Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Welcome to our graduation page! Here, you'll find tributes to each of our seniors, speeches, video from our drive-by graduation ceremony, and the class song. If you would like to leave a note for our graduates, use the Comment box below, and we will send along your good wishes!
Welcome!View a word of greeting and context about CCHS from principal, Christine Bailey:
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Speech to GraduatesGraduates chose Mike Post, previous CCHS principal, to address their class:
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Graduation Program
Click the pages to see full-scale images, or download the PDF here.
Video of Ceremony
Thanks to Alyson Krisher with Alpine Tree Films for filming our graduation ceremony!
Graduation ceremony photos
Thank you, Catherine Eichel Photography, for documenting our ceremony! See the entire album here.
Senior Slideshow
Graduate Tributes
Scroll below to peruse all tributes, or click on a name to jump directly to their section.
Isaac Bowen
From your family: Isaac Bowen, CCHS class of 2020, is an amazing young man. He is driven, hard-working, and dedicated. When he puts his mind to something, he can move mountains. Isaac was determined to graduate from high school a year early, and through the amazing opportunity that CCHS has provided to our community, he was able to reach that goal.
Isaac is ready to close out this chapter of his life story and move on to things that inspire him as he continues to be a lifelong learner. He will be forever grateful to those who mentored him and inspired him through his school years. Isaac is planning to join the military to see where that path will take him. His parents are very proud of him and can't wait to see where the road will take him.
From Danny: Isaac, when you came to CCHS this year as a senior, your work ethic and drive were immediately apparent. Your focus and determination remained consistent throughout the school year. You are one of the most strongly-convicted young men that I know--dare I say stubborn. You know what you want and you are grounded in your beliefs. We’ve shared great discussions and debates on a variety of topics, played chess and Call of Duty, wrecked ourselves on slacklines, and spilled sweat together on the floors of the community center during our calisthenics club.
For your future endeavors, I leave you with some advice that has helped me many times:
Whether you decide on military, trades, or another path, be confident in it and trust your gut. I wish you the best!
Isaac is ready to close out this chapter of his life story and move on to things that inspire him as he continues to be a lifelong learner. He will be forever grateful to those who mentored him and inspired him through his school years. Isaac is planning to join the military to see where that path will take him. His parents are very proud of him and can't wait to see where the road will take him.
From Danny: Isaac, when you came to CCHS this year as a senior, your work ethic and drive were immediately apparent. Your focus and determination remained consistent throughout the school year. You are one of the most strongly-convicted young men that I know--dare I say stubborn. You know what you want and you are grounded in your beliefs. We’ve shared great discussions and debates on a variety of topics, played chess and Call of Duty, wrecked ourselves on slacklines, and spilled sweat together on the floors of the community center during our calisthenics club.
For your future endeavors, I leave you with some advice that has helped me many times:
- Make your bed every morning. This starts your day with a task accomplished, and sets the standard for self-accountability. Satisfaction begins with productivity.
- Challenge your beliefs. Keep an open mind and seek to understand others. As Bruce Lee once said, “Absorb what is useful, Discard what is not, Add what is uniquely your own.”
- When you feel lost, look for ways to put others first. Doing so will never leave you unfulfilled.
Whether you decide on military, trades, or another path, be confident in it and trust your gut. I wish you the best!
Lily Genevieve Mason
From Pete: Lily! You’ve done a great job this year. You stepped into the culture of CCHS and accomplished what you needed to in order to earn your diploma. I’m impressed with your critical thinking ability, maturity, and sense of humor.
I know you enjoy working with animals and have a passion for the furry critters we live with, but remember that you have incredible potential. You can go anywhere and do anything.
It was a pleasure to work with you this year on your path to graduation. Thanks for not procrastinating (too bad) and getting your work done early! It would have literally broken my heart if you didn’t graduate. Best of luck in the future. To infinity, and beyond!
From your family: Going into high school, Lily decided to go to Buena Vista High School. While being there, she met some of the best people in her life. There were many memories made at BVHS that will never be forgotten, and some of those memories are what makes her herself now. After two years at BVHS, Lily made the decision to finish her highschool career at Chaffee County High School. Although it was a completely new learning environment, Lily thrived in this new setting. She also made some good friends at CCHS, and also made sure she was there for everyone who needed it.
I know you enjoy working with animals and have a passion for the furry critters we live with, but remember that you have incredible potential. You can go anywhere and do anything.
