Honoring a Milestone
In the early 1990s while his home country of Yugoslavia was embroiled in a civil war, Ivan Kraljević '94 had the chance to pursue a scholarship opportunity and complete his secondary school education at Santa Fe Prep, far away from the violence and strife. Ivan considers his Prep experience to be one of the best parts of his life. Here, he formed lasting friendships and honed his talents in Track & Field, even earning the New Mexico State Champion title in shot put during his senior year.
But something was missing. Due to technicalities in course credit transfers from Yugoslavia to the United Sates, Ivan was not awarded the traditional diploma upon his graduation from Prep in 1994. Instead, he received a Certificate of Completion. So that he could continue his studies in college, he took the GED and passed it in one sitting. He then went on to earn a college degree and he subsequently began a career pursuing his childhood dream of filmmaking.
Now living in California, Ivan has produced and directed numerous movies, television shows, and other projects. This summer, his work brought him back to New Mexico on assignment for Netflix. He used the moment to reconnect with his alma mater, visiting Santa Fe Prep and reminiscing with some of his former classmates and teachers, including Middle School Director Chris Chakeres '94 and Physical Education Department Chair Rennae Ross, who has been a member of the Prep faculty since 1990. He also asked Head of School Aaron Schubach if it would be possible to receive a Prep diploma, because having such a document symbolized so much. Even 27 years later, a Prep diploma would officially underscore for Ivan what he had accomplished while he was a young man who had fled a war-torn country.
On September 7, 2021, surrounded by friends, Ivan met with a small group of school administrators in the Prep library, where he finally was handed the diploma he had come so far to receive. Aaron Schubach praised Ivan for his perseverance and drive and wished him continued success as he presented him with a diploma packaged inside a leather portfolio embossed with the school's name. Although the ceremony was brief and informal, it was incredibly moving. Ivan says it was a moment he will never forget, as it brought "wholeness" to his Santa Fe Prep experience.
Congratulations, Ivan. We're proud to count you as an alumnus of Santa Fe Prep.
