Table of Contents
2025 Scholars
This cohort is already causing ripples of impact through their schools and communities.
From launching inclusive sports leagues and youth-led podcasts to advancing health care access and the arts, this cohort is one of our most talented ever. Each Scholar receives financial support and access to a statewide leadership network that helps them give back meaningfully over time.
Smith Barrionuevo
Pine Creek HS
CU Boulder
Treyton Benfield
D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. HS
CU Boulder
Elijah Blanton
Conifer HS
CU Boulder
Celine Bono
Rampart HS
CU Boulder
Olivia Brewer
Rock Canyon HS
CU Boulder
Courtlyn Brock
TCA College Pathways
CU Boulder
Aaliyah Castillo
Meeker HS
CSU
Josiah Chavez
Manzanola HS
Mines
Ripples Begin at Home
For first-generation Scholars, their college journey is lifting entire families and reshaping Colorado communities.
"There’s no better joy than being able to say that I’ve made my family proud. It’s a community of people who have gone through struggles to get here, but that’s what’s special."
Illyana Collins
Mountain View HS
CC
Jaci Collins-Falcón
Manual HS
CU Boulder
Flor Pineda Cruz
Montbello HS
DU
Vanessa Garcia
Prairie View HS
CU Boulder
Dikshya Gauli
Peak to Peak Charter School
CU Boulder
Mary Hager
Cherry Creek HS
DU
Kieran Harris
Cheraw HS
CSU
Ty Hesse
Glenwood Springs HS
CU Boulder
Maizy Hoffman
Lakewood HS
CU Boulder
Emily Hume
Walsh HS
CSU
Bryce Hunter
Cherry Creek Elevation
CU
Kenna Ingram
Custer County HS
CSU
Jack Jobanputra
Arapahoe HS
DU
Ramah Khammash
Air Academy HS
Mines
Hyojae Lee
Smoky Hill HS
CU Boulder
Gage Levin
Stratton HS
CSU
Alexus Lopez
Aurora Central HS
CU Boulder
Amanda Madden
Glenwood Springs HS
CU Boulder
Quade Marks
Denver East HS
CU Boulder
Zoey Montoya
La Junta Jr./Sr. HS
CSU
Ashly Landaverde Morales
Aurora Central HS
CU Boulder
Christian Moro
Coronado HS
Mines
Noah Orcutt
Littleton HS
Mines
River Paranto
Legacy HS
CU Boulder
Anjalie Pasrich
Arvada West HS
CU Boulder
Rodney Peacock
Arvada HS
CSU
Lizbeth Hernandez Pineda
Mapleton Expeditionary School of Art
CU Boulder
Luca Rodriguez
Littleton HS
CC
Ysabelle Rosales
Pueblo East HS
CSU
Garrett Rymer
Cherry Creek Elevation
CU Boulder
Natalie Chairez Salazar
Greeley Central HS
CU Boulder
Emily Sauley
St. Mary’s HS – Colorado Springs
DU
Thomas Schaal
Burlington HS
CSU
Anna Grace Schroer
Centaurus HS
CC
John Sheehan
George Washington HS
CU Boulder
Suyash Shrestha
Stargate Charter School
UCD
Sutasanie Suwannakorn
Chatfield Senior HS
DU
Colin Swanson
Springfield HS
CSU
Rodas Tewelde
Alexander Dawson School
CU Boulder
Anya Wieder
Longmont HS
CC
Madelyn Willeke
Otis HS
CU Boulder
Dana Ramirez Zamora
Mapleton Early Career Prep HS
DU
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Educational Enrichment Grants
These grants created a powerful ripple effect, empowering Scholars to dive deeper into their interests and expand what they thought possible. From preparing for graduate programs and presenting research to exploring videography and pursuing creative, technical, and service-driven experiences around the world, each opportunity extended their impact in meaningful ways.
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International Educational Grants
Scholars studied abroad in countries including China, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and Chile, as well as participated in Semester at Sea. Together, these experiences broadened perspectives, strengthened academic and professional pathways, and equipped Scholars to re-invest their learning abroad into their local communities.
Scholar Highlights
Q&A on Global Growth
2022 Scholar Frankie Stroud turned a year abroad in Tanzania and Spain into a ripple that now extends across continents. She is now using new language skills and her experiences abroad to connect with communities at home and around the world. Pull quote idea: “You will not always feel ready to take a big leap… Fear does not always go away, but you can decide to do scary things anyway.” Studying abroad was made possible for Frankie with the Critical Language Scholarship and Boettcher’s International Education Grant.
Leading & Learning
Discover how 2022 Scholar Ashley Agyepong is making an impact with Young Aspiring Americans for Social & Political Activism. From advocating for marginalized voices to creating spaces for joy and healing, Ashley’s work embodies community-driven change. Learn about her challenges, mentorship, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.
Digging Deeper
Join Jevon “JJ” McKinney, a 2021 Boettcher Scholar, as he shares his experiences as a journalist and storyteller. Raised in Colorado Springs, JJ talks about how his passion for the media industry took shape — and why ethical reporting matters more than ever. From his time as an undergraduate at Colorado State University to his vision for a future in local news, JJ explores journalism’s power to shape, serve, and strengthen community narratives.
Built to Rise
Join Katie as she sits down with 2022 Scholar Yahir Chairez-Salazar to hear his powerful story of resilience, determination, and purpose. The summer before his sophomore year, Yahir lost his leg in a devastating car accident, but fought his way back—both academically and as a collegiate wrestler. His journey from hospital bed to wrestling mat is nothing short of remarkable. Now, the Colorado School of Mines junior is sharing his message of hope and perseverance. In this conversation, he opens up about finding light in the darkest moments, what keeps him moving forward, and the incredible milestones he’s achieved in the face of adversity.
Being a first-generation student allows me to pave the way for younger generations who aspire to become change makers and future leaders. Advice I would give is to take advantage of the free education we receive in America, because knowledge is power and having the opportunity to learn is a privilege.
50 Scholars from 46 unique high schools
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