It was a pleasure to work with you this year on your path to graduation. Thanks for not procrastinating (too bad) and getting your work done early! It would have literally broken my heart if you didn’t graduate. Best of luck in the future. To infinity, and beyond!
From your family: Going into high school, Lily decided to go to Buena Vista High School. While being there, she met some of the best people in her life. There were many memories made at BVHS that will never be forgotten, and some of those memories are what makes her herself now. After two years at BVHS, Lily made the decision to finish her highschool career at Chaffee County High School. Although it was a completely new learning environment, Lily thrived in this new setting. She also made some good friends at CCHS, and also made sure she was there for everyone who needed it.
Throughout her entire high school career, Lily always made sure to do what she needed to do. She always had a helping hand for her teachers, friends, and even people she may not have known, spreading a contagious smile towards anyone she is around. Even outside of school, Lily made sure to show a good character by helping others and running the extra mile for what is important to her.
Lily learned many great life lessons through all of her high school events and memories that she will hold on to forever. She is super grateful for what she got experience in the past few years and being able to have gotten to experience them in a town like this. |
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Mia Raye Piefer
From Steve: Mia, if you had told me that our relationship would have come this full circle when I was your student teacher all those years ago, I would have said you’re crazy. As soon as I knew you were coming to CCHS I practically begged to be your advisor. I wasn’t disappointed. You came in ready to work and it showed. Even though you switched schools at the semester (only crazy people do that, btw) you came in ready to get stuff done and be done with school. Your motivation was on another level, and I really appreciated the work you did.
Mia you are an amazing soul that is going to do amazing things in this world with the gifts you’ve been given. Your talent for artistry is a tremendous gift that you need to cultivate and grow, don’t let it stagnate. I have seen your creativity, and let me tell you that people don’t just become that creative over time, you truly have a gift. Keep working on yourself and your gifts and you will achieve everything you can dream of.
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” Vincent van Gogh
Mia, my hope for you and your future is that you are able to find whatever and whoever it is that you are able to love well and accomplish all the things you want in your life.
From your family: Mia is a bright, capable, strong woman. She is unique and artistic, funny, free-spirit and a gift and joy to those in her life. Over her high school career she has been involved in National Honors Art Society, BV community projects, mentoring younger girls, and has been working hard to graduate a year early.
Her plans are to be determined but when she knows them, she will thrive and soar.
Mia you are an amazing soul that is going to do amazing things in this world with the gifts you’ve been given. Your talent for artistry is a tremendous gift that you need to cultivate and grow, don’t let it stagnate. I have seen your creativity, and let me tell you that people don’t just become that creative over time, you truly have a gift. Keep working on yourself and your gifts and you will achieve everything you can dream of.
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” Vincent van Gogh
Mia, my hope for you and your future is that you are able to find whatever and whoever it is that you are able to love well and accomplish all the things you want in your life.
From your family: Mia is a bright, capable, strong woman. She is unique and artistic, funny, free-spirit and a gift and joy to those in her life. Over her high school career she has been involved in National Honors Art Society, BV community projects, mentoring younger girls, and has been working hard to graduate a year early.
Her plans are to be determined but when she knows them, she will thrive and soar.
Phillip Jonathan Rodriguez
From Pete: J-Rod! You are one of a kind, my friend. What a ride it has been! A lot of ups and downs, but I’m so happy we’re finishing on this high note. You’ve done a great job working through various challenges in order to earn this diploma.
Clearly, you’ve earned it. It was a delight to watch you excel in both technology and the arts. Hearing you sing and perform is an absolutely wonderful thing. Keeping track of your academic schedule…not so much. :)
The world is your playground, Jon. Just learn the rules and be kind to others, then you can do whatever you want. Don’t go changing (unless you want to). Hakuna Matata!
From your family: Phillip Jonathan Rodriugez is best known by friends and family as Jon. In his early days at Chaffee County High School, Jon struggled to find his way in many avenues, such as sports. However, sports were never really the right fit for Jon. He soon hit his stride when he found himself in performing arts. Jon has been in several theater productions where he has dug in deep to bring to life the characters he has portrayed. It is a joy to see Jon perform.
Clearly, you’ve earned it. It was a delight to watch you excel in both technology and the arts. Hearing you sing and perform is an absolutely wonderful thing. Keeping track of your academic schedule…not so much. :)
The world is your playground, Jon. Just learn the rules and be kind to others, then you can do whatever you want. Don’t go changing (unless you want to). Hakuna Matata!
