By MHA News– Highlands Ranch, Colorado … “Some have a story; [but] we made history [as the] Class of 2021,” commented Casey Brady, Mile High Academy graduate, reflecting on the year they just experienced.

Everything looked almost normal in the Mile High Academy gymnasium on May 23 for the capstone event to celebrate the Class of 2021: rows of folding chairs, a balloon arch at the head of a raised walkway, tri-fold boards showing a pictorial history of each senior. But it was hard to not overlook the limited seating assigned to senior families, tickets required for entrance, and the occasional face mask.

The joy of the day, ending the year in an almost-normal-world, made it easy to overlook these inconveniences.

“After a hard and challenging year due to COVID, I was so grateful the kids were able to have their full four-day graduation! I think it was a perfect weekend to end their difficult senior year! Class of 2021, ‘Congratulations! We love you guys more than you know,’” Mara Espinosa, member of Denver South church and mother of a graduate said.

As the graduates marched in, the excitement was palpable. Although arrayed in the traditional caps and gowns, each student was able to personalize their look whether with a lei of money or flowers, a favorite saying on their mortarboard, medals or cords showing academic achievement, or a stole representing their origins. Arms were raised in exhilaration and feet danced for joy as the teenagers took that long-awaited march to their diplomas and the end of their high school career.

Over and over again, throughout the Commencement service, it was made clear that this was a tightly-knit class who genuinely cares about one another. They are also resilient–after this school year, they didn’t really have a choice.

Lisa Venteicher, upper school science teacher, class sponsor, and MHA’s 2021 Teacher of the Year shared, “This year was a challenging year for the seniors. They missed out on many traditional things that happen senior year, such as all of the school music and tournament trips that we go on. Through it all, this group of seniors has risen above the challenges to still be leaders on campus and to make the most of every opportunity. Because of the challenges this year’s seniors faced, they have become more resilient and flexible people.”

There was never any question this class would be celebrated, but with constantly changing COVID protocols, it was hard to plan ahead. “We did everything in our power to give these kids the most normal graduation that we could,” shared Brenda Rodie, vice principal of operations. “Thankfully, restrictions were loosened, and we were able to go ahead with the traditional ceremonies.”

–MHA News; photos by Amy Rasco and Jocelyn Aalborg