Elisabet Kirkland

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … For Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the games at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, October 17,  were about more than friendly competition. They were a chance for the MHA family to come together and cheer one another on.

MHA’s soccer and volleyball teams traveled to their sister school, Campion Academy, for the games. The students look forward to weekend competitions because they give family, friends, and members of their home churches time to join them. This weekend, members of the MHA community made the hour-and-a-half drive to show their support.

Several alumni who were home for fall break came to cheer on their friends. MHA Board chair Stephanie Lind attended with her family, and several lower school families came out to watch, too. Fourth-grade teacher Elizabeth Negrete was delighted to see many of her students there and had the chance to connect with them outside the classroom. “The kids really all know each other, even though they are in different sections of the school.”

The MHA family also showed up on the sidelines and on the field. Eden Chavez-Casanova (Class of 2019), Erik Espinosa (Class of 2021), Buzz Espinosa (Class of 2023), and Daniel Villarreal (Class of 2025) helped coach soccer, while Delanie Prowant (Class of 2025), Jazel McDaniel (Class of 2025), and Jocelyn Curiel Ruiz Baham (Class of 2020) coached the volleyball girls. Their time and encouragement helped make the day special for the students.

“We are so excited to have our alumni involved and influencing the lives of our current students. It’s a full-circle moment,” said RD Gallant, MHA principal, and soccer head coach. “Our goal is to train all of our students to serve our community in every possible manner.”

From alumni returning to support their friends to families and teachers making the trip, Saturday’s games reflected the close connections that make MHA feel like family. The students had a cheering section filled with people who care about them, and the community had another opportunity to serve and encourage one another.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services and Registrar. Photos supplied by Kris Fritz and Cindy Roldan.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … What does it look like when an entire conference pauses to remember why it exists? For two days, October 2–3, reaching up to 480 members from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, for the 2026 Mission Summit—a weekend designed to inspire, equip, and send people back into their communities with a renewed sense of mission.

Centered on the theme “Our Calling to Serve and Share,” the summit brought together worship, mission stories, practical training, fellowship, and hands-on outreach. More than simply another conference event, Mission Summit was intended to help participants see how individual acts of service and witness connect to the larger mission of the Church and spiritual calling.

“My hope for Mission Summit was to stimulate thought and action,” reflected Heidi Carpenter, LAF pastor. “I was praying we would individually come face to face with the mission God has for us and wrestle with our own calling to serve and share.”

Friday evening opened with mission spotlights from RMC churches and the AdventHealth healthcare system. Through guided interviews by Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director, and music from a praise team led by Godfrey Miranda, lead pastor at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church, consisting of members from several local churches, participants were reminded that God is already working in communities across the Rocky Mountain territory.

Saturday morning Sabbath worship started with an interactive Sabbath School panel lead by Carpenter, Phil Mills, lead pastor Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church, and RD Gallant, Mile High Academy (MHA) principal, featuring thoughtful dialogs breaking out into small group discussions amongst the participants.

“I love how the Book of Acts ends on a cliffhanger. The story of God working through His people isn’t over; we’re called to help write the next chapter,” remarked Mills. “That was my hope for the panel: to help people see their place in that story and equip them to share Christ with those around them. Imagine every member becoming a missionary, carrying forward work those first believers began. Let’s finish it!”

Gary Krause, associate secretary of the General Conference and director of Adventist Mission, served as the featured mission speaker during the Sabbath School session. His ministry experience, which includes oversight of Global Mission Centers, church planting, and mission promotion, brought a global perspective to the weekend while challenging participants to consider what mission looks like in their own communities. His session even included a Zoom interview from the mission field in the Middle East.

Sabbath worship services continued with additional mission spotlights from RMC’s young adult ministry Vine + Branches, MHA, and AdventHealth. Dave VandeVere, RMC president, provided the Sabbath Service message. The quartet “4ever His” from the Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the MHA Upper School Strings music ensemble provided special music offerings for the Sabbath service.

