MMCYA winners Dillon, Gerhardus and Johnson
Bright futures
Three seniors at Gilpin County School have been awarded the 2009 Metropolitan Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards. The awards are given annually to youth who have overcome more than the usual adversities of growing up, and who have used their talents and time to contribute to their communities. The award includes opportunities for scholarships toward continuing education. All three have higher education plans.
Jeremy Dillon is headed for Western Colorado Community College in Grand Junction with plans to transfer to Mesa State College after that. Dillon’s interests are in culinary arts and criminal justice.
David Gerhardus will attend Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska on a $20,000 sports scholarship. Gerhardus loves baseball and wrestling. He plans to major in education and teach science, physical education or both, as well as coach.
Paige Johnson said she’ll pursue a degree in business (Management/Ownership) at Metropolitan State College in Denver. To accommodate her love of theatre, she plans to double major, adding a degree in performing arts.
The three were luncheon guests of Gilpin County Commissioners Forrest Whitman, Jeanne Nicholson and Buddy Schmalz on Tuesday, April 7th. They have also been invited to a recognition and celebration banquet in Denver on May 16th. Gerhardus and Johnson will be away on their Senior Trip; however Dillon said he plans to attend. He will join more than 30 other area youths from nine different counties, all of whom have received the MMCYA honors from their communities.