RD Gallant and Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) recently concluded its FOCUS Week, dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering community engagement, and promoting personal growth among its student body, April 15-19. The school engaged in a series of enriching events, including several special chapel services by guest speaker Carl Wilkens.
Wilkens shared gripping tales from his experiences during the Rwandan Genocide. As the sole American who chose to remain in Rwanda during this dark period, Wilkens’s firsthand accounts shed light on the power of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity.
In addition to his narratives, Wilkens delved into the study of neurobiology, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma and healing in students’ lives. Each day, he gave four presentations to different groups in the morning then joined students in the classroom during the afternoon.
Throughout the week, students participated in activities to encourage empathy, understanding, and collaboration. Adding to the cultural richness of the week, Indonesian students took center stage with several song services, highlighting the diverse tapestry within the school community. Dressed in vibrant Batik attire, some Indonesian students led the congregation in songs accompanied by piano and guitar during the Monday and Friday All School Chapels.
Parents representing diverse backgrounds joined classrooms to share insights into their respective countries. These interactive sessions offered students a firsthand glimpse into a variety of global cultures, fostering curiosity and understanding.
The week culminated in a Parade of Nations during All-School Chapel on April 19. With an outstanding turnout of parents, students and staff marched into the gym donned in colorful attire and waving flags representing countries from around the world. Classes showcased their research and creativity, with highlights including the fifth-grade class presenting a dragon dance inspired by their study of Taiwan.
Following the chapel service, and with a nod to personalized learning, the kindergarten through fifth-grade classes were issued individualized passports and embarked on a virtual journey to different countries, receiving stamps along the way. The students also had the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines and explore various cultures to enhance their global awareness.
“FOCUS Week instilled empathy, resilience, and global citizenship in our students,” said RD Gallant, MHA chaplain. “As we carry forward the lessons and memories from this week, may we continue to foster a culture of inclusivity and understanding.”
MHA closed its FOCUS Week with a special evening service at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado. During the program, Wilkens continued sharing his testimony, which served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of embracing diversity and unity.
Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, expressed his pride in the school community’s dedication to embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, stating, “FOCUS Week exemplified our commitment to providing a holistic educational experience, including nurturing the growth and awareness of our students. We were humbled to see so many in our community come together to celebrate unity and shared values.”
—RD Gallant is MHA’s Upper School Bible teacher and chaplain. Cindy Roldan is MHA’s registrar and administrative assistant. Photos supplied.
