As 2024 comes to an end, both past and present students of Garfield County’s schools leave behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and stories. Across the county’s three school districts, students displayed resilience, talent, and generosity and provided moments of hope and pride for their communities during the past year. Here are some of the top stories of 2024 highlighting student achievements.

Coal Ridge alum breaks mile record at West Point

Former Coal Ridge High School standout Mikayla Cheney made waves in her first year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, setting a new school mile record in January. Competing at the Boston University Valentine Invitational, Cheney shattered the previous record with a time of 4:44.94, beating the 2022 record by more than a second. The performance marked just her third collegiate race but firmly established her as a rising star in the program.

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Cheney’s success didn’t stop there. She captured multiple first-place finishes at the Navy vs. Army Star Meet on February 3 and secured two top-five finishes at the Patriot League Indoor Championships later that month. As a multisport athlete in high school, Cheney’s transition to focusing solely on track has allowed her to excel at the collegiate level.

Her record-breaking achievements have set a high standard for her freshman season and beyond. Cheney’s story is a testament to the power of focus and determination, and she continues to make Coal Ridge High School and Garfield County proud.

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Grand Valley surpasses Make-A-Wish fundraising goal

In February, Grand Valley High School united to make a dream come true for 4-year-old Sierra Salisbury, a Parachute native living with cystic fibrosis. Through their inaugural “Wish Week” partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the school raised $6,811.97, far exceeding their $5,000 goal. The funds granted Sierra’s wish to visit Disney World, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

Students and community members worked tirelessly to ensure the fundraiser’s success. Events included penny stalls lining the halls, half-court shooting contests during basketball games, a dodgeball tournament, a movie night, and a school dance that capped off the week. The unity and enthusiasm displayed throughout the week brought the entire community together.

Sierra’s story was one of inspiration. Despite facing health challenges due to cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that can cause severe complications, she maintained a positive attitude that touched everyone involved. Her bravery served as a reminder of resilience, inspiring the students and staff alike. Grand Valley’s success has already inspired other Western Slope schools to join Make-A-Wish programs in 2025, setting a new standard for community involvement.

Basalt graduate earns prestigious scholarship

Also in February, now Basalt High School graduate Noah Johnston became one of 11 students in Colorado to earn the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship. The scholarship, which provides an average of $125,000 over four years, is awarded to caddies who demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, and exceptional character. Johnston is the second in his family to earn the scholarship, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Tristan, who was awarded the same honor in 2020.

Johnston began caddying at the Roaring Fork Club at 14, initially seeing it as just a job. However, his time on the course deepened his appreciation for the sport and strengthened his bond with Tristan, who encouraged him to pursue the opportunity. Alongside his work on the golf course, Johnston excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and peer tutoring club, as well as a varsity football player for the Longhorns.

Johnston’s accomplishments exemplify the spirit of the Chick Evans Scholarship, and his story highlights the transformative impact of hard work and family support. Now a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder, Johnston credits his time as a caddie for shaping his future.

Glenwood Mock Trial Team makes history

Glenwood Springs High School’s Mock Trial team earned national recognition in November, achieving a historic second-place finish at the Empire Mock Trial World Championship in Chicago. Competing against 43 schools from five countries and 15 states, Glenwood faced intense competition but proved their mettle by advancing to the final round—a first in school history. They fell in a narrow 4-3 loss to Minnesota but left the tournament with their heads held high and a silver medal around their necks.

The team’s impressive showing was bolstered by the individual performances of seniors Elizabeth Fullerton, Mason McCarty, Claire Quintenz, and Eva Simpson, all of whom earned personal accolades. Fullerton was especially lauded as the third-best witness in the tournament.

As the team transitions its focus to regional and state tournaments in 2025, they carry the confidence and experience gained in Chicago. Competing on an international stage has set the bar higher, and Glenwood Springs High School looks forward to building on this momentum in the new year.

Coal Ridge secures seventh straight cheer championship

In December, The Coal Ridge High School cheerleading team made an unforgettable statement, capturing the 4A Coed Cheer State Championship in their first year in the division. After dominating 2A/3A with six consecutive titles, the Titans embraced the challenge of competing at a higher level and rose to the occasion.

Coal Ridge faced adversity throughout the season, including injuries and heightened competition, but their determination never wavered. In their final performance, the Titans scored an impressive 82.6 points, with 37.9 points in the cheer category and 46.7 in the music category.

The team’s achievement extends beyond this season, as they aim to establish dominance in 4A just as they did in 2A/3A. The team will next travel to Texas to compete in the National Cheerleading Association Nationals on Jan. 24-26.