Boettcher Scholars, Teachers, Investigators and Grantees in the News

26 May Colorado Teachers Honored for Exemplary Leadership and Influence

DENVER, May 23, 2023 — The Boettcher Foundation today announced that it is recognizing a group of standout Colorado teachers for their impact and influence on some of the state’s top students. As part of the Boettcher Scholarship Program, which provides Colorado’s most talented students with scholarships to attend a Colorado college or university, the Boettcher Foundation also honors the teachers who have committed themselves to supporting the high-achieving students who interview for the scholarship as finalists. This year’s educators were recommended by the 2023 Class of Boettcher Scholars. Each teacher will receive a certificate, a personalized tribute from the student who selected them, and a grant to be used for a project or activity to benefit students at their school. “A talented group finalists chose to honor these educators because of their dedication to empowering and supporting the growth of committed Colorado leaders,” said Tiffany Anderson, senior director of programs & strategic initiatives. “Each of these teachers has played a vital role in helping students prepare to realize their goals. We are honored to recognize them for all they do for the young people of our state, their schools, and their communities.” A complete list of the 2023 Teacher Recognition Award recipients follows. 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. Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Award Recipients Nominated by 2023 Boettcher Scholars Teacher Name High School School District Tateum Bowers Thomas B. Doherty High School Colorado Springs 11 Ronda Peeples Arickaree High School Arickaree R-2 Keila Castorena Arvada High School Jefferson County R-1 Daniel Mydans Boulder High School Boulder Valley RE-2 Andrea Binion Broomfield High School Boulder Valley RE-2 Micheal Steach Burlington High School Burlington RE-6J Jay Kisnel Centaurus High School Boulder Valley RE-2 Janelle Fiallos Cherokee Trail High School Cherry Creek 5 Timothy Libby Cherry Creek High School Cherry Creek 5 Bobbi Jo Wiescamp Coal Ridge High School Garfield RE-2 Christy Gomez Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins High School Joshua Nielson Conifer High School Jefferson County R-1 Keary Sullivan Dakota Ridge High School Jefferson County R-1 Danielle Lopez Delta High School Delta County 50J Jonathan Clark Denver East High School Denver County 1 Kenneth Howell Early College Academy Karla Gordon Evergreen High School Jefferson County R-1 Rylie Salyards Fleming High School Frenchman RE-3 Tracey Winey Fossil Ridge High School Poudre R-1 Sarah Brunke Grandview High School Cherry Creek 5 Lauren Appelhans Greeley Central High School Greeley 6 Tom Nugent Greeley West High School Greeley 6 Theresa Lazzeri Green Mountain High School Jefferson County R-1 Mike Rudolph Heritage High School Littleton 6 Krista Church Hi-Plains High School Hi-Plains R-23 Azita Jahangirloo KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy Denver County 1 Robert Framel Kit Carson High School Kit Carson R-1 Jesse Van Divier Legend High School Douglas County RE-1 Joshua Trujillo Manzanola High School Manzanola 3J Kathleen Kelley Meeker High School Meeker RE1 Kathleen Packard Monarch High School Boulder Valley RE-2 Loree Harvey Monte Vista High School Monte Vista C-8 Christina Dickerson Mullen High School Kari Keller Olathe High School Montrose County RE-1J Landan Schaffert Otis High School Otis R-3 Hollie Kelly Overland High School Cherry Creek 5 Shannon Gallagher Overland High School Cherry Creek 5 Kim Popick Palisade High School Mesa County Valley 51 Kurt Schaefer Peak to Peak Charter School Boulder Valley RE-2 Dana Green Platte Valley High School Platte Valley RE-7 Karen Bukowski Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE-1 Kerry Reilly Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE-1 Colleen Lamb Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE-1 Van Walker Springfield High School Springfield RE-4 Renee Loflin Springfield High School Springfield RE-4 Kent Schnacke STEM School Highlands Ranch Douglas County RE-1 Matthew Nicolo Thomas Jefferson High School Denver County 1 Tamara Rewerts Valley High School Jefferson County R-1 Michelle Walker Widefield High School Widefield 3 Kelley Rebis Wray High School Wray RD-2   CONTACT: Curtis Esquibel Director of Communications & Community Engagement 303.565.6291 (cell) curtis@boettcherfoundation.org...

