by Cotopaxi Schools and Sentinel Staff

Fifteen Seniors of Cotopaxi High School graduated Saturday, May 25th at a ceremony that included diplomas and scholarship announcements. The Class of 2019 chose a line from Ralph Waldo Emerson as their class quote; “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”
The Cotopaxi High School band, led by director Jennifer Giangullio, played the processional and the National Athem, followed by the Benediction given by Senior Class Officer and NHS member, Kyle Buss. The Welcome given by Steven Tunstall, Senior Class President.
Principal Ken Eckelberry introduced the Salutatorian – Student Council and NHS member, Kali Carlson and Co-Valedictorians – Student Council and NHS members Hannah Karg and Chellis Richards.
The presentation of Graduates and Scholarships were made by School Counselor, Mary Christensen along with donor
representatives. Superintendent Danielle Van Esseltine and School Board Members presented diplomas.
School Counselor, Mary Christensen did such a wonderful job introducing each student, that we quote her here, listing the scholarships with each graduate, though scholarships where presented separately;
Levi Barr– Levi uses one word to describe himself: Outdoorsy. No surprise then that he is most passionate about his favorite hobbies- hunting and fishing. In the fall, Levi will be attending Pueblo Community College to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. Levi then plans on transferring to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Business. Levi’s words of wisdom for us are to “Enjoy the moments.” Levi Barr is the recipient of the Collins’ Family Scholarship $500 and Paxi Faculty and Staff scholarship $250.
Kyler Bjornstad– Kyler joined the Pirate class of 2019 in the fall, coming to us from Colorado Springs. He considers himself to be fun, passionate and ambitious. Although Kyler’s plans for after high school are still be molded, he is very interested in BioChemistry and would love to one day attend Nova Southeastern University in Florida. For the immediate future, he will be heading back to Colorado Springs to work and possibly take a few classes at Pikes Peak Community College. Kyler wants to be remembered for his fun-loving attitude and says “the work you put in is the fun you get!”
Thunder Burnham– Thunder is most passionate about helping people and he describes himself as intelligent, charismatic and empathetic. In the fall, Thunder will be attending college to major in Communications or English. He one day wants to be an investigative journalist. Thunder wants us to always be the kind of person that others will want to turn to for help.
Kyle Buss– In the fall, Kyle will be headed to Norwich University in Vermont. He will enter the Corps of Cadets and, upon graduating from Norwich, will commission into the Marine Corps. The ultimate plan is to fly fighter jets! So cool! Maybe he’ll be in the next ‘Top Gun’ movie! Kyle describes himself as nonchalant and gets most enjoyment from annoying Arlo by calling him a democrat for glorifying welfare by taxing the rich 70%! (We’ll let you two handle that one!) Kyle encourages us to set ourselves up for success and not to forget the people who got us there! He also says, “There’s bigger, better stuff than just here.” Kyle Buss is the recipient of an LA Pic Scholarship $2,000, Norwich University Provost Scholarship $25,000, Norwich University- Maroon & Gold Grant $3,000, Norwich University- Take the Lead Scholarship $2,000, Norwich University- Civil Air Patrol Scholarship $5,000 and Norwich University Grant $4,461.
Kali Carlson– Kali is most passionate about people- making them laugh and bringing them joy! When I asked Kali to give me a few words to describe herself, she replied “My mom doesn’t let me say those words in public, but ask Mr. Brown!” Hmm…definitely piqued my interest! Mr. Brown- I’d like to see you immediately after the ceremony! In the fall, Kali will be heading to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs majoring in Biology and eventually attending a physicians assistant program. Kali tells us “If you only do what you can, you will never be more than you are!” Kali Carlson is the recipient of an LA Pic Scholarship $5,000, Brent Carlson Memorial Scholarship $4,000, Cotopaxi Lions Club $500, Sangre de Cristo Electric $2,000, Eureka Lodge Masonic Scholarship $1,000, Ed Tezak Memorial Scholarship $500, UCCS Chancellors Award with Renewal for 4 yrs. $2,500.
Brooke Cooper– Brooke describes herself as dedicated and hard-working. She will also be heading to the University of Colroado at Colorado Springs in the fall to study pre-veterinarian medicine. She will then transfer to CSU-Ft. Collins for BioMedical Science. Brooke says she is most excited about having the best life possible- the kind of life that makes all of the hard work worth it in the future. Brooke’s closing remark for us is “Be who you are because eventually God will lead you through the doors he built for you.” Brooke Cooper is the recipient of LA Pic Scholarship $3,000, Fremont County Cattlewomen’s $1,000, High Country Bank Scholarship $500, Florence Lions Club $400, UCCS Chancellors Award with Renewal for 4 yrs. $2,500.
Marshall Dixon– Although Marshall’s
interests have varied from criminal justice to working with the youth, after graduation he hopes to immediately work at the Boys and Girls Club. Who knows where this will lead! Marshall describes himself as annoying, crazy and as being someone who just can’t sit still! His advice for those younger than he, “Stay in school!” Great advice, Marshall.
