By Karrie Meyers — Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Graduation ceremonies for Mile High Academy’s Class of 2020 are complete. And while they didn’t resemble the traditional MHA celebrations, the teachers and staff made it their mission to ensure each graduate felt special in spite of the mandated restrictions.

The Kindergarten class was the first to officially graduate with families participating in a unique, drive-through graduation ceremony. Yard signs proudly showcased student achievement and a pre-recorded Question & Answer between the teacher and graduate completed the recorded event. The video footage was shared with the Mile High Academy community on Tuesday evening, May 19.

“The MHA graduation ceremony was awesome, especially in our current environment with COVID-19,” commented Craig Applegate, MHA Kindergarten parent. “The drive-through graduation experience was really special to us and to our little graduate, Marley. It was really sweet to watch them interact together during the Question & Answer video. We appreciate all the school did to make the kids feel special.”

The eighth-grade class graduated on what would have been their official last day of the 2019-20 school year. The administrative team delivered yard signs, along with caps and gowns to each graduate and shout-outs to each student were posted on MHA’s social media pages. Finally, a drive-through graduation ceremony was held, and pre-recorded graduation commentary with background music was shared with the community on Wednesday, May 20.

“It was a new and unique method of graduation that will remain memorable,” said eighth-grade graduate and class treasurer Jonas Jaklich. He’s looking forward to summer and said, “I’m thankful school is over and there is no more stress whatsoever.”

For the Senior Class of 2020, the weekend came with many bittersweet memories. Instead of being able to celebrate together their last week at Mile High Academy was filled with schedules for pre-recorded messages. There also was the bittersweet memory of their classmate, Mya Pena, who passed away earlier in the school year. Even with the many unexpected and even tragic events that occurred, MHA still honored school tradition in spite of required directives, holding four senior events – Blessing, Consecration, Baccalaureate and Commencement.

After the administrative team delivered yard signs, balloons, caps, gowns and cords, a weekend followed of pre-recorded and live Commencement events. On Sunday, May 24, juniors, seniors and their families arrived on campus for the final graduation weekend event, a drive-in commencement ceremony. Graduates proudly wore light blue cords to honor their classmate, Mya Pena. Pastor Tony Parrish, commencement speaker, encouraged the class to stick together. Then, Brenda Rodie, MHA’s VP of operations, admissions and records, read off the names of the 18 graduates, including two students who joined from China via Zoom.

A mix of emotions was present throughout the ceremony, as graduates they went from crying to cheering. The graduates marched to the front of the parking lot to receive their diplomas as their parents and friends turned the parking lot into the sound of car horns, cheers, noisemakers, and one giant shell horn.

The Rocky Mountain Conference together with the academy, issued an honorary diploma for Mya Pena. Mya’s mom and her sister marched and accepted her diploma.  When Mya’s name was called, the loudest cheers and honks erupted during the entire ceremony.

When reflecting on the year and the graduation ceremony, senior Emily Raymond said, “I am so thankful I switched to Mile High Academy. The staff cares about us so much. This [graduation] is all possible thanks to them, and I know they did their best to make it special. Most people are ready to leave high school, but Mile High Academy is the best. I will miss it a lot and am not ready to leave,” she added.

Senior class president and valedictorian Jocelyn Curiel Ruiz’s graduation reflections matched Emily’s, “I’m grateful for everything the teachers and administration have done so graduation could actually happen. During the school year, I was so excited to leave and be done with high school. But I feel like it’s not actually over, and I don’t want it to be over. I’m going to miss MHA so much, and I’ll definitely be coming back to visit as much as I can.”

The class has one more event they are eagerly anticipating. If restrictions allow, the seniors will enjoy their delayed class trip to Lake Powell in July.

“These graduating classes have faced more changes in the past few months than many of us have faced in a lifetime,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA VP of finance and development. “And while we’re sad to see the school year end as it did and to say goodbye to our seniors, we hope our students can look back on their special day with fondness and pride in their outstanding accomplishments.”

Additional reporting by Jon Roberts; photos by Brittany McLachlan, Jocelyn Aalborg, and Jon Roberts

All of the graduation ceremonies are available to watch online on Mile High Academy’s website, https://www.milehighacademy.org/class-of-2020-graduation-ceremonies/.