18 May Colorado Teachers Honored for Inspirational Classroom Leadership

DENVER, May 19, 2022 —The Boettcher Foundation today announced that it is recognizing a group of standout Colorado teachers for their impact and influence on some of the state’s top students. As part of the Boettcher Scholarship Program, which provides Colorado’s most talented students with scholarships to attend a Colorado college or university, the Boettcher Foundation also honors the teachers who have committed themselves to supporting the high-achieving students who interview for the scholarship as finalists. “These educators have devoted their careers to motivating and inspiring an incredible group of leaders and learners,“ said Tiffany Anderson, director of programs at the Boettcher Foundation. “We are honored to recognize them for all they do for the young people of our state, their schools, and communities.” This year’s teacher honorees were selected by the 100-plus finalists for the Boettcher Scholarship. Each educator will receive a plaque, a personalized tribute from the student who selected them, and a $500 grant to be used for a project or activity to benefit students at their school. “As dedicated and passionate educators, these individuals have championed leadership in their classrooms and helped a talented group of students to strive for excellence,” Anderson said. A complete list of the 2022 Teacher Recognition Award recipients follows. About the Boettcher Foundation: At the Boettcher Foundation, we believe in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans. Every day we champion excellence across our state by investing in our most talented citizens and high-potential organizations, because supporting their hard work and leadership will enable them to give back for years to come. 2022 Teacher Recognition Award Recipients Teacher  School or Institution School District Brett Todd Adams City High School Adams County 14 Jillian Lykens Air Academy High School Academy 20 Sandra Vuletich Air Academy High School Academy 20 Tina Edelein Alexander Dawson School Kristin Leclaire Arapahoe High School Littleton 6 Teresa Gutierrez Arapahoe High School Littleton 6 Lisa Paulek Bayfield High School Bayfield 10 JT-R Jeni Montague Big Sandy School-Simla Big Sandy 100J Kathy Gustad Brighton High School School District 27J Andrea Binion Broomfield High School Boulder Valley RE 2 Ron Tillitson Burlington High School Burlington RE-6J Don Daniels Chatfield Senior High School Jefferson County R-1 Courtney Hendricks Cherokee Trail High School Cherry Creek 5 Cameron Gauthier Coal Ridge High School Garfield RE-2 Tracy Wilson Colorado Rocky Mountain School Private Karen Jordan Colorado Springs Early Colleges High School Charter School Institute Kelly Chappell Colorado State University Eric Friesen Columbine High School Jefferson County R-1 Kyle Yeh Coronado High School Colorado Springs 11 Ryan Christensen Cotopaxi High School Cotopaxi RE-3 Charlotte Camp Crested Butte Community School Gunnison Watershed RE1J Katherine Páez Dakota Ridge High School Jefferson County R-1 Michelle Guerra Dakota Ridge High School Jefferson County R-1 Jakob Meils Denver East High School Denver County 1 John Jonas Denver North High School Denver County 1 Megen Gilman Denver North High School Denver County 1 Moss Kaplan Denver School of the Arts Denver County 1 Lance McClure Denver South High School Denver County 1 Steve Franklin D'Evelyn Jr/Sr High School Jefferson County R-1 Samantha Williams Discovery Canyon High School Academy 20 Kricket Lewis Durango High School Durango 9-R Danelle Rivera Eagle Valley High School Eagle County RE 50 David Frantom Eaglecrest High School Cherry Creek 5 Paul Strode Fairview High School Boulder Valley RE 2 Kristin Shapiro Florence High School Fremont RE-2 Christine Matthie Fort Collins High School Poudre R-1 Kenneth Monks Front Range Community College Kyle Hirsch Gateway High School Adams-Arapahoe 28J Angela Danley George Washington High School Denver County 1 Teacher  School or Institution  School District