Following an international potluck, participants could choose from workshops focused on Bible truth witnessing, fundamentals of discipleship, service teams, World Mission in the local church, and growing in Christ in the Spanish language.

The afternoon moved from learning to doing as participants joined outreach projects, including assembling hygiene kits, preparing appreciation gifts that were delivered to healthcare workers at AdventHealth Porter, and participating in a door-to-door kindness project giving free batteries for smoke detectors to local residents.

“I was blessed by the stories we heard of God’s grace being shared and the lives impacted here in RMC and around the world,” reflected VandeVere. “Then, to worship God in his awesome ‘Sabbath-presence’ with individuals from various churches was a real privilege. And how could we have been more blessed than to connect with our neighbors during the afternoon?”

The day concluded with a vespers service and an evening of recreation at Mile High Academy with a fellowship meal of homemade pizza provided by members of Vine + Branches.

“Praise Jesus! It was a wonderful weekend. I am grateful for the way God pulled everything together. There were many moments throughout the weekend I saw God at work—encouraging hearts in mission, bringing conviction towards personal calling and answering our prayers as a leadership team,” praised Carpenter.

She continued, “It was encouraging to hear how God was working on hearts at the end of the day in our closing vespers. It reminded me again that this is His mission we’re a part of and we can trust Him to see it through.”

“It was a very good weekend,” remarked Sally Donga, attendee and ministry leader at Littleton Church. “There were so many people who had the same focus and ideal of witnessing, reaching out, and getting to people that that need to have that energy from Jesus Christ—having people who are all together in one place that have the same focus is very energizing.”

Ultimately, Mission Summit 2026 was a reminder that mission is not confined to a particular program, weekend, or group of people. When churches, schools, ministries, and individual members share what God is doing, encouragement multiplies and a stronger sense of unity emerges. It is the calling of every follower of Jesus—to serve, to share, to follow, and to make Christ known wherever God has placed them. Mark your calendars for August 28, 2027, when RMC will gather again in mission.

—RMCNews. Interviews conducted by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Portions of the article were curated by ChatGPT with interviews, additions, revisions, and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos by Sean Lee, Tim Olaore, and Liz Kirkland.

Hallie Lah – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, welcomed 26 students from the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Kansas-Nebraska Conference for Academy Days, October 11-12. The students got to experience life at Campion, from staying in the dorms and eating in the cafeteria to attending worship and hanging out with current students.

The weekend started with a welcome party featuring performances from choir, Koinonia, jazz band, and bells. Walter Rogers, CA chaplain and Bible teacher, also shared a short message. After the party, students participated in a photo scavenger hunt around campus, giving them a fun way to explore and get to know each other.

“I really liked the opportunity to come to Campion and hang out with my old friends. I’ll probably join the school next year!” said Brayden L., a visiting sophomore student.

On Monday morning, student ambassadors led the visiting students to different classes, where they met teachers and experienced a typical day at Campion.

The event was planned and led by Denison Sager, Campion’s director of Admissions and Recruitment. “I believe the prospective students enjoyed the activities,” Sager reflected.

“The kids also had the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet with their future teachers although some of them weren’t too sure about feeding the chickens in our new agriculture program.”

Erin Johnson, CA English and Drama teacher, along with the Student Association, also helped plan activities for the visitors. Johnson concluded, “Academy Days is important because we can show what we love about our Campion community to potential students and families.”

—Hallie Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos by Jayden Mambu.

Alexis Jennings – Casper, Wyoming … Sometimes evangelism takes on different forms. Getting to know your community isn’t always easy, and sometimes you need to get creative to let them know your church exists. “The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church seems to have found that niche,” remarked Alexis Jennings, Casper Church member. “What started as a small intimate church event, turned into something that some community members wouldn’t miss for the world.”

That event is the annual Hayride at Mills Spring Ranch in Casper, Wyoming, held this year on September 26.

Community members are invited to Casper Mountain to experience the day in nature and enjoy free food, a petting zoo, Christian music, and time together with family and friends. Jennings commented, “From the time they arrive to the time they leave, they are met with smiling, caring faces that welcome them and make them feel right at home.”

