Summer school students at Longmont’s Eagle Crest Elementary are taking part in an all-school read-aloud of a story about a snake who rescues other animals, learning about space through a visit from Fiske’s traveling, inflatable planetarium, and competing in STEM building challenges.
Along with the fun activities, they’re working with teachers in small groups to learn the math and literacy skills they struggled with last school year, giving them extra time to get ready to move to the next grade.
Gangkar Rinchen used clay Wednesday to sculpt the superhero he wants to be: A guy with a cape who can jump from page to page in comic books, giving him the advantage he needs to take out the most dangerous villains.
The rising fifth grader at Longmont’s Flagstaff Academy made the figure during St. Vrain Valley’s Let’s Make a Superhero camp. Elementary and middle school students also filmed short movies, coded arcade-style video games and developed products to sell during STEM camps held this week at Longmont’s Timberline PK-8.
Rising seventh grader Owen Lere took on the role of both a lawyer and a witness as he and his team tried to convince a jury to award damages in a fictitious case of a boy who was burned during a school marshmallow melting experiment.
While his side didn’t prevail — the defense had a legal edge — the experience only increased his enthusiasm for learning about the legal system with a goal of becoming an actual lawyer.
Thank you for your strong partnership in supporting a successful school year for our students, teachers, and staff. In addition to the hundreds of students engaged in our Project Launch extended school year program, St. Vrain Valley Schools remains committed to providing students and families with high-quality learning resources to use at home.
Why Summer Learning Matters: Research shows that consistent engagement with learning during summer months helps maintain academic momentum. Students who continue educational activities over the break return to school better prepared and confident. Our Summer Learning Liftoff program is designed to support your child’s ongoing growth with engaging and enjoyable activities that reinforce key skills.
All K-12 students will bring home their iPads over summer break, providing access to the digital tools and resources used throughout the school year. These devices allow students to utilize curriculum options highlighted on St. Vrain’s Summer Learning Liftoff page, which offers grade-level activities designed to reinforce key concepts from the past year and preview learning for the year ahead. These resources are designed to help students stay engaged, curious, and prepared for a strong start in August.
Families can explore early summer activities now to review familiar material and build new skills. A reminder email will be sent in July, sharing Summer Learning Liftoff resources that focus on late summer activities in preparation for the new school year.
To support families, our Family Resources for iPad Support page includes how-to guides for using your student’s iPad, tips for healthy digital habits, affordable internet options, and more.
These activities are optional, and if you as a parent do not want your child to access the iPad throughout the summer, please contact your school building principal and you can drop off the iPad at the school.
We wish all our families a safe and enjoyable summer break and encourage you to take advantage of these resources to keep learning going and prepare for the year ahead.
Dear St. Vrain Valley Schools Community,
We are pleased to announce that following a thorough and deliberate search process, the Board of Education has appointed Dr. Jackie Kapushion as the next Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Kapushion brings exceptional qualifications to this role, including 36 years of experience in public education, 10 years in St. Vrain Valley Schools, and eight years of distinguished service as our Deputy Superintendent. Her deep understanding of our district’s culture, unwavering commitment to student success, and proven leadership make her the best choice to advance St. Vrain Valley Schools into the future.
As we celebrate this appointment, we also take this opportunity to again express our profound gratitude to Dr. Don Haddad for his extraordinary leadership and lasting legacy. Under his guidance, St. Vrain Valley Schools has become a model of educational excellence, innovation, and community partnership. His visionary approach to succession planning has ensured a seamless transition that will allow us to continue building upon our strong foundation of success.
Dr. Kapushion’s vision for St. Vrain Valley Schools centers on what she calls “The St. Vrain Commitment” – ensuring that each and every student will be recognized for their unique talents and aspirations and receive an exceptional PreK-12 experience that prepares them to graduate with a strong competitive advantage. Her focus on maintaining our tradition of excellence while embracing innovation directly aligns with our district’s strategic priorities and community values.
Throughout our search process, we were deeply grateful for the thoughtful feedback provided by community members regarding priorities for our next superintendent, strengths to maintain, anticipated challenges, and new opportunities for our district. Your input was instrumental in guiding our decision and reinforcing our commitment to what is best for St. Vrain Valley Schools.
We are confident that under Dr. Kapushion’s leadership, our district will continue to thrive. Her collaborative approach, proven ability to build effective systems, and unwavering focus on student success have earned strong endorsements from educational leaders and community partners alike. As one reference shared, “Jackie holds her team to the highest standards. She’s the kind of leader who makes you want to be better.”
The strength of our school district has always been rooted in the partnership between our schools, families, and community. We thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work together to ensure every student in St. Vrain Valley Schools receives the exceptional education they deserve.
We look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead as Dr. Kapushion leads us in advancing our mission of student achievement and global success. Together, we will continue to demonstrate the true Public School Advantage.
Sincerely,
The St. Vrain Valley Schools Board of Education
Seniors across the St. Vrain Valley School District tossed their caps to the sky and looked toward the future at commencement ceremonies this weekend.
On Saturday, the district celebrated its graduates with ceremonies at Longmont, Silver Creek, Skyline, Niwot, Lyons, Mead, Erie and Frederick high schools.
St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to lead in developing a strong, future-ready education workforce through its P-TEACH program, which offers high school students the opportunity to explore teaching careers while earning college credit and gaining hands-on classroom experience.
