Grad Tab 2023

Gunnison High School Gunnison High School

Seniors pose before Spring Fest 2023. Jacob Spetzler

SUNDAY, MAY 21 AT 2 P.M. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY PAUL WRIGHT GYMNASIUM

VALEDICTORIAN

AMAYLEE LOKEN

Amaylee Loken is the daughter of Lance and Abby Loken. During high school she was a competitive dancer at High Attitude Dance Academy, treasurer and secretary of NHS and sophomore class president in Student Council. She will be attending Florida International University in the fall to major in accounting and political science, with the goal of attending law school.

SALUTATORIAN MICHAEL RISER

Michael Riser is the son of Tom and Amy Riser. During high school he participated in four years of football and basketball, one year of track and baseball, and maintained a 4.10 GPA. Following graduation, Michael will attend the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg.

VALEDICTORIAN

ZOË HANNA

Zoë Hanna came to Gunnison High School in the beginning of her junior year. “Although my transition was difficult, I was able to find support within the community and will be graduating as the valedictorian.” After high school she plans to study at De Paul University in Chicago.

SENIOR CLASS ADVISOR — SHANA BENSON

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT — MIKAYLA O’CONNELL STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT — COOPER KEATING

STUDENT BODY TREASURER — MALLORY KOWAL

STUDENT BODY SECRETARY — LUKE EBBOTT

STUDENT BODY SOCIAL MEDIA LIAISON — SIENNA GOMEZ

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Margo Anderson

Margo Anderson is the daughter of Steven and Tammy Anderson. She was involved with FFA and was on the competitive cheerleading team. She won the Western Slope jumping competition her sophomore year. She is a gymnastics coach for the local rec center, and she plans to travel rodeo after graduation.

Auto Corral • 1198 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.5000

Robert Brackett

Robert (RJ) Brackett is the son of Amanda and Michael Brackett. He dominated in rock climbing and was a founding member of the library’s Teen Advisory Board. He will be attending Western Colorado University in the fall, where he will focus on Chemistry.

Home Together • hometogethervet.com • 970.975.0298

Christian Carreon

Christian Carreon is the grandchild of Christine and George Mott. Christian was on the wrestling and plans is to attend Western Colorado University and study biology, more specifically wildlife biology.

Gunnison County Abstract • 504 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.0710

Samantha Cochran

Samantha Cochran is the daughter of Andy and Stormy Cochran, sister of Karli, Catelyn and AJ. She participated in cooking programs, skiing with Adaptive Sports, choir, art, started her own dog toy company, and was crowned Homecoming Queen senior year. Her greatest accomplishment was making sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. After graduation Sam will be volunteering in our community as well as helping her family expand their business in a new direction with a focus on inclusion, and continue her mission to help people smile more.

GSO Fishing • gsofishing.com • 719.850.9789

Jackson Cowan

Jackson Cowan is the son of Ben and Grace Cowan and his step-mom Kimberly Cowan. He was involved in baseball. After graduation, Jackson will attend the University of Northern Colorado to study political science on a pre-law track. He is thankful for his teachers, for everything they have done for him.

Gunnison Bank & Trust Company

232 W Tomichi, Gunnison • 970.641.0320

Lorena Diaz

Lorena Diaz is the daughter of Marcos and Maria Diaz. She participated in volleyball and basketball all four years. She also was enrolled in the CNA program and medical assistant program. Lorena plans to attend Montana State University in pursuing her nursing degree.

Chance Bailey

Chance Joseph Bailey the son of Jeb Bailey and Wendy Stickler. He participated in baseball and was a member of the FFA. He spent most of his high school time in the workstudy program while completing his online courses. Chance will continue his concrete and heavy equipment work in the Gunnison Valley, executing his plans of owning his own business. Clarke

Logan

Breiner

Logan Breiner is the son of Andrea Breiner and Michael Turner. He participated primarily in soccer. After graduation he plans to stay in Gunnison and work for the family business, Echo Ridge Excavation.

