Amanda Colditz, a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy, has been attending the school since she was in fourth grade, so graduating from the school surrounded by the people she's grown up with was bittersweet.
"I'm obviously excited to move on and do something different, but I've been around the same people for a long time," Colditz said. "I've cherished that, and it's sad to leave them, but I'm excited."
Colditz was looking forward to seeing her 71 classmates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas June 5 at the school's stadium.
"I've seen these people as fourth graders," Colditz said. "It's insane to see everybody graduate."
Senior Jenna Viard said graduating from ODA is like leaving home.
"I spent more time with these kids than I have my own parents, so separating from this many family members is going to be really hard," Viard said. "I truly love these guys."
Seniors Hailee Toepel and Sabiné Timol are ready to graduate. "I've been here since third grade so it's sad to see everyone go but exciting to see where they go in life," Timol says.
Seniors Phineas Scanlan and Matthew Rosen are happy to graduate after a year of uncertainty due to COVID-19.
Senior Phineas Scanlan decorates his graduation cap with brown fur because he's headed to the University of Colorado Boulder where the mascot is a buffalo.
Seniors Lexi Kozel, Monet Ramsey and Amanda Colditz show off their decorated graduation caps that show where they're headed off to college.
Seniors Ximena Barrales and Nina Giraldo will see each other after they graduate from the Out-of-Door Academy when they attend Washington University together.
The Out-of-Door Academy's Class of 2021 graduation ceremony is the first outdoor graduation ceremony in the school's history.
Senior Grace McCollum waves to family during the processional.
Senior Kaylen Rivers walks in the processional.
David Mahler, the head of school, welcomes graduates and their family and friends to the Class of 2021's graduation ceremony.
Senior Reece Whatmore, who is valedictorian, shares what makes the Out-of-Door Academy's Class of 2021 "awesome."
Senior Jenna Viard talks about how she finds little pieces of heaven all around her.
Senior Reece Whatmore hugs senior Jenna Viard after Viard gives her speech as the senior speaker.
Senior Lexi Kozel hugs her mother, Ashley Kozel, who is the chair of the school's board of trustees, as she accepts her diploma.
Graduate Tyler Colditz is congratulated by David Mahler, the head of school.
Senior Chelsea Ball accepts her diploma from her father, Sean Ball, the head of upper school.
Senior Tyler Beasley is congratulated by David Mahler, the head of school.
Senior Dabney Bentley commemorates her graduation with David Mahler, the head of school.
Senior Ryan Kelly accepts his diploma from Ashley Kozel, the chair of the Out-of-Door Academy's Board of Trustees.
Senior Grace McCollum accepts her diploma from Ashley Kozel, the chair of the Out-of-Door Academy's Board of Trustees.
Senior Katrina Crosley smiles as she accepts her diploma from Ashley Kozel, the chair of the Out-of-Door Academy's Board of Trustees.
Graduate Saraiah Walkes smiles as she makes her way back to her seat with her diploma in hand.
Many graduates decorated their caps to show what university or college they are headed to in the fall.
Senior Hailee Toepel claps after senior Jenna Viard gives her speech.
Seniors Arthur Wang and Saraiah Walkes listen as senior Reece Whatmore gives her speech as valedictorian.
Senior Michael Carlton walks across the stage to get his diploma.
Graduate Cole Kirschner moves his tassel from one side of his cap to the other to signify his graduation from high school.
The Out-of-Door Academy graduates throw their caps in the air.
Graduate Dru Cappar hugs fellow graduate Patrick O'Keefe.
Graduate Alanna Kennedy hugs fellow graduate Margaret Buck.
Ten-year-old Dillon O'Callaghan takes a selfie with his brother Cameron O'Callaghan, who graduated from the Out-of-Door Academy.
Ron Bizick, Hayden Bizick, Rebecca Bizick and Hannah Bizick celebrate Hayden Bizick's graduation.
Michelle Schanz is proud of her son Marco Schanz for graduating. They celebrate with Joe Schanz and Lucas Schanz.