Christopher Hubble George Washington High School Denver County 1 Thomas Frasier Greeley Central High School Greeley 6 Brian Hayenga Hinkley High School Adams-Arapahoe 28J Jennifer Van Gundy Hinkley High School Adams-Arapahoe 28J Susan Hartley Hinkley High School Adams-Arapahoe 28J Ginna Halverson Kent Denver School David Martin Lakewood High School Jefferson County R-1 Jenna Randle Lamar High School Lamar RE-2 Jennifer Cooper Legacy High School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Joshua Sloane Legacy High School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Tyler Arko Legacy High School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Jenna Butler Legend High School Douglas County RE 1 Rodney Stutzman Littleton High School Cherry Creek 5 Dena Herskind-Palser Lone Star Undivided High School Lone Star 101 Chris Chou Longmont High School St Vrain Valley RE 1J Katharine Ellis Monarch High School Boulder Valley RE 2 Keith Mainland Monarch High School Boulder Valley RE 2 Katie Allison Mountain Vista High School Douglas County RE 1 Mike McGuire Mullen High School Teresa Ewing Niwot High School St Vrain Valley RE 1J Lynnette Weddle North Park High School North Park R-1 Melissa Williford Northglenn High School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Diane Patterson Northridge High School Greeley 6 Dana Hansen Overland High School Cherry Creek 5 Kara Billings Overland High School Cherry Creek 5 Joshua Kurz Pagosa Springs High School Archuleta County 50 JT Kim Popick Palisade High School Mesa County Valley 51 Allen Hankla Peak to Peak Charter School Boulder Valley RE 2 Kurt Schaefer Peak to Peak Charter School Boulder Valley RE 2 Kate Margrave Pine Creek High School Academy 20 Gillian Lange Pomona High School Jefferson County R-1 Kayla Diaz Ponderosa High School Douglas County RE 1 Carrie Gongaware Primero High School Primero Reorganized 2 Jodi Crane-Murphy Pueblo Centennial High School Pueblo City 60 Joanne Griego Pueblo Central High School Pueblo City 60 Joanne Griego Pueblo Central High School Pueblo City 60 Vicki Bowker Pueblo County High School Pueblo County 70 Johanna Woelfel Pueblo West High School Pueblo County 70 Nicole McHenry Pueblo West High School Pueblo County 70 Jenny Braketa Ralston Valley Senior High School Jefferson County R-1 Trisha Anthony Rampart High School Academy 20 Randy Mills Rangeview High School Adams-Arapahoe 28J Tina Phibbs Riverdale Ridge High School School District 27J Teacher  School or Institution School District Julia Dale Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE 1 Kerry Hinton Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE 1 Mary Burnham Rock Canyon High School Douglas County RE 1 Kenyon Scheurman Rocky Mountain High School Poudre R-1 Kayla Sommers Roosevelt High School Johnstown-Milliken RE-5J Audrey Gamache Salida High School Salida R-32 Kelly Landgraf Sheridan High School Sheridan 2 Bryon Booher Silver Creek High School St Vrain Valley RE 1J Carmen Rubino Silver Creek High School St Vrain Valley RE 1J Alejandra Larrahona Smoky Hill High School Cherry Creek 5 Kelli Turnipseed Soroco High School South Routt RE 3 Richard Boland South Park High School Park County RE-2 Michelle Hayden St. Mary's Academy Justin Pond Standley Lake High School Jefferson County R-1 Lucas Thomas Stargate Charter School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Gina Wither Steamboat Mountain School Jenny Shea Steamboat Springs High School Steamboat Springs RE-2 Jacob Wunsh Strive Prep-Smart Denver County 1 Bonnie Grossen Swink High School Swink 33 Jessica Pickering Swink High School Swink 33 Jay Klagge Thompson Valley High School Thompson R2-J Deborah Molen Twin Peaks Classical Academy St Vrain Valley Re 1J Theresa James Vista Ridge High School District 49 Tim Cuevas Westgate Community School Adams 12 Five Star Schools Jeff Dennis Westminster High School Westminster Public Schools Michael Saulmon Wiggins High School Brush RE-2 Chelsea Situmeang Young Aspiring Americans for                Social & Political Activism    ...

