Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, honored 49 students across kindergarten, eighth grade, and Upper School in a series of meaningful graduation events, each marking an important milestone in their academic and spiritual journeys, May 20-24.

The kindergarten graduates captured hearts as they shared how they hope to change the world—dreaming of futures as teachers, scientists, musicians, farmers, a professional wrestler, a fashion designer, and more. They sang “I May Be Small” and “The Butterfly Song” with joy and plenty of smiles before receiving their certificates, May 20.

The eighth-grade Class of 2025 welcomed guest speaker Gale Hendrick, retired MHA teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach, May 21, who reflected on shared memories of each student and offered heartfelt encouragement.

“I want you to remember that I love you and that I’ll always be interested in your life journey,” he said. He concluded with, “May you continue to be lifelong learners, always aware of those who love and support you, and may you know you have hope and a future.” Before marching out as Mile High Academy’s newest freshmen, the class gifted new basketball hoops to the Lower School playground.

The Senior Class of 2025 observed cherished traditions—the Blessing, a private family gathering on May 23, and the Consecration, a candle-lit Friday-night vespers with the Junior class—before Saturday evening’s Commencement ceremony.

Class president Jazel McDaniel opened the program with words of gratitude, followed by MHA Bible teacher and chaplain RD Gallant, who delivered the commencement address, focusing on the balance between freedom and responsibility.

“Graduates of the Class of 2025 … this is success,” remarked Gallant. He reminded them that true success is rooted in daily choices and service to others, encouraging them to love above self and choose what lasts.

“Our prayer for you at this school is that your lives are filled with stories of success, one after another—that each of your relationships be full of love, and that the love of Jesus be ever evident in your life.”

Gallant closed with simple, heartfelt words: “We love you. We’ll miss you. Congratulations.”

The senior students announced their class gift of scholarship funding for future MHA students and ceremonially passed a Bible to the Class of 2026. They were then welcomed into the Mile High Academy alumni family and stepped off the stage for the final time.

“These graduation moments—whether in kindergarten, eighth grade, or senior year—are incredibly special,” reflected MHA principal Andrew Carpenter. “They mark the forward movement in a student’s journey, each step preparing them for who God is calling them to become. It’s a privilege to walk alongside our students during these milestones. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.”

To view ceremony recordings and printed programs, visit www.milehighacademy.org/graduation.

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