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Alumni Spotlights
Zhiwei "Tony" Ren, Exchange Student from China, Revisits DA
In the 2019-20 school year, Tony Ren came from China as a tenth-grade exchange student to learn at Denver Academy. All who interacted with him agree that he was an amazing asset to the DA community, sharing his culture and experiences with students, faculty, and staff.
Unfortunately, when COVID hit, Tony was asked to return to China, so DA’s time with him was cut short.
“He was in my homeroom during his sophomore year at DA,” says DA Teacher Bobby Duhamel. “When in my class, he read many of the class novels in both Chinese and English.”
“He tried to remain a student during our virtual stint during COVID, but the distance and time change were too difficult to manage,” says Mr. Duhamel. “He and I have kept in touch on social media because Google is blocked in China.”
Adds Mr. Duhamel, “Tony is very gentle and kind. He is a super hard worker and when he was here, immersed himself in everything he could. He even played basketball.”
Recently, Tony returned to Colorado on his way to the University of California Irvine where he will be double majoring in mechanical and electrical engineering. When asked what brought him to Colorado, he replied, "To visit Denver Academy and see all of you."
Tony’s love of the Marvel character and engineer Tony Stark (Ironman), led him to take the English name “Tony.”
In addition to his love of engineering, Tony is also a watercolor artist. During his visit, Tony brought beautiful art created by him and his godmother for many DA staff and faculty. He and his godmother also taught DA students how to create paper art.
DA Teacher and 11th Grade Dean Kacie Wulf said of Tony, “He is the most wonderful, respectful, hardworking, kind, and amazing student.”
DA Teacher and 11th Grade Dean Kacie Wulf said of Tony, “He is the most wonderful, respectful, hardworking, kind, and amazing student.”
We wish Tony well on the next part of his educational journey!
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4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver CO, 80222
Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General: info@denveracademy.org
Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General: info@denveracademy.org
Denver Academy is a private school for students with varied learning profiles in grades 2-12, located in Denver, CO. DA inspires and empowers diverse learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.
