Gargoyle Spotlight: Sam Popma

Gargoyles are hard-working students, incredible team players, great friends, and an integral piece of the Niwot community over the summer at events such as Lobsterfest and Rock & Rails. They assist in keeping events at Whistle Stop Park zero-waste.

The Courier is spotlighting some of these friendly, essential volunteers.

Sam Popma has volunteered with the Gargoyles for three years. Popma is an incoming junior at Niwot High School and is an active member of the Niwot community.

Popma is known to be a comedic, driven, and an enthusiastic person in all aspects of his life. Whether it be in school or in his volunteer work at farms or community events, Popma stays busy and involves himself in everything he can.

Popma's passion for working around and with other people combined with his love for volunteer work makes being a Gargoyle the perfect fit for him.

When asked about his favorite aspect of being a Gargoyle Popma said, "I love the community that has grown from all the volunteers. I've met so many new friends and truly feel that there is a super strong connection that has formed among all the volunteers throughout the years."

The Gargoyles have become close throughout their years together resulting in many treasured moments. "I remember times where my friends and I will talk to some of the concert attendees and listen to their life stories and lessons," Popma said. "And overall, I remember all the times where we've walked away from the night with smiling faces because of how much fun it is to work as a Gargoyle."

In his free time, Popma enjoys producing and listening to music as well as spending time with friends and family. Look for him scanning the crowds for stray cups and plates or sitting on the collection bins helping concert goers sort their waste.

The Gargoyle team is a product of the efforts of and supervision by Satir DeMarco, event manager Chris Teta, and Julie Breyer and Scott Barto, who have proved to be not only supervisors to the Gargoyles, but also mentors.