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Celebrating Ralston Valley High School’s 25th anniversary highlighted the incredible strength of our community and the lifelong connections forged within our walls. Moving forward, Beyond the Range offers RVHS alumni a unique platform to share their journeys since graduation, bridging the gap between past and future generations of Mustangs.
This initiative is designed to link current students with a supportive network of graduates who once walked these exact halls. By sharing the insights, lessons, and milestones that shaped their success, our alumni are here to guide, inspire, and uplift the next generation of Mustangs—who are starting out exactly where they did.
If you or someone you know would like to be featured please reach out via email to RVHSAlumniAssociation@gmail.com
Alumni Spotlight: Julie Williams, Class of 2008
Owner of The Designosaur, this Colorado-based artist turns spaces into colorful, large-scale visual experiences. Her passion took root at Ralston Valley High School (Class of '08) and grew at Colorado State University, where she earned her BFA in Graphic Design. An influential college internship at Boulder’s Vermilion Design + Digital sparked her love for environmental graphic design—a shift that redefined her career. Since her featured debut at Denver’s CRUSH Walls festival in 2019, she has brought custom murals and dynamic branding to cities, local businesses, and public spaces across the region. She notes that the most rewarding project she worked on included designing the "Protect Colorado's Fossils” license plate with Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, CO. The project corresponded to her passion for dinosaurs and involved a multi-year process that required design approval from the Colorado legislature.
During her time at Ralston Valley High School Julie took part in the marching band, an experience which had a great deal to do with her personal development and taught her how to 'carry on with difficult situations both mentally and physically'. She also said, 'It was great to be in such a close-knit group, and I still keep in touch with my band friends.'
Looking back, Julie would tell her younger self not to be afraid to express herself. "I really didn’t want to be seen as a 'weird art kid' in high school, so I denied myself any fashion experimentation to fit in with the 'smart kids,'" Julie said. "But deep down, I really am a weird art kid, and I’m proud of it now. I wish I’d let myself discover that sooner."
To see her work, visit her website which includes a map of her murals, and check her on Instagram for her latest art.Thank you, Julie, for representing Ralston Valley with such creativity, passion, and pride. Your journey inspires others to chase their dreams and make a difference!
Melanie (Spencer) Rice (class of 2003)
After Graduating from RVHS Melanie went on to become a Registered Nurse with a specialty in Labor and Delivery. She notes that she truly didn't decide upon a career in healthcare until she was nearing the end of her senior year of high school. However she was greatly impacted by the passion and heart Mr. Jeff Talley brought to the choir program especially noting how he made everyone feel so welcomed and important. During an assembly following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Melanie found herself profoundly moved while performing the national anthem alongside Shades of Blue. It was an experience etched into her high school journey, as she came to the realization that she was “witnessing and living through one of the most significant and sobering moments in history.” Melanie also credits her lasting love for running coming from her time in cross-country and track at Ralston Valley, something that was new to her when she started High School. She encourages current students at Ralston Valley to get involved, try new things and try not to sweat the small stuff noting that high school is just a short chapter in the scheme of things.
When Melanie became a mother is when her photography passion started as she "never wanted to take any of those precious days for granted, and photography would help her preserve all of the memories for which she continues to hold in her heart". She was able to combine her passion for Labor and Delivery and photography when she started her own photography business. Shen initially focused on newborn photography however it has continued to grow beyond her expectations due to her gentle hands and amazing ability to connect with people.
She currently lives in Salt Lake City Utah with her two beautiful daughters after she became widowed unexpectedly in the fall of 2021 from her sweetheart of 17 years, Ryan. Fortunately She always makes time to come visit Colorado and share her amazing photography gift with others.
She will be in Colorado September 28 - September 30th and still has booking slots available on her website.
https://www.melaniericephotography.com
Thomas Kirschenheuter (class of 2004)
Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime project! Huge shoutout to Thomas at Rocky Mountain Taxidermy, who was recently tasked with preserving a true Hollywood legend: Morris the alligator from Happy Gilmore (yes, the exact gator that took Chubbs’ hand!).
Last week, Thomas alongside John Carpenter officially delivered Morris back to his permanent home at the Colorado Gator Farm.
Way to share your incredible skill and represent Ralston Valley High School so well in the community! Be sure to watch the 9News feature covering Morris’ return (link in the comments) and check out Thomas’ other amazing work at Rocky Mountain Taxidermy on Instagram and Facebook
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