Grad Tab 2024

2024 Graduating Class

Inside: • 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian • Senior photos and bios • Superlatives • Class officers • Class motto, song and more!

(Courtesy Shana Benson/Gunnison High School)

2 • GRAD TAB • Thursday, May 16, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Commencement 2024

SUNDAY, MAY 19 AT 2 P.M. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY PAUL WRIGHT GYMNASIUM VALEDICTORIAN

SPENCER HAYS Spencer Hays is the son of Sally and Shan Hays and the brother of Alex and Joslyn Hays. In high school, he participated in several activities but spent most of his time running cross country and track, as well as boy scouts, Science Olympiad and 4-H. Spencer plans to be a thirdgeneration Buff, studying finance and/or economics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

SENIOR CLASS ADVISOR SHANA BENSON

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT LUKE EBBOTT

STUDENT BODY CO-PRESIDENTS ALEX ENGEL

The River’s Edge Studio • 100 Industrial Park Rd. • 970.596.4464

SALUTATORIAN

JULIAN RYTER Julian Ryter is the son of Anne and Jarral Ryter.

He was involved in cross country, track, National Honor Society, climbing and Science Olympiad.

He plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines this fall.

ALLIE SCHWARTZ

STUDENT BODY TREASURER UDEV VIJAY

STUDENT BODY SECRETARY JOSEPHINE WISHARD

STUDENT BODY SOCIAL MEDIA LIAISON DAKOTA SAHAGUN

The River’s Edge Studio • 100 Industrial Park Rd. • 970.596.4464

CLASS SONG

COLOR

FLOWER

MOTTO

“DREAMS” FLEETWOOD MAC

COBALT BLUE AND LAVENDER

LILY OF THE VALLEY

“YOU’RE NEVER GETTING THIS TIME BACK, SO LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH NO REGRETS.”

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Gunnison Country Times

Alvaro Aparicio Alvaro Aparicio is the son of Maria Apricio. He participated in soccer and basketball. After graduation, he plans to go to Western Welding Academy in Wyoming.

Appraisal Group of Western Colorado • 108 W. Tomichi A

Angelo I. Banuelos Angelo I. Banuelos is the son of Ma. Esperanza Trigueros and the oldest of four. He participated in football and also basketball for a little while. After graduation, he plans to study electrical construction and work at places that apply to this career.

OffCenter Designs • 115 W. Georgia Ave. • 970.497.0679

Hayley Coffman Hayley Coffman is the daughter of Kyndall and Dave Coffman. She participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a football manager this past season. Her plans for next year are to go to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas and be a football manager there.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 500 E. Tomichi Ave. 970.641.1501

Adrianna Leigh Dillard

Gael Benicio Ayala Gael Benicio Ayala is the son of Fabrianna and Franklin Ayala, brother to Lorena and our dog, Rafa.

He participated in basketball and played on the varsity soccer team for three years. After graduation, he is off to boot camp for the U.S. Air Force. We all love you so much and look forward to all the things you will accomplish in your life.

Hayden Nichole Baker is the daughter of Wade and NIchole Baker. She is also the sister of Jackson and Ian Baker. During high school, Hayden enjoyed art, writing and National Honor Society. Hayden can always be found drawing, painting or reading a book. She will be attending Western Colorado University to major in art and creative writing. We can’t wait to see what stories Hayden brings to life in the future. Good luck, Hayden!

Sweetgrass Bookkeeping • 1103 N. Pine St. Unit A

Christopher Klein Construction 487 Blackfoot Trail • 970.641.1246

Mia Bruggeman

Ania Bryniarski

Mia Bruggeman is the daughter of Chris Bruggeman and Deborah Saunders. She participated in fine arts classes such as art, woodshop and theater.

She obtained her CNA and medical assistant licenses during her junior and senior years. Mia plans to attend Colorado Mesa University this fall for nursing.

Ania Bryniarski is the daughter of Jan and Teresa Bryniarski. She participated in volleyball all four years of high school and was the captain of her team. She plans to attend a four year university and is excited for what the future has to offer.

Western Lumber • 601 W. U.S. Hwy. 50 • 970.641.1819

Nesbitt & Company • 104 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.2235

Trey Dial Trey Dial is the son of Mandy Dial and the grandson of Dennis and Janice Dial. Trey loves art, music, games and movies. Trey can’t wait to get a sweet job driving at the golf course this summer.

GL Computer Services • 123 W. Tomichi Ave. #2 • 970.641.4051

Rowen James Downum

Adrianna Leigh Dillard is the daughter of Michael and Cheryl Dillard, and sister of Miranda and Elaina.

