Achievements and plans: Mr. DePaula shakes the hand of Trinity LeBlanc, recipient of this year’s Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship, Connie Mascinko PEO International Scholarship, and the Alan Green Memorial Scholarship. [/caption]

On May 15, the 2024 Nederland Middle-Senior High School’s Senior Banquet began at 5:30 p.m. with a dinner, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and recognition for the graduating seniors. The event was meticulously planned to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the Class of 2024.

At 5:45, Principal Gavan Goodrich welcomed everyone with a heartfelt speech, highlighting the seniors' journey and accomplishments. He expressed gratitude to the seniors, their families, and the school community for their unwavering support.

Goodrich then introduced Mary Meyer-Scully, representing the Lions Club, who spoke about the longstanding partnership between the Lions Club and Nederland Middle-Senior High School.

The Lions Club also organized door prizes, adding an element of excitement to the evening.

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Sean DePaula took the stage to present the Athletic Awards. He handed out athletic posters to recognize the senior athletes.

The 2024 Panther-Athlete award was given to Trinity LeBlanc, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the school's sports teams.

Following the athletic awards, senior academic department awards were presented by Principal, AP, and Teachers.The prestigious "Senior Who Has Made A Difference Award" was presented by Dan Wade to Trinity LeBlanc, acknowledging her significant impact on the school community.

The Lions Club returned with more door prizes, while cake and coffee, provided by the freshmen and served by juniors, added a sweet touch to the ongoing event.

Counselor Jill Pries recognized the 2024 Honor Grads, students who maintained Honor Roll status all four years. Pries awarded the Honor Society Cords to Teaghan Hartman and Kyleigh McLaughlin. Following this, she handed out academic hoods based on GPA achievements: Cum Laude (4.0-4.24 GPA, white hood): Teaghan Hartman, Polina Savich; Magna Cum Laude (4.25-4.499 GPA, silver hood): Kyleigh McLaughlin.

The Seal of Biliteracy, awarded to students proficient in English and another language, was presented to Polina Savich.

At 6:45, Pries announced the scholarships.

After the mountain community tragically lost Shelby and Cody Allen on December 11, 2020, a group of Nederland High School alumni who felt that Shelby had a profound positive impact on their lives as their former volleyball coach came together to create the Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship in her honor so that future generations of young women in the mountain community could also benefit from Shelby's generosity and impact.

The mission of the Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship is to remember the positive impact that Shelby Allen had on the community through her dedication, enthusiasm, and leading by example in her coaching roles for the Nederland High School volleyball team. The scholarship awards funds to deserving graduating high school students from Gilpin or Nederland High Schools who are chosen based on living out Shelby’s legacy through these qualities.

This year is the third year the Scholarship has been awarded, and each year there are two awards, for first and for second place. This year, the first place award was unanimously chosen by the scholarship committee to go to a Nederland Senior. This senior, Trinity LeBlanc, demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership by example through her personal essay, letters of recommendation, academic merit, and involvement with various sports and other extracurricular programs, as well as her commitment to emergency medicine.

Congratulations, Trinity!

Seniors then declared their post-high school plans, followed by general remarks and student recognition by Mr. Goodrich. Students lined up on stage, passed the mic, and were excited to receive senior gifts. The evening concluded with door prizes from the Lions Club and a wrap-up by Mr. Goodrich.

It was a memorable night, celebrating the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2024, and setting them on their path to future success.

Academic awards:

Music/Theater-Golden Baton Award: Blue Garcia-Paine

Outstanding Thespian: Blue Garcia-Paine and Aiden Bowyer Cleveland

Physical Fitness Award: Aiden Bowyer Cleveland

Lead with Light Award: Trinity LeBlanc

Art-MUG Award: Clara Miller

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies: Amaya Sanovia

Most Outstanding Analyst in Language Arts: Polina Savich

Senior Math Award: Kyleigh McLaughlin

MVP of Computer Science: Oskar Nunemacher

Outstanding Achievement in the Sciences: Teaghan Hartman

Most Valuable Photographer in Art: Ajani Whittleton

The Honor grads:

Teaghan Hartman

Abigail Koziel

Trinity LeBlanc

Kyleigh McLaughlin

Oskar Nunemacher

Polina Savich

Notable scholarships included:

Connie Mascinko PEO International Scholarship ($500): Trinity LeBlanc

Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship ($1500, 1st place): Trinity LeBlanc

Barbara Lawlor Memorial Scholarship ($1500): Hayden Hardt-Zeman, Polina Savich

Alan Green Memorial Scholarship ($4000 each): Trinity LeBlanc, Kiryu Sugishita

Green and Gold Scholarship ($12,000): Teaghan Hartman

BCH Ambassadors Scholarship ($2000): Kyleigh McLaughlin

CU Esteemed Scholars ($16,000): Kyleigh McLaughlin

Regent Scholarship ($4000): Kyleigh McLaughlin

President’s Leadership Class ($4000): Kyleigh McLaughlin

WUE Scholarship ($11,000): Polina Savich

Washington Excellency Award ($10,000): Polina Savich

County Clerk’s Scholarship ($1000): Kiryu Sugishita

Boulder Rotary Club Scholarship ($2500): Kiryu Sugishita