Archers Blog

Opening Ceremonies, November 12th, 2025

Parents, students, and faculty were privileged to hear Mr. Walsh give a speech in honor of Veteran's Day on Wednesday, November 12th, during Opening Ceremonies. 

Mr. Walsh is a US veteran, ACANC parent, and current real estate agent.

Good morning, everyone.

I am deeply honored to be here speaking to you this morning. Yesterday, our nation paused to celebrate Veterans Day — a day set aside to honor the countless men and women who have answered the call to serve our country throughout our history, and especially those who have fought and died to secure our freedom.

But I want to be clear: The gratitude we express on Veterans Day isn’t meant for a single date on the calendar. It’s something we carry forward, because the debt we owe to those who served can never be fully repaid. And so today, even though the parades and ceremonies may have passed, we continue that reflection — remembering the men and women who left behind their families, their dreams, and their comfort so that we could live ours in peace.

For me, this day is deeply personal. As a veteran, I am part of a sacred brotherhood of Americans stretching back to the very beginning of our nation — people who, in every generation, looked at the chaos of the world and said, “If someone has to defend this country, let it be me.”  They didn’t wait for someone else to step up. They stood, they served, and they sacrificed. And let’s be clear — they weren’t superheroes, least of all me. They were ordinary people who got tired, scared, homesick, and hungry. They missed birthdays, holidays, and family dinners. They endured long nights, hard work, and the constant uncertainty that comes with defending something bigger than yourself. But they kept going. Not for fame, not for fortune, not for recognition — but because they believed something powerful: that freedom is worth the cost.

And I can tell you from experience — it’s not easy. Freedom demands something from you. It’s not free, it’s not guaranteed, and it’s not permanent. Every right we enjoy — the right to speak, to worship, to learn, to raise our families — was bought with sacrifice.

That’s a belief that’s easy to say, but hard to live. Because freedom, my friends, has never been free. Every liberty we enjoy — the right to speak our minds, to worship freely, to learn, to build, to dream — has been purchased by the blood of patriots.

From the bitter cold of Valley Forge to the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of Iraq, and the mountains of Afghanistan, ordinary Americans have done extraordinary things because they believed America was worth defending.

And what they fought for wasn’t just a country — it was an idea. The American idea.

When this nation was founded, it declared something the world had never truly seen: that all men are created equal, and that our rights come from God, not from kings or governments. That may sound ordinary now — it’s written on posters, printed in textbooks, and recited in classrooms — but 250 years ago, it was revolutionary.

Think about that: For thousands of years before 1776, almost every person on Earth had lived under a king, an emperor, or some form of tyranny.

Power flowed downward from a throne, and the common man existed to serve the powerful. Then came a ragtag collection of farmers, tradesmen, and scholars who dared to say, “No — power flows upward from the people.”

That’s not just political philosophy — that’s moral truth. That’s what separates us from every empire, kingdom, or dictatorship that came before. Our founding fathers risked everything on that belief — their homes, their fortunes, even their lives. And when they signed the Declaration of Independence, they knew that signature was also, in the eyes of the British Crown, a death warrant. Yet they signed anyway.

That was the birth of the American experiment — the bold attempt to prove that a free people could govern themselves through reason, virtue, and faith.

Every generation since has had to decide whether that experiment would continue. And every generation has had men and women who stepped forward to defend it. That’s what veterans do — they keep the promise of 1776 alive.

But freedom is fragile. The American experiment is not self-sustaining. It requires constant care — courage, honesty, and a willingness to defend it, sometimes at great personal cost.

And today, we live in a time when many have forgotten how rare this nation truly is. Some see only her flaws and none of her greatness. They forget that America has freed more people, created more opportunity, and defended more human dignity than any other nation in history.

Veterans didn’t fight for a perfect country — they fought for a good one. A country that, even with its imperfections, remains the world’s best hope for liberty and justice for all.