Church members are fully involved in the operation of the day and serve in a range of positions including, but not limited to, parking assistants, wagon masters, food servers, and registration personnel. There is a prayer corner for those who would like someone to pray with or for them. There is also a petting zoo which is always a favorite and has a menagerie of animals for attendees to interact with like ferrets, hedgehogs, goats, tortoises, rabbits, chinchillas, kittens, bearded dragons, and the list goes on. “It’s a time cherished by many, and it seems the day never lasts long enough,” reflected Jennings.

Anthony Handal, lead pastor of the Casper church, observed, “Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of the hayride was how long people lingered, choosing to spend time together as families. In fact, we began to run out of parking in the areas we had designated. It’s exciting to see our church continues to discover what it means to invite and introduce our community to what Sabbath means to us.”

For many years, the Casper Church members have been meeting on the mountain for a special Sabbath service that included a hayride and food together. This experience was so endearing to some that they started thinking that more than just their church would benefit from such a special day. Could this be turned into an opportunity for evangelism and put Casper church on the map? Several members thought so and proceeded to put plans into action.

The first hayride opened to the community in 2021. It didn’t go as planned. They were rained/snowed out and didn’t make it past 1 or 2 hayrides due to the inclement weather. Operating out of the auditorium for warmth, they soon had to call the whole day off. Another year, they ended up with an overwhelming attendance of around 600 people which caused them to run out of food.

Overall, they have averaged about 400-500 attendees each year with the exception of last year when there was a scheduling conflict that dropped attendance to about 250. This year, the number was back up to around 500 including church members. Regardless of the setbacks, people keep coming.

Whether it is their first time coming for the event or they are repeat visitors, community members have a truly unforgettable experience. Community member and mother of three children ages 8, 6 and 3, Melissa Walker said, “This was our second year attending the hayride. Such a wonderful, family-friendly event! My kids enjoy running around, petting the wide variety of animals, and making memories riding the hayride. I enjoy the delicious food, and I didn’t have to cook. Everyone is so welcoming and kind, just a great outing into nature.”

Another participant commented, “While I was at the hayride, I really liked how everyone was so kind. There was a petting zoo for all the kids, they had food for everyone and a lot options! The hayride was beautiful and not too short and not too long.  I would love to go back to the hayride next time!!!”

Richard Current, a member of the Casper Church, remarked that there were more families seeking prayer this year than in previous years. He believes the announcements made over the intercom reminding people that there were prayer team members available helped to increase the interest.

Undeterred by setbacks and spurred on by successes, connections, and a mission to reach souls, the Casper Church continues to brainstorm how to utilize this event—which they believe the Lord has blessed them with—so they can use it for His glory and for the benefit of the community. They know that with God’s help many can be reached for the kingdom of Christ.

—Alexis Jennings is a member of the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … On the first day back from fall break, October 12, 14 students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and MHA principal RD Gallant spent the day serving at our sister school, Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) in Erie, Colorado.

The students participated in Vista Ridge’s school-wide work bee. They organized, picked up trash, cleaned the music room and musical instruments, and cleaned and organized sports equipment. Through these practical projects, students shared their time and energy to help care for the school and its spaces.

Senior student Annabelle said, “I’m glad I could visit and help another school today.” Junior student Mia shared, “I feel blessed to have been able to clean the music room so students can praise the Lord.” Jerren and Jonah, junior students, appreciated volunteering and seeing the smiles on the younger students’ faces.

Senior student Taryn especially enjoyed seeing her former music teacher from MHA, Mary Orland. During the visit, Orland shared her personal testimony of God’s goodness in her life with the MHA students, making the day meaningful in another way.

The service day reflects MHA’s desire to intentionally impact the world, starting with our own community, and sharing our motto: “Made for More: Walking by Faith and Called to Serve.” We are grateful to these students and Gallant for giving their time, serving VRA, and putting those values into action.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services and Registrar. Photos supplied.

AdventHealth – Aurora, Colorado … AdventHealth celebrated the opening of its new medical campus ahead of welcoming patients September 29, bringing faith-based, whole-person care to one of the Denver metro area’s fastest-growing communities.

