Seth Peterson

Both Alice and her dad were in bands during their teenage years.

Alice Stewart (‘25)  graduating in May, plans to attend Front Range Community College for two years. Her goal is to earn her registered nurse license, then transfer to the University of Northern Colorado to get her bachelor’s degree of science in nursing to specialize in a career in psychology or forensic nursing, where she can “help people both physically and mentally”, and ultimately make a positive impact on those she treats.

Alice has always wanted to pursue a professional career in healthcare with a focus on forensic nursing, and her mom had a big impact on this decision. “When I first started high school, I was always wanting to get into healthcare, because my mom was in healthcare. She’s a nurse, so that’s what I always wanted to do”. Her passion in this field is reaffirmed through her current position as a CNA. Despite the challenges, connecting with her patients daily has kept her motivated.

Some of Stewart’s proudest accomplishments during her time at Mead High School are both getting her CNA certification, which she achieved through CETC, allowing her to actively work as a CNA, and being a part of the school’s marching band.

Starting her freshmen year, she was placed on center snare in the drum line, where most freshmen play cymbals or bass.  To Alice, the marching band was like her “second family”. And within the program, Alice is deeply grateful for Ms. Judy. “[Ms. Judy] has been there for me through everything”. She looks back on her last season fondly, allowing the underclassmen to take the drumline over in preparation for next season.

In addition to her love of healthcare and marching band, Alice is a proud member of an all-girl punk band— a scene that, to her, is more than just music; it’s a lifestyle rooted in rebellion, authenticity, and a do-it-yourself spirit. The band originally called Sour Drought began when she and Ash, a former journalism student, met at Mead and decided to start a band. After parting ways with their guitarist, they found Sophia at a Germ Theory show.

“I’d heard her talking about playing the guitar, found her Instagram, and just texted her ‘Yo, would you want to join our band?’ She said yes”.

For Alice, the band is about creating something honest, performing it live, and connectingwith people through their shared energy and noise.

As Alice has gone through high school, she feels that she’s become more confident and settled into the person she’s becoming, finding a genuine appreciation and acceptance of herself. As far as her perspective on life and how it’s shifted with her experiences during the past four years, she’s come to understand that we’re all here for the first time. She believes that gratitude is imperative, with the understanding that prioritizing self-love and presence in her daily life is what will carry her forward.

If Alice were to go back and tell her younger self anything, she’d say “Seriously, just keep on keeping on, (and) take care of yourself”. Simply the act of self-love is one that she’s working on each day. A big part of her journey to self-discovery has been having her boyfriend, Seth Peterson, by her side. He’s supported her through everything and shown her that it’s okay to be comfortable in her skin, and loving herself genuinely.

We wish Alice the best of luck as her future beyond high school approaches and hope that she continues to stay true to her confident and punk nature.