Trinidad School District
Trinidad High School celebrates homecoming this week and announced this year’s homecoming court and honored alumnus, Michael Guadagnoli, a 1993 graduate that returned to Trinidad and was assistant principal at Trinidad Middle School until his recent death.
This year’s royalty are Jesse Apodaca (escort), Kaylee Beard (second attendant), Finn Williamson (escort), Matthew Padilla (king), Serenity Bowman (queen), Jesus Montano (second attendant and head escort), Jacqueline Lynn (first attendant) and Cristian Carpio (first attendant).
The Trinidad High School 2024 Homecoming Queen is Serenity Bowman. Serenity, 18, is the daughter of Kenny and Brandi Bowman. While at THS, she has taken a college preparatory course of study and including several dual enrollment courses through Trinidad State College. Serenity has danced competitively for ten years and plays varsity volleyball and soccer for the Miners, serving as the captain for both teams. Serenity has also played basketball for THS and manages the Miner wrestling team. Serenity has been extremely involved in student leadership, yearbook, student council and the National Honor Society. She has been elected class president for the past three years and is also currently serving as the president of NHS. She enjoys listening to the word of God, spending time with her friends and family, including her grandparents, brother and cousins, taking dance classes with Ms. Deb and spending time outdoors.
Serenity plans to attend college to begin her career path toward becoming a Wildlife Officer
Homecoming King, Matthew Padilla, 17, is the son of Monica and Matthew Padilla, Sr. He has taken a college preparatory course load while at THS. Matthew plays football and basketball for the Miners, serving as captain for both teams. In his free time, Matthew enjoys cruising around town and playing video games with his friends.
Still making plans for the future, Matthew is considering careers in Sports Management, Sports Medicine and Journalism.
Accompanying Serenity is head escort and second attendant, Jesus Montano. Jesus, 18, is the son of Jessica Colangelo. Jesus has taken honors courses and has earned multiple college credits while at THS. Jesus has been an active member of student leadership over the years. In his spare time, Jesus loves working on cars and spending time with family. Jesus plans to attend college after graduation.
First attendants are Jacqueline Lynn, 17, and Cristian Carpio Estrada, 18.
Jacqueline is the daughter of Christina Lynn and the granddaughter of Mark Lynn. While at THS, Jacqueline has earned college credits and has taken a rigorous course of study. She is also certified in construction and building skills. She is a four-year member of the Miner Cheer squad, serving as captain of the team the past three years. Jacqueline has also been involved in student leadership, National Honor Society and student council. She was also a member of the THS Choir for two years. Jacqueline loves doing her nails, watching Netflix and spending quality time with family and friends. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado to major in education with the hopes of becoming an English or history teacher. Eventually, Jacqueline wants to be a college professor.
Cristian is the son of Bernadina Estrada and Mariano Carpio. He has taken several college level courses in Spanish, English and Math throughout his time at THS. He is a captain on the Miner football team and was a member of the Mighty Miner marching and jazz bands. Cristian enjoys working out, taking walks, and photography. He plans to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer after graduation.
Escorting Jacqueline is Jesse Apodaca. Jesse, 17, is the son of John Garcia. Jesse has taken a college preparatory course of study and has earned several concurrent enrollment credits while at THS. Jesse is a member of the Miner Basketball team and a member of the National Honor Society. In his free time, Jesse loves playing basketball with his friends. After graduation, he plans to attend college and study Marketing.
The THS second attendant is Kaylee Beard. Kaylee, 17, is the daughter of Mary Jo and Michael Baudino. Kaylee has taken a college preparatory course of study at THS. She cheered for the Miners for three years, earning an All-American designation last season. Additionally, Kaylee has been actively involved in student leadership. Kaylee likes spending time with her friends and volunteering with children of various abilities. Upon graduation, she plans to attend college and major in Business Administration and to obtain her real estate license.
Escorting Kaylee is Escort, Finn Williamson.
Finn, 16, is the son of Emily and Zeb Williamson. Finn has taken a college preparatory course of study while at THS, including dual enrollment college and honors courses. Finn was integral in starting the Skate Club at THS. When he’s enjoying some downtime, Finn likes to skateboard, go to the gym, take photos, spend time with friends and family, and planning trips to see new places.
After graduation, Finn wants to travel whenever he gets the chance with goals of meeting new people and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.
This year’s honored alumnus is the late Mr. Michael Guadagnoli.
Michael graduated from Trinidad High School in 1993 and remained a dedicated Miner throughout his career. Unfortunately, Michael lost a courageous battle with cancer on Sept. 2, 2024.
Much of Michael’s life revolved around the happenings of Trinidad School District No. 1. For the past sixteen years, he served as the Assistant Principal of Trinidad Middle School. He was a staple at Miner events and a consistent, loving presence for all students.
Michael’s love of the Miners was evident in everything he did and worked its way into nearly every conversation. He often spoke with deeply-rooted pride in the community and an unwavering hope about what could be.
He embodied what is honored and admired most about the blue-collar, coal miners who inspire the district’s mascot. He was relentless, dedicated and extremely hard-working.
TSD1 students and staff would like to express endless gratitude for all of Michael’s contributions. His memory and legacy will remain in the hearts of those who knew him always.
This year’s festivities kick off with the annual spirit week celebrations at Fisher’s Peak Elementary, Trinidad Middle School and Trinidad High School.
On Friday, all families, alumni and friends of Trinidad High School are invited to attend the Miners’ annual homecoming pep assembly at Park Street Gym at Trinidad Middle School at 9 a.m., followed by the parade through downtown Trinidad, beginning at 1 p.m. That evening, Miner football takes on the Ignacio Bobcats at 7 p.m. with a halftime performance by the Mighty Miner Marching Band and presentation of this year’s homecoming court.
Miner molleyball will host the Buena Vista Demons on Saturday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at TMS. The dance will be held that evening at Donnelly Gymnasium. Coronation begins at 8:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