15 Sep Colorado Teachers Recognized for Exemplary Leadership

DENVER, May 20, 2021 — The Boettcher Foundation today announced that it is recognizing a group of standout Colorado teachers for their exemplary influence in educating some of the state’s top students. As part of the Boettcher Scholarship Program, which provides Colorado’s most talented students with scholarships to attend a Colorado college or university, the Boettcher Foundation also honors the teachers who have committed themselves to supporting the high-achieving students who compete for the scholarship. “Teachers bring education to life for young people,” said Tiffany Anderson, director of programs at the Boettcher Foundation. “They provide motivation, inspiration, and a commitment to excellence that their students experience and we get to hear about every year when we interview candidates. The life-long influence of these educators is immeasurable." This year’s teacher honorees were selected by the 100 finalists for the Boettcher Scholarship. Each educator will receive a plaque, a personalized tribute from the student who selected them, and a $500 grant to be used for a project or activity to benefit students at their school. “These dedicated and passionate educators have championed leadership in their classrooms, and we are proud to recognize them for helping Colorado students to achieve their goals and prepare for their futures,” Anderson said. A complete list of the 2021 Teacher Recognition Award recipients follows. About the Boettcher Foundation: At the Boettcher Foundation, we believe in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans. Every day we champion excellence across our state by investing in our most talented citizens and high-potential organizations, because supporting their hard work and leadership will enable them to give back for years to come. 2021 Teacher Recognition Award Recipients School District High School Educator Name Denver County 1 Abraham Lincoln High School Greg Gallegos Alamosa RE-11J Alamosa High School Matthew Relyea Private Alexander Dawson School Melissa Barker Durango 9-R Animas High School Kyle Edmondson South Conejos RE-10 Antonito High School David Jackson Jefferson County R-1 Arvada West High School Christine Fry Jefferson County R-1 Arvada West High School Lindsey Welsh Boulder Valley RE-2 Boulder High School Ryan O'Block Canon City RE-1 Canon City High School Steven Carter Douglas County RE-1 Castle View High School Michael Schneider Brush RE-2 Cedaredge High School Craig Cerise Cherry Creek 5 Cherokee Trail High School Julie Scheffel Cherry Creek 5 Cherry Creek High School David Rowe Cherry Creek 5 Cherry Creek High School Jodi Best Private Colorado Springs School David Benson Jefferson County R-1 Columbine High School Eric Friesen Jefferson County R-1 Conifer High School Jeremy Barnett Denver County 1 Denver East High School Thomas Anderson Denver County 1 Denver East High School Casey Hudson Denver County 1 Denver School of Science & Technology: Montview Kateri Williams Denver County 1 Denver School of Science & Technology: Green Valley Ranch Evan Goodrich Denver County 1 Denver School of the Arts Mark Mallaney Denver County 1 Denver South High School Kyle Dobbins Denver County 1 Denver South High School Jennifer Rinaldi Durango 9-R Durango High School Kristina Bruton Englewood 1 Englewood High School Phil Emery St. Vrain Valley RE 1J Erie High School Greta von Bernuth Boulder Valley RE 2 Fairview High School David Rutherford Poudre R-1 Fort Collins High School Enrique Blas Poudre R-1 Fossil Ridge High School Todd Pfeifer Mesa County Valley 51 Fruita Monument High School Trent Wuster Adams-Arapahoe 28J Gateway High School Nicole Burdick Denver County 1 George Washington High School Joseph Bolz Denver County 1 George Washington High School Richard Leeds Mapleton 1 Global Leadership Academy Christine Patten Mesa County