High Rockies Community School Visits our site!

On March 25, 2026 our volunteers hosted 50 students, teachers, and chaperones from High Rockies Community School in Fairplay. It was a beautiful warm day - perfect for being outdoors. The Roundhouse had also warmed up to what was likely a new high for a March day. We did light the stoves for effect though! Read on for an overview and recap of our efforts to support the Como mission of education of the railroad history of the Como Railroad Heritage Site.

The four vans of students with teachers, chaperones and parents arrived from High Rockies Community School shortly after 10AM and assembled in Cobs Grove.

The teachers / chaperones brought them into the Roundhouse to our temporary classroom - they were very orderly and inquisitive. Of note was the little girl in the front row waving - she asked the most questions and many about “how steel is made”, which was stumper we were not prepared for!

With the immense help from Mike Antolin, retired professor, we presented a power point presentation of railroads, Como History, and Como Volunteer efforts. When asked if they would like to volunteer at Como they all raised their hands! (our future).  

After the presentation we broke up the students into small groups with a teacher or chaperone and a Volunteer Host and escorted them around the Como Heritage site. We provided information on railroading, Como Heritage Site facilities including the Depot / Hotel, cars, track, switches and Volunteer efforts. Here we see Julia Jordan, first grade teacher who wants to help organize her class to help raise funds for Como. Students by the rider car are anxious to ride it this summer!

After the Heritage Site tours the students had lunch in COBS Grove. We provided bottles of water and snacks that disappeared instantly. Volunteers Paul Blanchard, Mike Antolin, Tina Bogani, Paul Greguoli and Jim Vanore rested and had their lunch.  

After lunch Jon Dierksheide patiently provided all the students (several) rides on the handcar.

After all the students and some of the teachers / chaperones rode the handcar, Kristine Helsper who organized the visit assembled all the students with teachers, chaperones and Volunteers Paul Blanchard, Tina Bogani, Jim Vanore and Mike Antolin on the turntable for a memorable group photo.

Special thanks to Jim Vanore, Mike Antolin, Jim Scoville, Paul Blanchard, Tina Bogani, Jon Diersheide, Tom Lawson - not in photo, Paul Greguoli and Dan Silbaugh - for devoting their time to make this important first large educational event happen.