Located at 3405 N. Main St., AdventHealth Aurora Highlands includes a 24-hour freestanding emergency room, outpatient imaging, and clinic services.

It is the first phase of a planned medical campus designed to grow alongside the community and make more types of care easier to access in one location.

The 88,000-square-foot facility will provide:

• A freestanding emergency room with eight exam rooms, two trauma exam rooms and a helipad
• Outpatient imaging services, including CT, ultrasound, and X-ray, with plans to add MRI in the future
• Primary care, orthopedic, cardiology, and OB/GYN services
• Additional clinic space to support future growth

“We are incredibly excited to open the doors of AdventHealth Aurora Highlands and bring convenient, whole-person care closer to the people who call this community home,” said Erin Ward, chief operating officer of AdventHealth Parker and AdventHealth Aurora Highlands ER. “This new facility represents an important investment in the future of Aurora Highlands and the surrounding communities, and we are grateful to the many partners who helped make this vision a reality.”

The facility is also designed with sustainability in mind. AdventHealth Aurora Highlands is equipped with 96 geothermal wells, each extending approximately 500 feet underground.

Together, the wells provide up to 240 tons of heating and cooling capacity, helping reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

The new campus is part of AdventHealth’s long-term commitment to growing access to care as The Aurora Highlands expands.

Future campus development plans will include a 50- to 75-bed hospital with an anticipated Level III trauma center designation.

“The grand opening of AdventHealth’s new facility marks an exciting milestone for The Aurora Highlands and the Aurora community,” said Carla Ferreira, CEO of The Aurora Highlands. “We are proud to welcome AdventHealth’s physicians, caregivers and staff to The Aurora Highlands and look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on the people who live and work here.”

AdventHealth also recognizes the construction partners who helped bring the campus to life, including HKS, architect of record; SmithGroup, construction administration architect; Mortenson, general contractor; Encore Electric, electrical contractor; Murphy Mechanical, mechanical contractor; Kimley-Horn, civil engineer; WSP, MEP engineer; and ADAMS, owner’s representative and program manager.*

* The construction partners listed are not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

—AdventHealth News. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, September 21, 2026, article. Photos supplied.

Jayden Mambu – Loveland, Colorado … After a jam-packed first quarter, students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, had the opportunity to break away from their usual schedules and connect in a relaxing manner during the annual boys’ and girls’ dorm retreats, September 25-27.

The girls had planned activities to stay on campus. The boys’ dorm was initially meant to head up to Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they also remained on Campion grounds. Despite the change, both groups were able to take trips off campus and have more relaxed free time on campus.

Aaron W., freshman student, said, “It was sad when we first heard of the cancellation, but the activities set up by the dean more than made up for it.”

The weekend kicked off with both dorms going off campus, with the boys going to the Berthoud Rec Center and the girls going to the Loveland Sculpture Park.

On Saturday, the students took a break from routine and got to sleep in a bit later before holding Sabbath worship services in a more casual way in the dormitories. After the time to worship, students had free time to connect with each other and just relax.

The retreats also welcomed community students to stay in the dorms for the weekend. Courtney C., sophomore student, shared, “Spending the weekend in the dorm was super fun. I got to spend time with my friends, doing arranged activities, or enjoying down time.”

The deans planned and prepared the food for the weekend, and the students pitched in to help cook instead of the usual cafeteria schedule.

The next upcoming event, Campion’s very own Academy Days, will give students another chance to connect but with new faces, giving insight to Campion’s potential future student body.

—Jayden Mambu, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos from girls’ retreat by Hallie Lah and from boys’ retreat by Henrique Calegari.

By Logan Earles

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

That’s the question I had when I was growing up. Across the street, a new family moved in, and they had a son my age. I was super excited to have a potential new friend. A few days went by, and I built up the courage to go and talk to him. 

This guy was awesome! He was my age and enjoyed the same things I did. It was the best. A year went by, and he and his family moved. I was devastated. A new family quickly moved in, and I began to wonder once again, “Who is my neighbor?” 

