Denver — The Boettcher Foundation proudly announces its 2026 Class of Boettcher Scholars, a distinguished group of 50 Colorado high school graduates whose achievements and leadership are already creating meaningful change across the state.
Since 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship Program has invested in young Colorado leaders, encouraging them to pursue higher education in the Centennial State and become catalysts for positive change. This year’s record number of applicants reflects the growing impact of the program, which selects Scholars based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.
Each Scholar receives an $80,000 scholarship over four years, supplemented by additional institutional, merit, and/or need-based aid. Beyond financial support, the program offers a comprehensive network and leadership development opportunities designed to help Scholars expand their influence and foster lasting contributions.
The 2026 cohort brings this year’s theme, “Power of Place,” to life, demonstrating how the communities we call home shape character, perspective, and leadership. This year’s cohort of 50 Scholars includes the following:
- A competitive kayaker with Olympic dreams.
- An award-winning entrepreneur running a flower farm business.
- A passionate food insecurity advocate who has influenced policymakers at multiple levels.
- A student who earned three associate’s degrees before graduating high school.
- A groundbreaking researcher focused on engineering solutions to improve Colorado waterways.
- A ventriloquist who’s competed across the country.
- The founder and leader of a nonprofit that provides hygiene products to underserved communities.
- A delegate to the Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union.
- An internationally ranked para climber with sights set on the 2028 Paralympics.
- A student who provided free tax preparation with translation to her community.
“As we welcome the 2026 Boettcher Scholars from across Colorado, we feel inspired and hopeful for the future of our state. These exceptional students embody the leadership and service that define Colorado’s legacy,” said Vanessa Roman, director of scholarships & foundation programs. “Their communities have clearly helped shape who they are today, and we’re excited to see how they will, in turn, shape Colorado in the years ahead.”
Scholar names and photos to follow.
Contact:
Curtis L. Esquibel
Senior Director of Communications & Community Engagement
curtis@boettcherfoundation.org
303.565.6291
About the Boettcher Foundation
We believe in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans because courageous leadership benefits every community in our state. By investing in people, programs, and organizations, we provide a foundation for transformational impact and community-building.
2026 Boettcher Scholars
Ellory Anne Bauersfeld
Loveland High School
University of Colorado Boulder
A unique skill I have is fostering dignity and emotional wellbeing as a Certified Nurse Aide currently pursuing an additional certification in phlebotomy.
Finnigan Blackburn
Salida High School
Colorado State University
I am extremely passionate about kayaking. I travel around the world paddling the biggest rivers and am ranked among the best kayakers in America.
Anna Sophia Brown
Roaring Fork High School
Colorado College
The Colorado River was the first place I saw life erupt in desolation. My love for the river inspired my activism and my future major!
Isis Casareno
Aurora Science and Tech High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I volunteered for the Aurora Wellness Community where I was pushed out of my comfort zone to translate Spanish to English.
Bethany Cure
Burlington High School
Colorado State University
Colorado for me has always been my small town. Farming and ranching on the plains has raised me into the person that I am.
Reagan Curtis
Sargent High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am passionate about ice hockey, photography, spending time with my family and friends, and doing things for the betterment of others.
Madelyn Dinh
Mapleton Early Career Preparatory High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I love helping people! I am reminded of my many privileges every day, and am motivated to use that privilege to help others!
Katalina Dunlap Herreria
Monarch High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am passionate about caring for others. I have an innate desire to help, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do so!
Breno Ejzykowicz
Legacy High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am passionate about healing the world in the capacity of medicine and research, and enjoying the people and experiences along the way!
Katherine Figueroa
Denver School of the Arts
University of Denver
I am the second of four in my family. I have an innate ability to connect with others and bring people together around shared interests.
Brynleigh Firks
Timnath Middle-High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am really good at putting myself in other people's shoes; I'm very empathetic.
Aidan Gallegos
Harrison High School
University of Denver
My favorite Colorado landmark is the Manitou Incline because it's where I learned that pushing past discomfort revealed my resilience.
Yahir Garcia
Coal Ridge High School
University of Colorado Denver
I am passionate about serving underrepresented communities in rural Western Colorado because everyone deserves to feel seen and heard.
Jennifer Gardner
Swink High School
Colorado School of Mines
A formative Colorado experience was participating in 4-H events across the state.
Benjamin Garmany
Grand Junction High School
University of Colorado Boulder
My favorite Colorado landmark is Mt. Crested Butte because I learned to ski there and I have camped, skied, and biked there my whole life.
Reed Garrison
Vail Christian High School
University of Colorado Boulder
Running in the Boulder Marathon was a formative experience because I pushed myself among hardworking and supportive Coloradans.
Irene Gbogi-Emmanuel
Mesa Ridge High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I thrive in new situations, adapt fast, and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Abhiman Gowda
Rock Canyon High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am passionate about mental health advocacy and healthcare. I aspire to be a pediatric dentist and continue building resources for teenage mental health.
Baileigh Gray
Overland High School
Metropolitan State University of Denver
My favorite Colorado landmark is Blucifer because I think it symbolizes the unique and wild nature of Colorado.
