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Friday, May 24, 2024 » MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/EPTRAIL AND TWITTER.COM/EPTRAILGAZETTE
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Salute to the senior class of ’24 Cheers to Estes Park graduates By Ruby Bode Superintendent of Schools
Dear Class of 2024, Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone of graduation. Your hard work and dedication deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated by the entire community. It has been an honor for me, along with the rest of the staff at EPSD, to watch you grow over the past twelve years and become the remarkable individuals you are today. When I reflect on the global outcome competencies our community desires for Estes Park
ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE STAFF
Congratulations to the 2024class of Estes Park graduates. graduates, the one that stands out most for this class is “perseverance.” You ended your 8thgrade year with the abrupt school
closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and began your high school journey virtually in 2020. Additionally, wildland fires
led to the evacuation of Estes Park and the complete shutdown of the school during your freshman year. The challenges of starting high school were compounded by this unprecedented situation. Despite these obstacles, you refused to be defeated. You kept service clubs active, participated in athletics and activities, and supported one another through the loss of a beloved teacher during your senior year. Your love and compassion for each other and your teachers were evident during these difficult times. No matter what barriers were placed before you, you overcame every obstacle with a positive attitude and a strong focus on success. This class comprises many impressive young people, including state champion athletes, deco-
EPHS
BAND CELEBRATES SUCCESS AT STATE
rated leaders, summa cum laude scholars, masters of multilingualism, accomplished musicians, talented performers, and dedicated community servants. I am incredibly proud of all your achievements and the talents you have honed through perseverance. You are a class of change-makers, leaders, and community stewards. You deserve the admiration and respect of our community for your accomplishments. Your legacy at Estes Park School District will inspire future generations. You will be remembered and cherished. I wish you well on your journey ahead and eagerly anticipate the wonderful accomplishments that await you in the future. Sincerely, Ruby Bode
SCHOLARSHIPS
EPUMC awards five EPHS seniors By Estes Park United Methodist Church For the Trail-Gazette
ESTES PARK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND — COURTESY PHOTO
The Estes Park High School Marching Band wins bronze for the show “Brave New World” at the 2023Colorado State High School marching band competition By Estes Park High School Band
The 2023 State journey for Estes Park High School (EPHS) Marching Band was marked by challenges, resilience, and an outstanding performance. This experience began with a snowstorm and a power outage. The band adapted to an altered competition format, ultimately clinching a well-deserved third place finish. Congratulations to the EPHS Marching Band for their remarkable achievement! The EPHS Marching Band program extends its heartfelt gratitude to their many
supporters. Director Kaylin Brennan, along with Will Peters, Shiloh Daricek, Cheyenne Keezel, and Sabrina Basch, deserve special recognition for their exceptional contributions in creating a truly remarkable show. A special shoutout goes to our dedicated bus drivers, John Laughlin and Stacey Adams, for ensuring the band’s safe journey to Pueblo and back. Tom Hoskins deserves a round of applause for towing the trailer and providing countless fixes and fine tunings to the props and beyond. A yahoo to the EP School District heroes — Eric, Denali, Craig, and Steve — who quickly arrived with plows and shovels, clearing the
way for equipment and bus loading. We also want to express our appreciation for the continued support of our School District, High School Administrators, and the School Board. Melinda and Cory Workman’s efforts in coordinating the new trailer project were pivotal, and we must recognize the outstanding work of Bobcat alumni, Aaron Petrie from Unink Printworks, for wrapping the trailer, making it look its best just in time for State. The Estes Park Mountain Shop and Kirk’s Fly Shop stepped up with hand warmers, which were greatly needed and appreciated in the chilly conditions. The BAND » PAGE 5
On Monday, May 6, Estes Park High School graduating seniors received scholarships from various local entities. For the first time, Estes Park United Methodist Church awarded five scholarships of $2,000 each. Pictured are the recipients of the Dorothy Scott Memorial Scholarship. Daphne Parker, EPUMC Pastor Ann Lantz, Braden Betts, Eric Lopez, Ciel Sugar, and Fiona Owens pose for a celebratory picture at this week’s scholarship presentation ceremony. EPUMC wants to invest in youth and families in our community. The church is branching out by utilizing its resources to invest in the future. EPUMC will be using another $20,000 to invest in the youth of Estes Park this year in addition to this scholarship money.
LOIS SCOTT — ESTES PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Left to right) Daphne Parker, EPUMC Pastor Ann Lantz, Braden Betts, Eric Lopez, Ciel Sugar, and Fiona Owens.
FROM THE MAYOR
Congratulations to the graduates! Gary Hall, the newly-elected mayor, was previous chief information officer for Estes Park Health for 18 years. GARY HALL — COURTESY PHOTO
By Mayor Gary Hall ghall@estes.org
Congratulations to the EPHS Class of 2024, to every graduating senior! Everyone of you has followed a different but overlapping path to get here. You’re all unique but all bonded by your common experiences and, in many cases, friendships.
You now embark on the next great adventure of your life. There are so many directions you could take, and you’re well-prepared from your years here in the Estes Park school system. By now, you’ve found many things that interest you and perhaps you even know what you want to pursue as a career. Most importantly, as you go into
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the world of employment, further schooling, whatever, please bring your humanity with you and wield that along with all the skills and education and wisdom and experience that you gain. You will have to work with so many different types of people, personalities, perspectives, and philosophies, and so your success will be heavily influenced by
your ability to remain open to alternate views, and your ability to continue to learn and to assimilate new information for your entire life. Thank you for the light and energy you’ve brought to Estes during your time here. Congratulations, good luck, you’re ready for this, go forth and make the world a better place. ESTES PARK, COLORADO
CONGRATULATIONS EPHS CLASS OF 2024! Schedule a reservation: 970-577-4000 | www.stanleyhotel.com