All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Elementary school teachers play a vital role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and laying the foundation of academic and personal growth. Among these is Niwot resident Ava Dumler, who was named Teacher of the Year at Mead Elementary School in just her second year of teaching. Dumler is a 2019 graduate of Niwot High School where she earned her IB Diploma while also making her mark on the soccer field as a varsity player and team captain. Her drive and determination...
Niwot High School class of 2014 graduate, Elise Cranny, is headed to the Olympics for a second time this July. Cranny qualified to go to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics during the Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon, between June 21 and June 30. Cranny finished second in the 5000M at the trials on June 25 with a time of 14:40:36 - a mere 0.02 seconds behind the first-place finisher. "I feel honored to be able to represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics," Cranny said, "especially because the last...
The Erie High School boys lacrosse team capped an extraordinary season by clinching the state championship, an impressive milestone marking the program's first-ever state title. Led by Coach Nick Mandia, who was named the Class 4A Northern Coach of the Year, the team showcased its dominance, ending the season with a stellar 15-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 conference record, finishing first in the 4A Northern League. The Tigers' triumphant journey culminated in a commanding 14-6 victory...
In only their second season, Mead High School's lacrosse team, comprised of girls from all across the St. Vrain Valley School District, ended the year as State Runners-Up. Under the guidance of Coach Katie Coleman, they finished the season first in the 4A Northern League with an overall record of 17-2, with numerous postseason accolades complementing their performance on the field. Niwot senior Anne Booth, a captain and the backbone of the Maverick's defense, earned the prestigious title of...
Alison and Seth Steele, owners and operators of the Niwot Market, have been named as the Grand Marshals for the upcoming 4th of July Parade in Niwot. Not only do they continue to manage the Niwot Market, but they have been active volunteers for different community events as they carry on the legacy of their father, Bert Steele. "Their Niwot heritage and being involved in activities reflects over a century of families serving the Niwot community," said Kathy Koehler, one of the organizers of the...
Merrick Blondeau has been a member of the Niwot Community for all 18 years of his life. Over the years he has become a familiar attendee and volunteer at events around the town. For his volunteer efforts over the years throughout Niwot, Blondeau is the June 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel. Blondeau recently graduated from Niwot High School with the class of 2024. From the NHS drumline to choir and musical theater, to various clubs, Blondeau has been involved in...
Ashley Niles is a dentist and business owner, an athlete, a wife and a mother of three young children. She admirably manages her very busy life with an aura of kindness and calmness that would be difficult for most of us with her schedule to match. She credits her background in team sports for much of her determination and many of her values. Niles grew up in Geneva, Illinois, a rural Swedish American community west of Chicago. She is from a medical family. Her father was an OB-GYN and her...
It didn't take long for newcomer Kianna Butler to find her groove with the Niwot High School varsity softball team last season. After transferring from a Class 2A school in Flagstaff, Arizona, Butler became the Class 4A Cougars' top pitcher during her junior season. Niwot head coach Bobby Matthews trusted Butler with 130.2 innings in the circle and was rewarded with a stellar 2.68 earned run average. Butler, not one to shy away from pressure, said she enjoyed the competitive leap from 2A to 4A....
It's never good when rain and hail blow through an outdoor concert venue an hour before the event is scheduled. That's what happened in advance of the Rock & Rails program on June 20, 2024. However, in typical Colorado fashion, the skies cleared quickly and fortunately the weather remained delightful throughout the evening. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band kicked off the event with selections consistent with the evening's country and Southern rock theme. A large group of 28...
Niwot High School’s girls tennis team had an impressive season, finishing third in the 4A Region 5 League with a 7-5-1 overall record. Under the experienced leadership of Head Coach Aimee Hites, who has been at the helm for about 15 years, the team showed remarkable skill and tenacity. The Cougars’ roster featured a mix of seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen. Sophomore Saha Kolli emerged as a formidable force on the court, earning a 4A All-State Second Team honor. Kolli’s performance in the No. 1 singles spot was admirable, achie...
The Silver Creek Raptors made waves this season, not only claiming the Class 4A state championship, but also securing second place in the 4A Northern League and earning numerous postseason accolades. Under the guidance of Head Coach Debbie Stewart, the team, which is comprised of talented swimmers and divers from Niwot High School, Mead High School, Erie High School, Dawson School, and Silver Creek High School, showcased the strengths of their athletes, leading to numerous honors and new school records. James Story, a junior from Mead High...
Get ready to dance and sing along with headliners CW and Twenty Hands High on June 20 for their third consecutive year performing at Rock & Rails. The band performs a wide range of country and Southern rock favorites and a growing number of their own popular creations. In August 2023, the band was honored as Entertainer of the Year by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. Frontman CW Wooten said that, although they have a large repertoire of two-step selections, they tend to "stay more...