Ashton Carroll

Ashton Carroll is the son of Andrea and Jason Carroll. He participated in football. After graduation, he is planning to attend a trade school in the fall. Way to go Ashton! You make your mom and dad so proud!

Odalis Cortes Chona

Odalis Cortes Chona is the daughter of Odilia Chona Luciano and Daniel Cortes Barrera. She was involved in LULAC club, Link Crew, basketball and participated in the art show for the Gunnison Arts Center. In the fall she will be attending Western Colorado University where she hopes to pursue a science-based career.

Christopher Klein Construction

ChristopherKleinConstruction.com • 970.641.1246

Cody D’Aquila

Cody D’Aquila is the son of Jenny and Danny D’Aquila, the youngest of five. Cody’s loves are hockey, trucks and family. After graduation, he plans to jump right into working.

Elaina Dillard

Elaina Michelle Dillard is the daughter of Michael and Cheryl Dillard. She was an accomplished three-sport athlete, playing volleyball, basketball and golf, along with managing the football team her senior year. She participated in yearbook as an editor and photographer, as well as classes at Western Colorado University. She is a proud member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins to further her education.

Lydia Boardman

Lydia Boardman is the daughter of Wendy and Seth Boardman. She participated in volleyball and track, while working for Fullmer’s Ace Hardware. Lydia completed the hair styling program through TCR and plans to finish her cosmetology license in the winter. She will be attending BYU-Pathways to gain her social media marketing license after graduation.

Abracadabra • 211 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.3693

Samantha Brown

Samantha Brown is the daughter of Elise Brown and Bobby Brown. She participated in volleyball, golf, medical assisting and 4-H. Sam plans to attend University of Colorado Colorado Springs in the fall to pursue her career in nursing.

Skilynn Clark

Skilynn Clark is planning to attend Western Colorado University after graduation. She is unsure of her major, but knows she will figure it out as she goes. Alpine Lumber • 401 W Tomichi, Gunnison • 970.641.1220

Quincy Copenhaver

Quincy Copenhaver is the daughter of Ron and Kirsten Copenhaver. She participated in yearbook and lettered all four years in volleyball. She plans on attending Western Colorado University and is excited for the future. We are grateful for your love and support throughout the years.

Jayce Davis

Jayce Davis is the son of Joshua Davis and Mary Spritzer. He competed on the FFA Livestock Judging team and has shown livestock for 10 years. After graduation, he plans to attend Northeastern Junior College to become an ag teacher.

Nicholas Ferraro is the son of James Ferraro and Trudy Orr. He was involved in 4-H, National Honor Society, golf and track. He plans to study mechanical engineering or physics at the University of Colorado Boulder

Agency • 241 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.0511

Echo Ridge Excavation • 103 W. Tomichi Ste. 201-C Gunnison • 970.306.5401

Clarke Agency • 241 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.0511

5B’s BBQ • 405 W Tomichi, Gunnison • 970.641.7360

Kaylynn Fortner

Kaylynn (KK) Fortner is an acrylic painting artist and participated in three art shows. Kaylynn plans on taking art classes at Western Colorado University and is the biggest Metallica fan.

OffCenter DeSIGNS • 115 W Georgia, Gunnison • 970.497.0679

Peyton Frias

Peyton Frias plans to attend NAU and study business and economics. He had a great opportunity to play Division III football for the University of Northern Western, but decided to take his education to Northern Arizona University. “I would like to send love and thanks to all the people who have helped me through this process as well as my football journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

• 970.641.1819

Kyler William

Patton Green

Kyler William Patton Green is the son of Chris and the late Mariah Green and Mark and Margo Patton Blair. He is the eldest brother to Kaiden, Peyson and Liam. Kyler plans to move out of state, pursue a career in stand-up comedy and ultimately become a really funny janitor.

Wyatt Howery

Wyatt Jacob Howery is the son of Jacob Howery and Christa Aslanian. He participated in basketball, soccer and golf. He also received academic all-state honorable mention and the academic excellence award. After graduation he plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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

Amelia Kaleta

Amelia Kaleta is a daughter of Sylwia Szymanska Kaleta. She was involved in art and graphic design, as well as helping with the school drama props and participated in two art shows. She will attend Western Colorado University in the fall to major in graphic design and art.

