Rock & Rails Volunteer of the Week: Marco Ramirez

Gargoyle Marco Ramirez has both high-minded and pragmatic reasons for volunteering at Rock & Rails. For the Niwot High 10th-grader, helping collect waste at Whistle Stop Park is not only a great way to help the environment, it also helps to foster the town’s “community spirit.”

Then there are the more tangible benefits.

“If you’re a gargoyle, you get two free slices of pizza from Abo’s and a free drink,” he said. “It takes away a few hours of the day and you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to do and how you’re going to get food.”

Ramirez is in his second year of volunteering at the weekly concert series, and often serves as “lead,” helping to supervise younger workers.

“It just gives me something to do that’s outside and fun,” he said. “I try to put as much effort into it as possible.”

He said the most surprising aspect of his job is how little waste the event generates.

“We have no trash,” he said. “All of this is recycling and compost.”

Ramirez is looking forward to his sophomore year, and plans to try out for the basketball team. He is also eager to start driving.