By Marsha Bartulec — Erie, Colorado … Kindergarten and 8th grade Vista Ridge Academy graduates participated in a drive-thru graduation ceremony May 20, and teachers and staff showed their support by lining the school drive holding signs while waving and cheering as students drove by.

After Brittany McLachlan, photographer and VRA Board member, took pictures of each graduate and their family to capture the extraordinary event, students picked up their diploma and gifts from the table where kindergarten teacher, Sandy Hepp, and 8th grade teacher, Andrew Jones, stood socially distanced to congratulate each student.

Reflecting on the experience, Hepp commented she missed being able to hug the kids. “The graduation experience was surprisingly better than I thought it was going to be,” said Hepp. Parents could see it was important to the entire staff, and it spoke volumes that we all came together during this time.”

A total of seven Kindergartners and six 8th Graders were in the 2020 graduating classes at Vista Ridge Academy. One graduate started in Pre-K at VRA. Her mom, Abigail Nunez, commented on her experience at the school: “I’ve seen her strength with God. She has Him first in her heart. That’s one thing I liked about this school. They showed her how to lean on Him.”

Feeling a little nervous, scared and happy, Nunez’s daughter was ready to graduate. “I would have preferred an actual ceremony,” Nunez continued, “but this is the best they can do, and I appreciate it.”

Vista Ridge Academy announced in early May the graduation ceremonies would look different this year due to COVID-19 concerns. VRA moved all classes to remote learning at the end of March and is making plans to reopen this fall.

Kindergarten parent, Kassandra Cunningham, said working through being an online student was a difficult time for her daughter, but thinks she transitioned very well.

Cunningham commented, that “the teachers were super supportive. We just can’t wait to be back next year.” When asked about her favorite part of kindergarten, Cunningham’s daughter replied, “Getting pizza lunch on Mondays, recess and practicing violin.”

Andrew Jones’ 8th grade class grew a ton this year. The class met every goal and challenge that was given to them. I will miss them greatly, Jones reflected. “I want them to keep working hard, striving for greatness, pushing themselves to do better and better, and to not be okay with okay.”

Hepp wants her kindergarten students to know, “No matter what they go through in life, God is going to be with them through the difficult times, and we will always have their back.”

Congratulations to the Kindergarten and 8th Grade classes! CHERISH life!

Marsha Bartulec, VRA VP for administration; photos by Marsha Bartulec, and Kassandra Cunningham.