Arlo Garner– Arlo simply describes himself as spontaneous! Arlo most enjoys annoying Kyle with his leftist ideas! That, and running track and field! (Four time state champion!) According to Arlo, after graduation he plans on ‘living his life to the fullest. The road to college for him will be decided as time progresses. Regardless, he aims to make the world a better place and, in the end, hopes to become a track and field mentor. Arlo wanted me to read this today; “I want to thank all staff, teachers, coaches and students for giving me the best high school experience I could ever ask for! A little advice for any students here today- get involved! Whether its sports, StuCo or clubs- be a part of this and live every day to the fullest!” And finally, Arlo’s final parting thought- “High school is like toilet paper- you’re only going to miss it when its’ gone!”
Sam Hyde– Sam joined Cotopaxi at the start of this year. Senior year is a hard time to transfer for any student, but Sam seemed to fit in easily and quickly! Sam describes himself as hard-working, loyal and respectful. After graduation, he will continue working with “Dirt Guys” and then eventually plans to take some courses in business. Sam says that he is most passionate about working hard and making his life the best he can- while still having fun! Sam reminds us to ‘Keep pushing- it’s worth it!”
Hannah Karg– In the fall, Hannah will attend Cedarville University in Ohio to major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Biblical Studies. This hardworking girl describes herself as enthusiastic, creative and diligent! She is most passionate about teaching children, following Jesus and spending time with family and friends. Hannah leaves us with a quote from Psalm 105 verse 4; “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.” Hannah Karg is the recipient of the following scholarships; LA Pic Scholarship $3,000, Cedarville- President’s Excellence Scholarship with renewal for 4 yrs. $14,500, Cedarville- President’s Ministry Impact Scholarship with renewal for 4 yrs. $4,000, Cedarville Excellence Scholarship with renewal for 4 yrs. $1,000, Cedarville Fund Scholarship $1,500, Dept of CO Voice of Democracy Scholarship (First at State) $1,000, Francis Tallman Memorial Scholarship & Robert A. Stock Memorial Scholarship (20th at Nationals) $2,000, Daniel’s Fund Scholarship (up to $136,000).
Dalton Lewis– Dalton describes himself as joyful and energetic. He most enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with family and working with technology. In the fall, Dalton will attend Pueblo Community College to focus on earning his associate’s degree. He then plans on transferring to Grand Canyon University in Arizona to study Computer Science. Dalton reminds us that “As tiring as things may get, just keep moving on!”
Abby McNeal- Abby will be going to the University of Colorado at Denver this fall to major in Biology. After that she plans on going to medical school to become a specialized pediatric surgeon. She describes herself as hard working, very motivated and tenacious. She wants to thank everybody in her life that has helped her through her high school years. The motto she lives by that she wanted to share is, “Don’t let others decide what you can or can’t do. Just prove them wrong!” Abigail (Abby) McNeal is the recipient of an LA Pic Scholarship $5,000, Cotopaxi Faculty & Staff Scholarship $500, Sangre de Cristo Electric Scholarship $2,000 and University of Colorado at Denver Provost Scholarship $3,000.
Aiden Ottmer– Aiden was also a late addition to the class of 2019, transferring to us from Salida during his junior year. He describes himself as funny and hardworking and is most passionate about family and friends. In the fall, Aiden will be going to Universal Technical Institute in Long Beach, California, to become a certified diesel and automotive mechanic. Aiden’s advice is to never give up on what you believe- anything is possible! It just takes time and hard work to accomplish it!
Chellis Richards– When I asked Chellis for a word or phrase to describe herself, she said, “Hungry…not just for food but for success!” She is most passionate about helping others and seeing the world! This summer, Chellis will be taking a Certified Nursing Assistant course in Salida to receive her CNA license. In the fall, she too will be headed to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to start working towards her Bachelor of Nursing degree! Chellis tells us to have gratitude, take every opportunity available and love the challenge! Chellis Richards is the recipient of an LA Pic Scholarship $5,000, Sangre de Cristo Electric Scholarship $2,000, Pleasant Valley Women’s Club of Howard $500 , Cotopaxi Lions Club $750, Colorado State Lion’s Club Scholarship $2,500, John & Mary Dilley Memorial Scholarship $2,500, Colorado Mason’s Benevolent Fund Scholarship with 4 yrs. renewal $7,000, and a UCCS Chancellors Award $10,000.
Steven Tunstall– Steven considers himself a strong leader and is all about his friends and family! In August, Steven will attend Pueblo Community College to work on obtaining his Associate Degree in Business. He one day wants to use his education to help run the family business. Really, I think he just wants to boss Jake around! I asked Steven if he had any advice or wisdom for younger students. He said, “Go out for all sports even if you didn’t like it before!” Steven Tunstall is the recipient of a LA Pic Scholarship $2,000 and Cañon City Chamber of Commerce Scholarship $600.
Congratulations to each graduate!

To purchase the newspaper with this story, request Friday, June 7, 2019.