Townes Bakke has been a student in Nederland for nearly his entire life. He started his education as a preschooler at Little Bear Pre-K. He attended Nederland Elementary, Nederland Middle School, and is now graduating from Nederland High School (NMSHS). Townes fondly remembers his times performing in theater, competing on the ski teams, and blooming close relationships with his friends.

During his high school years, Townes has enjoyed playing on the soccer team with his friends. After skiing for both the Nederland Nordic and alpine teams, Townes rose to be the only Skimeister of NMSHS. He also participated on the basketball team in his freshman through junior years.

Townes has also acted in the NMSHS theater programs every year since he was in first grade. He landed multiple lead roles and even directed the fall plays all four years of high school. Townes has been a paragon student in bringing the Nederland community together through theater.

He has enjoyed building many great relationships with his friends and teachers. In high school, Townes fostered a love for history by taking AP United States and World History, as well as different government classes. He succeeded in literature classes and is using his skills to further his education by studying history and political science at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado.

While going to school at NMSHS, Townes also worked with Boulder County Youth Corps and Teamworks where he assisted the community by building local hiking trails. He also was a member of the Mt. Hood Ski Camp in Oregon. His extensive career in extracurriculars, academics, and jobs outside of school have kickstarted Townes’ future.

Townes was awarded and will use the Boulder Rotary Scholarship, the Scholarship for Boys, and the Merit Scholarship at Western Colorado University. Though he is graduating from Nederland, Townes left behind advice for those entering high school, saying, “Don’t be nervous to start high school at Nederland. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, so don’t be afraid to reach out.”

Outside of school, Townes enjoys skiing, writing creative fiction, and fly fishing.

Congratulations Townes! You have done so much for the community and for Nederland schools. We wish you well on your future endeavors.