Alumni Spotlight: Casey Landers, Class of 2024: Blazing Her Trail—from Florida to the Mountains of Montana

Some graduates take the traditional path. Others, like Casey Landers, carve out their own.

After graduating from Burns Science and Technology Charter School in 2024, Casey jumped right into college life, completing her first year at Eastern Florida State College while living in the dorms in Melbourne. Her experience away from home helped build independence, confidence, and clarity about the kind of life she wanted to live, and now she’s putting those lessons into action in the most inspiring way.

Today, Casey is living and working at McGinnis Meadows Ranch in Libby, Montana, a remote and scenic horse ranch known for its natural beauty and working cowboy lifestyle. There, she’s serving as a Chef’s Assistant, helping prepare meals for staff and guests while embracing a hands-on, off-the-beaten-path experience that most only dream about.

But Casey isn’t putting her education on hold. She’s continuing her college classes online, proving that learning can happen from anywhere, even the mountains of Montana.

Casey’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s about finding what fuels you, pursuing growth wherever you are, and staying open to adventure. Whether in a college dorm or a ranch kitchen, Casey is making the most of every opportunity, and we couldn’t be prouder.

We look forward to seeing how she continues to blend education, real-world experience, and personal growth into a journey that’s uniquely her own.