The Alcapones brought a mix of horns, vocal harmonies and rock to Rock & Rails last Thursday, June 13. The band performed to a generous crowd on a hot summer night in Niwot. Tim Ostdiek and Jenny opened the evening with an hour of folk rock tunes, including familiar songs as well as originals by Ostdiek, who has produced several CD's including his latest, titled "The Lost Days." Ostdiek and his partner, Jenny Balagna, are based out of Longmont, and have been entertaining crowds at Rock & Rails...
Niwot High School and its students would not shine as brightly without its wonderful staff. In a remarkable testament to the tight-knit community at the school, several former students of Niwot High School have returned and are now current staff members. For many of these educators, the hallways, classrooms, and even the old gymnasium hold a special kind of nostalgia. Leah (Sareceni) Messinger, current school counselor at NHS, recalls her time as a NHS student. "I was so excited to return to a p...
Not initially expecting the starting role he was given, it took some time for Niwot High School boys soccer midfielder Ben Gabrielson to get comfortable at the varsity level last fall. Gabrielson, then a junior, had received spot varsity minutes the year prior and was competing with other talented upperclassmen who were also searching for playing time. But as the season wore on and his confidence grew, Gabrielson quickly became a reliable presence in the Cougars' midfield. Niwot finished the...
The Niwot High School girls soccer team had an impressive 2024 season. Under the guidance of Coach Stephen Dimit, the team finished the year 8-4-4 and secured a spot in the state tournament. The team's hard work was evident throughout the season, resulting in several players receiving postseason accolades. Seniors Paige Russell and Margaux Boyer led the charge, both serving as team captains who played pivotal roles in the midfield and defense, respectively. Russell scored three goals and had...
Niwot High School's softball season ended last fall, but for seniors Autumn Rutherford and Anne Booth, the last game of the season came in June. Rutherford and Booth were selected to play in the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) All-State game June 12 at Rawlings Field in Pueblo. Niwot softball coach Bobby Matthews said, "Players are selected by coaches who are members and teams are put together from all classifications." Rutherford and Booth played for the Blue team, which won...
Niwot High Baseball coach Ken Rosales and his staff, along with players from the 2024 squad, hosted a week-long camp for Niwot Youth Sports players June 10 to 14 at the Niwot High School field. Approximately 63 campers worked on drills from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. before finishing each day with a scrimmage. Drills included agility games, baserunning, hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing and pitching. Rosales and pitching coach Greg Wilcox expressed hope that players participating would take lessons...
Those who frequent 2nd Avenue's coffee shop, The Old Oak Coffeehouse, as well as those who regularly attend any community events, have probably noticed some friendly and regular faces behind the counter. This week's Familiar Face is one such barista, Noah Smith, who has been a friendly face at The Old Oak since March of 2022. Smith started the job when he was on a walk downtown and saw a "help wanted" sign in the window. He went in, inquired about the position, submitted his resume, interviewed,...
Very few high school athletes earn the right to hoist multiple team state championship trophies throughout their careers. Last month, the now-graduated Justin Gawrych joined that rare company when he helped the Silver Creek High School boys swim and dive team to its second Class 4A title in four years. Gawrych, who swam for the Raptors while attending Niwot High School, was grateful to have helped Silver Creek secure the ultimate prize twice. "It was super exciting because we went second the...
Gargoyles are hard-working students, incredible team players, great friends, and an integral piece of the Niwot community over the summer at Lobsterfest and Rock & Rails. They assist in keeping events at Whistle Stop Park zero-waste. The Courier is spotlighting some of these friendly, essential volunteers. Meredith Champion has been volunteering as a Gargoyle for four years. She is currently an incoming sophomore at Niwot High School and is an active member of the Niwot community. Champion is a...
Ken Benson has been a teacher at Niwot High School for the past 21 of his 22 year teaching career. While he's not done yet, he has had an incredible journey, making a lasting impact not only with students, but on the school as a whole. Benson has primarily taught social studies at Niwot, with classes including world studies, economics, German, and the history of rock. This past October, Benson received an opportunity of a lifetime and will be traveling to South Korea for two years to further...
Five Niwot High School Cougars received Longs Peak Conference postseason baseball awards, which were announced by NHS Head Coach, Ken Rosales. Leading the way were juniors Haden Shaw, Charlie Shaw, and Kaige Kennedy, who were named first team All-Conference. Haden Shaw caught most of the varsity games this season, but also took a turn on the mound when needed. He led the Cougars with a .507 batting average and had a team-high 27 RBIs. He received Honorable Mention All-State honors as well....
The Niwot High School boys volleyball team had an impressive showing in the Northern Conference postseason awards, with five players and their coach receiving accolades for their standout performances this season. Leading the way were sophomores Charlie Kirtland and Diego Kheng, who were named to First Team All-Conference. Both players also earned an All-State Honorable Mention for Class 5A. Kirtland led the team with 209 digs and 397 receptions. He was second in assists with 38 and third in...