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

Tucker Klug

Tucker Klug is the son of Terry and Julie Klug. He kept busy throughout the year with fishing, skiing and shed hunting. After high school Tucker will work for cowboy steel.

Kiora Frame

Kiora Frame is the daughter of Taryn Frame and Mark Kintz. She participated in the CNA course and medical assistant class. After graduation, she plans to go to nursing school.

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

Kaitlyn Fuller

Kaitlyn Fuller is the daughter of Mike and Kim Fuller. Kaitlyn participated in volleyball four years, track three years, basketball one year and baseball manager one year. She has also been a member of the National Honor Society and is currently serving as president/vice president. In the fall she will attend Northern Arizona University for nursing, with future plans of becoming a CRNA.

Gunnison Shipping • 125 W Virginia, Gunnison • 970.641.4227

Mackenzie Hadley

Mackenzie Hadley is the daughter of Chester Hadley and Katy Hadley. Mackenzie participated in volleyball, TCR hairstyling program, managing boys basketball and Link. Mackenzie plans to attend CU Denver in the fall for nursing.

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals • 129 E Tomichi, Gunnison 970.641.4880

Katie Isham

Katie Isham is the daughter of Chris and Jessica Isham. During middle school and high school she ran cross country. In the fall she plans to attend York University on a running scholarship. She is excited to study business, make new friends and explore new adventures.

Gunnison Savings and Loan • 303 N Main, Gunnison 970.641.2171

Cooper Keating

Cooper Keating is the daughter of Tom Keating and Delaney Keating and the stepdaughter of Sara Phillips and Jeff Michalek. She served as junior class president and student body president, was a member of the National Honor Society, participated on the girls basketball team and worked as a lead barista at Mocha’s Coffeehouse. She will attend CU Boulder in the fall and is excited about this next chapter in her life and academic career.

Keating

Tara

Tara Laudick is the Daughter of Christine and Randy Laudick. Tara participated in drama club, chess club and the girls swim team. Tara has been an active member of 4-H in the dog project and as treasurer of her club. She was also selected to attend the 2022 Colorado Youth Leadership Camp sponsored by the GCEA. Tara will be attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in the fall.

Lydia Frazier

Lydia Frazier is the daughter of Scott and Jennifer Frazier. She participated in varsity track, varsity basketball and varsity volleyball. She has attended classes as Western Colorado University as well as honors classes at the high school. She will attend Western Colorado University to study political science and environmental sustainability with an emphasis in pre-law. Palisades

Cielo González

Cielo González is the grandchild of Elvia Ramos and Arturo Valenzuela. She plans to go to Western Colorado University to study graphics and design.

J Reeser Architect • 117 W Georgia, Gunnison • 970.641.4740

Logan Hoskins

Logan Hoskins is the son of David and Deborah Hoskins. He was a founding member of the legion and chess clubs and a member of the golf team. He will attend Western Colorado University in the fall and plans to become a teacher.

Gunnison Savings and Loan • 303 N Main, Gunnison 970.641.2171

Wade Patrick Johnson

Wade Patrick Johnson is the son of Jennifer and Shawn Johnson. Wade played football and baseball. He participated in 4-H, judging team and was FFA president. Wade is looking forward to pursuing trade school in the future.

Gunnison Vitamin and Health Food Store 804 N Main, Gunnison • 970.641.5928

Kaden Kula

Kaden Kula will not attend college this following year. Instead he will go to work. Kaden looks forward to pursuing trade school in the near future.

GL Computer Service • 123 W Tomichi Ste. 2, Gunnison 970.641.4051

Jilverto M

My nombre es Jilverto M. Con 18 años, nacido en México agosto 25 del 2004 con una gusti bueno y me gusta el fútbol.