At GHS, she played and managed volleyball and participated in the SLC and yearbook as an editor and photographer. She lettered in academics all four years and attended classes at Western while working at Mochas. She will attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Rowen James Downum is the son of Greg and Kelly Downum and big brother to Finley and Campbell.

Rowen participated in soccer and mountain biking, lettered all four years in cross country and track, and competed in big mountain freeride skiing on the Mountain Sports Team in Crested Butte. Rowen will be studying mechanical engineering at Montana State University or the UC Boulder.

Appraisal Group of Western Colorado 108 W. Tomichi Ave. C 970.641.5748

The River’s Edge Studio • 100 Industrial Park Rd. • 970.596.4464

Karma Freeman Karma Freeman is the daughter of Sonny and Sheila Freeman. In high school, she participated in choir, drama, Science Olympiad and National Honor Society. Karma will be attending Hamilton College in Clinton, New York this fall on a pre-law track.

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals 129 E. Tomichi Ave. #2325 • 970.641.48

Adelene Frymoyer Adelene Frymoyer is the daughter of Lynna and JP Frymoyer. She was involved in volleyball and National Honor Society.

She plans to study architecture at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The River’s Edge Studio • 100 Industrial Park Rd. • 970.596.4464

Preston Gomez

Taylor Grosse

Preston Gomez participated in football and wrestling durning high school.

He plans on attending college and is still deciding the best fit for him.

Congratulations Preston and we can’t wait to see

Taylor Grosse is the daughter of Jason and Misty Grosse. She is a junior youth leader for Community Church, helped start the Gunnison High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and participated in 4-H and softball. Taylor will be attending Western Colorado University this fall and majoring in biology. Her professional goal is to become a veterinarian.

what you’ll accomplish.

Gunnison County Abstract Company 504 N. Main St. • 970.641.0710

Hayden Nichole Baker

Gunnison County Abstract Company 504 N. Main St. • 970.641.0710

Meredith Diamond Meredith Diamond is the daughter of Brandon and Jennifer Diamond.

She was a member of the National Honor Society, completed three semesters of concurrent enrollment at Western and volunteered in the community. Meredith plans to attend the UC Boulder, to major in environmental studies with a minor in political science. She aims to pursue a career in environmental law.

Abracadabra • 211 N. Main St. • 970.641.3693

Alex Engel Alex Engel is the daughter of Jeff and Kristin Engel. Alex was involved in the Student Leadership Council and worked most days outside of school at Mochas. Alex will be continuing her education at Creighton University, studying business administration.

City of Gunnison • 201 W. Virginia Ave. • 970.641.8080

Alonso Garcia Alonso Garcia is the nephew of Fernando Santos and Africa Garcia.

He participated primarily in soccer. He plans to work for half a year and then complete his goal of joining the U.S. Army.

GreatLand Log Homes • 65 Chekwa Trail • 888-641-0496

George Haddaway George Haddaway is the son of Shannon and James Haddaway. He is an avid angler and adventurer with many passions, including photography, mountain biking, scuba diving, traveling, skiing, reading and playing guitar. He will attend the University of Colorado Boulder after a summer spent traveling to as many places as possible.

Christopher Klein Construction 487 Blackfoot Trail • 970.641.1246

4 • GRAD TAB • Thursday, May 16, 2024

Miles Harris

Gunnison Country Times

Izabella Hartzell

Miles Harris, a 6thgeneration Gunni kid and outdoor enthusiast, spent his youth horseback riding, hunting, fishing, ranching, skiing and hiking. He participated in Gunnison High School cross country, football and wrestling. Miles will be attending Western Colorado University, where he plans to wrestle for the Mountaineers while studying business and environmental sciences.

Izabella Hartzell is the daughter of Angel and Jothi Hartzell. She participated in cross country, rock climbing and track, and went to state for each.

She was involved in yearbook as editor in charge and events editor. She also managed boys basketball her senior year. Izabella will attend CSU to study health and exercise science with a focus in sports medicine. We are so proud of you!

Gunnison County Abstract Company 504 N. Main St. • 970.641.0710

The Clarke Agency • 241 N. Main St. • 970.641.0511

Teara-Rose Irby Teara-Rose Irby is the daughter of Jackson and Cody Irby. She was involved with FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and was on the competitive cheerleading team. She was the FFA vice-president and on the horse judging team. She has also spent the past ten years showing animals at Cattlemen’s Days. After graduation, she plans to attend Technical College of the Rockies for their cosmetology program.

