The Special Five
by Dave Gibson
In Northern Kenya, amongst arid scrub desert bordering the Ewaso Ng’iro River, lies Samburu National Reserve. It and the adjacent reserve Buffalo Springs are home to an unusual and rare group of animals viewed only in Northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. They are known as “The Special Five:” Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. (more…)
Congratulations to all!
By Jaclyn Schrock
Wednesday evening, May 22, 2019, Middle School and High School year-end Academic Awards were presents to student and families of Gilpin County School. Students respectfully represented their families and classmates dressing very nicely for the occasion. Seniors had been honored last week with their awards, scholarships announcements, and graduation. Wednesday’s affair presented Honor Roll, Class Awards, and special Class Awards to amazing, hardworking accomplishments of grades 6-11. (more…)
Principals highlight May accomplishments
by Patty Unruh
The Gilpin County Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.Board members present were Craig Holmes, Brook Ramsey, Sarah Swanson, and Steve Boulter. Kersten Armstrong was absent. Superintendent David MacKenzie, (more…)
Gilpin H.S. holds commencement exercises
by Patty Unruh
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill. That was the motto of the Class of 2019 as they took the stage on Saturday, May 18, to celebrate four years of high school and claim their precious diplomas. (more…)
Is paying off for Gilpin County Grads!
PRESS RELEASE – When 19 members of the Gilpin County High School class of 2019 received their diplomas on May 18, at least one graduate did so knowing exactly what her next step is in preparing for her dream career. Shania Gonzales’ desire of becoming a trauma nurse began with an injury she suffered during her sophomore year, that prevented her from continuing to play basketball, volleyball or run track. It was her time in the hospital that led Gonzales to develop a (more…)
Students honor special people in their lives during capping ceremony
by Patty Unruh
Gilpin County High School seniors were awarded scholarships by local organizations at a program on Wednesday evening, May 15 in the school auditorium. Those scholarships were also announced at the students’ commencement ceremony on Saturday morning, May 18, along with additional awards. The total of all scholarships was $244,700. (more…)
Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office announces Gilpin recipient
PRESS RELEASE – Sheriff Kevin Armstrong is pleased to announce that Shania Gonzales is the Gilpin County recipient of the 2019/ 2020 County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC) scholarship for Gilpin County. (more…)
Original ceramic creations inspire
by Patty Unruh
Gilpin County sixth through ninth-grade students presented an ambitious and variety-laden musical offering last Thursday evening, May 16, in the Gilpin School auditorium. It was one of the best programs the growing music department has offered in a number of years. (more…)
Black Hawk Educational Enhancement Tax program investment results in huge school gains
PRESS RELEASE – Remarks from Black Hawk Mayor David D. Spellman regarding the Educational Enhancement Tax program check presentation: May 8, 2019, marked the 10th anniversary of the first Educational Enhancement Tax presentation check from the City of Black Hawk to the Gilpin County RE-1 School District. When the City established the Educational Enhancement Tax program, there were three objectives we wanted to achieve. (more…)
Site improvements making progress
by Patty Unruh
The Gilpin County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. Brook Ramsey, Sarah Swanson, Kersten Armstrong, and Steve Boulter were present; Craig Holmes participated by telephone. Superintendent David MacKenzie and Secretary to the Board Joni Schmidt were present. (more…)
Contentious issue brings much debate
By Lisa Lopez
Over 60 county residents arrived to voice their concerns on Tuesday, April 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the Gilpin County Community Center. The meeting was spurred by an abundance of phone calls and emails to the Sheriff’s office regarding the recently passed Red Flag Bill that was signed into law by Governor Polis on April 12. (more…)
Largest number of guests and money raised since event’s inception
by Trystin Swan
The annual spaghetti dinner and silent auction for Gilpin County Elementary went from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Many Montessori and traditional elementary parents showed up to support and fund the program. (more…)
A win-win business model of how governments can work with schools
Colorful student artwork and national awards line the hallways inside the Gilpin County RE-1 School District complex. The proud, welcoming environment appears as though it has always been this way, but just ten years ago serious financial problems were threatening to send the local school district into the Colorado history books. The Great Recession of 2007-2009 and state budget shortfalls led the legislature to (more…)
Building for the future with Chad Holmes
by Patty Unruh
“Work hard and keep a balance between having fun and studying. Place a precedence on education, because it sets you up for post-high school and for the rest of your life.”
Sage advice from Gilpin High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2019, Chad Holmes. This reporter met recently with Chad and learned about his high school career, extra-curricular activities, and plans for the future. (more…)
Gilpin H.S. salutatorian passionate about math and science
by Patty Unruh
Anna Yocom, Gilpin High School’s salutatorian for the Class of 2019, is a soft-spoken young woman with wide-ranging interests. She recently shared her experiences, preferences, and viewpoints. Anna’s parents are Jerry and Katie Yocom and her sister is Halle, a freshman at Gilpin. The family includes two dogs, Labrador retrievers Apollo and Whistler, named for Olympic speed skater (more…)
Kenyan rhino sanctuary
by Dave Gibson
This article is the first installment of a 5-part series on Kenya.
Nairobi National Park was established in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park and is its smallest, measuring 45 square miles. Located just four miles from Nairobi’s centralbusiness district, it is home to a host of African animals including Cape buffalo, (more…)