Last Monday January 12, 2026 Mr. Bollinger spoke over the daily announcements that there is a new oil and gas club coming to Palisade High School. This club is being held in Ms. Schmalz’s classroom every Monday, the first half of lunch during club time. This club opens up a new world of interest to the students of Palisade. Ms. Green has put up advertisements and sign up sheets all around the school. These sheets are located outside of Mrs. Green’s office right across from the old attendance office and on the entrances to the west building. It is said to offer hands-on experiences within the oil and gas sites with field trips and meet and greets with industry professionals. Attending these clubs also opens the opportunity for scholarships and further education. This was put together by a company called laramie energy which will bring their real hands-on experience to the hands of the Palisade Bulldogs. Mrs. Green also informed me that the lady who is bringing this opportunity to the current Bulldogs is also a Palisade graduate and the company is offering to financially support students who are interested in this club. She also informed me that this club will be very interactive and hands-on, not always classroom based.
Laramie is an energy company which is located on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction, they also have a location in Denver, Colorado. According to their Linkin advertisement they have said “Laramie Energy is an oil and gas producer committed to environmental protection, safety, and regional community interests while prudently investing its capital in high potential unconventional oil and gas resource plays in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado.” This sets a good reputation for the future club going forward because of their morals and what the company strives for.
A Palisade student Lillian Mecham who is considering joining the oil and gas club provides her view, “I’m excited for the opportunities that I don’t get at any other High schools in the district, I get credits that I usually won’t get and that can help me with life after high school.” She also adds onto her personal experience, “I’m just exploring. I’m focusing on welding and auto mechanics and I think this club will help me with that, because a lot of the welding has to do with gas.” She lastly shined light on how this is helping to build the PHS spirit, “This club is showing students that they have many opportunities and are giving them chances to get hands-on experience.” This also provides a wider community and homey feeling for students who are passionate about oil and gas.
The club coming this Monday opens many new pathways for students who are interested in gas and oil. Be sure to check it out before it is too late to sign up!
