire to work in the medical field.
Many of Dare’s accomplishments from high school happened in athletics. She played varsity softball for four years, earned multiple all-state honors, made all-conference every year, won Pitcher of the Year last year and Athlete of the Year this year.
Additionally, Dare participated in student council for three years, the National Honor Society for two years and wrestling for two years.
She will attend Missouri Western State University in the fall to study nursing and play softball.
“You definitely have that ‘what’s next’ moment,” Dare said about graduating. “It’s a turning point in your life, but I feel like moreso, the turning point is going to be when I actually leave for college.”
Aubrey Dare and her father, Samuel Dare, a teacher at Severance High School, at the school's graduation ceremony on May 25. Dare will attend Missouri Western State University in the fall to major in nursing and play softball. (Aubrey Dare/Courtesy)Dare prepares for the bittersweet transition into college after attending Weld RE-4 schools since preschool and having the “unique” high school experience of her teacher dad, Samuel Dare, being in the same building as her for four years.
Animated about the future
At Severance High School, Julie Abbott immersed herself in the performing and visual arts. She participated in choir, orchestra, swim, National Honor Society and the literary magazine club.
Abbott also took honors and college-level courses to prepare for postsecondary life and challenge herself. This included an AP art class that helped her build up a portfolio, develop her visual art skills and settle on an idea of what to do in college, riding a “pipeline to Pixar.”
She plans to major in animation at the University of Colorado Denver, known for its strong connection to Pixar, which happens to be Abbott’s dream job.
Julie Abbott at Severance High School's graduation on May 25. Abbott plans to major in animation at the University of Colorado Denver. (Julie Abbott/Courtesy)Abbott has been recognized as Student of the Year a few times for her positive personality and leadership, yet her biggest accomplishments in high school are the connections she made, getting to spread school spirit and being involved.
“It was very satisfying to see all of my hard work pay off and all the smiling faces that helped me get there at graduation,” she said about walking across the stage.
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