Western Lumber • 601 W HWY 50, Gunnison

The Dive • 213 W Tomichi, Gunnison • 970.641.1375

Austin Mangum

Austin Mangum loves skiing, art and photography. Austin stayed busy in the gym for the past couple of years. Austin wants to travel the nation and explore new places, while continuing to ski and photograph everything on the way.

Cael Medina

Cael is the son of Patrick and Marnie Medina. He participated in track and hockey. He will attend Western Colorado University in the fall and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Levy Ocampo

Levy Ocampo is the daughter of Josefina Ornelas and Cesar Ocampo. Levy was a wrestling manager and plans to attend Western Colorado University with a major of computer science and a minor of art.

Jaime Perez-Rosa

Jaime Perez-Rosa is the son of Jaime and Lourdes Perez. Jaime found a home in music and trumpetplaying and decided to pursue it. He has been in seven honor bands including All State Band. He plays with the high school band and Western’s symphonic band. He will attend Western Colorado University to pursue music education.

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals • 129 E Tomichi, Gunnison 970.641.4880

Stefan Romero

Stefen Romero is the son of Chris and Fawn Romero. Stefen excelled in the APEX online program since his sophomore year. He found his passion for fitness and motorcycles. If he is not working, you will find him at the gym or cruising on his motorcycle. Following graduation Stefen plans to continue to work in the excavating business until he finds his next new adventure.

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Wilder Stark

Wilder Stark is the daughter of Stacy Rae. Her favorite part of high school was doing art every single year and plans on going to Colorado State University in the fall to study business and art.

Katelin McLain

Katelin Elane McLain is the daughter of Justin and Merideth McLain. She participated in basketball her freshman year and the CNA program. She plans to continue the CNA profession while working on her family’s ranch and exploring her options.

Apogee Real Estate - Meredith McLain mmmclain77@gmail.com • 970.641.8844

Elle Morrison

Elle is the daughter of Daren and Leia Morrison. She was born and raised in Gunnison and was involved in volleyball, diving and track. She will attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. She will major in biology on a pre-med track with a minor in business. She is thankful for the support of her family, friends, teachers and coaches. Morrison

Mikayla O’Connell

Mikayla O’Connell is the daughter of Tiffany and Joe O’Connell. She participated in cross country and swimming. She was also a member of Student Council and Yearbook. Next year she will attend Colorado Mesa University to study elementary education. Tango

Jonathan

Jonathan is the son of Josh and Amanda Pierce. He was president of the National Honor Society as well as a three-sport athlete lettering and attending state competitions in cross country, climbing and track. He also earned his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. He has attained his private pilot license this year and plans to attend Ignite Flight Academy in Nebraska to become licensed as a commercial pilot and flight instructor.

Gunnison

Tucker Schaffer

Tucker Schaffer is the son of Gary and Margaret. He was involved with FFA his junior and senior year of high school. He works for the Allen Ranch and plans to continue after graduation. Firebrand

Ella Stewart

Ella Stewart is the daughter of Stephen and Melisa Stewart. She played volleyball and most recently managed the boys baseball team. She participated in the dual credit program at Western Colorado University and took AP classes. Ella has committed to attend Colorado State University in the fall to study environmental horticulture.

Kade McWilliams

Kade McWilliams is the son of Rob and Catina McWilliams. He participated in 4-H and played hockey. He spent a lot of time hunting and fishing. He has also spent a lot of time learning to play the guitar. He has enlisted in the U.S. Army and will leave for basic training after graduation.

Iliana (Blue) Noble

Iliana (Blue) Noble spent their high school career doing a large assortment of activities. They have spent time on stage for the theater club and for the three choirs they performed in all four years of high school. Blue also played golf for the duration of their time in high school. Once they graduate, Blue plans on going to Western Colorado University.

Naomi Perez is the daughter of Laura and Jorge Perez. She participated in volleyball and the medical assisting program. She has plans to attend CMU in the fall for baking and pastry.

Rylan Richter

For the next two years, Rylan will go on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Trent Schodorf

of Lisa

Trent plans to pursue his passion for professional golf ball diving and writing fortune cookies.