It’s an interesting question that was asked of Jesus. When an expert of the law asked Jesus, He had an interesting story to tell. Have you thought about who your neighbor is? Maybe through some curiosity and intelligent questions, together we can see the world the way God intended. Want to know what I mean? Let’s see what Jesus says in Luke chapter 10.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

When Jesus was asked about the law by a supposed expert of the law, he was trying to catch Jesus making a mistake. So he asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, knowing the man who is asking the questions, asks him to interpret the law. 

The man, feeling confident, sums it up simply by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To be fair, that’s a really nice and effective way to sum up the law. If we all took this to heart and followed it, I think many of our current societal and relational problems would start to go away.

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:28)

The man was not satisfied by Jesus simply agreeing with him. 

He wanted to prod further. So he asks a question that is very revealing of the human condition. He asks, “Who is my neighbor?” If I were to ask you this today, how would you respond? Most likely, it would be some kind of answer about the people who live next to you. However, that’s not what Jesus would say. You see, for Jesus, the question doesn’t involve geographical location. It involves a simple idea that he communicates through a parable.

In reply, Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.” (Luke 10:30)

The story isn’t a very happy one. Jesus describes a man who is robbed and beaten and left for dead. 

As he lays there, different individuals pass by. First is a priest who worships God; he doesn’t help. Next, a Levite whose house is in service to God; he doesn’t help. Last comes a Samaritan, who bandages the man, takes him to an inn, and pays for all the expenses. 

If you aren’t familiar with the social issues of Jesus’ time, you wouldn’t think twice. However, for the man who asked the question, the Samaritan is one of the worst possible people to come by.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:36)

Jesus finished his story and asked the man which one of the three was a neighbor to the man who was dying. This question is not the same as the previous one I asked you. It’s different. For Jesus, being a neighbor to someone isn’t about where you live; it’s about the way you treat others. Jesus was trying to teach this man that the limits to loving others do not stop with a geographic fence but extend to all peoples.

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

“Go and do likewise.” These are the words that Jesus tells this expert of the law. When it comes to our walks with Christ, he is seeking for us to be neighbors to everyone. To show mercy and extend love. The good Samaritan in the story didn’t have to help out. He could have walked away, and nobody of his time would think twice. Instead, he went above and beyond what was asked. 

Today, we are faced with similar divisions in society. People who should be our enemies, according to society, but Jesus says otherwise. Jesus, as He left the earth, gave a Great Commission. It’s recorded in Matthew chapter 28. Go and check it out sometime. In it, He says that we are to “go.” This “go” is a command, and I believe that Jesus wants us to go out into the world, treating everyone as our neighbor.

—Logan Earles is the associate pastor at the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Zubair Works of Unsplash.

By Sophia Sotilleo

There’s a shift that happens in leadership. You are responsible for the project but you’re no longer dealing with all of the details.

“We are sharing the vision, influencing and then asking the team to help us execute,” says Sophia Sotilleo, vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a church member in the Allegheny East Conference. Whether you are building a team or supporting one already at work, Sotilleo offers lessons she’s learned about fostering a positive dynamic.

1. Build the Team Together

“As I build the team, I get the team’s input,” she says, because they are the ones who have to work together.

All the members consider the team’s strengths and its missing pieces. “A team doesn’t thrive on uniformity,” she says. “We don’t need all introverts. We don’t need all extroverts or leaders or followers. We need a variety of perspectives to be balanced.”

Her team reviews applicants and gives recommendations because she wants them to see hiring as something they are doing together. “I don’t want it to be where they say,’ you brought this person.’ I love to say we brought this person in.”

2. Know your People and Support Them

Support also begins as soon as someone joins the team.

“The minute they walk in, they have got to know they are supported and feel like part of the family,” Sotilleo says. When people feel that support, “they will run, they will soar and strive to be amazing.”

The support is not only for new team members. She pays attention to how people engage, what gives them energy, what brings them down, and even what happens to their facial expressions and body language during meetings. One of her practices is a simple check-in at the beginning of meetings.

