Bailey LaVonne Bagwell is a senior at Gilpin County High School. Her activities include volleyball in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. She was also part of the basketball team in the tenth grade and track in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades.

Volleyball is what Bailey has loved about attending Gilpin High School. She says it has made her discover more about herself and the people around her. She will miss “being surrounded by people that have inspired me to make myself better for the future and have taught me to think highly of myself.”

Since the pandemic quarantine, Bailey has been working in the food industry and working locally in Idaho Springs. Currently, she works as a lifeguard at the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District.

Some of Bailey’s favorite classes are U.S. history, algebra II, pre-calculus, anatomy, physiology, twelfth grade English, and being the seventh grade teacher’s assistant. “The teachers, my role models, taught me not to run away from my problems but to face them with no hesitation,” shares Bailey.

Mrs. Myers, Bailey’s “favorite adult,” will be in her heart forever. “For every achievement I reached and every sandwich I dropped, she always stood by my side even when I didn’t deserve the comfort.”

Mrs. Myers has been there for Bailey and her family, offering support during recent “harsh times.” Bailey states, “I will cherish the loving memories I have shared with her and carry her with me for the rest of my life.”

The advice Bailey would like to give students attending Gilpin School is “Be kind to everybody you meet. Allow a helping hand to anyone that needs help. Intend on making mistakes and learning from them. Love yourself first. Every day, try to make someone smile by complimenting them or making them laugh. Your time is limited, don’t let temporary solutions take priority in your life.”

Whether it’s making someone smile or helping them with their needs, Bailey loves to help others. She thrives on being a reliable shoulder to lean on.

Bailey has received a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship, and after graduation, she will attend Northern Arizona University (NAU) to pursue a degree in nursing.

Congratulations, Bailey, on pursuing your dreams!