Now, to all of you — if you have a mom, a dad, a brother, a sister, or another family member who is currently serving in the military, who has served, or who has given their life in service to this country — we thank you. The nation is grateful not only to them, but to you. Because when one person serves, the whole family serves.

The sacrifices military families make are often unseen — the long deployments, the empty chairs at the dinner table, the missed birthdays, the worry that comes with every phone call. Your family’s strength and sacrifice are part of the fabric of America. Know that a grateful nation stands beside you, and that your family’s service is recognized and appreciated more than you know.

The rest of us should never take that for granted.

And that brings me to all of you — the students of Ascent Classical Academy. You have the unique privilege of attending a school that doesn’t just teach facts — it teaches truth. You’re learning about virtue, courage, and the power of reason. You’re studying the same ideas that guided George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Burke, and countless others who have defended the ideals that define this nation in every era.

You are inheriting what our nation’s veterans secured — but with that inheritance comes responsibility. Freedom isn’t something you simply receive; it’s something you have to protect. The battle for America’s soul isn’t just fought overseas. It’s fought right here. In how we speak. In how we treat one another. And whether we’re willing to stand for truth even when it’s unpopular.

And yes — it’s unpopular right now. The real rebellion today is loving your country. The real courage is speaking truth when it’s unpopular. The real leadership is doing what’s right when the crowd says wrong.

We live in a time when truth is treated as optional, when courage is mocked, and when love of country is sometimes painted as something to be ashamed of. You’ll hear people say that patriotism is outdated, that America’s story is one of failure. Don’t believe it. America’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless hope.

We are a nation that fought a civil war to end slavery, that rebuilt itself after devastation, that stormed beaches to free nations half a world away, and that has continually expanded the promise of liberty to more and more of its people. That’s the real America — imperfect, yes, but always striving, always fighting, always believing that the best is yet to come.

Your generation will decide whether the American experiment survives — whether this nation, under God, continues to stand as the last, best hope for liberty in the world.

To the younger students — the reason you can come to school, play with your friends, and sleep safely at night is because someone you’ll never meet chose to protect you. They gave up their comfort so that you could have yours. Remember that when you say the Pledge of Allegiance or see the flag waving in the wind.

And to the older students — you’re entering a world that will test what you believe. You’ll be told that faith, family, and freedom are outdated ideas. You’ll meet people who see cynicism as wisdom. When that happens, remember the legacy you’ve inherited. Remember that what you have — the ability to think freely, speak openly, worship boldly, and live without fear — exists only because others were willing to pay for it. 

Your generation will be asked to carry the torch forward. The question is not whether you’ll be called to serve — but how. Maybe not in uniform, but in your character, your choices, and your convictions. Freedom’s survival depends not only on soldiers — but on citizens who live as though liberty matters.

Finally, as we honor those who have served, let’s remember that gratitude must become action. When you meet a veteran, say thank you. Listen to their stories. Ask what they learned about courage, loyalty, and duty. When you’re old enough, volunteer at a veterans’ home or support organizations that care for them.

But most importantly, live in a way that honors the gift you’ve been given through their sacrifice. Live with purpose. Live with gratitude. Live with courage. Because the best way to honor those who fought and died for freedom is to live in a way that proves their fight was not in vain.

If you take nothing else from my words today, take this: Freedom is a gift, but it’s also an obligation. You didn’t earn it — but you are called to preserve it. Every generation must decide whether liberty endures or fades. That decision will someday be yours.

So when you stand for the flag, when you say the Pledge, when you see a veteran — remember: the story of America is still being written, and your name belongs in it.

Live with gratitude.

Live with courage.

Live a life worth dying for.

I’ll leave you with the words of John Adams, who so perfectly captured the spirit of what these days are all about when he said: “You will never know how much it cost my Generation to preserve your Freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.”

Thank you for your kind attention today, and for the privilege of speaking to you.

May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America.