The Niwot High School girls golf team had a remarkable season, finishing third in the Longs Peak League under the guidance of Coach Ed Weaver. Wendy Cheruiyot had an outstanding season, finishing second individually in the league and earning accolades on the All-State Second Team for Class 4A, as well as the Long's Peak All-Conference Team. As a freshman, Cheruiyot's performance was exceptional, demonstrating skill and composure on the course. In the state tournament, Cheruiyot was the Cougar's...
As Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Brown closed out Niwot High School's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, the echoes of applause reverberated through the auditorium, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. The five inductees – Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Art and Debbi Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren– accepted the honor with grace, each telling stories the audience will not soon forget. On June 2, students, teachers, family, and friends gathered to recognize excellence. Dir...
In 2008, the St. Vrain Valley School District's (SVVSD) overall graduation rate was approximately 75%, with the Hispanic graduation rate at approximately 55%. Over 16 years, the district has seen significant progress. As of 2024, the overall district graduation rate has risen to an impressive 93.3%, and the Hispanic student graduation rate has also seen a substantial increase, now at 87.7%. According to Don Haddad, Superintendent of SVVSD, these improvements were achieved despite the district's...
"Track has always been something I enjoyed," said rising Niwot High School senior Eliana Henriques. "I hope to participate on a college team after I graduate from high school next summer. It has been a challenging past few years, but I feel like I'm finally making a comeback." Henriques' sophomore year track season was cut short due to injury when she hit a hurdle while running in March 2023. She tore her ACL and later had surgery in April 2023, followed by a lengthy nine months of physical...
From June 12 to June 15, 10 local Niwot High School students will compete in various track and field events at the Nike Outdoor Nationals Tournament held at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. They are attending the tournament as part of REAL Training, a local club team consisting of students from Centaurus High School, Legacy High School, Montrose High School, Niwot High School, and Riverdale Ridge High School. The 10 Niwot students will join seven students from the other high...
As the school year comes to a close, so do some of the articles about in school activities such as clubs. Throughout this year the Left Hand Valley Courier has covered Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Drama Club, NASA Club, A Capella Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Asian Student Association, Dance Club, Students for Rare Diseases, Political Action Club, Gender Studies Club, Coding Club, Earth Club, and finally Helping Hands Club. From community service to singing, each unique...
The Night of Champions ceremony unfolded with an air of anticipation and excitement as students, teachers, parents, and community members gathered to recognize the exceptional achievements of Niwot High School individuals and teams throughout the school year. From academic brilliance to athletic prowess, the event summarized the student body's spirit of dedication and perseverance. Eric Rauschkolb, Niwot High School's Principal, opened the June 2 formalities, setting the stage for an evening fil...
NCA Clean-Up Day is sponsored by the Niwot Community Association and is one of Niwot's biggest events every year. One of the NCA's board members has always spearheaded the event since its conception over twenty years ago. One NCA board member has been involved with the program for over 10 years, and has served as the lead program manager for the past four years. For his volunteer efforts in managing and coordinating Niwot's Clean-Up Day, this month's Left Hand Laurel is awarded to John Barto. Ba...
Niwot High School announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, "honoring a group of five remarkable individuals who have woven themselves into the very fabric of our school and community: Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren," in a press release. The Night of Champions Celebration will be held in the Niwot High School auditorium on Sunday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to not only celebrate the school's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, but also the achievements of...
Saturday May 25 marked the official completion of high school for the Niwot High School class of 2024. Niwot's commencement was held at the high school on the football field where 338 graduates received their diplomas and recognition from faculty alongside friends, family, and peers. Commencement opened with the singing of the National Anthem performed by graduates Jasper Allison, Merrick Blondeau, Jackson Carano, and Fred Zorgdrager. Everyone was then welcomed by Principal Eric Raushkolb as he...
Homegrown talent is harder to come by for Niwot High School athletics these days. NHS pulls from over fifty middle schools for its student body and open enrollment at all St. Vrain Valley high schools allows students to choose where they study and compete during their high school years. But one of the most exciting young athletes at NHS is a Niwot area native, who just completed her sophomore year, and is already a girls lacrosse state champion. Payton Johnson, a rising junior at Niwot High...
This year's Class 4A state tournament served as another reminder of how much potential lies within the Niwot High School girls golf program. With three competing golfers, including lone senior Mina O'Dell, the Cougars placed seventh in the team standings with a two-round combined score of 555. Head coach Ed Weaver's trio shot a 280 in the first round on Monday, May 20, before cutting off five strokes the next day at the Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Last year, O'Dell,...
