Latest News – December 13

While the near foot of snow that came in with the early morning storm may have altered the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession into town, the dance troupe did not disappoint as they performed in sub-freezing temperatures at Annunciation Church in Leadville on December 12. Thanks for your dedication! Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg
High School Art Students Win College Competition
Two Lake County High School (LCHS) students won top prizes in Colorado Mountain College’s Common Reader Art Contest. According to LCHS art teacher Erin Farrow, Jessica Jardee (grade 11) and Amber Aguilera (grade 8) won 2nd and 3rd place respectively, in the competition, which included entries from both students and community members from all across Colorado’s mountain region.

Eleventh grade Lake County High School student Jessica Jardee won 2nd place with her piece, “Conversations Between Worlds”
“I am beyond proud of these students!” said Farrow who encouraged her art students to enter the competition.
The theme of the Common Reader Art Contest was: “The Wild West: Creating a balance in development, conservation and ethics.” The judging criteria were based on clarity of concept, depth and levels of meaning, impact and composition. Out of all the students and adults who enter, they only choose 3 winners.

Amber Aguilera (grade 8) won 3rd place with her piece, “Free”
Jessica Jardee (grade 11) won 2nd place with her piece, “Conversations Between Worlds”. The prize for 2nd place was $150 cash. Amber Aguilera (grade 8) won 3rd place with her piece, “Free”. The prize for 3rd place is $100 cash. Congratulations on being recognized for your hard work and creative talent!
Greater Heights Showcases Students Talents
Join the Greater Heights Academy on Thursday, December 17 as their students show off their music and art talent. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the music recital starts as 6 p.m. Greater Heights Academy is now located at 1600 Harrison Avenue in the Mountain Crest Baptist Church. Come, celebrate the season!

The students at Greater Heights Academy are ready to entertain with their musical recital next Thursday, Dec. 17 at their school at 1600 Harrison Avenue.
West Park Elementary Students Host Food Drive
As part of the school district’s Kindergarten Crew Expedition, students have been learning about wants and needs. In an effort to teach the children that not everyone’s needs are always met, West Park Elementary (WPE) hosted a food drive to help those in need.

Ms. Ridgway’s Kindergarten Class is excited to help people in their community. Photo: Lake County School District.
“In total, our school collected 680 food items!” reported WPE Teacher Kelly Ridgway. “Mrs. Allen’s 1st grade classroom came in first, collecting 143 total food items. Mrs.Mulcey’s Kindergarten class came in second, collecting 91 food items, and my Kindergarten class came in third, collecting 88 total food items.”
The students were excited to help out other in the community by collecting canned and non-perishable foods items. All proceeds will be donated to St. George’s Food Bank of the Rockies which serves the Leadville community.
School District hosts EL Celebration on Dec. 16
West Park Elementary will be having its first EL Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the West Park Gym.

West Park Elementary School will host the first EL Celebration on December 16.
All students in grades K-2 will be showcasing a published writing piece, a few students will share their pieces orally, and various art projects will be on display as well. Everyone is invited. The agenda for the evening is as follows:
- 5:30 Welcome
- 5:45 Kindergarten Oral Presentations (a sampling)
- 6:15 1st Grade Oral Presentations (a sampling)
- 6:45 2nd grade Oral Presentations (a sampling)
- 7:00 Closing
Cake and Ceramics: Fire On The Mountain Fun!

Leadville kids enjoy some birthday cake at a recent party at Fire On The Mountain in downtown Leadville. The local ceramic paint and yarn store is a great place to combine creative efforts with a kid-friendly celebration. Photo: Fire On The Mountain Facebook.