Lily Svensallen was born in Coal Creek Canyon. She moved to Gilpin County when she was four. She attended Nederland Elementary School through fourth grade when she then transferred to home school. She was a member of the of Girl Scout Troop #3031. During these years, she earned her badge as top cookie seller three times. Her fondest memories are of gym class with Ms. Mary where she learned to dance the Thriller and try new things during the circus. She was known for her kindness and being a good friend.

Lily rejoined her classmates at Nederland Middle Senior High School (NMSHS) for seventh and eighth grade where she played basketball, ran track, and sang in the choir. During the summers she spent hours riding bikes and jumping on the trampoline with her best friend. She supported incoming students as a 360 Leader her eighth grade year. Lily started her freshman year at NMSHS and played varsity volleyball and started the basketball season before the pandemic hit.

She transferred to Chinook West at the start of the pandemic where classes were being held in-person. At Chinook West, Lily found supportive relationships with students and staff that created a learning community that she thrived in. Mel, Sandy, and Bill helped to make her years here awesome. When things returned to normal her junior year, Lily started exploring her interest and took a position as a teacher’s assistant at New Explorers Learning Center. At New Explores Lily provided support for the teachers and found joy spending time with the children.

Lily and a small group of students represented Chinook West at the Annual Shared Risks and Protective Factors Conference last June in Keystone. Lily’s senior year went by fast as she attended classes in the morning and worked in the afternoon. With all of her hard work she was able to graduate in December.

After graduating Lily continued to work at New Explorers until April when she said goodbye to her community there and took a barista position at the Train Cars Coffee and Kava. She has been accepted into the psychology department at Naropa University. Lily plans to work, see shows, and travel for a year before attending college.

Congratulations Lily and good luck on your adventures!