CHS GRADS

e school honored valedictorian Madeline Potter and salutatorian Zachary McCarthy, plus those going into the military, completing the 200 Club Community Service, completing an associate’s degree along with graduating, di erent national honor society members, getting the Seal of Biliteracy, a STEM diploma and more.

Conifer graduates Bryce Merrill, Madeline Potter and Grace Hancock sang the class song “Country Roads” by John Denver. Others said mem- bers of the class of 2023 would burst out singing that song at random times during school.

Principal Greg Manier told the graduates they challenged him, inspired him and impressed him with their character and resilience, particularly as the graduates had to shake o the pandemic.

“You pushed back against the wave of isolation to become one of the closest and innovative classes that Conifer has ever seen,” he told the graduates.

History teacher Jackalyn Barnes, who gave the keynote address, reminded the graduates of how unique each one was with di erent strengths and weakness, which will send them in di erent directions after graduation.

“You reminded me that showing up is 90 percent of the battle,” Barnes said. “If you show up to school, work, events, relationships and friendships, your life will be happy from all the little moments. Showing up … means a lot to others. Go forward and show up.”

Senior speaker Mia Constantino encouraged her fellow graduates to keep a sense of wonder as they went out in the world, also quoting the movie “High School Musical” that members of the class were “all in this together.”

Salutatorian McCarthy added that the future was de ned by expecta- tions set in the present of the careers they will nd and the people they become, while Valedictorian Potter emphasized the importance of thanking those who have stood behind them — parents, family members, friends, teachers and other adults.

Community Superintendent Wes Paxton, CHS’ former principal, told the graduates he remembered the day they entered the school as graduates, and their experiences over four years help mold them into the young adults they are today.

“Over the past four years,” Paxton said, “you have learned the true meaning of what it takes to become a Lobo.”

Evergreen players celebrate a goal coming out of the nearly 2-hour lightning delay during the Class 4A girls lacrosse state semifinal game against Mead on May 17 in Englewood. The Cougars had their season come to an end with a 13-12 loss.

LAX

FROM for three minutes. e last two years helped us be prepared for this.”

Castle View jumped out to an earlier 5-1 lead in the rst 15 minutes of the opening half. e Sabercats (171) never trailed, but the Rams rallied pouring in three goals in the nal 10 minutes.

Freedman, who nished with four goals on the night, put one into the back of the net with 1:01 left to tie the game at 9-9.

“ ey put everything on the eld today,” Green Mountain coach Gia Lombardi said. “I’m so proud of them. Especially how we started this season. Making to semi nals with a 16-player team. I’m so proud of them.” e Rams had their Cinderella story run to the 4A state title last year, also as the No. 5 seed. Green Mountain defeated the No. 4, No. 1 and No. 2 on its way to its rst girls lacrosse state title.

Castle View also has some rich state history. e Sabercats were the state runner-up in 2021 as the No. 10 seed and advanced to the semi nals last season.

“We have been talking about that all season,” Silverman said of the Sabercats’ run to the title game in 2021. “It is very di erent being that No. 1 seed. We have kind of let that go and just played our game.”

Tanella had a team-high four goals and junior Tessa Boehm added a trio of goals for the Sabercats. Senior Riley Schultz had a pair of goals and senior goalie Gabby Goodwin made a huge save with 13:30 left in the second half that kept Castle View in the lead.

“We are such a better team now and it is really just mental,” Tanella said. “Last year we were so far in our heads and almost against each other. is year we are all a team. We work well together and we are a family. is is a true team.”