Why We Remember: A Speech About September 11th 

Opening Ceremonies, September 10th 2025

Mario Rossa, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF 

Mario Rossa is the Vice President of Operations and Software Development at a Denver-based technical firm. A native of Santa Barbara, CA, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2000, and served a distinguished 20-year career as an Air Force Intelligence officer.

During his military service, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Rossa specialized in counterintelligence and cyber espionage. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after holding high-level positions at both the Pentagon and the White House, where he provided direct support to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. His extensive experience in national security and intelligence operations now informs his leadership in technology and software development. 

Good morning, everyone. Today is September 11th. It's a day that carries special meaning for our country and our world. For some of you, this date might just be another day on the calendar – you were born years after 2001. But for many of us, for your teachers, your parents, and for me, this date brings back memories of a day that changed everything. Today, we gather not just to remember what happened 24 years ago, but to understand why it still matters to each and every one of us. 

What Happened That Day 

On a beautiful Tuesday morning, just like today, people across America and the world were starting their regular day. Kids were going to school, parents were heading to work, and everything seemed normal. But at 8:46 AM on the East Coast of America, something terrible happened. People who wanted to hurt America flew an airplane into one of the tallest buildings in New York City – the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 

At first, people thought it was a horrible accident. But then, seventeen minutes later, another plane hit the second tower. Two more planes were used to attack our country that day – one hit the Pentagon, which is an important building where our military leaders work, and another crashed in a field in Pennsylvania because brave passengers fought back against their hijackers. 

In less than two hours, both towers in New York City fell and collapsed. Almost 3,000 people died that day – moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends. They were people just like the people you love. 

Why We Must Remember 

Now, you might wonder: "Why should we remember something so sad? Why not just forget about it and move on?" Those are really good questions, and I want to share four important reasons why remembering matters. 

We Remember to Honor Heroes 

On that terrible day, we saw the very worst of humanity – people who chose hate and violence. But we also saw the very best. Firefighters ran UP the stairs of burning buildings while everyone else was running down. They knew they might not come back, but they went anyway because that's what heroes do. 

Police officers, paramedics, and regular people became heroes that day. People helped strangers get to safety. Some people gave up their own chance to escape to help others who couldn't walk or were too scared to move. On Flight 93, regular passengers – people like your parents – decided to fight back against the hijackers. They knew they might not survive, but they wanted to stop more people from getting hurt.

When we remember 9/11, we remember these heroes. We remember that in the darkest moments, good people step up to help others. 

We Remember to Learn from History 

There's an old saying: "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." When we remember 9/11, we're not just thinking about the past – we're learning important lessons for the future. 

We learned that we need to work together to keep each other safe. We learned that hate and extremism can lead to terrible things. We learned that we need to pay attention to what's happening in the world, not just in our own backyard. 

For you younger kids, it's like when you learn not to touch a hot stove. You remember that lesson so you don't get hurt again. For older kids, you understand that studying history helps us make better decisions about our future; or at least that's what your teachers hope. 

We Remember Because It Changed Everything 

9/11 wasn't just one bad day that ended – it changed how we live. For me on that day I saw things that I never thought I would experience. I went into my office building that was on a Royal Air Force base in England as I was living outside of London at the time and when I finally was able to go home over 20 hours later, I came out to what looked like a warzone. Tanks, armored vehicles and steel barricades were now blocking roads that hours ago I was just driving on. Military members were now geared up as if going into combat and patrolling areas and checking people's identification at every entrance. This is similar now when going to an airport, you've all seen I am sure the security checks everyone has to go through. That's because of 9/11. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which some of your family members might have served in like myself, happened because of 9/11. 

Our world became more connected that day. People realized that what happens in one part of the world can affect all of us. When I was living in London shortly after the attacks, I witnessed people from all over the world that were there at the time standing in line for hours at the American Embassy, simply to write their names and a short sympathetic message to the American people letting them know that they feel 

for them and are with them in this dire time. We learned from this event that we need to understand each other better, to talk to people who are different from us, and to solve problems with words instead of violence whenever possible. 

