June 9, 2016
FAMILY TIME
VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 19 | 75¢
Longer work weeks make spending time with loved ones a challenge. PAGE 10
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Kiowa High sends 16 seniors into world Class Valedictorian Madi Zielinski counts down the turning of the tassels. Zielinski earned a 3.978 grade-point average and will be attending the University of Northern Colorado in the fall. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Future plans include further schooling, military service By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media When Superintendent Jason Westfall made his opening remarks to the graduating seniors at Kiowa High School’s graduation on May 29, he began by honoring service members and veterans before passing on a little advice. “First, the future belongs to the few who are still willing to get their hands dirty,” he said and then lightened the moment with what had to be the groaner of the school year. “When you are stressed out, eat ice cream, chocolate, and sweets. Do you know why? The word `stressed’ spelt backward is `desserts.’” With the stress of exams finished and the
challenges of senior year over, the Class of 2016 might want to take Westfall’s “semordnilap” seriously, and savor the sweetness of their achievements before taking on the world. This year’s 16 graduating seniors earned around $75,000 in scholarship money, and many plan to continue their education at university, junior college or technical school. Valedictorian Madison Zielinski plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado to study either social work or special education. “I like the kids,” she said. “I want to help them find their way out of bad families.” Zielinski earned a grade point average of 3.978 and was awarded more than $12,000 in scholarships, and Principal Amy Smith praised her accomplishments. Seniors continues on Page 9
Youngsters get involved as volunteers Expanding role of youths helps Stampede run smoothly By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media It takes the commitment of volunteers to stage the Elizabeth Stampede and Rodeo each year. Included in the count of about 250 people who dedicate their time to work the rodeo are 35 youths, many of whom volunteer year round. “We’ve had youth volunteers for a number of years,” said Lea Anne Russell, Stampede community relations. “They’d follow their parents, their big brothers, sisters into this great Youth continues on Page 12
Bull rider Andy Coughlin of De Smet, South Dakota, rides One Night Stand. Coughlin was one of 50 riders scheduled to compete in Xtreme Bulls competition the night of June 3. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Stampede rolls through Country concert kicks off big weekend in Elizabeth By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media The Memorial Day holiday may be the unofficial start to summer, but a stampede helps to draw the big crowds. The 52nd annual Elizabeth Stampede and Rodeo struck on June 2 with a Tracy
Lawrence concert at Casey Jones Park. Charlie Burd, who has been a volunteer with the Ski-Hi Stampede Committee in Monte Vista for 40 years, worked as an adviser to the Elizabeth Stampede on the concert. He said that although the concert did not sell out, it was a success, especially for a first year. Lawrence primed the rodeo crowd for the three days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos beginning the evening of June 3 with Xtreme
Bull Riding, where 50 PRCA cowboys attempted eight seconds of mastery on bulls with names like Gator Face and Rough N Tumble. For those who didn’t get enough rodeo on that Friday evening, the Stampede offered three full rodeo performances over the weekend, the Family Day Rodeo and a Colorado Rodeo Legend performance on June 4, Stampede continues on Page 12
Youth volunteers Taylor Swisher and Thiessen Burch serve guests in the Elizabeth Stampede hospitality tent. At the age of 12, Swisher approached the Stampede’s board with the idea of expanding the role of youth volunteers. Photo by Rick Gustafson
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