The Niwot Community Association's annual Clean-Up Day event, held May 18, was its most successful to date. There were 203 vehicles that attended (including those who made multiple trips). In the days leading up to the event, there were 13 membership dues paid (new and/or renewed) with an additional 24 on the day of the event. The NCA currently tracks 34 new members who have signed up this year with many who still have not renewed their membership. New elements and accepted items that were incorp...
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
Dave and Maggie Lee of Niwot are kind and gracious. They know what they value and stand for, and they have focused on their values as much as possible during their long marriage. Prioritizing their family, pursuing meaningful work, nurturing longtime friendships and serving others through their church are consistent themes in their lives. Dave is from Pueblo, Colorado, Maggie from Salem and Portland, Oregon. The two met in high school after Dave's family moved to the Northwest. Dave graduated...
Niwot High School seniors' last day of school, May 15, was marked with camaraderie, in sharp contrast to the COVID-induced isolation of their freshman year. The Senior Car Parade, organized with assistance from the NHS Booster Club, began in 2020 when seniors were unable to enjoy the traditional end-of-year experiences and celebrations such as prom, awards nights, concerts, and group graduations due to the pandemic. The car parade allowed the community to recognize and celebrate Niwot's seniors...
Only a few weeks removed from her third and final season within the Niwot High School girls soccer program, Menbere Sullivan is already experiencing some nostalgia looking back on her senior campaign. "It was definitely the best high school season I've had," Sullivan said. "Our team was super close all year. Even if it was a super young team, I think the upperclassmen really stepped up. Our team had the same goal and purpose for the whole year, which I think really helped throughout our season....
Oliver Fowler of Scout Troop 161 in Niwot, acquired the final rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on Sunday, May 19. He is the 107th Eagle Scout from Troop 161 since 1973. Fowler has undergone the trials of earning 21 merit badges (14 of which are required for Eagle Scout) plus an additional five earning him a bronze Eagle Palm. "Many people think that once you earn your Eagle Scout, you've reached the end," said Advancement Chair Michelle Law, "but this is not true. You can earn achievements...
Niwot High School's Spring Pops Choral Concert held on May 14, featured the Tenor and Bass Choir, the Treble Choir, the Chamber Singers, Evenstar, the student a cappella group, the Unaccompanied Minors, and combinations of choirs. The Tenor and Bass Choir performed "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars, "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, and the English sea shanty song, "Drunken Sailor." The Treble Choir performed "Build Me Up Buttercup" by Mike d'Abo and Tony Macaulay and made popular by The Foundations,...
The Niwot High School girls tennis team had an eventful week competing in the Class 4A state championships. In the individual competition held May 9-11 at Pueblo City Park, four students took home third-place trophies. Sophomore Saha Kolli placed third in No. 1 singles by defeating Megan Fields from Pueblo County, 6-0 and 6-0, in the first round and Joanna Carter from Severance in the quarterfinals, 6-1 and 6-2, before losing to Lila Moldenhauer from Kent Denver, 6-1 and 6-1, in the semifinal round. She then defeated Haylee Hussmann from Air...
Coach Debbie Stewart's Silver Creek swimmers and divers took home the Class 4A state title May 11, scoring 329 points, 62 points ahead of second-place Windsor High School at 267. "The class of 2024 had an amazing run," Stewart said, "finishing first in 2021, second in 2022, second in 2023 and first in 2024." The combined team from Silver Creek and Niwot high schools started strong with a victory in the 200 Medley Relay, with senior Stephen Codevilla leading off, followed by junior Chayakorn...
Niwot High School's girls golf team qualified three golfers for the Class 4A state tournament in Colorado Springs, giving the Cougars a chance to place as a team. The regional tournament was held at Twin Peaks Golf Course in Longmont, with 67 girls competing for the 21 state qualifying scores. Junior Alena Kasanicky led the Cougar squad with a fifth-place finish, followed by freshman Wendy Cheruiyot (16) and senior Mina O'Dell (21). "Mina got into a playoff," Coach Ed Weaver said. With a 3-way...
The Colorado State Track and Field Championships resulted in big wins for Niwot High School at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. The 3-day event, which concluded May 18, gave the Cougars a chance to compete against the best in Class 4A in the state. And the runners and throwers from Niwot did not disappoint, turning in exceptional performances to dominate the meet, with a fifth consecutive state team championship by the Cougar girls, and a second-place tie by the Cougar boys. No other school came...
Although disappointed by the season-ending first-round playoff loss, the Niwot High School varsity baseball team left Colorado’s Western Slope with heads held high. The Cougars, who fought their way into regionals by winning seven straight games to close the regular season, pushed host Palisade High School to its limits in the Class 4A Region 4 tournament opener on Saturday, May 18. Niwot tallied 13 hits and scored runs in five different frames but was ultimately undone by walks, errors, and a difficult sixth inning in the 17-10 loss. Palisade,...
