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Rising Above: Farm Life Fuels Success for Gem Prep Student
Contact: Rebekah Plante rebekahplante@gemprep.org
Gem Prep Meridian South, Idaho, April 21, 2025 – At dawn, Mickayla Dayan can be found in rubber boots, tending to goats on her family’s dairy farm—milking, feeding, and making artisanal soap and cheese. By mid-morning, she’s deep into college-level coursework, tackling subjects like Human Biology, Sociology, and English 101. And by afternoon, she’s leading student council meetings and planning National Honor Society initiatives. As a 10th grade student at Gem Prep: Meridian South, Mickayla embodies Gem Prep’s values as she seamlessly blends farm life, academic rigor, and leadership responsibilities.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Mickayla’s mother enrolled her four children in Gem Prep: Online, a fully virtual college preparatory school. The kids were thriving in Gem Prep: Online. But in 2024, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, Mickayla and her siblings transitioned to Gem Prep’s Meridian South campus, eager to experience in-person learning and leadership opportunities.
Gem Prep’s learning approach, which combines flexibility with advanced coursework, allowed Mickayla to accelerate her education. Now in the final months of her sophomore year, she has already earned an impressive 35 college credits. In addition to high school geometry, Mickayla’s remaining classes are all dual college credit courses. By the time she graduates, Mickayla will not only have completed an associate degree, but will be well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree. She also has an impressive 3.6 GPA.
Mickayla’s commitment extends beyond academics. She serves as National Honor Society Secretary and as the Student Council President, sharpening her leadership skills while balancing responsibilities on her family’s goat dairy farm. She credits her ability to juggle these commitments to strong time management skills instilled by her mother.
Through hard work and passion, Mickayla Dayan is proving that the path to success can be as unique as the person walking it—whether in boots on the farm or in a classroom.
Mickayla’s mother shares the credit for her success.
“Gem Prep has been an incredible experience for Mickayla and our family,” said her mother. “The school’s flexibility and rigorous academics have allowed her to thrive while managing multiple responsibilities. She’s not just earning college credits—she’s learning how to lead, manage her time, and pursue her passion for healthcare.”
Mickayla’s principal is equally impressed with her dedication.
“Mickayla is an outstanding example of what’s possible when students take full advantage of the opportunities available to them,” said Principal Plante. “Her drive, leadership, and commitment to academic excellence are truly inspiring. We are proud to support her as she works toward her ambitious goals.”
With aspirations of becoming a nurse practitioner or doctor, Mickayla’s determination and work ethic set her apart. In fact, this summer, Mickayla plans to complete her CNA certification. She is truly a role model for other students.
For more information about outstanding students like Mickayla or to learn more about Gem Prep, please contact Principal Plante at (208) 617-8118.
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Gem Prep Schools
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- Gem Prep: Online opened in 2004, serving students in grades K-12 statewide. (A college prep virtual school accessed from home)
- Gem Prep: Pocatello opened in 2014
- Gem Prep: Nampa opened in 2016
- Gem Prep: Meridian opened in 2018
- Gem Prep: Meridian North opened in 2021
- Gem Prep: Meridian South opened in 2022
- Gem Prep: Twin Falls opened in 2023
- Gem Prep: Online Learning Societies (Emmett, Payette, Lewiston) 2023
- Gem Prep: Idaho Falls will open in 2026
- Gem Prep: Rexburg will open in 2027