Lane Stickler son of Art and Judy Stickler. He is the brother of Coutney, Brant and Blake. He was in FFA all four years and involved in 4-H for 9 years. Lane is a junior this year but is graduating a whole year early. He has no major plans right now, just to continue working construction in the Gunnison Valley.

John Roberts Motorworks • 212 W HWY 50, Gunnison 970.471.7389

Gunnison Bank & Trust Company • 232 W Tomichi, Gunnison 970.641.0320

Anejo Bistro & Bar • 107 S Main, Gunnison • 970.641.1427

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals • 129 E Tomichi, Gunnison 970.641.4880

Pierce

Laurie Stonecypher participated in volleyball and was president of the legion club and president of the chess club. Laurie will take a gap year before going to a technical school.

Omar Medina Valles

Omar Medina Valles is the son of Amalia Valles. After graduation he plans on entering the workforce.

Ty

Ty Taramarcaz is the son of Mathew and Sarah Taramarcaz. He participated in varsity football, baseball and FFA livestock judging. He will attend a junior college to compete on the livestock judging team while pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine.

Adamary Vitinio

Adamary Vitinio is the daughter of Pedro Vitinio and Gabriela Burgos. She was on the basketball team as well as a member of National Honor Society. She participated in CNA and medical assisting, which are the two medical programs the school has to offer. Next year Adamary plans to attend Colorado Mesa University to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse.

Denali Wilkinson

Denali Wilkinson is the daughter of Jake and Sarah Wilkinson. She enjoyed working at City Market and was thankful for the privilege to work at Eagle Ridge Ranch. She plans to work and travel.

Justus Williams

Justus Williams is the son of Eric and Kathy Williams. He was a threesport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball and enjoyed lifting weights in Zero Hour each day. Justus plans to attend Minot State University in North Dakota where he will pursue a degree in exercise and sports science, as well as continuing his football career.

Diana Medina Valles is the daughter of Amalia Valles. She plans to take a gap year then go back to school to pursue a career in fine arts.

Trinity White

Trinity White has been a resident of Gunnison since pre-k. Trinity’s favorite subject is science and enjoyed taking many science classes. She plans to attend Western Colorado University and major in organic chemistry and minor in film education or sociology.

Brayden Wilson

Brayden is the son of Chris Wilson and Vina Wilson. He enjoyed participating in art through his time in high school, along with socializing with friends. Brayden plans to take a year off to work and will attend Western Colorado University the following year for business.

Laurie Stonecypher

Kooler Homes • 811 N Main, Gunnison • 970.596.3696

Nesbitt and Company • 104 E Tomichi, Gunnison • 970.641.2235

RE/MAX Community Brokers • 131 N Main, Gunnison 970.641.1188

Taramarcaz

Gunnison Savings and Loan • 303 N Main, Gunnison 970.641.2171

A FACE OF GHS

Kaitlyn Fuller

Peyton Frias

BEST DRESSED

Elle Morrison

Mackenzie Hadley

Quincy Copenhaver

CLASS CLOWN

Kaden Kula

Tucker Klu

Superlatives

MOST ATHLETIC

Justus Williams

Michael Riser

MOST LIKELY TO BE PRESIDENT

Jonathan Pierce

Amaylee Loken

MOST CHANGED SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR

Ashton Carroll

Iliana ‘Blue’ Noble

MOST LIKELY TO BE FAMOUS

Jayce Davis

Margo Anderson

MOST LIKELY TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

Jaime Perez-Rosa

Jackson Cowan

Congratulations All Gunnison High School Students

Class of 2023

Many of you will leave. Some of you will stay. Please know that Gunnison will always be your hometown. We are proud of you. We congratulate you.

We wish you all the best as you pursue the next chapter in your lives.

MOST LIKELY TO BE LATE TO GRADUATION

Omar Bernabe

Tucker Schaffer

MOST LIKELY TO CHEER YOU UP

Samantha Cochran

Lorena Diaz

Jacob Spetzler and Abby Harrison