Gilpin H.S. Homecoming 2018

by Patty Unruh

The mighty Gilpin Eagles celebrated Homecoming on Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13. Happily, several days of early snow and frigid temps gave way to some sunshine for the big weekend.

Floats, marching students, classic cars, and first responder vehicles wound through Central City and Black Hawk during the parade on Friday afternoon. The seniors’ float included a 1950’s jukebox, the freshmen class grooved to the Beach Boys in their ‘60’s hippie-mobile, the ‘70’s disco era was represented by the juniors, and the sophomores depicted the ‘80’s with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Bartman,” and “Ghostbusters.”

The football team took a 52-18 loss to the Vail Christian Saints of Edwards. Although hoping for a homecoming victory, the team and fans celebrated each exhilarating touchdown. Senior #50 Jaime Alexander was selected as Gilpin’s Defensive Player of the Game.

Halftime highlights included the introduction of Homecoming Royalty: senior class brother and sister, King Chad Holmes and Queen Courtney Holmes; junior class Prince Tyler Braning and Princess Bailey Hobson-Kroll; sophomore class Duke Triston DiPasquale and Duchess Sarah Canalia; and freshmen class Count Jimmy Immordino and Countess Maddy Altman.

The Board of Education officially dedicated the new track and field facility to the school students and staff and to the Gilpin County community. Superintendent David MacKenzie noted that the Educational Enhancement Tax, voted on in 2008 by Black Hawk taxpayers, has allowed the District to allocate funds from other revenue sources to fund facilities improvement projects. The District has carried over money for capital improvements for the past 10 years. Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman and City Manager Jack Lewis represented the Black Hawk City Council and residents.

The Colorado Health Foundation provided a $95,000 grant to supplement the construction of the track so Gilpin County residents may exercise on the outdoor surface to maintain health. The Alan Green Memorial Foundation, represented by board member Sharon Perea, gave a $5,000 grant to the project. Bobby and Holly Grapes of Grapes and Sons Excavating donated labor, equipment, and fill material.

School Resource Officer Lee Ramsey volunteered his time to design the rock landscaping at the school’s main entrance.

The project excavation was completed by Jim Noble, Incorporated. The excavation team was led by Vice President John Noble and excavated over 325,000 cubic yards of material. Jim, John, and Patsy Noble were thanked.

Tom Pong, SAI Construction and Engineering President, donated $16,000 of labor and materials toward the project fencing.

Hellas Construction installed the matrix turf sports field and track surface. Tianna Flores, Vice President for Design; Monica Martinez, Project Engineer; Michelle Kuhns, Business Development Manager; and Jared Carr, Project Manager, represented Hellas.

The Board of Education gave direction and prioritized several projects beginning in spring 2015, including the paving of the south parking lot and the upgrading of the elementary playground. The track and field construction began in the summer of 2018. Gilpin Site Improvements Team members were Superintendent MacKenzie, Architect Randy Look, Civil Engineer Jim Gill, Electrician Tim Kjensrud, Football Coach Craig Ball, Maintenance Staff Ken Petersen and Ron Berg, School Board Members Craig Holmes and Steve Boulter, Secondary Principal Alexis Donaldson, and Athletic Director Jeff Schuessler.

Board of Education members are President Craig Holmes, Vice President Steve Boulter, Secretary-Treasurer Sarah Swanson, and Members-at-Large Brook Ramsey and Kersten Armstrong.

Winners of the chili cook-off fundraiser were Linda Godwin, first place; Tom Ihme, second place; Codi Ramsey, third place; and Suzanne Diekman, Teacher’s Best award.

Halftime activities concluded with a performance by the varsity cheerleaders and the Pee Wee cheer team.

The weekend ended on a high note as the high schoolers danced the night away at the Teller House.