From your family: Phillip Jonathan Rodriugez is best known by friends and family as Jon. In his early days at Chaffee County High School, Jon struggled to find his way in many avenues, such as sports. However, sports were never really the right fit for Jon. He soon hit his stride when he found himself in performing arts. Jon has been in several theater productions where he has dug in deep to bring to life the characters he has portrayed. It is a joy to see Jon perform.
In addition to theater arts, Jon is an active part of the Buena Vista School District choir Soundscapes. He is proud to have been a part of many choir competitions, achieved awards, as well as being a part of Thescon.
Jon is excited for his future as he prepares to move to Denver in the fall to attend Metro State University, majoring in Computer Science. We know that Jon will do great things in his life. We are proud and excited to sit front row to cheer him on wherever his future may take him. |
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McKenna Morgan Simpson
From Danny: McKenna, you have come across no shortage of challenges, and your resilience and perseverance has helped you conquer them all. You are a decisive and strong-voiced young woman, never afraid to speak your mind and advocate for yourself. You have balanced many demands, succeeding in your CNA class and completing an intimidating amount of credits this semester, including crushing my math class. You introduced me to Dad Jokes during advisory, and the audible sensation that is Tyler Childers, for which I am eternally grateful.
I’m thrilled to have watched you succeed at CCHS, and excited for you to turn the page. If you end up in Florida, enjoy that sweet sunshine and salty breeze. For your future endeavors, I leave you some advice to help guide your way:
1. Stay hungry. Never settle for mediocrity in your performance nor your goals. If you always reach for the next rung, you’ll reject complacency and cultivate success.
2. Stay grateful. Look for ways daily to appreciate yourself, your relationships, and your circumstances.
3. Stay hopeful. Remember where you came from, but never lose sight of where you’re going. In times of trouble, find something to look forward to every day, no matter how small.
Be proud of your accomplishments, and remember “why” when your path presents you with new challenges. I wish you the best in your journey ahead!
From your family: McKenna Morgan Simpson attends Chaffee County High School, where she has learned a strong sense of leadership and independence. McKenna has volunteered her time with different community projects such as helping feed, maintain animals, and mentored the youth at Mini Blessings. She has also helped set up exhibits and other projects at the Heritage Museum and has spent multiple hours playing cards and listening to stories from residents at the Sunrise Manor. McKenna has managed the Buena Vista Boys Basketball team for the last four years and learned the importance of team building.
McKenna is currently taking classes at Colorado Mountain College for her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After graduation, she will be moving south to warmer weather, where she plans on utilizing her certification as a CNA as she pursues her education in the medical field!
I’m thrilled to have watched you succeed at CCHS, and excited for you to turn the page. If you end up in Florida, enjoy that sweet sunshine and salty breeze. For your future endeavors, I leave you some advice to help guide your way:
1. Stay hungry. Never settle for mediocrity in your performance nor your goals. If you always reach for the next rung, you’ll reject complacency and cultivate success.
2. Stay grateful. Look for ways daily to appreciate yourself, your relationships, and your circumstances.
3. Stay hopeful. Remember where you came from, but never lose sight of where you’re going. In times of trouble, find something to look forward to every day, no matter how small.
Be proud of your accomplishments, and remember “why” when your path presents you with new challenges. I wish you the best in your journey ahead!
From your family: McKenna Morgan Simpson attends Chaffee County High School, where she has learned a strong sense of leadership and independence. McKenna has volunteered her time with different community projects such as helping feed, maintain animals, and mentored the youth at Mini Blessings. She has also helped set up exhibits and other projects at the Heritage Museum and has spent multiple hours playing cards and listening to stories from residents at the Sunrise Manor. McKenna has managed the Buena Vista Boys Basketball team for the last four years and learned the importance of team building.
McKenna is currently taking classes at Colorado Mountain College for her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After graduation, she will be moving south to warmer weather, where she plans on utilizing her certification as a CNA as she pursues her education in the medical field!
Gabriel Russell Thieman
From Cory: I had the pleasure of teaching Gabe for 3 years. In that time, it was always evident that Gabe was especially intelligent. Gabe fit into CCHS very well. He needed the individual attention that is more prevalent at CCHS. Gabe and I butted heads quite often. It was usually because, due to our smaller staff, we could individualize his curriculum and really challenge him, and he didn’t always want to be pushed. Although I wasn’t around for Gabe’s last year at CCHS, I am incredibly proud to hear that he is graduating. There was a lot of laughing and a lot of arguing, but we got through it.
