By Theresa O’Connor and Clark Campbell
To celebrate Tempe Prep’s 25th year of “educating students from all over the Valley and graduating men and women with exceptional academic credentials,” as well as the campus renovation, the school commemorated its accomplishments with Founders’ Week from April 25-30.
This is the first time Tempe Prep has hosted Founders’ Week and it is looking forward to events like these for years to come. Mrs. Emily Mause, the prime organizer of the week, says, “The overarching goal of Founders Week is to really remind everyone about why Tempe Prep was founded – why we are here and what our purpose as a school is. We really want to remind everyone about the school’s principles of Truth, Beauty and Goodness and why they mean so much to the school. They aren’t just words – they are guiding principles.”
Monday, April 25 – All School Assembly and College and Career Fair
The week began with a kick-off assembly hosted by Student Life. The assembly instructed students about the history and founding of the school with the help of TPA’s founders and alumni. The student body also participated in a Kahoot game and Jeopardy trivia game. Senior and Student Life coordinator Julia Cady said, “We want(ed) the kids to be engaged, have fun and appreciate their school!” She worked with Ms. Pautzke, Mrs. Mause, Mrs. Staring and Mrs. Moffitt to organize the assembly.
Later that evening, the College and Career Fair took place in the Evdokimo Auditorium. Mrs. Mause and Mrs. Moffitt arranged this event and invited alumni, alumni parents and current parents to share information about their careers and colleges. There were a variety of tables hosted by colleges and companies that recruit TPA students. This event was a great way for students to be proactive about their future and explore different opportunities.
Tuesday, April 26 – Truth Day
Tuesday was “Truth Day,” where teachers discussed with their students the truth that each of their subjects contains.
Wednesday, April 27 – Goodness Day and Campus Wide Community
On “Goodness Day,” TPA students not only learned about the goodness in their schooling experience, but also had the chance to volunteer at Grace Community Church by helping paint the surrounding wall and enjoy each other’s company after a half day. The volunteer service project was to say thank you to the school for allowing TPA students to use their parking lot.
Thursday, April 28 – Beauty Day
During “Beauty Day,” students learned about the beauty in their education and the beauty their lives have to offer. They learned about the wonder in their school and community.
Friday, April 29- Campus Celebration
Honoring the finish of TPA’s campus renovation, Mrs. Mause and Mrs. Starring planned a Campus Celebration for the benefactors of the school’s improvement and success. Current TPA and alumni students and families joined together in the parking lot to celebrate and afterwards, parents toured the school’s latest renovations. Tempe Mayor Corey Woods spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of the school to the community. Tempe Prep students celebrated their campus all school day with their Founders’ Week T-shirts they received at Monday’s assembly.
Saturday, April 30 – Starry Knights Gala
To end the week, donors of the school’s capital campaign attended the Starry Knights Gala. The gala was put together by TPA parents including Racquel Evdokimo, Karen Snyder and Sofia Epperson. The night consisted of a performance from Cantamus, a number of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” from the cast, words from Mayor Corey Woods and a thank-you video from TPA students to the donors who have helped TPA become the school it is today.