NEDERLAND - During the week leading up to Nederland High School’s graduation on May 17, the Class of 2025 was celebrated and honored for reaching this milestone in their lives.

One of the events of the week was the White Rose ceremony. This is always an evening of gratitude.

The Class of 2025 called out their parents, step-parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. They told them how much they appreciated their support and love throughout their lives. 

The graduates thanked the mentors and teachers in their lives for guiding them and teaching them school and life lessons. Their appreciation was apparent for educators who, rather than teaching to a test, taught them as people and cared for them. 

The letters that the graduates read were articulate and heartfelt. Sharing that a sister is a “bundle of joy” and what a grandparent had sacrificed for the good of the family shows that under the mortarboard, tassel, gown is a young adult taking some big steps in life. 

The White Rose Ceremony is a way to say “Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for always loving me.” 

Another event during the week was the Senior Banquet. For decades this dinner for parents and graduates has been sponsored by the Nederland Lions Club in conjunction with Nederland Middle-Senior High School. 

As the dinner was winding down, the Lions Club started handing out door prizes. Every envelope contained what every teenager wants: money. 

Then the awards began, starting with recognizing the seniors who had participated in sports while in high school. Cedar Shupe was awarded the 2025 Panther Athlete award. 

There are six graduates who participated in two or more sports during their four years at NMSHS. They received a red cord to wear during graduation. They are Natalia Garcia Upczak, Lukey Mahorski-Bodley, Cedar Shupe, Grayson Shurr, Laila Waldron, and Kendall Zotti. 

There were three students who participated in music each year during their four years in high school. They each received a black cord: Amelie Bodnar, Lukey Mahorski-Bodley, and Aya Pelkum Donahue. 

Each academic department at the NMSHS then granted one or more seniors with an award. The staff at NMSHS awarded Lukey Mahorski-Bodley with the “2025 Senior Who Has Made a Difference” Award. 

Ten seniors had taken at least three Advanced Placement classes and scored three or better on the exam. These students received AP Scholar Cords. 

Three seniors were awarded the Seal of Biliteracy green cord for their high level of proficiency in a second language, in this case Spanish. These students are Amelie Bodnar, Natalia Garcia Upczak, and Eric Thurston. Two seniors received the Seal of Biliteracy twice, two green cords, for their high level of proficiency in German and Spanish. They are Aya Pelkum Donahue and Keahi Pelkum Donahue. 

The royal blue and gold National Honor Society cords were achieved by 10 seniors. Eleven seniors were hooded as a result of their high cumulative GPA. 

Vice Principal and Athletic Director Sean DePaula awarded Payton Kutscher the Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship. Shelby Allen is remembered for having a positive impact on young women in the mountain community as a volleyball coach and firefighter. 

Jill Pries spoke about Keahi Pelkum Donahue’s academic achievements and recognized that he is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

Gilpin County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong presented Allen Green Memorial Scholarships to five seniors who live in Gilpin County. This scholarship assists Gilpin County youth in their educational pursuits while remembering Allen Green. Scholarship winners are Maddox Gioia, Payton Kutscher, Lauren Schrader, and Cedar Shupe.

Kendall Zotti was awarded the IZ BAR Leadership Award from the Allen Green Memorial Foundation. This is $15,000 per year for four years at her university of choice. 

The Lions Club then presented scholarships to Lauren Schrader, Payton Kutscher, Amelie Bodner, Gray Schlosser, Kendall Zotti, and Lukey Mahorski-Bodley. 

Principal Gavan Goodrich’s tradition followed as he called each senior up individually. He honored each of them with words about their personality, what they like to do, and what they have done while at Nederland Middle-Senior High School. It was his way to say “we see you and we appreciate you being here.” 

Each student then shared what they will be doing after they graduate. Some will be travelling, some will be going to pursue further education, a couple of them will be joining the military, and a few students will be heading into the workforce. 

The day before the graduation ceremony the seniors put on their caps and gowns and came to Nederland Elementary School to walk the halls one last time as students of Nederland schools and be cheered on by the elementary kids. 

The young Panthers love to see the big kids walk by and give them a high five. In this small community it is inevitable that some young kids will see a neighbor, a babysitter, or even a sibling. 

This year fifteen graduates have attended Nederland schools since first grade. Others have joined the class later, during elementary school, middle or high school. 

It was a week to remember for the Class of 2025 and their families. It is a time of great joy and excitement. There is also the knowledge that they stand before an unknown time in life.

Take that leap, graduates!