Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The students graduating from Christian Heritage School will leave the ceremony today to begin a new part of their lives but will not leave behind the lessons and friendships they developed through school.

"I'm trying to hang out with friends before I leave," said Meredith Geldmeier, graduating senior. After graduation, Geldmeier will attend Appalachian College in Boone, N.C., and plans to study English. She said she wants to pursue a field related to writing. She said she is glad she is going to a small college that is close to family. "It is so beautiful there. It's a small town like Steamboat, so I think I'll really fit in," she said.

Geldmeier said she plans on keeping in close contact with the two other students graduating in her class, Noelle Jordan and Megan Rogers. The three students have been in school together since the fourth grade and have had many memories of road trips and slumber parties.

"The girls are really close," said Betty Lockhart, administrator at Christian Heritage School.

Jordan said she and Rogers are going to be roommates at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

"I'm really glad since I'm not going to a Christian college she'll be there," Jordan said. Before going to CU to study business communications, Jordan plans to attend the University of the Nations, a five-month program that includes a two-month mission trip.

"I went to visit and absolutely loved it. I think it will be a good experience," she said. Jordan said during the graduation ceremony today, she is going to give a speech because of the small size of her graduating class. She said the small personal atmosphere of Christian Heritage School helped her succeed.

"I've learned a very good amount of independence and how to take care of myself and I've learned from others' mistakes," she said.

Rogers will not be present at the ceremony because she is on a mission trip in Nepal. Both Geldmeier and Jordan said they wished she could join them during the ceremony.

Rogers had her own ceremony when she left on her mission trip. Lockhart said the school put together a special going-away ceremony that recognized her achievements and efforts.

The ceremony at 3 p.m. today at the Christian Heritage School will give members of the community an opportunity to recognize the achievement and growth Geldmeier, Jordan and Rogers have made over their years in school.