On Saturday, May 25, a procession of Gilpin County School board members and teachers entered Gilpin County Stadium and took their seats on the field. Following them were the 34 Gilpin seniors that would be graduating on this special day during which they could reflect on their high school years, celebrate their accomplishments, and look ahead to the next phase in their lives. Acknowledging their many supporters in the overflowing bleachers with smiles and waves, they also took their seats.

Salutatorian Brianna Rice-Dietz sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem and Secondary Principal Alexis Donaldson expressed her fond memories about the Class of 2024 and wished her charges the very best in the future.

Joseph Wuchter delivered the Commencement Address. He noted that when he first met the Class of 2024, all of his students were wearing masks because of the pandemic. Tongue in cheek, he said that the scary part was when the masks came off and his pupils began asking questions, which brought a laugh. He mentioned amazing rallies by his sports teams and the sound character they possess. In his parting words, he encouraged the outgoing seniors to “not waste major time on minor things.”

Every year the seniors purchase a gift for the school. Looking very comfortable at the podium behind a microphone, Caleb Hopkins presented this year’s Class Gift of a new water cooler dispenser to be installed in the gymnasium for when their athletes need recharging.

Boasting the second-highest grade point average in her class, Salutatorian Brianna Rice-Dietz spoke: “Thank you, everyone, for all the memories. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck in this world. May we all take that final leap and learn to spread our wings. For we must fly into the sunset of this chapter of our lives only to fly into many more sunrises. Congratulations Class of 2024, we made it!”

Cheered on by her classmates, Valedictorian Jordanna Gagnon’s smile reached from ear to ear when she walked toward the stage to give her speech. She shared humorous observations and stories about her time at Gilpin Schools along with deeper musings. Toward the end of her address, she continued, “Though you may no longer wish to be an astronaut, or princess, remember the big dreams that your childhood self had; don’t give up on those dreams when you have just become old enough to go for them. No matter what, keep working for what you want and don’t let anyone tell you when to quit.”

Kim Cobb individually recognized every student who received a scholarship. On this occasion, all of them earned at least $8,800 to assist them with their onward journeys. In all, almost a half million dollars was awarded in scholarship money.

In the Flower Recognition Ceremony, students each grabbed an armful of flowers and handed them out to family, teachers, and administrators that were always there for them. Sentiment ran heavy as they thanked those people.

At last, the moment had arrived. One by one, a long queue of students stepped onto the stage to be met with a hearty handshake, congratulations, and given their diploma. The joy they felt at that instant and pride experienced by family members was immeasurable. Returning to their chairs with tassels moved from one side of their caps to the other, the honorees let their mortarboards fly. They were now officially high school graduates!

Joe Wuchter delivered an inspiring Commencement Address. [/caption]

Student Council President Caleb Hopkins presented the seniors’ gift to the school.[/caption]