Gabe, you have always been one of the smartest people in the room. I can tell you that at some point in your education, that won’t be the case: you will find yourself in a room full of intellectual peers. When this eventually happens, it is no longer about who is more clever, but rather who works harder. I have known many smart people in my life who did not accomplish what they set out to do. I have seen you be able to put your nose down and accomplish a lot. I have also seen you try to take the easy way out. It is my hope for you that when you are challenged, whether in academia or in a career, you find that fire that lets you accomplish anything, because you are definitely capable of it.
Gabe, I am proud of you. You set a great example for your younger brothers and sisters. Congrats, Graduate!
From Christine: Gabe. Cat videos. First aid kit. Memes. Countless lost contracts and syllabi. Your journey at CCHS has not been an easy one, but you know what? That’s ok. You started at CCHS not giving a hoot about much and struggling to follow through. And while inklings of those character traits persist, what has changed is that you have decided multiple times that the fight was worth it. You gave up on yourself several times, but we all do that to ourselves. We wonder if we can do it, if we deserve to have good things in life, if we are worthy.
And Gabe, you are worthy, and you can do it. The world needs your thoughtfulness, your generosity, your sense of humor. It also needs your strength and your questions and your doubts. You will make the world a better place by being willing to engage in it and by being willing to let the world scoop you up. I cannot wait to see you become Doctor Gabe someday. Please, please look me up and show me your official ID tag! I bet your expression on that tag will be priceless.
Gabe, you have always been one of the smartest people in the room. I can tell you that at some point in your education, that won’t be the case: you will find yourself in a room full of intellectual peers. When this eventually happens, it is no longer about who is more clever, but rather who works harder. I have known many smart people in my life who did not accomplish what they set out to do. I have seen you be able to put your nose down and accomplish a lot. I have also seen you try to take the easy way out. It is my hope for you that when you are challenged, whether in academia or in a career, you find that fire that lets you accomplish anything, because you are definitely capable of it.
Gabe, I am proud of you. You set a great example for your younger brothers and sisters. Congrats, Graduate!
From Christine: Gabe. Cat videos. First aid kit. Memes. Countless lost contracts and syllabi. Your journey at CCHS has not been an easy one, but you know what? That’s ok. You started at CCHS not giving a hoot about much and struggling to follow through. And while inklings of those character traits persist, what has changed is that you have decided multiple times that the fight was worth it. You gave up on yourself several times, but we all do that to ourselves. We wonder if we can do it, if we deserve to have good things in life, if we are worthy.
And Gabe, you are worthy, and you can do it. The world needs your thoughtfulness, your generosity, your sense of humor. It also needs your strength and your questions and your doubts. You will make the world a better place by being willing to engage in it and by being willing to let the world scoop you up. I cannot wait to see you become Doctor Gabe someday. Please, please look me up and show me your official ID tag! I bet your expression on that tag will be priceless.
Keilani Marie Toves
From Danny: Danny, you did it! The road was not easy, but you stayed the course and your grit has paid off. You are a wonderfully caring person, and a light among your friends. I’ve witnessed you be the shoulder to cry on for other students, and always appreciated when you checked-in on staff, especially me.
You are compassionate, creative, and talented. You have helped save me when no one else wanted to make posters or decorations for our advisory! You made me laugh with the memes you would leave on my windows and whiteboard. I’ve enjoyed learning sign language with you and Edwin, and sharing the piano with you in our cramped classroom.
Whether on your uke or a piano, a canvas or sketch pad, I hope that you continue to make art in all forms. Your path ahead may not be clear, and that’s ok. For your future endeavors, I have some advice:
1. Keep helping others. Your calm energy relaxes people. If you find yourself doubting your path, find ways to put others first. This act is always bigger than yourself.
2. Look for the beauty around you. There is a balance, and even in a world with ugliness that is headlined and highlighted, there are beautiful things. People, animals, music, landscapes. Look for these every day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and appreciate them.
3. Keep learning. Don’t settle with high school. You will succeed in higher pursuits, be it in the arts, trades, human services, or a new passion that you discover. Create goals to focus on and push yourself.
I hope to see you around, and wish you the best in your next chapter!
You are compassionate, creative, and talented. You have helped save me when no one else wanted to make posters or decorations for our advisory! You made me laugh with the memes you would leave on my windows and whiteboard. I’ve enjoyed learning sign language with you and Edwin, and sharing the piano with you in our cramped classroom.
Whether on your uke or a piano, a canvas or sketch pad, I hope that you continue to make art in all forms. Your path ahead may not be clear, and that’s ok. For your future endeavors, I have some advice:
1. Keep helping others. Your calm energy relaxes people. If you find yourself doubting your path, find ways to put others first. This act is always bigger than yourself.