Nesbitt & Company • 104 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.2235

Mallory Kowal

Kailyn Japuntich Kailyn Japuntich is the daughter of Russell and Rachel Japuntich. She participated in mountain biking, diving and yearbook.

She was also a member of the National Honor Society. Kailyn plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado in the fall as a member of their swim and dive team and will pursue a career in nursing.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 500 E. Tomichi Ave. 970.641.1501

Ben Lapello

Mallory Kowal is the daughter of Emily and Eric Kowal and sister to Rose Kowal. In high school, she participated on the softball team for four years and was part of the Student Leadership Council for three years. In the fall, she is going to attend Northern Arizona University and major in finance with hopes of a career in real estate and property management.

Ben Lapello is the son of Susie and Kevin Lapello.

He participated on the climbing team and earned the most improved award.

Ben played West Elk Lacrosse, ran cross country, played basketball, soccer, mountain biked, skied and enjoys camping and playing computer games with friends. He is also a fisherman, plays pickleball and disc golf. After graduation, Ben plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Gunnison Savings & Loan • 303 N. Main St. • 970.641.2171

Gunnison Bank & Trust • 232 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.0320

Tyler McNamara

Aspen McNulty

Tyler McNamara is the son of Kevin and Kym McNamara and brother to Thomas. Tyler enjoys skateboarding, hot rods and dirt biking. After graduation, he plans on working and aimlessly drifting, waiting for

Aspen McNulty is the daughter of Ivy and Seth McNulty. She is a member of the High School Rodeo Association, where she competes in team roping.

She also competed on the FFA horse judging team and has shown livestock and horses in 4-H for ten years.

inspiration to strike.

OffCenter Designs • 115 W. Georgia Ave. • 970.497.0679

Angel Morales

Western Lumber • 601 W. U.S. Hwy. 50 • 970.641.1819

Justine Mowery

Stephanie Harvey Stephanie Harvey is the daughter of Shawn and Angelyn Harvey.

She is the third of seven children. During high school, she participated in band, drama, basketball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, SkillsUSA, and golf. In the fall, she will be attending Brigham Young University in Idaho to study marriage and family sciences!

Mario’s Pizza & Pasta • 213 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1374

Riley King Riley King, the son of Mike and Gretchen King, chose to attend high school unconventionally by taking courses at Western Colorado University beginning his sophomore year.

He was also employed at Western’s IT Services through the work-study program and managed many of his courses online. Riley plans to attend Colorado State University to pursue a degree in computer science.

Gunnison Country Shopper 218 N. Wisconsin St. • 970.641.1414

Rigoberto Lincer Estrada Rigoberto Lincer Estrada is the proud son of Rigoberto Lincer and Eva Estrada. He participated on both the GHS football and baseball teams. After high school his dream is to be an electrician and a veterinary doctor.

John Roberts Motor Works 300 S. 14th St. • 888.292.9915

Darien Medina Ortega Darien Medina Ortega is the son of Brenda Ortega and Hector Beltran. He participated in two seasons of high school soccer. After graduating, he plans on going to Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs to study architecture. He will come back to stay in Gunnison and work in the family company, Sculpture Stone Masonry and Landscaping.

Appraisal Group of Western Colorado 108 W. Tomichi Ave. C • 970.641.5748

Ryann Marie Nordberg

Angel Morales is the son of Leonarda Morales. He participated in four years of soccer and one year of wrestling at GHS. He will stay in Gunnison for a few years to work and save money by working at a concrete company. Also, something that Angel really likes is eating tacos with a cold Coca Cola on the side. Angel wants to thank Mrs. Drendel for helping him to achieve many of his goals and become a GHS graduate.

Justine Mowery is the daughter of Paul and Kathleen Mowery.

Following graduation, she plans to attend Western Colorado University with hopes of participating in their foreign exchange program. She will be studying political science on a pre-law track with hopes of attending law school to become an ag/water lawyer.

Ryann Marie Nordberg is the daughter of Scott and Mary Nordberg.

Throughout high school, she was involved in volleyball, National Honor Society and served as FFA president. Ryann will be attending Montana State University to study agricultural education.

