My name is Aucklynn Sacco, and I am a senior this year and will be a 2023 Gilpin County School graduate in May. After graduation I will be attending the Colorado School of Mines as a Harvey Scholar. I plan to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

Throughout high school, I participated in a plethora of activities. At Gilpin School, I was a part of the varsity cheerleading team for two years and am a student council member. I have also participated in the school’s theater production. Outside of Gilpin, I have done theater productions through various theater companies, performing in shows such as The Polar Express, Les Miserables, Dog Sees God, The Lightning Thief, and Jekyll and Hyde. I have interned for a production of Beauty and the Beast Junior and Shrek Junior.

I also work as the program assistant for 4-H’s EAGLE through Colorado State University, working closely with the adult program coordinator to help coordinate logistics for field trips/drop-ins. I also facilitate biweekly meetings, create/deliver trainings, facilitate/monitor drop-ins, write thank you cards for donors, and am a person attendees can go to if they need anything.

I feel proud and honored to be Gilpin’s Class of 2023 Valedictorian. I have spent the last four years pouring my blood, sweat, and tears into my schoolwork and everything else I do. The Gilpin community supported me, even when things got challenging, and allowed me to realize my full potential. Being this year’s graduating class’ valedictorian not only reflects the work that I have done, but the immense support the community has for me will be with me throughout my life.

I have two favorite classes from my time in high school. One of those classes was Mrs. Van Hoose’s AP Calculus AB, and the other was Mrs. Newman’s AP Biology. I have always loved math and science, and these teachers presented challenging content that pushed me to think beyond the level of a high schooler. Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Van Hoose were also very supportive teachers who not only cared about teaching, but also the students they were teaching.

What I will miss most after graduating is the close-knit community that Gilpin has. One thing that I love about Gilpin is being with people of many different ages and having small class sizes. One of the best parts of my day is walking down the hallway and, within a three-minute period, being able to say “hi” to people I regularly talk to, ranging from grades 6-12.

Since freshman year, I have realized how important it is to get out of one’s comfort zone. Doing things such as participating in activities outside of Gilpin, taking in-person classes at Red Rocks Community College, and trying new things has forced me to meet entirely new people. It has also taught me independence. Doing so has allowed me to see the world through new perspectives, be more empathetic, and connect better with those in my life.

One of the most memorable moments for me at Gilpin School was attending the 100 Elk field trip in fourth grade. This trip allowed me to get out of my comfort zone in many ways and I look back on it fondly.

I want to thank my parents, Katherine Harvey, my friends, and my teachers. Thank you for supporting me through all my endeavors and helping me get to where I am and who I have become. I Am Gilpin County School!

April Open House

Save the date April 26, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. and plan to attend the Open House. Current and prospective students and parents are invited to the Open House to meet other students, parents, and school staff. GCSD students will be providing presentations, demonstrations, and performing theater and music. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to invite a new family as their guest to attend the Open House.