Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. Jamie Lammers is a young man with some high aspirations. He has been in the Nederland school system since preschool and in May will graduate will graduate with honors from Nederland High School. He will go on to college and pursue his dreams in the theater and film industry. 

Jamie has lived in Coal Creek Canyon with his parents his entire life. He says that he likes being an only child because of all the attention his parents have given him.

He has loved being a student in Nederland schools and can’t imagine being anywhere else. When I asked Jamie about his years at Nederland Elementary, he said that he loved all the projects that had to do with animals. This is probably why he has been a part of Wild Bear Nature Center since he was in their Bear Cub program. In fifth grade, he won the school’s National Geographic Geography Bee. His name is still on a plaque in the school’s entry for this honor. 

We all have a grade or two in elementary school that we fondly remember. I asked Jamie about this and he grinned and without hesitation said, “Second grade with Ms. Jill.” They formed one of those wonderful teacher-student relationship bonds where true respect and admiration were gained and still hold today. 

When I asked long time elementary teacher Jill Morimitsu-Mahon about Jamie she said, “As Jamie’s lucky second grade teacher, I was struck by what a special and extraordinary student he was. A gifted reader that exuded kindness, I was curious to see where his interests would take him. It has been heartwarming to watch Jamie excel in drama and song, to observe his commitment to Wild Bear in being a spokesperson and volunteer, and to read his well-written articles in The Mountain-Ear. I love that our community enables us to follow our students, watch them blossom, and see them take flight.”

Like so many kids, when Jamie moved from the elementary school to middle school, he was apprehensive. There are lockers to learn how to use and so many classes to go to each day. On top of all the regular school stress for a sixth grader, Jamie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It was terrifying and a struggle. Jamie says, “I had to find the balance of what I want to do and what I have to do to be healthy.” He says that it has taken a long time to manage the disease. 

I asked Jamie what advice he would have for another young kid with diabetes. He said that they should not be afraid to ask questions. It is not easy, but you can learn to live a full life with diabetes. Jamie does believe this experience has helped him become more responsible. 

In seventh grade, Jamie started performing in the fall plays at Nederland Middle Senior High School (NMSHS). He loves theater. When he got to high school, he started directing a show each year. This year’s spring production at NMSHS will be Jamie’s first role as the villain. A new challenge for his last time on the high school stage. 

As graduation approaches and college applications are sent in, Jamie knows he wants to study theater, film and writing in college. He has a great appreciation for film making and sees it as an art form. He is interested in writing scripts and analyzing films. 

Jamie and four of his friends from high school have made some short films that they have posted on YouTube under the name of Waffle Brothers Entertainment. It is their creative outlet and they love the process of writing, acting and editing. 

With all the school activities Jamie is in he has still always found time to volunteer with the Wild Bear Nature Center in Nederland. He has helped with the fly fishing programs and has been a tour guide for the Enchanted Forest. He is also the high school representative for the committee organizing Wild Bear’s upcoming new location. 

The Mountain-Ear has greatly appreciated the articles Jamie has written for the newspaper. Jamie says writing for the paper has been fun and helped him become a better writer. 

Jamie Lammers has been accepted into six universities. Some are far away from Coal Creek Canyon, but he might decide on the more local school of CU-Boulder. He has been accepted into the Honors Program at CU-Boulder. This means thousands of dollars in scholarships and living in the honors dorms. A fantastic academic accomplishment!

I asked Jamie who he looks up to and admires. He named a few actors and YouTubers. Then he mentioned his parents, Don and Sally Lammers. It is heartwarming to hear a teenager speak so fondly of his parents. He says that he has learned so much from them and feels so comfortable talking to them. They are his inspiration. 

I hope Jamie knows that he is an inspiration. He has not let diabetes keep him from doing what he loves. He has excelled in school and on the stage. Jamie gives back to his community through his writing and volunteering. 

Remember that name, Jamie Lammers. He may become that kid from Coal Creek Canyon who makes it to the big screen or becomes a best-selling author. No matter his path, it will be wonderful to see where life takes him. 

(Originally published in the February 6, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)