Sierra Tomlinson

Roonagh Mannion

Orion Schimberg

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Sierra Tomlinson
Sierra Tomlinson has attended Nederland schools since preschool. What she remembers about elementary school is building a dream home. The project required students to spend a couple of months planning, designing, and preparing.

Once the homes were built, students, parents and teachers walked through the displays. Tomlinson says, “I remember being very impressed and excited to see everyone's house! We were all so individually focused on our own projects that we never shared our ideas, so seeing everyone's work was so fun!”

In 7th grade, many students attended school online due to the COVID pandemic. Tomlinson recalls that four or five students attended in person, with everyone participating in a dodgeball game during first period. “It always got intense. Each game was filled with exciting competition, allowing all of us to bond,” says Tomlinson.

Tomlinson is known for having a lovely soprano voice. As a freshman, she was the lead female in Footloose, and as a senior, she had the lead in Legally Blonde. She has been a musical theater gal during her four-year high school career. 

For her, theater has always been a warm community, stating, “Everyone in the department welcomes you with open arms, allowing you to be you. Theater is such a positive and powerful way to show everyone, 'this is who I am, and I'm not afraid.’” 

Aside from “ Making it through high school,” being the lead in a musical for three of her four years has felt like her biggest accomplishment.

To no surprise, she was also a member of Loquations for four years. “I have been singing my whole life, but nothing is as special as being in the Loquations,” she said, confessing that “the friendships and experiences I've had will stick with me forever. I've grown so much as a person and singer, ultimately making me stronger.”

One sports activity she participated in during the ninth, 11th, and 12th grades was volleyball. The competition and teamwork were what she loved most about volleyball. “It is such a fun and healthy way to distract yourself from everyday worries.”

Additionally, Tomlinson was accepted into the National Honor Society in the 11th and 12th grades. She loved the feeling of making a change in her school and supporting other students. 

Though she enjoyed all of her activities, Tomlinson loved musical theater the most. The months spent on a musical, late nights with the cast and crew, and showing the community what they have been working on were moments filled with pride. She “loves the ability to work with people and create strong bonds over something we all love.”

After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado, where she will major in Environmental Science and minor in Musical Theater. She admits she doesn’t know what career path she will take, but she does know she wants to follow her passions.

Tomlinson received scholarships from a variety of colleges, including Kansas State University, Western University, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado.

When asked what advice she would give to younger kids entering Nederland Middle-Senior High School, she replied, “Be yourself. If you are you and only you, your high school experience will be filled with positivity and success. Don't change yourself for others because, at the end of the day, everyone is finding themselves, just like you.”

Congratulations, Sierra Tomlinson!

Roonagh Mannion

Roonagh Mannion

Roonagh Mannion started attending Nederland Middle-Senior High School in her freshman year after being homeschooled most of her life. 

She played volleyball all four years of high school and served as captain of junior varsity during 10th grade and of varsity as a senior. She played soccer in the 11th grade. Mannion participated in theatre during 10th and 12th grades, earning the role of Soupy Sue in Urinetown and Paulette in Legally Blonde. 

She was also on the Gold Honor Roll all four years. She shares, “I loved all the activities I participated in because of the friendships I gained, the community integrated within them, and the support created in a team.”

Her favorite part about high school was her daily chats with the maintenance workers, Curtis, Steve, and Debbie, from saying “Hi!” to thanking them for their dedication to keeping the school clean and safe. 

Mannion credits Reya Levy for making her high school experience better. The two became best friends at the end of the summer before junior year. She has so many memories from the past two years that she lost count. 

However, one of her fondest memories was studying every bone in the human body for an anatomy exam and laughing when they couldn’t remember the names. “Thank you for making my time here so special. I love you, Reya!” exclaims Mannion.

She is most passionate about social injustice. Since she can remember, equality and fairness

have been very important to her. She aspires to “support people who may not have the means to support themselves, to bring them fairness.”

Being accepted to the University of Denver, her dream school, has been one of Mannion’s proudest accomplishments. She adds “This has been a goal of mine since my sophomore year because of the extensive academic opportunities that they offer, such as studying abroad, student leadership, and the quarter system.”

After graduation, Mannion plans to attend the University of Denver, where she will major in Political Science and Criminology, and minor in Pre-Law and Musical Theatre. After college, she plans to attend law school to earn a degree and become a civil attorney. Her long-term goal is to become a Federal Judge.

When asked what advice she leaves students entering high school, she states, “Always remember that you come first. If something isn’t working for you, communicate your concerns. Create strong relationships, don’t be afraid to be yourself—Ned is a supportive community.”

Congratulations, Roonagh Mannion!

Orion Schimberg

Orion Drake Schimberg

Orion Drake Schimberg has been attending Nederland High School since the second half of sophomore year. 

Schimberg played soccer in the 11th and 12th grades. He says he loved playing soccer again after moving out of Texas. He is also passionate about art.

What he loved most about high school was growing up alongside others and maturing. Schimberg credits Rowan Graves from MacCallum High School in Austin, Texas, for helping make high school life better. 

After graduation, he plans to attend Western Colorado College in Gunnison. 

When asked what advice he wants to leave students entering Nederland High School, he says, “Find a group of friends you really like and make memories. Get outside, have some fun.”

Congratulations, Orion Schimberg!