Valley 51 Grand Junction Central High School Sarah Keen Garfield 16 Grand Valley High School Jason Arthur Cherry Creek 5 Grandview High School William Baird Greeley 6 Greeley Central High School Flor Varela Greeley 6 Greeley Central High School Steven Burch Greeley 6 Greeley West High School Beth Dent Greeley 6  Greeley West High School Lea Sanford Harrison 2 Harrison Wesley Brown Adams 12 Five Star Schools Horizon High School Steve Lash Jefferson County R-1 Jefferson Academy High School  Mary Ferbrache East Otero R-1 La Junta High School Kellie Buhr East Otero R-1 La Junta High School Julia Barta Lake County R-1 Lake County High School Karl Remsen Jefferson County R-1 Lakewood High School Whitney Barnes Adams 12 Five Star Schools Legacy High School Matthew Cirbo Lone Star 101 Lone Star Undivided High School Saralynn Vetter Thompson R2-J Loveland High School Gregory Morrison Thompson R2-J Loveland High School Rebecca Lewis Thompson R2-J Loveland High School Christine Marshall St. Vrain Valley RE 1J Lyons Middle/Senior High School Jeffrey Klipstein Denver County 1 Manual High School Whitney Weathers Denver County 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College Heather Williams St. Vrain Valley RE 1J Mead High School Chris Reynolds St. Vrain Valley RE 1J Mead High School Benjamin Holskin Buffalo RE-4J Merino High School Luann Koester Boulder Valley RE 2 Monarch High School Kathleen Hein Douglas County RE 1 Mountain Vista High School Heather Riggs Adams 12 Five Star Schools Northglenn High School Kathryn Zaleski Adams 12 Five Star Schools Northglenn High School Kasey Nunn Montrose County RE-1J Olathe High School Cheryl Jackson Cherry Creek 5 Overland High School Kara Billings Cherry Creek 5 Overland High School Kara Billings Mesa County Valley 51 Palisade High School Laura Meinzen Colorado Springs 11 Palmer High School Robert Gilliam Lewis-Palmer 38 Palmer Ridge High School Tyler Dall Boulder Valley RE 2 Peak to Peak Charter School Jake Lehr Boulder Valley RE 2 Peak to Peak Charter School Kurt Schaefer Boulder Valley RE 2 Peak to Peak Charter School Meghan Lukens Boulder Valley RE 2 Peak to Peak Charter School Elizabeth Tarbutton Boulder Valley RE 2 Peak to Peak Charter School Jake Lehr Colorado Springs 11 Peetz Plateau High School Brian Kurz Academy 20 Pine Creek High School Valerie Babbitt Academy 20 Pine Creek High School Maria Boyczuk Academy 20 Pine Creek High School April Pierce Platte Valley RE-7 Platte Valley High School Julie Thomas Jefferson County R-1 Pomona High School Gillian Lange-Kemper School District 27J Prairie View High School Veronica Randall Pueblo City 60 Pueblo South High School Karen Olson Academy 20 Rampart High School Gregory Andersen Private Resurrection Christian School Christopher Krueger Roaring Fork RE-1 Roaring Fork High School Matt Wells Poudre R-1 Rocky Mountain High School Kelsey Mauch Johnston-Milliken RE-5J Roosevelt High School Leticia Garcia Salida R-32 Salida High School Heidi Slaymaker Centennial R-1 San Luis Centennial High School Helen Seay Sheridan 2 Sheridan High School Kelly Landgraf St. Vrain Valley Re 1J Skyline High School Amanda Giulani Mapleton 1 Skyview Academy Kirsten Schuman Cherry Creek 5 Smoky Hill High School Thomas Tafoya Steamboat Springs RE-2 Steamboat Springs High School Deirdre Boyd Strasburg 31J Strasburg High School Cliff Smith Denver County 1 STRIVE Prep -- RISE Anna Steed Denver County 1 Thomas Jefferson High School Amber Wilson Thompson R2-J Thompson Valley High School Jon Cooley Greeley 6 University High School JoEll Matthews Greeley 6 University High School Beryldell Parker Westminster Public Schools - District 50 Westminster High School Kathleen Herter Westminster Public Schools - District 50 Westminster High School Josh Linenberger Widefield 3 Widefield High School Emily Molina Windsor Re-4 Windsor High School Phil Weiser Wray RD-2 Wray High School Angela DePue  ...