Outdoor graduation ceremony
By Curt Halsted
Friends and family shared in a joyous celebration of the accomplishments of Gilpin Seniors. The event was staged outdoors with a majestic expanse of mountains cradled in rolling clouds, and for Gilpin County a warm day. An air of freedom and yet caution filled the atmosphere for what was the first public gathering for many in a long time.
Celebrated Kindergarten teacher Alan Warshinsky was the guest speaker. He encouraged graduates to never stop learning, that the homework should never be finished – always do your research. The highlight of his presentation was the reading of lyrics to his, “What I could tell you Graduation Rap.” In the true fashion of a kindergarten teacher he reminds students to: “Clean up your messes, practice and get better, learn how to be your own hero… Cause, it don’t matter if you’re wrong or right, love is all you need, love is all you need.”
Salutatorian Blake Boulter and Valedictorian Damian Sonsino gave rousing speeches. Damian exclaimed “What a year it has been” He encouraged his classmates to bask in all of their hard work, for this is “our day, our celebration.” He praised everyone for overcoming the difficulty of being students and teachers during a pandemic. He had a gracious thank you for all the teachers that encouraged and inspired his class. He recognized his teachers as perfect candidates for SpaceX Mars colonists, for all of their insurmountable effort and dedication. He encouraged his classmates to grow and show their full potential, while praising them as amazing people with incredible talent who will carve out their place in history.
Gilpin’s tradition of showing gratitude by sharing flowers with loved family members and cherished teachers and friends proved as emotional as ever. The graduates received their diplomas and joyously threw their caps to the birds. The caps seemed to defy gravity for a moment as they hovered in the light breeze.
2021 Scholarships and Plans
Rayvaughn Amaya-Beard
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
He will be joining the workforce and plans on attending North Texas Community College in the future to study Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement.
Jasmine Arends
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Gilpin Athletic Booster’s – $500
Teryx Scholarship – $1,000
Peak to Peak Rotary – $1,000
Alan Green Memorial – $2,500
Regis University Scholarship – $40,000
Total – $51,000
Attending: Regis University
Major: Nursing
Olivia Ball
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Gilpin Athletic Booster’s – $500
Total – $6,500
Attending: Red Rocks Community College and has interest in pursuing the field of Sports Medicine.
Blake Boulter
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Alan Green Memorial – $2,500
City of Central Promise Scholarship – $5,000
Colorado School of Mines Presidential Scholarship – $10,000
Mines Medal of Achievement in Math and Science – $1,000
Daniels Fund Scholar – $100,000
Total – $124,500
Attending: Colorado School of Mines
Major: Chemical Engineering
Tristin Braning
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Thielemann Family Educator Scholarship – $1,000
CU Denver Scholarships – $10,000
Total – $17,000
Tristin will continue to work at doggy day care.
Attending: CU Denver in the fall.
Major: English to become a teacher.
Robert Castillo
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Will take a GAP year and join the workforce, then plans on attending community college to study criminal justice.
Julian Cortez
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
He will be taking a Gap year and working with his dad.
Triston DiPasquale
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Plans on starting a business in wholesale real estate.
Emma Hanssen
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Attending: Fort Lewis College
Major: Business
Warren Hardman
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Gilpin Theatre Scholarship – $500
AMDA – $6,000
Total: $12,500
Attending: American Musical Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles
Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting
Noah Hockley
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
He is currently in the workforce and has an interest in health and wellness, and becoming a personal trainer.
Drake Hylton
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Attending: CU Boulder
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Stephen King
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Alan Green Memorial Foundation – $2,500
Gilpin County Education Foundation – $1,000
School of Mines President’s Scholarship – $12,000
Colorado Scholars Scholarship for Last $ tuition – $76,248
Total – $97,748
Attending: Colorado School of Mines
Major: Chemical Engineering
Samuel Kniffen
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Sam plans on taking a GAP year during which he will pursue his dream of writing and recording original music.
Dallas LeBeau
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
He plans on taking a Gap year to work and figure out his next chapter in life.
Nolan Lindberg
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Booster’s Academic – $500
United Power Scholarship – $1,000
County Sheriffs of Colorado – $500
Gilpin County Education Foundation – $1,000
CU Boulder Scholarship – $11,200
Total – $20,200
Attending: CU Boulder
Major: Biochemistry
Ryan Newberg
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Plans on taking a Gap year to travel in the U.S.
Archer O’Brien
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
TeamWorks Scholarship – $1,000
Total – $,7000
Archer plans on working at TeamWorks and pursuing opportunities to work in technical theatre.
Jon Rust
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Plans on joining the workforce and would like to play baseball.
Jaden Schott
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Plans on taking a Gap Year, joining the workforce, and continue to work on writing his book, Winter’s Tears.
Damian Sonsino
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
DAR Scholarship – $600
Outstanding CO Student – $4,000
Regent Scholarship – $1,000
CU Esteemed Scholars – $14,000
Gilpin County Education Foundation – $1,000
Total – $26,600
Attending: CU Boulder
Major: Biochemistry
Katelyn Stanton
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Will be taking a Gap Year, then attending community college to major in business or nursing .
Casey Usnick
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
Casey will join the workforce and attend welding school.
Shane Wu
City of Black Hawk – $6,000
CU Boulder Esteemed Scholar – $10,000
Total – $16,000
Attending: CU Boulder
Major: Biology
Overall Total of Scholarships the next four Years: $463,048