Gunnison Bank & Trust • 232 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.0320

Nesbitt & Company • 104 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.2235

Berfield’s Stage Stop • 519 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.5782

Israel Oltehua

Noah Pederson

Israel Oltehua is the son of Armando Oltehua and Paola Tapia. He participated in football his 9th and 10th grade years of high school. After graduation, he is planning to join the U.S. Army to pursue his

Noah Pederson is a driven, self-study student interested in fitness, finance and real estate. He has an entrepreneurial streak that he aims to employ in some or all of these areas. He will move to the Colorado Springs area to pursue those dreams. His parents, Boyd and Sharalee Pederson, are proud of Noah’s growth at Gunnison High School and are excited for his future prospects.

dream of becoming a pilot.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 500 E. Tomichi Ave. 970.641.1501

Summit Global Investments 100 E. Gothic Ave. • 970.641.6900

Julian Perea Julian Perea is the son of Kimberley and Ben Cowan of Gunnison and Arturo Perea of Jackson, Mississippi. While attending high school, he has also worked at Garlic Mike’s for three years and will attend the Augustus Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado in the fall.

Garlic Mike’s • 2674 CO 135 • 970.641.2493

Thursday, May 16, 2024 • GRAD TAB • 5

Gunnison Country Times

Jack Pierson

Brooke Rickert

Jack Pierson is the son of Gary and Shelly Pierson.

His passion was playing varsity lacrosse and being a lead scorer for the Crested Butte High School team.

Jack is also a four-year art student. He plans to attend CSU in the honors program. He is interested in construction management, landscape architecture or interior design, along with playing for the CSU lacrosse team.

Brooke Rickert is the daughter of Jesse and Holly Rickert and sister of Bria Rickert. She lettered in softball all four years ando volunteered each summer for the kids recreation softball program. She spent her winters skiing and her summers hiking and mountain biking. Brooke will be attending Utah State University in the fall to pursue a career in aviation technology as a fixed-wing professional pilot.

OffCenter Designs • 115 W. Georgia Ave. • 970.497.0679

Mario’s Pizza & Pasta • 213 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1374

Jonathan Robinson Jonathan Robinson is the son (grand) of Keith and Robyn Robinson. He was involved in Science Olympiad, rock climbing, show choir and several plays. His senior year, he joined the navy warrior program which helped to prepare him for starting his navy career at Great Lakes Naval Station, the first step in military medicine.

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals 129 E. Tomichi Ave. #2325 • 970.641.4880

Aden Smejkal Aden Smejkal is the son of Branden and Cheryl Smejkal. Aden has participated in band since middle school and has participated in the Western Slope Select Band the past two years. In the fall, he plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study psychology.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 500 E. Tomichi Ave. 970.641.1501

Carly Tunkey

Dakota Sahagun

Grace Ricks Grace Ricks is the daughter of Joe and Angela Ricks. She participated in softball, drama and Fellowship of Christian Athletes while in high school. After high school, Grace plans on pursuing ministry by participating in a 10-month mission program.

Gunnison County Abstract Company 504 N. Main St. • 970.641.0710

Allie Schwartz

Dakota Sahagun is the daughter of Alliy and Jared Sahagun and the beloved big sister of Rylan and Marlowe. Dakota participated in volleyball, cheer, student leadership, church youth leadership and was on the Gunnison Youth City Council. She will attend Northern Arizona University to study visual communications with an emphasis in graphic design and photography, to be a traveling blogger and photojournalist.

Allie Schwartz is the daughter of Matt and Amy Schwartz. She was highly involved in student council, National Honor Society, mountain bike team, Wolverine hockey and golf. This fall, she will be attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington to major in urban sustainability.

Nesbitt & Company • 104 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.2235

Family Vision Center • 302 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.2422

Bailey Sage Speer

Clara Trezise

Bailey Sage Speer is the daughter of Wendy Kane and Robert Speer. She was involved with FFA and participated in softball. She won a bronze medal for FFA judging and was the most improved player in her sophomore year for softball.

Bailey has great talent as an artist and plans to attend Fort Lewis College in the fall, where she will major in graphic design and minor in business.

GL Computer Services • 123 W. Tomichi Ave. #2 • 970.641.4051

Royce Uhrig

Clara Trezise is the daughter of Heather and Art Trezise. She was involved with volleyball, Bell-Voix Choir, and the National Honor Society throughout her high school career. She isn’t sure what she wants to major in yet but she plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall to further her education.

OffCenter Designs • 115 W. Georgia Ave. • 970.497.0679

Udev Vijay

Carly Tunkey is the daughter of Annie and Eric Tunkey. Carly was a member of the Student Leadership Council and a dancer at the Crested Butte School of Dance.

After graduation, Carly will attend Colorado State University and plans to pursue a degree in psychology with a minor in equine therapy.

Royce Anthony Uhrig is the son of Maria and Dave Uhrig. His sisters are Romie and Roxie Uhrig. He loved playing high school sports and in football was defensive player of the year and Western Slope League player of the year. In wrestling, he was a threetime Colorado state champion and last year was the 3A outstanding wrestler. He plans to attend Adams State University to wrestle and major in business.

