Olivia Ball

Archer O’Brien, Gilpin County. Gilpin High School senior Olivia Ball has been a long-time resident of Gilpin County, and has been attending Gilpin County Undivided School since preschool.

For her, the elementary school brings back many fond memories of her childhood. She shared reminiscences of the old days where she and her classmates modeled clay butterflies in art class and put them into the oven to bake. Her connections to the school extend even further because her dad, Craig Ball, is a teacher at the school. Her dad, often referred to simply as Coach Ball by the students, teaches classes such as business and yearbook and also coaches the football and track teams. Olivia’s extensive history with the school was what kept her with the school for her entire K-12 career.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in Olivia’s case when it comes to sports. She has not only been on the volleyball and track team but also worked as a manager for the football team for much of her high school career. Olivia had to constantly see her dad in school and when participating in her sports. It can definitely be difficult to constantly be around your family members, as many have discovered with quarantine. Yet, Olivia continues to look up to her dad as a mentor and helping hand in her life. Family bonds truly shine through in a tight-knit community like Gilpin County.

Now, as Olivia moves on from her school life in Gilpin, she has her own plans for the future. As of now, she works at Olive Garden, earning money to put towards her future. Paying for college can be a pain so she intends to attend Red Rocks Community College for her first couple of years to save her money and get her base credits down. Then, she said she might transfer to a four year college afterward. 

For Olivia, it is difficult to say goodbye to all of her friends in the area. She has put her passion into her friendships, sports and school work all these years. Now, she leaves with a bit of simple advice for the future students of Gilpin County School, “get your stuff done and try not to fall behind.”

Julian Cortez

Sara Sandstrom, Gilpin County. Julian Cortez has attended Gilpin County Schools as long as anyone can. He started in preschool and this month received his high school diploma from Gilpin County High School. 

Thinking back on his elementary years Julian remembers the fun field trips to the zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science. He loved field day and everyday recess was a highlight. 

In high school he played basketball for three years and baseball for one year. Julian says that he will miss playing sports in school and seeing his friends. 

He enjoyed taking the psychology class and learning about the different parts of the brain and how they control different parts of the body. Teacher Mr. Newberg was one of those teachers for Julian that had a positive impact on him. 

Julian wants other students to know, “Choose your friends wisely and be nice.” 

Snowboarding is something Julian really enjoys doing in the winter. Being the local kid that he is, he often snowboards at Eldora and Winter Park. Julian loves the mountain views and the sense of flying one gets when snowboarding and catching that air on the slopes. 

Family is very important to Julian. His mom, dad and sister are his support system and the people he looks up to. With his high school diploma in hand Julian will be working with his dad in the family business, A-C Plumbing. He thinks it is important to be a part of the family business and it is a good career. He also knows that his dad could use some help. 

Julian your commitment to your family and to the community is to be commended. Congratulations on your graduation and we wish you all the best in your future. 

 Michael Ray Fry

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Congratulations to all the seniors in the Class of 2021. I hope everyone stays safe. Thank you to all of my family, friends, coaches and teachers for being there for me. This has been one heck of a year. Good Luck to everyone in their future plans. 

Emma Hanssen

Sara Sandstrom, Gilpin County. Emma Hanssen is originally from the Lone Star State of Texas. She moved to Gilpin County and started attending Gilpin County Schools when she was in second grade. 

She has very fond memories of being in Girl Scouts throughout her years in elementary school. She credits her leadership skills and ability to work well with others to her years of being in Girl Scouts and her adult mentors Becca Blondo and her mom, Julie Hanssen. Emma says, “I can not thank these women enough for what they have shown me and guided me through.”

While in middle and high school at Gilpin schools Emma participated in volleyball and in track.

Emma says that she will miss the close bonds she has made with some of her peers. Her advice to younger students is, “Keep your head down and get the work done. It will be worth it in the end. I understand how difficult it can be, when and if you start looking at all your future challenges, you may start to get overwhelmed, focus on today.”

Emma Hanssen will be attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and will be working toward a degree in business. 

Congratulations on your graduation, Emma.

Casey Usnick

Sara Sandstrom, Gilpin County. Casey Usnick is a 2021 graduate of Gilpin High School. He has been a student at Gilpin Schools since fourth grade.

While in high school Casey played baseball for a year and contributed to the plays in the tech department for a year. He enjoyed the science and physical education classes. It seems like the most important part of high school for Casey was meeting his best friend, who is like a brother to him. 

Along with his best friend, Casey also looks up to his parents for support and guidance in life. 

Casey is planning to find employment and attend a welding school now that he has graduated from high school. He has received the City of Black Hawk Scholarship to assist with any of his future plans. 

When asked what advice he has for other students Casey says, “If your friends don’t help you, they aren’t friends. Always be true to yourself.”

Casey is passionate about being himself and is committed to always being true to who he is. 

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)