Former BHS students Ebi Gerrard and Mikayla Michael have decided to stay in Baldwin to continue their education at Baker University. 

“I decided to stay in Baldwin because my other choice was Iowa and I didn’t want to move that far away and I just really liked Baker a lot,” Gerrard said. 

When it came to BHS students choosing their college nine of the 2025-2026 graduates stayed in Baldwin.

“I decided to stay in Baldwin so that I could still cheer and have my family near by,” Michael said. “I also just love the campus and how close it is.”

The two graduated from Baldwin High School during the 2024-2025 school year. For Michael she is double majoring in mass media and sports administration and for Gerrard she is majoring in elementary education. 

“I really am enjoying college so far it’s fun and you have a lot more freedom,” Gerrard said. 

College brings new experiences for everyone, Baker offers a huge variety of options to continue on and build your life up.

“I’ve just experienced getting to know so many different people and many new friends which I value so much,” Michael said. “Even though I am still living in Baldwin, Bakers campus is a whole different environment.” 

There were quite a few Class of ’25 BHS students who chose Baker as their college home and to pursue their sports careers. In addition to Gerrard and Michal, also Niella New & Malin Harris (cheer), Canyon Burtis (women’s wrestling), Jake Van Horn & John Francis Onyenagubo (football), and Lauren Berg (women’s basketball).

BHS teacher Kit Harris taught these students during their time at BHS, and now sees them at Baker where he coaches Baker women’s wrestling. 

“I knew all the BHS and now BU students when  they were at Baldwin, great students and very involved here,” Harris said. “Now, it’s pretty cool to see them thriving and happy and doing great things at our local university. I think Baker is a great fit for Baldwin kids. It’s a whole different world, but not far away.”