How are the ‘24 AlumNEIGH doing?

As 2024 draws to a close, students at Grier are reflecting on the year gone by, realizing that not so long ago, their favorite seniors from last year were walking down these green and gold halls. 

This year’s seniors, standing at the threshold of adulthood, may feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the new freedoms awaiting them next fall. Whether their fears stem from leaving behind the familiarity of home, navigating a sea of unfamiliar faces, or tackling the rigors of college academics, one thing unites them all: the uncertainty of the unknown.

We reached out to last year’s graduating class to see how they are doing and find out just how “scary” the years after high school really are. 2024 graduates Aahana Lakter, Catie Reachard, Meaghan Davis, and Taylor Allen have provided recent updates on how their life has been since they said goodbye to their home away from home. 

Many will remember Aahana Lakter as last year’s student council secretary and captain of the hunt seat riding team. Now, she’s attending the University of Vermont, more than 500 miles from home. Having been a day student at Grier, this is her first experience living away from her family and friends. “The adjustment from high school to college went very smoothly. I miss all my Grier friends and horses, but I love everyone I’ve met at UVM and the city I’m in,” said Aahana while reflecting on her transition. She’s also continuing one of her favorite hobbies—flying planes—out of Burlington Airport, proving that her sense of adventure has only grown since graduation.

For Catie Reachard, leaving Grier and embarking at Auburn University with a D1 riding scholarship came with mixed emotions. “I had such a good time at Grier, and I was so happy with my life there,” she said. But the transition to college was made easier by the lessons she learned at Grier. “I learned what it means to be a real friend, a teammate, and a functioning person away from my parents.” Now navigating larger class sizes and a more independent schedule, Catie feels equipped to manage her workload and credits her time at Grier for building her confidence. She’s also found that forming friendships with her new equestrian teammates feels much like the bonds she built at Grier.

Taylor Allen took a different path, choosing to pursue a gap year as a working student at Windswept Farms Dressage. This pursuit is fitting for Taylor considering her past commitments to her position as the Grier dressage team captain. Her days are filled with barn work, horse training, and riding, giving her hands-on experience toward her dream of owning her own training business. Reflecting on her time at Grier, she says, “When I attended Grier, I spent every moment possible at the barn. Now it’s my full-time job, and I couldn’t be happier.” Taylor is currently preparing to compete at the Young Rider/Prix St. George level this winter while continuing to train with her newest horse, Elastic 12.

For Meaghan Davis, life after Grier has been an exciting journey of self-discovery and new opportunities, as she settles into life at Texas Christian University, embracing the vibrant campus culture and the challenges of college academics. While she doesn’t ride as much at university, she still finds her way back into the saddle when she can go to her home barn during school breaks. She has taken up some new hobbies at TCU, like joining the sand volleyball club, and shares that her team made it to intramural quarterfinals this semester. Meaghan affirms that Grier mirrored college life perfectly for her. She says that the only big struggle she has to combat at college is knowing what she wants to pursue for the rest of her life. “But I’m 18,” she said, “so I feel chill about it. I’m taking a bunch of different classes so I feel confident that I’m figuring stuff out.” Meaghan advises Grier’s upcoming graduating class to “get out there” by joining fun clubs, making new friends, and embracing every moment.

After hearing from Aahana, Catie, Taylor, and Meaghan, we’re reminded that life after Grier is full of exciting challenges and endless opportunities for growth. Whether they’re finding their place in a new college community, chasing dreams, or discovering who they truly are, these graduates prove that the foundation built at Grier truly prepares students to take on the world.  For this year’s seniors, the journeys of last year’s graduates serve as a comforting reminder that the best is yet to come!