2. Look for the beauty around you. There is a balance, and even in a world with ugliness that is headlined and highlighted, there are beautiful things. People, animals, music, landscapes. Look for these every day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and appreciate them.
3. Keep learning. Don’t settle with high school. You will succeed in higher pursuits, be it in the arts, trades, human services, or a new passion that you discover. Create goals to focus on and push yourself.
I hope to see you around, and wish you the best in your next chapter!
From yourself! There are some enjoyable parts of my high school experience, especially field trips, like seeing The Nightmare Before Christmas, stopping by IKEA on the government trip, and visiting the state capitol.
And there were some weird parts, like finding random slices of butter around the school, and one time when Cory (a previous math teacher) stepped in Kayla’s (a previous science teacher) quiet classroom and blurted out “Drugs are bad, m’kay” as we were reading about said topic and its effect on the body. I had a few laughs as the teachers started to join in on some playful banter. |
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Even though finishing school is one of my goals, my goals in life change as many do. I don’t know for sure what I want to do and I don’t think that time will come to gain that satisfaction of me accomplishing something bigger than myself. I just know that Life is a mysterious game we are all forced to live by. I try to live my day one day at a time. Wise words from Cave Johnson (a videogame character from Portal), “‘when life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade! Make life take the lemons back!’” Though some of my experience was a bit of a cloudy blur, I’m glad I made connections with a few friends and staff. I wouldn’t have made it as far without teachers and my friends (those who actually did any sort of school work) boosting me up.
Hannah Lynn Webster
From Jen: Hannah, you are a polite, kind, sweet, and soft-spoken young woman. Even though you are a fairly new student at CCHS, you have followed your goals towards graduating, which brings you to where you stand now, soon to be in cap and gown! The first week you and I spent together at CCHS, you had another classmate chop off half of your beautiful long hair. I stopped you midway through the cosmology class you had decided to create on your own. To make a short story shorter, you came back to school that week with a new hairdo. You always find a way!
During these last few months of remote learning, you and I spent much time talking on the phone, texting, and chatting in Google Meet sessions to keep in touch. We were worried you weren’t going to make it this spring, but In the last two weeks, you pushed through to get all your work done to earn your high school diploma! I admire your work and focus. It can be easy to get distracted and lose motivation, but you did it. Hearing the excitement within your voice brings joy to me, and I am sure to your proud mother. I hope you recognize the adults and people that care about you and want you to be happy and healthy in life.
Hannah: travel, work hard, read, write, and dream big! Always be kind to others and make good choices in life. You are entering a massive world with unlimited possibilities, and you can do anything you push yourself to do. Whatever you choose to do, do the best work you can. Hard work always pays off. Hannah, you are entering the adult world now. Try to not rush into adulting, but always continue learning and growing. Such a pleasure to have met you, and hope to see your sweet smile around Buena Vista this summer!
From your family: It has been an honor and privilege to watch Hannah's high school experience. She came into these years as an intelligent and sweet young lady moving from her hometown. She has enjoyed meeting some great people and having new freedoms with new responsibility and disciplines.
There have been the challenges for her that made it seem high school would never end, but Hannah has been so brave adjusting to a new place and a new life in the most difficult years. In spite of this and other losses she's experienced during this time, she's decided to continue to grow into a mature and capable woman. I'm impressed and so proud of her.
During these last few months of remote learning, you and I spent much time talking on the phone, texting, and chatting in Google Meet sessions to keep in touch. We were worried you weren’t going to make it this spring, but In the last two weeks, you pushed through to get all your work done to earn your high school diploma! I admire your work and focus. It can be easy to get distracted and lose motivation, but you did it. Hearing the excitement within your voice brings joy to me, and I am sure to your proud mother. I hope you recognize the adults and people that care about you and want you to be happy and healthy in life.
Hannah: travel, work hard, read, write, and dream big! Always be kind to others and make good choices in life. You are entering a massive world with unlimited possibilities, and you can do anything you push yourself to do. Whatever you choose to do, do the best work you can. Hard work always pays off. Hannah, you are entering the adult world now. Try to not rush into adulting, but always continue learning and growing. Such a pleasure to have met you, and hope to see your sweet smile around Buena Vista this summer!
From your family: It has been an honor and privilege to watch Hannah's high school experience. She came into these years as an intelligent and sweet young lady moving from her hometown. She has enjoyed meeting some great people and having new freedoms with new responsibility and disciplines.