Udev Vijay is the son of Jayna and Hanish “AJ” Mani.

He was involved in speech and debate, NHS, link crew, student leadership, GHS TV and drama club. He was marching band drum major, president of the Legion Club and ranked in the Science Olympiad. He volunteered at the Food Pantry and worked on his pilot’s license. Udev will attend Colorado School of Mines for mechanical engineering with an aerospace track.

Appraisal Group of Western Colorado 108 W. Tomichi Ave. C • 970.641.5748

Gunnison County Abstract Company 504 N. Main St. • 970.641.0710

Gunnison Country Food Pantry • 114 S. 14th St. • 970-641-4156

Hunter Vincent Hunter is the son of Camron and Jeni Vincent.

During high school, Hunter played football, basketball, baseball and wrestled. After graduation he plans to stay in Gunnison and work in the construction field.

The Law Office of Thomas M. Riser 103 W. Tomichi Ave. #B • 970.642.4111

Kevin Elias Wolfe Kevin and Christa “Sunny” Wolfe are incredibly proud to be the parents of Kevin Elias Wolfe. He is a passionate skier, who earned his Avalanche 1 certification.

Kevin loves to dance and attend live music shows. Willing to turn a wrench on his car or help a peer with theirs, Kevin has found his way forward in the automotive industry and plans to attend trade school to pursue a career doing exactly that.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 500 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1501

Lily Wild Lily Wild is the daughter of Jason and Heather Wild.

Throughout high school, she participated in link crew, volleyball, basketball, track and field, softball and also managed the baseball team. After high school, Lily will be attending Hastings College to play volleyball and pursue a degree in exercise science with a pre-chiropractic track.

Wild Roach, Inc. • 322 N. Wisconsin St. • 970.641.3594

Delaney Young Delaney Young is the daughter of Jason and Erin Young and sister to McKenna Young. She has spent her high school career working on her passions in art, theater and Science Olympiad. After graduation, she hopes to spend some time exploring the world and finding her place in the art community.

Christopher Klein Construction 487 Blackfoot Trail • 970.641.1246

Josephine Wishard Josephine Wishard is the daughter of Lisa and the late Jacob Wishard. She competed in mountain biking, climbing and track and field. She also participated in Science Olympiad and Student Leadership Council. Josephine plans to attend Western Colorado University to study environment and sustainability in the accelerated masters in ecology program, with a minor in the arts.

Auto Corral • 1198 N. Main St. • 970-641-5000

6 • GRAD TAB • Thursday, May 16, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

OTHER GRADUATES Carlos Alvarez Vitinio Ashley Ballester Victoria Boden-Giraldo Novell Capps Abigail Cattles Dawson Dalleck Harrison Daniel Alexia Dela Cruz Serrano Nevada Duke Jessica Dusbabek Luke Ebbott Emily Esquibel

Evan Gallowich Jesus Garcia Gonzalez Adrian Hernandez Miguel Hernndez Davalos Johann Hernandez Sabino Henry Hubbard Sarah Jackson Raiden Janelle Gifford Jauregui Kade Jones Brandi Martinez Greisy Martinez Davalos

Trey Mears MoMo Moore Sabrina Nazarova Brian Perez Olmedo Hadyn Perkins Isis Rhodes Gustavo Serrano Bernabe Reilly Seward Selenda Valentin-Serrano Megan Van der Veer Dylan Wheeler Stacey Zeferino Angel

Superlatives!

A FACE OF GHS Jack Pierson Ania Bryniarski CLASS CLOWN Gifford Jauregui Dawson Dalleck

WORST CASE OF SENIORITIS

MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A PRO ATHLETE

MOST LIKELY TO BE FAMOUS

Tyler McNamara Clara Trezise

Royce Uhrig Hunter Vincent

MOST LIKELY TO BE PRESIDENT

MOST LIKELY TO GO BROKE AT STARBUCKS

Adelene Frymoyer Rowen Downum George Haddaway

Karma Freeman Jonathan Robinson

Luke Ebbott Carly Tunkey

(Courtesy Shana Benson/Gunnison High School)

Thursday, May 16, 2024 • GRAD TAB • 7

Gunnison Country Times

“You’re never getting this time back, so live your life with no regrets.”

Gunnison High School Class Motto 2024

CONGRATS GUNNISON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024!

Best wishes on your future endeavors and adventures!

Thank you students, teachers and families for another great school year.

8 • GRAD TAB • Thursday, May 16, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Congratulations Graduates!

We look forward to covering what comes next in your life story.