Left Hand Laurel Merrick Blondeau

Merrick Blondeau has been a member of the Niwot Community for all 18 years of his life. Over the years he has become a familiar attendee and volunteer at events around the town.

For his volunteer efforts over the years throughout Niwot, Blondeau is the June 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel.

Blondeau recently graduated from Niwot High School with the class of 2024. From the NHS drumline to choir and musical theater, to various clubs, Blondeau has been involved in a variety of groups performing in the Niwot community.

Blondeau also continues to volunteer with the Gargoyles at Rock & Rails and other community events. As one of the oldest and most experienced members of the group, he tends to be one of the leaders each week, helping to manage their many tasks.

Blondeau does not limit his volunteer opportunities to his involvement with the Gargoyles. "I also have done NCA Clean-Up Days, assorted Eagle projects for the local [scout] troop, and volunteered at things like the Jazz Fest," stated Blondeau.

When asked about his motivation regarding volunteer work, Blondeau said, "I think it's a mixture of just wanting to stay connected with the community and keeping close with the people I care about in those groups. I also have been doing it for so long that it is ingrained in what I do."

Blondeau intends to continue volunteering in his future regardless of whether or not he resides in Niwot. Whether it be posters or an advertisement online, he plans to keep an eye out for anything and everything he can do to contribute to his community.

Blondeau's love of cooking and music have led him to a decision to take classes at Front Range Community College and apply to other local schools while expanding his knowledge of culinary practices in his spare time. In the future, Blondeau plans to find a career in either a musical or culinary setting.

You may recognize Blondeau from his outstanding performances in Niwot High School's Production of "Shrek The Musical" this spring, or at various events hosted by Niwot High School's music programs, such as parades that involve the NHS drumline, NHS Jazz Band performances, and NHS choir performances.

Clearly, Blondeau's passion for music is reflected in the places he chooses to volunteer such as Rock & Rails and the Jazz Festival. Music has been a large part of Blondeau's life and involvement in the Niwot Community. He explained, "I love to collect ways to listen to music, whether it's vinyl, cassette, CDs, or even iPods, I love to have different ways to listen to my favorite music."