My name is Skyley Ramsey. I am currently a senior at Gilpin County High School and will be graduating this year, 2023. I am the Class of 2023 Salutatorian. After high school, I will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as a pre-occupational therapy major. I will also be playing basketball for the women’s team. In five years, I will have graduated from Albany College with a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. In ten years, I will be practicing occupational therapy at a children’s hospital.

Throughout high school, I was involved in a variety of activities. I played volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track. I was also on the student council. Athletics motivated me the most during my time at GCSD. Sports kept me accountable. I felt like I owed it to myself and my team to be at my best in the classroom and on the court. Although, the most challenging thing throughout high school was learning to balance sports, school, family time, and my social life. The class that was most threatening to my salutatorian status was AP Biology. On the other hand, my favorite class was AP English. This is because I love how in-depth we got about literature and I learned the most in that class than any other class.

This basketball season was the highlight of my high school career. My team was very successful and we were so close that it felt like family. I will never forget field days in elementary school. Not only did everyone enjoy themselves, it meant that school was over for summer! I have great memories of so many school friends and teammates. I am so proud of what we were all able to accomplish on the basketball court, especially earning the District Basketball Championship. I have been recognized numerous times and have earned awards through school and sports. I dedicated my time and energy into school and sports and it was a great experience.

What I will miss most after graduation is the people I get to see every day. I have been going to school here since preschool. With GCSD being a smaller school, everyone knows everyone. Since freshman year, I have matured socially. I learned that school drama is not the end of the world or even worth my time. The most memorable moment for me throughout my time at Gilpin was spending time in Mrs. Donaldson’s office during lunch and off-hours. My junior year at GCHS was my favorite. Although it was a stressful year, I learned so much about myself. It was the most academically challenging year, but I found it fun. One thing I would say to the underclassman would be to not shy away from uncomfortable and stressful situations. Those situations are where you will grow the most.

Lastly, I would like to thank my mom. She supported me when I failed which taught me how to succeed. I Am Gilpin County School!