There have been the challenges for her that made it seem high school would never end, but Hannah has been so brave adjusting to a new place and a new life in the most difficult years. In spite of this and other losses she's experienced during this time, she's decided to continue to grow into a mature and capable woman. I'm impressed and so proud of her.
Natalie Thayer Wooddell
From Steve: “It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half of the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen.” Greek historian Herodotus
Hey fool, you did it! When we started this crazy year together, I knew you were special. I could see during those early Discovery classes that you were going to approach things from a completely different angle than any other student I’ve encountered before. You approached school and worked with a tenacity that is unparallelled, and despite having to commute from Salida and working almost full time, you never wavered in the quality of work you turned in. It really was awesome to see you excel in the middle of moving from Salida to B.V. I could always tell that you were unwilling to accept anything but your very best from yourself, and that is an excellent quality to have.
I often relate life to the $2 bill. In American currency the $2 bill is often overlooked because it has little monetary value and isn’t widely circulated. What sets the $2 bill apart is its uniqueness. You will almost never get it back as change from a cashier, and it is even rarer to see one used in cash transactions, even though it spends the same as any other currency. If you want a $2 bill you have to ask for it. You have to seek it out, just as in life you have to seek out the things that you want. Natalie, you have sought out your education and what you wanted from life this year, and you achieved what you wanted because you were bold enough to ask for it.
The relationship we developed this year has gone from that of student-teacher to that of friends. I am as proud of your accomplishments this year as I am of my own childrens’ and I look forward with expectancy to the awesome things you’re going to do with your life!
From your family: She is planning to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango this fall to pursue a degree in Outdoor Leadership. Natalie’s ultimate goal is to become a doctor of Chinese Medicine. Natalie has received Ft. Lewis’ merit scholarship and a scholarship from the PEO Colorado State Chapter (P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization for women and exists to be a source of encouragement and support to help women realize their ultimate potential).
Hey fool, you did it! When we started this crazy year together, I knew you were special. I could see during those early Discovery classes that you were going to approach things from a completely different angle than any other student I’ve encountered before. You approached school and worked with a tenacity that is unparallelled, and despite having to commute from Salida and working almost full time, you never wavered in the quality of work you turned in. It really was awesome to see you excel in the middle of moving from Salida to B.V. I could always tell that you were unwilling to accept anything but your very best from yourself, and that is an excellent quality to have.
I often relate life to the $2 bill. In American currency the $2 bill is often overlooked because it has little monetary value and isn’t widely circulated. What sets the $2 bill apart is its uniqueness. You will almost never get it back as change from a cashier, and it is even rarer to see one used in cash transactions, even though it spends the same as any other currency. If you want a $2 bill you have to ask for it. You have to seek it out, just as in life you have to seek out the things that you want. Natalie, you have sought out your education and what you wanted from life this year, and you achieved what you wanted because you were bold enough to ask for it.
The relationship we developed this year has gone from that of student-teacher to that of friends. I am as proud of your accomplishments this year as I am of my own childrens’ and I look forward with expectancy to the awesome things you’re going to do with your life!
From your family: She is planning to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango this fall to pursue a degree in Outdoor Leadership. Natalie’s ultimate goal is to become a doctor of Chinese Medicine. Natalie has received Ft. Lewis’ merit scholarship and a scholarship from the PEO Colorado State Chapter (P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization for women and exists to be a source of encouragement and support to help women realize their ultimate potential).
Thank you to Christine Bailey, Natalie Moore, Steve Quilico, Karen Young and all of the teachers and staff at CCHS. I am so grateful for the passion you have for supporting our students as well as your patience and dedication to them.
Further thanks to Jeannine Frazee, Jim Coscarella, Fred Maxwell, Tami Thompson and the staff at Salida High School who have also loved and supported Natalie over the years. Natalie is also an incredible artist. She loves hiking with her dog, Breckin, riding horses, roller skating, meditating and nature. She is even in the process of starting her own clothing line of hand crocheted halter tops and skirts. |
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As her parents, we have always admired her courage, her gentle spirit, her beautiful smile and her laugh that can light up any room. We could not be prouder of her, her wisdom and her heart. We are celebrating her accomplishments and we are excited to see where the next steps of her journey take her.
Natalie is love and light and always has the courage to stay true to herself and forge her own path. Congratulations, Natalie! Love mom and dad.
Natalie is love and light and always has the courage to stay true to herself and forge her own path. Congratulations, Natalie! Love mom and dad.