We Remember to Stay United 

After 9/11, something amazing happened. People from every background, every religion, every political party came together. American flags appeared everywhere. People donated blood, money, and time to help. Countries around the world stood with America.

But here's the thing – we shouldn't need a tragedy to bring us together. When we remember 9/11, we remember that we're stronger when we're united. In your schools, in your communities, you can practice this every day. When someone is being bullied, stand up for them. When someone new joins your class, welcome them. When your community needs help, volunteer. 

What You Can Do 

Now, some of you might be thinking, "But I wasn't even born yet. What can I do about something that happened so long ago?" Here's what you can do: 

For younger kids: 

Be kind to everyone, especially people who look or believe differently than you. 

Thank firefighters, police officers, and military members when you see them. 

If you see someone being mean to others because of their religion or background, tell a trusted adult. Learn about different cultures, and make friends with people who are different from you. 

For older kids: 

Study history and current events so you can understand our world better. 

Stand up against hate and prejudice when you see it. 

Consider careers where you can serve others – teacher, nurse, firefighter, social workers.
Use social media to spread messages of unity, not division. 

Volunteer in your community. 

For all of us: 

Never let fear make us hate entire groups of people. 

Remember that most people in the world are good and want peace. 

Choose love over hate, always. 

Be the helper in scary situations. 

Looking Forward with Hope 

I know this is heavy stuff. It's okay to feel sad or scared when we talk about 9/11. But here's what I want you to really remember: for every bad person who tries to spread hate, there are thousands of good people spreading love. For every act of destruction, there are millions of acts of kindness happening every day.

You are the generation that can make our world better. You're growing up with friends from different backgrounds. You understand technology in ways that can connect our world. You have voices that can speak up for what's right. 

When we remember 9/11, we're not trying to keep you scared or sad. We're reminding you that you have the power to be heroes in your own way. You have the power to choose kindness over cruelty, understanding over ignorance, love over hate. 

A Promise for Tomorrow 

So today, as we remember those we lost, let's also make a promise. Promise that you'll be someone who builds bridges, not walls. Promise that you'll be someone who helps in times of trouble. Promise that you'll judge people by their actions, not by their religion or where they come from. 

And most importantly, promise that you'll never let the darkness win. Because every time you choose kindness, every time you help someone in need, every time you stand up for what's right – you're proving that love is stronger than hate. 

The people who died on 9/11 were just going about their regular day, just like we are today. We honor them by living our lives with purpose, by being kind to one another, and by working to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. 

A great American thinker named Thomas Paine once wrote during another difficult time in our history: "We have it in our power to begin the world over again... The birthday of a new world is at hand." These words were written during the American Revolution, but they speak to us today. You – each one of you – have that same power. You can help create a new world, a better world, right here and right now. 

Thank you for listening, and remember – you have the power to make tomorrow better than today. That's how we truly honor those we lost: by building a world where understanding defeats ignorance, where love conquers hate, and where all people can live in peace. 

Now I'd like to ask everyone to please stand up. Now look around this room, sure you see your friends but when we stand together, we show that we are truly united. Now, I want you to repeat after me, and say it like you mean it: 

"We will never forget." 

“We will always remember." 

"And we will stay united." 

Thank you. Please be seated. You've just made a promise – not just to me, not just to each other, but to everyone who was affected by that day. Keep that promise. Live it every single day. 

Before we close, I'd like to ask everyone to please bow their heads for a moment of silence to remember the lives we lost due to the events of 9/11 and their families. 

Thank you. Go Archers!

Headmaster Trent Kramer, November 4th 2024

Good Morning Archers,

Election season is upon us, and it brings with it a mix of emotions. For some, there’s excitement about actively participating in the political process. For others, it’s the dread of endless political ads, calls, texts, and the constant bombardment by those vying for votes. For me, however, the greatest concern is the all-too-frequent division that arises in our communities over candidates and policies.

