Destaney Garcia has been at Gilpin County School since she was just four years old, and now she is getting ready to join the graduating class of 2022. She will be going to Front Range Community College, where she wants to earn the basic prerequisites for pre-veterinary school before she transfers to Colorado State University to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

As of right now, Destaney has not received any scholarships, but she is working hard and applying to as many as possible. She is also a member of NSHSS, the National Society of High School Scholars, and although it is not connected to her school, Destaney is still proud of herself for being accepted into the program.

In elementary, Destaney greatly enjoyed watching plays and participating in field day, where she got to play in the pool afterwards. In high school, Destaney has loved the memories and relationships she has built with many different people. She recalls going on late night drives, listening to music and having a good time with her best friends. She says that she is going to miss the activities and people she has met.

Destaney has appreciated how the teachers at her school made sure their students were okay and tried to help them as much as they could. She says that her favorite teacher was Mrs. Gillette, because “she made sure that not only myself, but others, were okay and that they understood what she was teaching.” Destaney says that Mrs. Gillette “always gave me the motivation to do good in her class because she made it interesting. She made me want to learn more.”

Destaney was a member of the high school volleyball team, varsity cheerleading team, and the high school play. While she has many extracurriculars inside the school, Destaney also enjoys writing horror stories. She is very passionate about her writing, and proud of the images she makes come to life. Destaney also has a job at the Grand Z Casino and Hotel in Central City, where she has built many strong relationships with people she hopes to keep in her life.

Destaney advises future kids to “have fun and listen.” She wants children to have as much fun as they can, in a safe and responsible way, before they have to take on larger responsibilities. Destaney also encourages those children to listen to their elders because they care about you and want what is best for you. Best wishes to Destaney as she takes on the next phase of her life, there is no doubt that it will be a fun and exciting time.