Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin County. After the flowers were delivered to family and friends, Gilpin High School seniors swiveled in the aisles, faced the audience, donned sunglasses and burst into an energetic dance that rocked the audience, putting an end to the tears of pride that somehow got away during the emotional presentation. The seniors’ cap tassels whipped across their faces, their gowns shimmered as they swayed and their arms jabbed at the air.

It was an exuberant display of youth and happiness stepping into the future filled with love for each other and high expectations for the next step.

The Class of 2015 graduated on Saturday, May 16, with 14 students and their extended families filling the Gilpin High School auditorium. This was a class known for its tight-knit bonds formed throughout the years and its service to its community.

As the seniors gathered in the cafeteria, straightening their caps, checking their makeup and having a last group fist bump, the teachers and staff, in gowns, headed down the aisle and up to the stage to take their seats. The traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance,” pulled the graduates on the same path, but through a gauntlet of camera flashes and cheering.

When everyone settled down into their chairs, senior Nina Halsted played the national anthem on her violin, joined by the audience’s voices.

Gilpin High School principal Alexis Donaldson greeted the graduates and their fans, saying “We are here to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable young men and women. I am honored to be a part of your dreams.”

This year’s chosen speaker for the commencement address, Brook Ramsey, said she was probably there because no Broncos were available. She told the seniors that she had known many of them through their girl scout years, their soccer years and through the basketball team, and it had been a meaningful relationship. “There are many people who are dedicated to your success,” she said, and listed Dr. Phil’s 10 Steps to Success, which ended with “Take Care of Yourself.”

Senior Ariel Planck presented the senior class gift: 8’ by 16” welcome mats.

Salutatorian Delainey Lepro  addressed the students, saying that it may seem to others that attending a small school meant that there was nothing to do and none to date. “But the teachers here know us by our names and care for our well being. We can be anyone we want. We have the power.”

In keeping with the times, Delainey took a large selfie photo with the audience behind her. She then pointed at her classmates and said “Put on your sunglasses because our future is so bright.”

Valedictorian Alyssa Chareunsouk  said it was time to move on and find out “who we are, what we are made of.” She thanked Gilpin teachers for giving them the education that would serve them for the rest of their lives.

“No matter where you go, always meet challenges with open arms.” She folded a piece of paper saying this is how they all started: simple, straightforward. Then she folded the paper again, saying that they all became more complex. The paper went through a series of folds until at the end a bouquet appeared. She likened it to how all of them have blossomed.

Kirsten Goodlett announced the scholarships and plans for each senior.

Esther Bellinsky – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Metropolitan State: Major—International Relations.

Christopher Bleske – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Rotary Musical Arts Award, $100. Total: $6100. Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences: Major—Video & Audio Music Technology.

Eric Castillo – City of Black Hawk, $6000. University of Northern Colorado: Major—Political Science.

Alyssa Chareunsouk –     City of Black Hawk, $6000. Elks Ralph Calabrese, $500. Booster-Academic Award, $500. Nevadaville Masonic Award, $1000. Johnson & Wales Presidential Scholarship, $10,000 x4. Total: $48,000. Johnson and Wales University: Major—Baking/Pastry Arts & Food Service Management.

Gerardo Correa – City of Black Hawk, $6000. U.S. Marine Corps.

Dalton Dziedzic – City of Black Hawk, $6000. U.S. Navy.

Nina Halsted – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Booster Visual Arts, $500. Rotary Arts Award,  $100. Black Hawk Masonic Award, $2500. Gilpin Education Foundation, $1500. Alan Green Foundation, $2000. Total: $12,600. Colorado State University: Major—Conservation Biology.

Bailey Hanssen – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Order of Eastern Star, $500. Rotary Dramatic Arts Award, $100. Total: $6600.  Red Rocks Community College: Major—Criminal Justice.

Delainey Lepro – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Booster Academic Award, $500. Order of Eastern Star, $500. Gilpin Education Foundation, $1500. Total: $8500. Metropolitan State University: Major—Journalism.

Benjamin Mestdagh – City of Black Hawk, $6000. University of Northern Colorado: Major—Criminal Justice.

Ivan Pedroza – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Red Rocks Community College: General Studies.

Ariel Planck – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Pensacola State College: Major—Criminal Justice.

Siera Planck – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Red Rocks Community College: Major—Holistic Health Care.

Stephanie Siegrist – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Colorado Elks Association, $500. Gilpin Sheriff’s Association, $500 Booster Athletic Award, $500. Central City Ladies Elks, $500. Ben Slinger Memorial Scholarship,$1000. Central City Masonic Lodge, $1000. Ihme Service Excellence, $250. Total: $10,250. Metropolitan State University: Major—Social Work.

Sean Wacker – City of Black Hawk, $6000. Motorcycle Mechanics.

Total Scholarships Awarded: $146,050 (approximately) over the next four years.

While Carrie Underwood sang “See You Again,” the seniors presented flowers to the parents and mentors and special people in their lives. There is something about a gorgeous bloom being offered by a young man or woman that inspires tears and tissues.

The traditional slide show brought a chorus of oohs and aahs as babies morphed into teens. Principal Donaldson and Superintendent Dr. David Mackenzie presented the diplomas as the parents were invited to come forward and get the big moment photo.

And then the caps were flung into the air and everyone headed up the aisle to grab a piece of cake and congratulate the graduates.

Another group of great kids heads out into the world; and into the space they leave behind will arrive more students who have watched the seniors complete their goals and prepare for the future, showing them how to face the world with courage and caring.

The Class of 2015 is out of here.