While political discord is not new, the technology of our age seems to have amplified its presence in every area of life - even within the walls of our school. Although we as a school will never be partisan, we believe that, by nature, we are political and should thoughtfully contribute to the political culture we inhabit.

At its core, our mission is to create a school culture characterized by order, decorum, and civility. This applies not only to structured class time but also to unstructured time, when students have more freedom to discuss topics of their choosing. Even during these moments, we want to encourage our students to a higher standard of speech than what is too often seen in the news, on social media, or even in political debates.

To be clear, we will never restrict a student’s ability to express their opinions on politics, religion, or other topics. However, we do expect these opinions to be shared in a manner consistent with our school’s culture, virtues, and standards of student behavior.

ACA NoCo has two key standards for students when expressing their free speech:

1. Appropriateness of Speech and Presentation: Students are not permitted to use explicit speech or display materials that are inappropriate for a school setting. Whether overt or subtle, obscenities or inappropriate logos have no place here, especially in a school that encourages students to uphold high standards and ideals.

2. Respectful and Constructive Dialogue: In keeping with our desire for a school culture of order, decorum, and civility, we do not allow speech or materials that are disparaging, disrespectful, or divisive. We encourage students to voice their opinions in a way that is constructive and respectful, seeking the good of the community rather than fostering division.

My hope is that we can agree that divisiveness is not what we want to cultivate within our school. Classical education is a human-centered education that transcends political affiliations and attracts students of all beliefs and backgrounds. We should aspire to open, respectful dialogue on all issues. This cannot happen if our discourse is cutting, disparaging, or filled with the hubris that closes us off from different perspectives for the sake of party loyalty. We want better for our students, our school, Northern Colorado, and ultimately, our nation.

While we may not be able to change the political climate of our nation, we can positively impact the political climate within our school. Here, we can teach students that there is a better way to discuss political matters, especially those on which they disagree. We can help students see that what unites us does not make us uniform in our thinking, yet we can be united in seeking the good of the community we live in.

If you have questions regarding these expectations or the reasoning behind them, I invite you to join me for coffee on November 11th at 2:00 pm, where we’ll discuss this topic. If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to email me, and I would be happy to clarify any part of this message.

With Gratitude,

Trent Kramer

Headmaster- ACANC

Ascent Classical Academy Opening Ceremonies: November 6th, 2024

Guest Speaker: Major Jeremy "Loops" Curbey, USAF Retired

Good morning Ascent Classical Academy, I am Major Jeremy “Loops” Curbey, United States Air Force retired. I am here this morning to reflect on Veteran’s Day and what it means to me to be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. 

But first a little history, this is a house of academia after all. 

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In 1938, through an act of Congress, November 11th was made a legal holiday. In 1954, at the urging of the veteran service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans.” On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Recently, my church, as part of a series on the founding of our nation and the Judeo-Christian principles on which our founding fathers anchored the creation of our nation on, asked me to share my thoughts on what it means to be a veteran and a citizen of the United States of America. Based on my responses, they created a script in which I read, and was recorded, so it could be played this past Sunday during service. I want to share that script with you now, as it very deeply encapsulates what I believe a veteran is. Please be patient and give grace, as discussing these topics can evoke strong emotions from within.

“From 1997 to 2019, I had the privilege of serving our great nation, starting as an F-15E and F-16 crew chief and later as a B-1B combat instructor pilot. 

My journey took me across America, to South Korea, and around the Globe. I flew combat missions in the Middle East and participated in deterrence operations in the South Pacific. But more than the places I went, it’s what I stood for that mattered most. 

From a young age, I felt a calling to protect and defend our country, our Constitution, and our freedoms. This wasn’t just a job – it was a sacred duty to safeguard everything we hold dear as Americans. 

Military service taught me the true meaning of sacrifice. It meant missing birthdays, holidays, and milestones. But it also forged unbreakable bonds with my fellow service members – bonds strengthened through long days and nights of shared hardship and mutual support. 

