My name is Carly Johnson, I am a former Gilpin County School student. I graduated from Gilpin in 2018. After high school, I attended the University of Kansas where I majored in journalism on a news and information track, and I minored in sport management. I graduated from the University of Kansas in December 2021. I currently work full time as a news producer at a TV station in Kansas City, Missouri.

When I attended Gilpin, I played a variety of sports. I was on the basketball team, I cheered, and managed the baseball team. I was involved in the theater program, rotary club, and student council (StuCo). As I reflect on my experiences at Gilpin County School, I think about how Gilpin helped set me up for success after graduation. I had earned a lot of college credit through the Red Rocks Community College program the school offers, which helped me graduate college early. All the teachers at Gilpin pushed me and challenged me, so when I entered college, I felt prepared and that I was able to handle the course load.

One thing I wish Gilpin had taught was the importance of time management. I appreciated the teachers being flexible and usually would let you turn in things late, but that doesn’t fly in college, and I had to quickly realize that. I also wish the school did a better job of helping me with the college application process and understanding all the components that go into applying. I had no help from the school helping me with scholarships or even applying. I think the school could focus more of their attention on seniors that have their sights set on expanding their education out of state.

I absolutely loved all of my teachers. Everyone was so nice and pushed you to succeed if that was what you wanted. However, the most influential teacher I had was Mr. Shoe. I was lucky enough to have him not only as my English teacher for most of high school but also as my coach. He taught me skills that were necessary inside the classroom and out. He taught how to become a better leader, a better communicator and a better problem-solver. He gave me the skills needed to handle and overcome adversity. He helped me expand my knowledge of the world and see things from a different perspective. Lastly, he made me a better writer which I am so grateful for because writing is more than half of what my career entails.

There are so many great memories I made in high school. I was fortunate enough to have my high school experience be a positive one. Some of my favorite memories are: My senior trip to Glenwood Springs with my class, World Language Days, the countless bus rides to and from games, decorating for homecoming, Colorado close, and so much more.

In five years, I hope to still be working in news as a producer, hopefully somewhere on the East Coast or maybe in a higher role in Kansas City. I hope to be off the overnight shifts, so I don’t have to sleep during the day anymore! I hope to have a dog by then and take time off to travel and see more of the world.

A few accomplishments of mine would be, when I was in college, I was on the honor roll (3.75+ GPA) every semester, and I graduated college with honors of distinction. Right out of college, I got a job as a news producer in a top TV market. Not many people fresh out of college get to start at a level that I did.

My advice to current students would be to get involved! Gilpin is unique in that you can do anything you want to try. At many schools, you’d have to pick one or maybe two activities to do. At Gilpin, you can try everything if that’s what you want to do. By being involved in tons of different extracurriculars, it helped me find my passions. I am Gilpin County!