Gabby Kelly

Gabby Kelly started at Nederland High School in 11th grade and wasn’t too happy there, so she transferred to Chinook for her 12th year. Kelly was active in the crochet club, the Principles of Education, and Cosmos. 

What Kelly loved most about high school was finding friends who picked up the pieces the bad friends left behind. “I’ve never had more fun in my life, and found the love of my life, aka my other half,” shares Kelly.

Kelly states that she had several friends who made life better, stating, “Two amazing friends, Holly and Mira, who are always there for me to talk to, and my wonderful boyfriend, whom I can tell anything to. They make me not feel judged, which I love.”

While in school, Kelly worked at TEENS, Inc., where, she says, it helps her “clean my bad feelings away.”  Kelly is passionate about the future of society, hoping it gets better as young people strive to make it better together. 

“I love you guys, and I’ll be back to visit. If you see me, feel free to ask for my number and contact me. No matter what the situation is, I’ll help. Even if you just wanna talk,” says Kelly.

When asked what advice she wants to give new students, Kelly responded, “It gets better. It may seem dark and lonely, but surround yourself with those who bring light while understanding the shadows.”

Kelly believes she has “become a better person” since attending Chinook, stating, “I realized not every authority figure is against me. I realized everyone is in the same sinking ship, so I can ask for help patching the hole. I love you guys so much. Stay positive and caring. I'll miss you all!”

Kelly plans to become a licensed practical nurse after a gap year to find herself and work on her mental health. 

Congratulations, Gabby Kelly!

Quinn Kingsbury

Quinn Kingsbury started Chinook West in 10th grade. His fondest memory is playing on the playground with friends and “not having to worry about being an adult.” What Kingsbury loved most about high school was the community at Chinook West, and he agrees that everyone at Chinook made life better. 

While in school, Kingsbury worked at Crosscut Pizza. He says he became passionate about working there because he makes good money. He’s also passionate about “living life to the fullest.”

Kingsbury is proud of graduating. He offers new students this advice: “Be locked in and get all your stuff done. You don't have as much time as you think.” Kingsbury plans to travel to Japan and then start a business.

Congratulations, Quinn Kingsbury!

Mason Novak

Mason Novak started attending Chinook West in his freshman year. He attended Nederland Middle-Senior High School and Nederland Elementary School. He says attending different schools and being around many other students creates too many memories for him to share just one. 

In the ninth grade, Novak was an active back-flipper. His favorite teacher was “Drew.” Another student who made life easier was Gabby Kelly.

While in high school, Novak worked at The Mountain-Ear and TEENS, Inc., where he learned many new skills. He is passionate about scootering and is most proud of “his girl.”

When asked what advice he wants to give new students, Novak responded, “Be rad!” He plans to work and learn new things.

Congratulations, Mason Novak!

Kiley Ralstin

Kiley Ralstin started attending schools in the area in the fourth grade. She attended Gilpin until the seventh grade. She also attended Nederland High School for a few months before returning to Chinook West at the beginning of ninth grade. 

Though Ralstin was involved in sports before middle school, she opted out of playing in middle and high school to focus on other things. 

Ralstin’s favorite staff members were “Andrea and Kim.” Another student who made life better was Sienna: “When she was here with me at Chinook West, and from Gilpin: Calla, Kira, Mariah, and Mya. But I also liked having my own time at school so I could focus,” notes Ralstin.

While in school, Ralstin worked at local restaurants. She stopped a while ago to focus on school and says she wants to focus on more outdoor work in the future. Ralstin is passionate about traveling with her friends and family. 

Ralstin is most proud of getting through high school on her own. She’s proud of “graduating without much support and starting to get my life together.”

When asked what advice she wants to give new students, Ralstin responds, “Don't be obnoxious and rude to the staff.”

Ralstin plans to work and travel “as much as possible.”

Congratulations, Kiley Ralstin!

Luke Ulmer

Luke Ulmer attended Chinook West for all of high school. His fondest memories include outdoor education and Cal Wood. His favorite teachers are George Walter, Kim Sibray, and Max Marschhausen.

Another student who made life better is Avery Hawk Monroe-Kelly. Monroe-Kelly has been Ulmer’s best friend for as long as he can remember. The two friends have been through so much and are just beginning to make their imprint on this world, according to Ulmer.

While in school, Ulmer worked at Busey Brews to fund his hobbies and skills. He is passionate about community, science, art, real love, and “becoming a species symbiotic with each other and our world.”

When asked what advice he wants to leave students with, he responds, “If you’re going to Chinook, focus on your mental health first, physical health second, then focus on graduating. If you work hard, the school reflects the effort you exert.  Learn to love learning, not for school but for yourself.”

Ulmer also expresses, “High school is a difficult time for most people. Ignore the haters, keep your circle small and unbreakable, and focus on being your best self. It’ll pay off.” After high school, Ulmer plans to work harder than ever and hopefully make a change. 

Congratulations, Luke Ulmer!