There’s an ache in my heart for those we lost along the way. Yet, I feel immense pride knowing we made a difference. We stood on the front lines, protecting our American way of life and the citizens we swore to defend. 

Being an American is a privilege beyond measure. It means living in the greatest country on Earth – a place where we can freely serve God, pursue our dreams, and reach for the stars. As someone who’s traveled the world, I can say with certainty: there’s no place I’d rather call home than the United States of America.

Our flag and anthem move me to tears every time. They represent not just a nation, but an idea – that all are created equal, that we have inalienable rights, and that together, we can forge a more perfect union. This is something worth protecting, worth sacrificing personal freedoms, worth dying for. This is why I served. 

To be an American is to embrace a sacred duty – to be a law-abiding, God-fearing citizen and a role model for the world. It’s about living up to the ideals that make our nation great.

My military service and my identity as an American are inseparable. They’ve shaped who I am and reinforced my unwavering commitment to the values that define our nation. God bless America, and may we always strive to be worthy of the freedoms we cherish.”

I encourage all of you to seek out our veterans this month and graciously thank them for their service. I am honored to be able to speak to you all today and reflect on what it is to be a veteran. I now humbly ask that everyone stands, faces the American Flag, place your right hand over your heart, and recite The Pledge of Allegiance followed by the student pledge.

Recite the Pledge of Allegiance…

Student pledge:

I will learn the true.

I will do the good.

I will love the beautiful.

Thanks again Archers, have a wonderful and blessed day. 

Headmaster Trent Kramer

“No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time.” - Virgil

Today marks an important day in American history—one that we must strive to keep alive in our collective memory. For many of us, especially those who were old enough to remember, the question often asked around this time of year is, “Where were you on 9/11?”

Known as the day the world stood still or the day the world stopped turning, the events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on our nation. Yet, as time passes, memories can fade if we don't make a conscious effort to remember. Human beings are storytellers by nature; we record, retell, and pass down our stories to future generations. From the epics of Homer and Virgil to the personal tales within our own families, these stories form a cultural heritage that, if lost, takes with it far more than just the narrative itself.

9/11 is no exception. We must remember, because we remain what we remember.

On September 11th, 2001, our nation experienced the greatest act of terrorism on American soil. Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, targeting the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and potentially Washington, D.C. It was the brave passengers of United Flight 93 who, in a selfless act of heroism, thwarted the fourth attack, bringing the plane down in a field in Pennsylvania.

While it is crucial to acknowledge the horrors of that day, I believe it is equally important to remember the acts of goodness that emerged in the darkest moments. When asked what I remember about 9/11, three things come to mind:

Self-Sacrifice

I think of the police officers and firefighters who rushed into the Twin Towers, fully aware that they might never make it out. I think of the passengers on United Flight 93, who sacrificed their lives to prevent further destruction. These acts of selflessness define the spirit of that day.

Service

The immediate aftermath of the attacks saw countless individuals stepping forward to serve their country. Men and women flooded military recruitment offices, driven by a sense of duty. First responders from across the East Coast raced to Ground Zero to help search for survivors. Numerous organizations mobilized to support survivors and the families of those who lost their lives.

Unity

In the weeks and months following 9/11, I witnessed a level of unity in our country that I had never seen before. People set aside their differences, coming together simply because they were fellow Americans. Political rivals worked side by side, families grew closer, and Americans of all backgrounds united under a shared sense of identity. The patriotic spirit of that time was palpable, and arguably, we have yet to reach that level of togetherness again.

George W. Bush’s Speech

In the wake of the attacks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation, capturing the resilience and resolve of the American people:

"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

"America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining."

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could."

"This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."

As we reflect on this day, I urge you to remember—not just the heinous acts of terror, but more importantly, the ways in which we as a nation came together in self-sacrifice, service, and unity. May we never forget.

Let us honor this moment with silence, and as Taps plays, may we be reminded of our enduring resilience and the strength we find in one another.