Lyndi Huelskamp
Flagler High School
University of Northern Colorado
Attending, showing animals, and working at the county fair has taught me the importance of hard work, friendships, and a can-do mindset.
Aariyaka Jain
Mountain Vista High School
University of Colorado Boulder
Moving to Colorado challenged me to adapt to new cultures and communities, teaching independence and the courage to be myself.
Clara Jeon
Cherry Creek High School
University of Colorado Boulder
A unique skill I have is helping young golfers relate golf to other aspects of their life and find passion for the game.
Ian Johnson
Denver Academy
University of Colorado Boulder
I am passionate about finding meaning and truth in our world by blending art, science, and philosophy.
Amelie Keyser
Salida High School
Colorado State University
Hiking the Colorado Trail with my dad instilled resilience, gratitude, and reflection, shaping both who I am and the path I continue to follow.
Molly Kolachov
Peak to Peak Charter School
Colorado College
I'm passionate about helping others feel loved, finding beauty in everyday life, hiking, skiing, reading and writing, playing tennis, and coffee dates with friends!
Rowan Lott
Durango High School
Colorado College
A formative Colorado experience was bike-packing the Colorado trail in hail and rain with the strongest, most inspiring group of women and girls.
Wenceslado Medina
DSST: College View
Colorado School of Mines
I unique skill that I have is an ability to remain happy throughout any situation or obstacle I face.
Sophia Melpakam
Doherty High School
Colorado School of Mines
My favorite landmark is Bishop Castle. It is a profound fusion of Colorado's outdoor beauty, creativity, and whimsical possibilities of engineering.
Brogan Meyers
ThunderRidge High School
University of Colorado Boulder
Fly fishing all across Colorado gave me a new appreciation for nature and taught me the importance of getting outside as much as we can!
Donovan Miller
Clear Creek High School
Colorado State University
During my 4-year journey to establish the first skatepark in my county, I learned the importance of outdoor community and that meaningful change is possible.
Natalie Muro
Palmer High School
Colorado State University
I am very passionate about the show "Outer Banks" on Netflix. It inspired my science research project on clean energy and harmful algal blooms.
Yoshu Ngwa
Gateway High School
University of Colorado Boulder
My favorite Colorado landmark is Rocky Mountain National Park because its peaceful trails give me space to reflect and grow.
Kya Piel
Merino High School
Western Colorado University
I like to believe I am passionate about life, and I bring the most out of the situations I am given.
Linn Poston
Green Mountain High School
University of Colorado Boulder
My first attempt of Crystal Ball, a hard outdoor climb, taught me how hard I could push myself in outdoor climbing.
Dafne Rivas Quijada
St. Mary’s Academy
University of Denver
I love to draw and paint, using my creativity to make anything fun or absurd, or to spread a message.
Sophia Rodriguez
Valley High School
University of Denver
My greatest passion is learning. I have always said if I could make a career of earning every degree possible I would.
Liliana Salazar
Horizon High School
University of Colorado Boulder
My passion includes all things cultural, mine and others. Learning about cultures connects me to community and others in beautiful, powerful, and unexpected ways.
Lydia Seedorf
Northglenn High School
Colorado State University
I am deeply passionate about animals, the environment, and creating a world that values empathy and inclusion.
Surabhi Sharma
Legacy High School
University of Colorado Boulder
My unique talent is Indian classical dance, blending storytelling, precision, and creativity.
Braxen Shelton
Lamar High School
Colorado State University
Growing up on a farm in rural Colorado was a formative experience that developed my interest in agriculture.
Kayla Shepardson
Plateau Valley High School
Colorado State University
I am a flower farmer and florist, and I grow and arrange flowers. I have a natural eye for beauty and potential.
Ian Shiao
Palisade High School
University of Colorado Boulder
Crochet has been a huge passion of mine for six years now. I love making items for my friends and NICU babies.
Emily Soesilo
Peak to Peak Charter School
University of Colorado Boulder
I competed competitively in archery for 3 years. I even attended Nationals in Utah.
Rylee Sullivan
Meeker High School
Colorado State University
Walking in the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt in the White River National Forest is my favorite Colorado experience.
Aubrianna Tapia
Rangely High School
Colorado State University
My first FFA state convention was formative as it influenced my love and passion for FFA.
Asha Thompson
Limon High School
Colorado State University
I am passionate about agriculture and law, advocating for farmers and ranchers, promoting fair policies, and protecting the future of rural livelihoods and food security.
Sofia Titarenko
Lakewood High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I'm fluent in four languages! This allows me to make connections with so many people that I wouldn't have been able to meet otherwise.
Sofia Vasquez
Greeley West High School
University of Colorado Boulder
Serving my Colorado community showed me how deeply local action matters and shaped my commitment to giving back.
Jack Welling
Grand Junction High School
University of Colorado Boulder
I am extremely determined. When I face a setback or roadblock, I don't let it get in the way of reaching my goals.
William Wrich
North Fork High School
Colorado School of Mines
I am passionate about making the digital world more safe.
