2023 Scholar Cohort Selected from Largest-Ever Applicant Pool
DENVER, May 1, 2023 — The Boettcher Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2023 Class of Boettcher Scholars.
“As Boettcher Scholars, these 50 dynamic thinkers and leaders have committed to attending Colorado universities where they will continue using their talents to elevate our communities right here at home,” said Katie Kramer, Boettcher Foundation president & CEO.
Since 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship Program has existed to keep Colorado’s most talented high school seniors in-state for their postsecondary years. Last fall, more than 2,000 Colorado students applied for the Boettcher Scholarship, the largest pool of applicants ever.
Scholars are selected based on academics, service, leadership, and character. In addition to receiving an $80,000 scholarship award across four years, Scholars also receive institutional, merit, and/or need-based aid from their respective campuses. As a comprehensive scholarship, the Boettcher award also includes programming and support to ensure that Scholars reach their full academic and leadership potential.
The Boettcher Scholar network includes more than 2,800 leaders who have gone on to make their marks in the sectors of business, government, nonprofits, and education.
This year’s cohort includes the following:
- A self-taught knitter and crocheter with a closet full of original clothing designs.
- A founder and officer of “Girls Like Us,” a program supporting the mental health and wellness of Black adolescent girls.
- The owner of a private pilot license.
- An accomplished vocal soloist and ballet dancer who was featured as the Nutcracker Prince for the Colorado Ballet Society.
- Co-founder of a neighborhood bee service who performs hive inspections for her community and has launched a business venture out of it.
- A student graduating high school with three associate degrees.
- Founder of a biomedical company developing a household health care device with a patent pending.
- Leader in the National FFA organization who contributes more than 650 hours to the family farm operation.
“This cohort of Scholars has a wide range of unique and impressive skills, talents, and interests,” said Vanessa Roman, director of scholarships & foundation programs. “Their commitment to leadership and service has truly enriched their communities all across the state and we are excited to see how they contribute to their college communities and beyond.”
Scholar names and photos to follow.
Contact:
Curtis L. Esquibel
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.
2023 Boettcher Scholars
![Ali_Yumna_1 Ali_Yumna_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ali_Yumna_1.webp)
Yumna Ali
CC
I am passionate about working with people because I've grown up surrounded by a cultural and religious community with morals to always give back to others.
![Aubert_Emma_3 Aubert_Emma_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Aubert_Emma_3.webp)
Emma Aubert
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to explore and find solutions to issues of individual safety and autonomy so that I can impact underdeveloped communities and ease the effects of poverty.
![Brock_Joseph_1 Brock_Joseph_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Brock_Joseph_1.webp)
Joseph Brock
Mines
My favorite Colorado experience is spending my summer evenings leading tourists through the Cave of the Winds on underground expeditions.
![Cannon_Garrett2 Cannon_Garrett2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cannon_Garrett2.webp)
Garrett Cannon
CSU
My career aspiration is to become a Psychiatrist so that I can impact as many people as I can who need help with their mental health.
![Carroll_Dalton3 Carroll_Dalton3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Carroll_Dalton3.webp)
Dalton Carroll
CU Boulder
I am passionate about the outdoors because the tranquility and peace they hold should be preserved for the next generations.
![Chen_Michelle_3 Chen_Michelle_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Chen_Michelle_3.webp)
Michelle Chen
Arvada HS
CC
My proudest achievement is obtaining my private pilot's license in less than two months.
![Chidambaram_Kaviya-Barathi_3 Chidambaram_Kaviya-Barathi_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Chidambaram_Kaviya-Barathi_3.webp)
Kaviya Chidambaram
CC
My proudest achievement is helping students around the world fight for anti-racist education and meaningful representation in their communities.
![Diatta_Ami_1 Diatta_Ami_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Diatta_Ami_1.webp)
Ami Diatta
CU Boulder
My proudest achievement is the creation of a research group to study and support black adolescent girls' mental health in Boulder County.
![Dino_Lia_2 Dino_Lia_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Dino_Lia_2.webp)
Lia Dino
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to advocate for civil and human rights so that I can impact the power and representation of the most underserved global communities.
![Donovan_Hunter_3 Donovan_Hunter_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Donovan_Hunter_3.webp)
Hunter Donovan
Regis
My proudest achievement is serving two terms as a Colorado Future Business Leaders of America State Officer.
![Grope_Avidan_3 Grope_Avidan_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grope_Avidan_3.webp)
Avi Grope
CU Boulder
My favorite Colorado experience is the week I spent camping on Mt. Elbert and doing trail work with close friends.