“How are you feeling today? Can you share two words that describe how you’re doing today?” She writes down their responses and pays attention throughout the meeting. If someone needs to pause or step away, she wants them to feel empowered to do so.

“I want them to know that I see them,” she says, “and that I really appreciate and value where they are and how they are feeling.”

3. Recognize Not Everyone is Right for the Team

Everyone on a team may not see the vision. She offers opportunities for the person to articulate the disconnect.

“If you don’t see it, tell me why,” Sotilleo asks of her team members. Then she tailors a plan for the person to receive additional support to catch the vision. “Lots of conversations, lots of next steps, lots of process building, lots of scaffolding [providing temporary tools, extended guidance, mentoring, etc.] ”

She believes in giving people time to align with the plan. However, “if you still don’t see it, there’s a possibility that this is not the best space for you. And that’s okay,” Sotilleo says. “I’m here to help you find that better fit. When they see that you are authentically invested in their success, they’re more likely to give their best. And if it’s still not a match, they often realize it on their own and decide to make a change.”

Bonus: Pray

Above all, Sotilleo prays for her team members. She knows the blend of personalities, cultures, human nature and life outside of work play a big role in the delicate balance. She also keeps a Bible text in sight on her computer:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

It’s her reminder: “Leadership roles often feel like a constant stream of demands. But by ‘rejoicing in all things’, I stay anchored to who is truly in control. I work for Him, and my goals is for His character to shine through everything I do.”

—Sophia Sotilleo is vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a member in the Allegheny East Conference. Republished from the September 16, 2026, Adventist Women Leaders email newsletter. Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions of Unsplash.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, brought together past and present families over the weekend of September 25–27 for its annual Alumni Reunion.

The festivities kicked off on Friday, September 25, with Grandparents Day. Grandparents joined students in the classroom before attending a dedicated chapel service. This year, the school tied its annual Walk-a-Thon into the morning schedule, with students and grandparents walking together to raise tuition assistance funds so every student can attend MHA.

On Saturday, September 26, Alumni Sabbath brought former students back to campus for a morning worship service, with special recognition given to this year’s honor classes ending in ‘1’ and ‘6’. Members of these milestone classes participated in the roll call, prayer, and offering. Phil White, alumni of the Class of 1976 and pastor, delivered a sermon focused on the message to “hold fast until I come.” Afterward, attendees gathered for an enchilada lunch to reconnect with old friends.

Turnout was strong among the honor classes. All eight living members of the 13-graduate Class of 1966 returned to campus to celebrate their 60-year milestone.

“It was wonderful to see every one of our surviving classmates this weekend,” said Cheryl Horsley, alumni of the Class of 1966. “We reminisced and caught up on what has been happening in our lives. Attending Mile High Academy during our formative years played a role in our learning to deal with life’s challenges and helped us recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives.”

The Class of 1976 also turned out in large numbers, holding a Friday evening gathering at a classmate’s home and dinner at Maggiano’s on Saturday night alongside the official campus schedule.

“Even though the weekend took place in the new building, it still felt like home—the same welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that defined Mile High Academy for all of us,” added Jake Trujillo, president of the Class of 1976. “Seeing the faculty, the students, the music, and the worship reminded me again that what was poured into us decades ago is still being poured into the next generation. That continuity is something truly special.”

Saturday night brought energy to the gymnasium as MHA hosted its annual Alumni & Friends 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, drawing players and spectators for an evening of friendly competition.

The weekend concluded on Sunday, September 27, at Raccoon Creek Golf Course, where 62 golfers played in the Mustang Classic Golf Tournament, all giving each other a hard time for missed putts and the toughness of the course.

“Seeing our campus filled with familiar faces across so many generations highlights what our Alumni Reunion Weekend is all about,” said RD Gallant, principal of Mile High Academy. “Whether our alumni graduated last year, six years ago or sixty years ago, this reunion serves as a powerful reminder that at MHA, we are forever connected and always family.”

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.