GILPIN COUNTY - On the evening of Wednesday, May 21, the Gilpin County School auditorium filled with proud families, teachers, and community members as the Class of 2025 was celebrated at the annual Senior Awards Ceremony.

This year’s class of 37 students was one of the largest in recent history.

Corey Colombin, City of Black Hawk Information Specialist, presented several awards, saying, “The City of Black Hawk Scholarship Program began with $20,000 and over the years the City has paid out over $1,059,875... the Black Hawk City Council has voted time and time again to increase the award amount which allows me to stand here today ready to give out the 2025 scholarship awards in the amount of $8,800 per recipient.”

A strong theme of appreciation ran throughout the evening. Many seniors thanked the people who helped get them to this point, especially moms, siblings, and best friends.

One senior said, “I chose my mom because she is the strongest person I know.”

And another said, “I picked my favorite teacher Mr. Halsted because one, I couldn't pick a parent and two, he's taught me more than anyone could as a teacher—not just in art but in life—and he's been there ever since elementary, so thank you Mr. Halstead.”

During the capping ceremony, students honored those who inspired or supported them, and those individuals adorned them with their graduation caps.

“I chose my sister to cap me today because one, I thought it was kind of funny because she's a bit shorter, but two, she's my best friend and she sticks with me no matter what.”

Applause followed each and every award, along with enthusiastic cheers.

Scholarship awards came in strong this year, totaling over $80,000. From the City of Black Hawk’s ongoing support to long-standing honors like the Maxine Gray Science Award, it was clear that the Gilpin community is deeply invested in its students’ futures.

Colombin said, “So when you choose your path out there in the great big world beyond high school, don't be afraid of the hard path. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Sometimes the struggle to find your way in a foreign, unfamiliar environment like college or trade school is the most meaningful education you can get in.”

As the night ended, students were reminded to pick up their yard signs and senior banners…the last symbols of this big moment before their next adventure begins.

Here’s a list of the seniors recognized during the event:

Superintendent’s Honor Roll (GPA 4.0 and above)

Eliza Westbrook

Faith Ramsey

Joseph Lintner

Samantha Kapke

Sadie Stryker

Principal’s Honor Roll (GPA 3.5–3.9)

Annabelle Aloel

Connor Holloway

Jackson Arrington

Kayden Bartholomew

Madeleine Lane

Mariah Arrellano

River Taylor

Ryan Hanssen

Eagles Honor Roll (GPA 3.0–3.49)

Adalyn Ball

Alexander Jonas

Avery Ramsey

Dylan Schott

Ella Lindenthaler

Gavin Knaus

Maximus Tanner

Samantha Kapke

Samuel Hanssen

Scholarship Recipients

Eliza Westbrook: DAR Good Citizens Award, Maxine Gray Science Award, $1,000 from Gilpin County Education Foundation, $1,000 from additional scholarship funds

River Taylor: $500 scholarship for communications and linguistics

Joseph Lintner: $1,000 scholarship for computer science at Colorado School of Mines

Annabelle Aloel: $1,000 scholarship for nursing at Grand Canyon University

Faith Ramsey: $1,500 scholarship for mechanical engineering at Colorado Christian University

Makenzie Marr: $2,000 scholarship for outstanding application

Giselle Osteboe: $1,500 scholarship for business and marketing

Danica Sternlicht: $1,000 scholarship for EMS/firefighting

Maddie Lane: $1,000 scholarship for applied mathematics

Joei Sutton: $500 scholarship for nursing at Grand Canyon University

Other Recognitions

Sam Hanssen: Gilpin County Theater Scholarship

Central City Lady Elks, Booster Club, Peak to Peak Rotary: Multiple scholarships awarded to outstanding seniors

Gilpin County Education Foundation: $14,500 awarded across multiple students

Alan Green Memorial Foundation: $2,500 scholarships awarded to ten Gilpin students

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! You’ve made your school and your community proud.