Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Eleven Upper School students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, spent their day partnering with Denver Sur Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church to support their annual Thanksgiving breakfast and food bank operations, November 19. Students helped prepare and serve meals to community members and worked alongside volunteers to organize and distribute food to local families in need.
This service outing reflects MHA’s new Upper School service model—shifting from a single annual Service Day to ongoing, smaller-group service opportunities throughout the year. By mixing students from grades nine through twelve, the program aims to build stronger relationships and a consistent spirit of service within the school community.
MHA also contributed items for the event’s raffle, supporting the organization’s efforts to uplift and encourage families during the holiday season. Roger, MHA junior student, shared why these experiences matter: “It’s important for us to have empathy and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. That is why my parents encourage me to participate in these events.”
MHA school chaplain RD Gallant reflected on the impact of the day, noting how diverse the human experience can be and how meaningful it is for MHA students to join organizations already doing significant work in the Denver area, such as Denver Sur Church.
Though the students returned tired from the full morning of service, each one expressed feeling blessed by the experience and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. They also walked away with a deeper appreciation for the dedication of leaders like Margarita Meza, who works tirelessly to keep the food bank running for the community.
—Cindy Roldan is Mile High Academy’s director of Student Services. Photos supplied.
