Aspen Abel

Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Aspen Abel is a young woman who loves music, cars and plant science. She has explored and built on at least two of these passions at her time in the Nederland school system. In a few short weeks she will be graduating from Nederland High School. She will take that education she received and head to college. There she will build on that knowledge and develop a career and continue her life, all of which began in the rural mountain area she calls home. 

Aspen began her school career at Nederland Elementary in Kindergarten. She says that she loved the outdoor education camps she attended with her classmates, especially the overnight camps when they got to stay in cabins. 

While attending Nederland High School Aspen was a 360 Leader, she was in theater and in the orchestra. Aspen was also in the Loquations choir all four years of high school. 

When asked about what she will miss about high school and what classes she loved in high school, science and choir are a strong theme for Aspen. Science classes with Mr. Real and Ms. Colton, choir with Ms. Evans and English with Ms. Budde was time Aspen truly enjoyed. 

She continued, “I will really miss science with Mr. Real, he is very passionate and supportive and he has been a huge influence for me.” 

Sometimes a teacher can help guide us, often not even knowing, and help us see where our own passions are. In the fall Aspen will be attending Colorado State University, Pueblo. There she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cannabis Biology and Chemistry - Natural Products Emphasis. She has an eagerness to study plants and how they work with the body. 

Music should always be a part of our lives. I think music is something that is a part of Apsen’s soul. Not only does she love to sing she also plays the guitar, violin, piano and ukulele. 

When not in school, singing in the choir or playing an instrument Aspen has been working the front of house at Salto in Nederland. A great place to gain some hospitality experience with the tourist and local crowd. 

Aspen also wants to acknowledge her parents’ positive influence on her life. She says, “They have always pushed me to be the best person I can be, and have always supported me.”

I often ask the graduates why they have stayed in a small school like Nederland. Some choose to go to a big school in Boulder and some much prefer a small school. Aspen’s words, though very simple, warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. She said, “This is my home. I have always loved my small town.”

Your small town appreciates and congratulates you, Aspen, on your graduation. 

Elysia Nitsch

Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Elysia Nitsch is a well-spoken, creative, outdoorsy young woman who will be graduating from Nederland High School this month. 

Elysia, who often goes by Ely, has been attending Nederland schools since first grade. She remembers in elementary school spending time in art class making pinwheels. Then, there was one afternoon when the entire school would gather outside with their pinwheels and sing songs for Pinwheels for Peace day. 

She kept herself very busy in middle and high school. Elysia has been running in Cross Country and also in Track. She has been on the Panther’s Nordic ski team for four years. She has been in Sources of Strength and on the Student Council throughout high school. Ely has valued the strong bonds of friendships that have developed through these activities. 

Elysia has also been involved in the theatre program at Nederland Middle Senior High School (NMSHS) since sixth grade. You did not see her singing or dancing on stage, but you saw her work. Ely was always part of the costume designs. 

Susan Blurton is the art teacher at Nederland Elementary and also works on the costumes for the theatre department at NMSHS. She has worked closely with Ely and says, “I am really going to miss Ely. She is my right-hand assistant. She brings her vibrant personality, ideas and dependable leadership to designing and putting together costumes. We are really going to miss her.”

While at Nederland High School Elysia really enjoyed taking Biology, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and World History. She really appreciated the connections she made with the staff and teachers, especially Ms. Yakubov and Ms. Strong. Elysia says that one of the reasons she loves NMSHS so much is because of the teachers. She says, “I know I wouldn’t have the same personal connections with my teachers if I attended a larger school. They truly care about the students here and want to see them succeed.” 

Elysia has also served our community as the chair of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) as part of the Nederland Communities That Cares Coalition (NCTCC) run out of Teens Inc. This organization acts to prevent youth substance use through addressing various risk and protective factors in the community. Elysia encourages other high school students to apply to be a part of YLA. She says, “It gives you an opportunity to do meaningful work that truly impacts those around you and future generations.”

Elysia would also like to recognize her mom for her love and support throughout the years.

Elysia will be leaving Colorado and going to Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Wellesley College is one of the original Seven Sisters Colleges. 

She will be studying Environmental Sciences. She has been drawn to the outdoors and the environment through many family camping trips. Elysia and her family have had many experiences camping and backpacking in Colorado, Utah and Alaska. She says these are her favorite memories with her family and they have had a powerful impact on her passion for the environment. 

We wish you well Elysia!

(Originally published in the May 6, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)