As a part of its continuing mission to support the education of the St. Vrain Valley School District students, 124 scholarship awards were handed out to 89 students by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation at Trail Ridge Middle School on Monday evening. Seniors from high schools around the district, including Longmont, Silver Creek, and Skyline were in attendance with scholarships ranging from $250 to $10,000.
School Superintendent Dr. Don Haddad, several school board members and high school principals were in attendance to support the students planning to pursue post-secondary education.
“The Student Scholarship Award Ceremony serves as a platform to honor and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of St. Vrain Valley students in academics, leadership and community involvement,” said Lark Rambo, executive director of the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation since March 2024. “This event underscores our commitment to enhancing student success by providing postsecondary resources.”
There were 1,079 applicants for the scholarship program for a total of $220,000 in funding. Since 2004, the scholarship program has continued to grow. It added eight new scholarships this year including the Emma Gallegos Women in STEM Scholarship recognizing a student planning to major in STEM-related fields.
As a testament to the partnerships of the foundation and the community, the streamlined process allows the program to continue to grow providing financial support to students who may not have the means to pursue post-secondary education.
“Supporting students through scholarships is an investment in the future of the community. Educated individuals are more likely to contribute positively to society, both socially and economically,” Rambo said.
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of students along with the focuses of the district, the scholarship program “aligns with the strategic priorities of St. Vrain Valley Schools,” Rambo said. Not only is funding available for traditional two and four-year colleges, but also trade scholarships.
“We have also aligned scholarships that are focused on some of the training programs offered through the district, like our two scholarships that are targeted for students pursuing an education in the field of teaching that are a perfect fit for students completing the P-TEACH program,” Rambo said.
Senior Jordan Gaines from Silver Creek High School worked for the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation last summer helping with impactful events including Crayons for Calculators. She was one of three recipients of the Gladys Hubbard Scholarship for $1,000. She plans to attend UNC for nursing.
“Nursing school is very expensive,” she said. “The scholarship money will go towards me fulfilling my prerequisites, so I can focus on coursework for nursing.”
Fernando Coria from Longmont High School was a multiple scholarship award winner including the Art and Lucy Stromquist Memorial Scholarship and The Donna Bower Memorial Scholarship. Planning to double major in business and pre-law, Coria will attend the University of Colorado Boulder.
“I hope to become self-sufficient, so my mom can finally retire,” he said. “These scholarships, in a way, help me return the favor as she has helped my siblings and me get to where we are.”
The St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation recognizes the impact of investing in the long-term well-being and prosperity of the community as a part of its overall mission.
“I would also like to give back to the community that has helped us,” Coria said.
The two-hour ceremony concluded with light snacks and plenty of photos. As students gathered with friends and family, Rambo’s parting quote from Nelson Mandela seemed perfect as these students continue their academic journey. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