![Gurkan_Kerem_1 Gurkan_Kerem_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Gurkan_Kerem_1.webp)
Kerem Gurkan
CU Boulder
During my undergraduate career, I plan to continue refereeing soccer while studying computer science.
![Hanif_Yusuf_2 Hanif_Yusuf_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hanif_Yusuf_2.webp)
Yusuf Hanif
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to enter the field of hospital administration so that I can impact the healthcare industry positively.
![Hennes_Jazz_3 Hennes_Jazz_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hennes_Jazz_3.webp)
Jazz Hennes
CSU
A unique talent or skill I have is woodworking. I've made a chess table, a book shelf, a trophy shelf, and an Adirondack chair.
![Hoffman_Charlotte_1 Hoffman_Charlotte_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hoffman_Charlotte_1.webp)
Charlotte Hoffman
CU Boulder
My proudest achievement is becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant to help make a difference in people's lives.
![Jeans_Lindsay_3 Jeans_Lindsay_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jeans_Lindsay_3.webp)
Lindsay Jeans
Mines
My proudest achievement is coming back from a major injury to become a two year captain and committing to become a collegiate athlete.
![Johar_Jaikrit_2 Johar_Jaikrit_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Johar_Jaikrit_2.webp)
Jaikrit Johar
CU Boulder
During my undergraduate career, I plan to double major in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Business Administration.
![Johnson_Tess2 Johnson_Tess2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Johnson_Tess2.webp)
Tess Johnson
CU Boulder
My favorite Colorado experience is gathering cattle on horseback while watching the sunrise.
![Juarez_Jhoany_3 Juarez_Jhoany_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Juarez_Jhoany_3.webp)
Jhoany Juarez
CSU
My proudest achievement is running my own licensed automotive detailing business.
![Little_Katherine_1 Little_Katherine_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Little_Katherine_1.webp)
Kate Jordan Little
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to become an Environmental Lawyer so that I can defend, and champion sustainability nationwide.
![Lockwood_Katie_1 Lockwood_Katie_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lockwood_Katie_1.webp)
Katie Lockwood
CC
My proudest achievement is representing my county as the youngest member of the Colorado Climate Equity Community Advisory Council.
![Loewengart_Caleb_2 Loewengart_Caleb_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Loewengart_Caleb_2.webp)
Caleb Loewengart
CU Boulder
My proudest achievement is co-directing a production of The Crucible wherein my school theatre company opened a conversation about queer discrimination and LGBTQ+ rights.
![Malik_Brinda_1 Malik_Brinda_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Malik_Brinda_1.webp)
Brinda Malik
DU
My career aspiration is to become a Formula One Race Engineer so that I can impact representation and support of women in engineering fields.
![Martinez_Marissa_3 Martinez_Marissa_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Martinez_Marissa_3.webp)
Marissa Martinez
CSU
My favorite Colorado experience is hiking, fly-fishing, backpacking, and skiing in our beautiful mountains.
![McCall_Aven_1 McCall_Aven_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/McCall_Aven_1.webp)
Aven McCall
DU
A unique talent or skill I have is my ability to play seven different instruments, including saxophone and flute.
![Mendoza-Vega_Luis_3 Mendoza-Vega_Luis_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mendoza-Vega_Luis_3.webp)
Luis Mendoza Vega
CSU
My proudest achievement is overcoming a language barrier and becoming a top performer in my class.
![Miranda_Alina_2 Miranda_Alina_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Miranda_Alina_2.webp)
Alina Miranda
CC
I am passionate about self-advocacy because looking out for yourself is empowering.
![Morgan_Emma_3 Morgan_Emma_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Morgan_Emma_3.webp)
Emma Morgan
CU Boulder
A unique talent or skill I have is painting custom designs on shoes for my customers.
![Osuna_Noah_1 Osuna_Noah_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Osuna_Noah_1.webp)
Noah Osuna
UNC
I am passionate about music because it's a universal language that allows you to express yourself in a way that nothing else can.
![Parker_Luke_2 Parker_Luke_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Parker_Luke_2.webp)
Luke Parker
CU Boulder
A unique talent or skill I have is teaching young trumpet players to love music through small group sectionals and community outreach concerts.
![Pixler_Iris_2 Pixler_Iris_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pixler_Iris_2.webp)
Iris Pixler
CC
My proudest achievement is co-founding a free theatre summer camp to create a positive space for youth to feel seen and valued.
