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.