Alumni Spotlight

Emmett Griffith '08 attended ACDS from Begindergarten through 8th grade and is a member of the class of 2008. Upon graduation from Presentation High School, he next enrolled at Chapman University, where he pursued and obtained a double BA in Integrated Educational Studies and English Literature. Emmett went on to obtain his M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs at New York University.

According to Emmett, “One of my greatest personal accomplishments has been discovering and living in my truth as a trans man. My identity journey is deeply connected to my work as an LGBTQ+ educator and advocate”. Emmett is the Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in the Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University. He also provides workshops on LGBTQ+ and DEI topics for educators and other organizations. Most recently he facilitated a workshop for the ACDS faculty and staff, which was very well received. Additionally, Emmett married Brandi, whom he met in college, last October. They reside in the Santa Cruz Mountains with their two rescue pups.

ACDS had an impact on who Emmett is today. He shares that “ACDS set a foundation for me to pursue a career in education with the goal of having a positive impact on people’s lives. I am particularly grateful for all of the opportunities in the performing arts from annual school plays, to summer theater, choir, and Zoom…in a supportive artistic community”. 

After graduation from ACDS, Emmett wrote an original musical with his dear friend and fellow ACDS alum, Grace Hoffman, became the president of his a cappella group in college and met his wife in a production of “Crucible the Musical.” Emmett continues, “My love of theater began at ACDS (thank you, Mrs. Curtis & Mrs. Hatch), and has shaped me into the person and educator I am today.

A favorite ACDS tradition of Emmett’s was the Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Carving. He stated, “It was so fun to dress up at school with my friends and then come back to school at night to get messy, carving pumpkins and enjoying spooky treats together.”

Emmett shares that some of his favorite memories include when his first grade teacher was looking for a substitute teacher and told his mom that she didn’t need to find one because she trusted Emmett to lead the class! Another fond memory was when his entire family acted in two musicals together at ACDS, and they would eat dinner together in the auditorium before rehearsal. His older brother teaching the entire middle school how to dance to the “Cha Cha Slide” was another happy memory.

Emmett shares that the most significant relationships he’s had at ACDS include many of his teachers who inspired him to become a lifelong learner and educator. They provided genuine care, support and many opportunities to grow and make an impact in the world. He also met two of his best friends at ACDS, Demi Pace and Grace Hoffman, who remain his closest supporters and forever friends.

When asked what advice he would give to a younger alumnus or current student, Emmett suggested that there is a big world outside of ACDS that is waiting for you–learn everything you can, take risks, try something new, share your story, express yourself, stay curious, be open to change, build connections, and use your voice to make a difference!

When asked what he might say to a prospective family, Emmett shared that ACDS is a close community that offers wonderful educational opportunities and extra-curricular activities for students to grow and discover who they want to become in the world.