Group A Our very first expedition began with nine of us and our three instructors climbing into a van towing a trailer full of heavy packs. We took a short drive through Leadville and got dropped off on the side of the highway. As soon as we stepped out of the van, we all took […]
Group A Second expedition was truly extraordinary. After an easy first day we hiked to our second (even more beautiful) location on day two. The trail leading up to our campsite was covered with overgrown wildflowers and the spot itself was awesome. On day three we spent the day hanging out by Hagerman Lake either
This week at HMI started off strong with projects in our science and humanities classes. The humanities classes went to downtown Leadville in groups to interview residents about their perspectives on the town. The project was called “Humans of Leadville,” based off the “Humans of New York” series by Brandon Stanton. After, we organized the
This week at HMI we studied Leadville’s comprehensive mining history and the effects that this had on the the town’s culture. For humanities we visited the mining museum and an abandoned mine in preparation for a debate surrounding Leadville’s mining future. For the peer-run debate we were split into four groups: miners, farmers, consumers, and
Benney, Gonzales, & Reigel Receive HMI Merit Scholarships Lake County High School sophomores Ariel Benney and Bianca Gonzalez, and Abigail Reigel are the recipients of this year’s High Mountain Institute (HMI) merit scholarships. Benney, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Suzi Benney, will attend HMI this summer, Gonzales, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Alberto & Vianca Gonzales, will attend HMI for the fall semester; Reigel, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Allison Reigel will attend HMI in
In celebration of the inaugural Gap Year Decision Day, HMI is excited to welcome an incredible group of students for our 2017 and 2018 gap semesters. Gap Year Decision Day is a nation-wide initiative to encourage students to declare their gap year plans through social media outlets. The National College Signing Day, a movement started by Michelle Obama to
This Saturday was prom. The week began with students being randomly assigned dates, one being the “asker” and the other the “askee.” Each asker was tasked with creating a fun prom-posal to ask their dates to the dance. Prom’s theme this semester was the “Glory Days of Leadville,” and people dressed in all varieties of
As the academic year comes closer, our final projects for our classes have been introduced. In Natural Science we performed two water quality experiments in Leadville’s local watershed, which really brought it closer to home. Our project combines two essential aspects of science: thorough research and engaging presentation. First, we must find and read scientific
In our second week back after third expedition we have gotten back into the swing of academics on campus. In lab on Monday we were in the Arkansas River catching, sorting, and analyzing morphotypes of benthic macroinvertebrates (think small to medium size bugs that live in the riverbed) as indicators of pollution from California Gulch.
Group A Although the blood red mesas, the varnish-stained canyon walls, and the sun-bleached trees remain, Bears Ears National Monument has metamorphosed since we last visited in late January. The arid land’s water is no longer locked up in snow, and with the melt, a new layer of beauty has emerged. Vibrant foliage and brilliant
