CSS Celebrates a Beloved Teacher and Mentor

Our 2025 Alumni Weekend culminated in a heartfelt Founders' Day Celebration, honoring Judy Von Ahlefeldt, beloved former science teacher and 2025 Founders' Day Award recipient. This cherished tradition brings together students, faculty, alumni, and former staff to celebrate those whose contributions have profoundly shaped CSS.

Head of School Ryan Kelly opened the ceremony, calling Judy "a teacher, mentor, historian, and advocate whose impact continues to ripple through our school and community."

Katie Davis Gardner '77 reflected on Judy's pioneering work in environmental education, interdisciplinary learning, and her ability to spark curiosity. "Her influence shaped not only students," Katie shared, "but the school's broader ethos—one of stewardship, inquiry, and connection."

Leslie Goldman Hicks '76 highlighted Judy's impact beyond CSS, describing her as a meaningful fixture in the Black Forest community and celebrating her passion for science, history, and environmental activism.

The ceremony reached a touching moment when Diana Boydston '76 presented Judy with the Founders' Day Award—a full-circle moment, as Judy had once awarded Diana a Science Award of Achievement at her graduation in 1976.

CSS proudly honors Judy Von Ahlefeldt for her lasting contributions. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the values she instilled: stewardship, inquiry, and connection.

Alumnus Patrick Shearn '80 Discusses His Skynet Series

CSS Alumnus Patrick Shearn, the visionary artist behind Poetic Kinetics, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss his large-scale, wind-activated kinetic sculptures. The segment highlighted his viral installations, including "Off the Beaten Path" in Green Mountain Falls, which was on display until October, and "Momentum" at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

Patrick’s vibrant, ethereal Skynet pieces—designed to move with the wind—interact seamlessly with nature, transforming public spaces into experiences of wonder and delight.

A CSS Class of 1980 graduate, Patrick is a freelance visual effects artist and creator of large-scale outdoor works. "Off the Beaten Path" was featured in this year’s Green Box Arts Festival and spanned Gazebo Lake. Patrick, creative director of Poetic Kinetics, was inducted into CSS’s Arts Hall of Fame in 2012.

Shively Kerek ’22 Graduates Early and Sets Sights on Healthcare Career

Alumna Shively Kerek '22 graduated from the University of Denver early after double-majoring in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry.

“I chose to double major because I loved both subjects and had time in my schedule to do both,” she said

Shively recently graduated and will be walking in the spring. She is currently working full-time as a medical assistant in a neurology clinic and plans to apply to a physician assistant program, with the goal of starting in August 2027.

Audrey Barber ’22 Prepares for Graduation and Medical School

Alumna Audrey Barber '22 will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from the University of Florida.

“I started out as a chemistry major, so I just ended up adding my classics degree,” she said. “I double majored because I wanted a broader college experience, so more education in the arts as opposed to just science. I also had the space in my schedule. I actually regret not getting a third degree, because I had enough space!”

Audrey is scheduled to graduate in May 2026 and plans to take a gap year until (hopefully) August 2027. During that time, she’ll work in the medical field, take a few months to travel and relax, and even apply to "The Amazing Race" with a friend—fingers crossed!

She is also deeply involved in her medical school application cycle, having taken the MCAT and drafted her personal statement, with submissions planned for June 2026.

Audrey recently co-authored a paper with her research director that was accepted for publication in a Berlin-based journal, making her a soon-to-be published author. Additionally, she is writing an honors thesis in the hopes of graduating summa cum laude.

“I'm just trying to figure out where all the time went and how it’s already graduation again,” she said.

Read a feature about Audrey from her senior year at CSS.

Host Your Next Event at The Colorado Springs School

CSS offers campus facility rentals to alumni. The beautiful campus setting at the base of the Rocky Mountains offers a stunning backdrop for your next event. Our campus can be used in a variety of ways, including weddings, performing arts, corporate events, meetings, and athletics.

Contact Events Manager Cathie Ludden at (719) 434-3508 or cludden@css.org.