![Potlapelly_Sujay_3 Potlapelly_Sujay_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Potlapelly_Sujay_3.webp)
Sujay Potlapelly
CU Boulder
I am passionate about computational neuroscience it allows for the integration of mathematics, computer science, and biology to study the workings of the brain.
![Rajesh_Shruthi_2 Rajesh_Shruthi_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Rajesh_Shruthi_2.webp)
Shruthi Rajesh
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to go into the medical field as a physician so that I can impact marginalized groups by pushing to drastically improve the quality of their care by implementing measures to make healthcare more inclusive.
![Roseman_Dylan_1 Roseman_Dylan_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Roseman_Dylan_1-scaled.webp)
Dylan Roseman
UNC
A unique talent or skill I have is self-motivation; a personal drive to do my best and never give up.
![Rosensweig_Mariah_1 Rosensweig_Mariah_1](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Rosensweig_Mariah_1.webp)
Mariah Rosensweig
CU Boulder
I am passionate about beekeeping because it encourages me to see the patterns and connections we all have to nature.
![Rubin_Myles_2 Rubin_Myles_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Rubin_Myles_2.webp)
Myles Rubin
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to utilize my business degree in commercial aviation so that I can impact travel standards, systems and safety.
![Schrock_Cora_2 Schrock_Cora_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Schrock_Cora_2.webp)
Cora Schrock
CSU
My career aspiration is to become an attorney in agricultural communities so that I can impact in a positive way, the lives of farmers and ranchers.
![Seaman_Cooper_3 Seaman_Cooper_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Seaman_Cooper_3.webp)
Cooper Seaman
UCCS
I am passionate about computational neuroscience it allows for the integration of mathematics, computer science, and biology to study the workings of the brain.
![Serrano_Iris_3 Serrano_Iris_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Serrano_Iris_3-scaled.webp)
Iris Serrano
Overland HS
CU Boulder
My proudest achievement is creating the first bilingual newspaper at Overland High School.
![Spotts_Sam_3 Spotts_Sam_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Spotts_Sam_3.webp)
Sam Spotts
Peak to Peak Charter School
CU Boulder
A unique talent or skill I have is being able to read Latin poetry as the authors wrote it.
![Stempfer_Louis_3 Stempfer_Louis_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Stempfer_Louis_3.webp)
Louis Stempfer
CU Boulder
My career aspiration is to work in either marketing or management in aviation so that I can impact the lives of others by growing access to the world for everyone.
![Suarez‐Duran_Nancy_2 Suarez‐Duran_Nancy_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Suarez‐Duran_Nancy_2.webp)
Nancy Suarez-Duran
CMU
I am passionate about computational neuroscience it allows for the integration of mathematics, computer science, and biology to study the workings of the brain.
![Swanson_Ella_3 Swanson_Ella_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Swanson_Ella_3.webp)
Ella Swanson
Mines
My favorite Colorado experience is watching the lunar eclipse while listening to live music at Red Rocks.
![Tayefeh_Nora_3 Tayefeh_Nora_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Tayefeh_Nora_3.webp)
Nora Tayefeh
CSU
A unique talent or skill I have is mounted archery, AKA shooting a bow while riding a horse. I would love to compete in the future.
![Uyemura_Joey5 Uyemura_Joey5](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Uyemura_Joey5.webp)
Joey Uyemura
DU
A unique talent or skill I have is that I can play many songs on the piano after hearing them once.
![Vsetecka_Abby6 Vsetecka_Abby6](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vsetecka_Abby6.webp)
Abby Vsetecka
CU Boulder
During my undergraduate career, I plan to obtain a holistic education centered around public health so I can better connect with people and understand their medical challenges.
![Westphal_Brakelle_3 Westphal_Brakelle_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Westphal_Brakelle_3.webp)
Brakelle Westphal
MSU
My career aspiration is to become an air ambulance pilot so that I can impact the ongoing need for critical trauma care transport that rural hospitals sometimes can't provide.
![Willeke_Jack_2 Willeke_Jack_2](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Willeke_Jack_2.webp)
Jack Willeke
CU Boulder
A unique talent or skill I have is operating a combine to cut wheat and milo on my family's farm.
![Wolfe_Kylee_3 Wolfe_Kylee_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wolfe_Kylee_3.webp)
Kylee Wolfe
CU Boulder
During my undergraduate career, I plan to study journalism and sports media.
![Zenk_Maxwell_3 Zenk_Maxwell_3](https://boettcherfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Zenk_Maxwell_3.webp)
Max Zenk
CSU
I am passionate about Basketball because it promotes teamwork, builds friendly competition, and has created some of my tightest friendships throughout high school.