ThunderRidge High School

Once a Grizzly Always a Grizzly! This summer we will take a look at what some of our TRHS alumni are up to, and how they are spreading the Grizzly spirit to their communities! This week we will feature Katelin Fawcett ('25) and Bella Craner ('25), and how they used their IB CAS project to create an adaptive playground in the Highlands Ranch area, which opened this spring.

"Inspired by Bella's younger sister, Macy, we saw a need in our community and chose to act. Over the next 10 months, what started as a way for us to make sure we checked the box and could graduate became a movement that brought together students, families, local businesses, community leaders, and organizations.
Project Play taught us that education is about far more than what happens in a classroom. The skills we developed through the IB Learner Profile, DECA, ThunderRidge Athletics, and the Unified Peer program became the foundation for real change in our community and beyond. Through challenges, setbacks, and successes, we learned that meaningful impact happens when academic learning meets personal passion.

Bella attends CU Boulder, where Project Play and her experience as Macy's big sister have encouraged her to explore Disability Law as a future career path. Katelin currently attends Le Moyne College in Syracuse, where she studies Finance as a member of the Women's Swim Team, but continues to use her voice for those who can't always use their own.

As members of the Class of 2025, we hope future seniors remember that CAS is more than a graduation requirement. It is an opportunity to discover what matters to you, connect with others, and leave a lasting mark on the community around you. We are so very grateful for staff and family support. Sometimes the most powerful projects begin with a simple conversation, a problem worth solving, and the courage to believe that students can make a difference."

— Katelin Fawcett & Bella Craner, Class of 2025

Want to shout out a TRHS alum who we should feature next? Email [email protected] with the details!

That's a wrap on a phenomenal spring season Grizzlies! To the seniors, thank you for leaving a legacy. To everyone else, the grind doesn't stop. We will see you in the fall! 💚🐻💙