Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  On Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, one of Gilpin High School’s largest senior classes received their diplomas and were sent on their way into the world. The 21 graduates made their way to the stage as the School Board, Administrators, teachers and families cheered their entrance.

Judge David Taylor gave the commencement address followed by Salutatorian Katelyn Armstrong and Valedictorian Josh Trujillo.

GHS students’ scholarships were then announced, an impressive total of $456,158 over the next four years.

All graduating seniors receive $6,000 from the City of Black Hawk, recognizing the students’ determination to do their best and graduate from their hometown high school. The city scholarship is in addition to the financial awards from other sources.

Scholarships and plans:

Katelyn Armstrong will attend Baylor University, majoring in Pre-Med. She received BH $6,000; DAR, $300; Ralph Calabrese, $500; Booster Club Academics, $500; Alan Green Foundation, $2,500; Ben Slinger Scholarship, $1,000; Central City Elks, $500 and Provost’s Gold Scholarship from Baylor University for a total of $75,300.

Jack Ball will major in business at Colorado Christian University. He received BH $6,000 and a $32,000 scholarship to CCU.

Faith Bloom plans to do humanitarian work overseas with Youth with a Mission. She received BH $6,000.

Austin Boulter will study business and finance at CU Boulder. He received BH $6,000; Lady Elks Club, $750; Booster Club Athletic; Alan Green Memorial, $2,500; Gilpin County Education Foundation, $1,500; Central City Promise Program, $20,000; and CU Boulder, $27,000 for a total of $58,250.

Devyn Braning will study nursing at Regis University. Devyn received BH $6,000; CO Elks Club, $500; Lady Elks Club, $750; Z’s Casino, $1,000; GCEF, $500 and Regis University, $3200 for a total of $41,350.

Christopher Burschi will attend Adams State, where he will play lacrosse and decide what he wants to do. He received a BH $6,000; Colorado Elks Club, $500 and Booster Club Athletic, $500.

Aspen Cowles will study culinary arts at Red Rocks Community College. She received a BH scholarship for $6,000 and a Central City Elks scholarship for $6,500.

Moises Espinosa plans to work as a master mechanic. He received a BH scholarship for $6,000.

Alexis Finlayson will attend Elite Cosmetology in California. She received a BH scholarship for $6,000.

Tristan Froio will major in management, with a concentration in supply chain operations at Metro State University. He received a BH scholarship for $6,000.

Manny Gomez will study nursing at Red Rocks College. He received a BH scholarship for $6,000.

John Immordino plans to enter the medical field and will be attending Red Rocks. He received a BH scholarship for $6,000.

Carly Johnson plans to study sports journalism at Kansas University. She received a BH $6,000; GCEF Scholarship for $1,500; Theatre Scholarship for $250; Booster Club Theater for $500; Ben Slinger Honorary for $1,000 and KU Achievement Scholarship for $44,308.

Cicely Lepro will study business marketing/sales at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She received a BH $6,000; GCEF $500; Alan Green Memorial, $25,00; University of Hawaii Merit, $8000.

Alex Martin will study psychology at Red Rocks Community College. She received $6,000 from BH and $500 from the GCEF.

Aspen Nadeau will study biology at Fort Lewis College. She received a BH $6,000; Central City Elks, $500; GCEF for $1,000 and a FT. Lewis Merit for $16,000 for a total of $23,500.

Lauryn Parkhurst will study animation and film at Red Rocks Community College. He received $6,000 from BH and $500 from Central City Elks.

Lilia Silverman wishes to pursue field music and audio production. She received $6,000 from BH.

Connor Smith will study science at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs. He received $6,000 from BH and $500 from Central City Elks.

Justin Stundon plans to attend Otero Junior College. He received $6,000 from BH and $10,000 from Otero Rodeo.

Trystin Swan will study broadcast journalism at Metro State. He received $6,000 from BH and $500 from Central City Elks.

Josh Trujillo will study mechanical engineering at the CO School of Mines. He received $6,000 from BH; $500 from Booster Club Academic; $2,500 from Alan Green Memorial; $2,500 from GCEF; $4,000 from Mines Medal Scholarship; $10,000 from Presidents’ Undergrad and $26,200 from Mines CO Scholars, for a total of $51,700.

After the traditional slide show, the graduates distributed flowers among the crowd, honoring those who had helped them along the way.

The seniors received their diplomas, stood for their photographs and meandered up the aisle for a slice of cake, tons of hugs, a few tears and their future.

(Originally published in the May 24, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear).