Charlotte Leyden graduated from Derryfield in 2016 and set her sights on the west. She went on to graduate from Montana State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics. During her time in Montana, she worked at many different ranches, finished her schooling early and met her boyfriend. After she graduated she and her boyfriend moved to Colorado. Last fall was full of amazing experiences for Leyden. She rode her horse 100 miles down the Colorado Trail alongside a group of other women riders. They camped overnight under the stars and rode 25 miles during the day. She then was presented with an opportunity to work for Centennial Livestock Auction Company as a ranch hand. Leyden currently runs livestock and also works in the sale barn where livestock are auctioned on a daily basis to about 400 people. She really enjoys the fast pace and welcoming atmosphere. During her time at Derryfield Leyden became passionate about the Spanish language, fueled by her much admired teacher Judy Reynolds. Leyden is finding her facility with Spanish to be extremely important in her job, as the majority of the customers speak Spanish fluently. Leyden loves what she does and adores that her job is based in the outdoors. She is very grateful to Steven Mathes, her former Derryfield teacher, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
“Derryfield pushed me to be my own person and helped me in finding out who I am. Derryfield admired my authenticity which led me to pursue a career in which others admire it as well.” – Charlotte Leyden ‘16