This year, 55 high school graduates completed the P-TEACH program, collectively earning 441 college credits across 149 courses—representing more than $175,000 in potential tuition savings for students and families. More than 20 graduates are committed to pursuing postsecondary degrees in education. For the first time, students who completed at least five P-TEACH courses and 12 college credits will be recognized with graduation cords, with 14 students receiving this honor. Notably, four students earned more than 30 college credits before graduating high school.
Through built-in field experiences, P-TEACH students work alongside classroom teachers, gaining real-world insight into the teaching profession. These opportunities allow students to explore a range of focus areas, including elementary, early childhood, secondary, English Language Development (ELD), and special education, all while completing high school requirements and transferable college coursework.
New this year, expanded course offerings in partnership with CU Denver included general education classes such as Universal Design for Learning, as well as education technology electives like Digital Teaching and Learning. These additions broadened pathways for students interested in secondary education and high-demand subject areas.
In addition to P-TEACH, several schools offer the Instructional Student Assistant (ISA) program, designed for juniors and seniors interested in gaining direct classroom experience where they support student learning as peer tutors while completing a CU Denver field experience course for college credit. Originally launched at Silver Creek High School, the program has expanded to Longmont High School and is being adopted in additional schools across the district.
ISA students are paired with mentor teachers and spend time in classrooms each week, typically two to three days, assisting with small group instruction, one-on-one student support, and classroom activities. They can also choose to enroll in a semester-long asynchronous college course, attend monthly professional development sessions at Silver Creek High or twice-monthly lunch sessions at Longmont High, and complete a summary project focused on student engagement strategies. Upon completion, students earn an industry-recognized tutoring certification. The ISA program provides another meaningful avenue for students to build leadership skills and contribute positively to their school communities, while also offering a glimpse into teaching as a potential career path, especially in high-demand subject areas like math and science.
St. Vrain’s continued investment in educator development is equipping students with the tools, experiences, and confidence to thrive, while addressing statewide workforce needs and advancing innovation in education.
On Wednesday, May 21, students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Academy at St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC) presented 10 handcrafted, metal American flags to current residents of the Veteran Community Project (VCP) in Longmont.
This event marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the CETC and VCP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and support services to veterans. Moving forward, students in the academy will create a custom flag for each new resident as they make the VCP community their home.
Austin Mcfarlin, a Niwot High School student, shared his personal connection to the project. “I really enjoyed learning more about the fine art side of manufacturing,” he said. “Additionally, it was important for me to be a part of this because my grandpa is a veteran, and so I feel like this is a great way to give back to those who served.”
Brody Richards, a student at Erie High School, echoed that sentiment. “My favorite part of the whole project was helping to make gifts for veterans because it’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ for serving and protecting our country.”
The Advanced Manufacturing Academy prepares students for careers in fields like machining, welding, and engineering technology. Through real-world applications such as this partnership, students gain industry-relevant experience and learn the value of community engagement and service.
The Veteran Community Project, which began in Kansas City and has expanded to locations like Longmont, provides transitional housing in the form of tiny homes and connects veterans with essential support services. With this new collaboration, each veteran welcomed into the Longmont community will receive a personalized symbol of appreciation, crafted with pride by the next generation of the St. Vrain Valley Community. As the partnership continues, students and veterans alike stand to benefit from a shared mission of service, respect and resilience.
Four remarkable journeys culminate in emotional ‘first look’ moments as Class of 2025 graduates reveal their academic regalia to the families who supported them through St. Vrain’s transformative educational experience. Click here to watch now.
Dear. St. Vrain Valley Community,
As I write my final Superintendent Update letter, I am filled with immense gratitude for the extraordinary journey we have shared together over the past 24 years, including 16 years as your superintendent. This milestone moment gives me an opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements and to look forward with great optimism to the continued success of our students, teachers, staff, and schools.
When I first joined St. Vrain in 2001 as the principal of Niwot High School, I could never have imagined the remarkable transformation our district would undergo. Together, we have built what I believe to be the finest public education system in the United States—a bold claim, but one I make with unwavering conviction and immense pride as I prepare to retire at the end of this school year.
The #StVrainStorm we’ve created together—that vortex of achievement, advancement, and infinite potential—continues to provide our students with a powerful competitive advantage as they enter an increasingly complex world. Our 2023-2024 on-time graduation rate reached an unprecedented 94.3%, the highest in the Denver Metro Area, and is poised to increase yet again for the 2024-2025 school year, while maintaining the most rigorous graduation requirements and the lowest dropout rate at 0.4%. These statistics are not merely numbers; they represent real students whose lives have been forever changed by the opportunities they’ve received in our schools.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our students have thrived in our district’s innovative programs, including our instructional focus academies in Biomedical Sciences, Business, Energy, Engineering and Aerospace, Medical and BioScience, Leadership, STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH), Pathways in Technology Early College High School Associate Degree Program (P-TECH), and more. Our investments in world-class facilities such as the Innovation Center and Career Elevation and Technology Center have given our students unparalleled opportunities to develop skills in emerging industries such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and now, quantum computing.
This year’s graduating class exemplifies everything we’ve worked to achieve. They’ve shattered records for enrollment in rigorous Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment college-level courses. With the opportunity to earn approximately 34,500 college credits, they have saved their families an estimated $20 million in future tuition costs. Their achievements have been recognized through prestigious scholarships and acceptances to highly competitive universities, colleges, and military academies across the nation.
What I am most proud of, however, is the people who make up this extraordinary community. It is the students who inspire us with their brilliance and potential, the families who partner with us in their children’s education, the teachers and staff who dedicate their lives to the mission of public education, and the community leaders, business owners, and countless others who champion our schools.
None of our accomplishments would have been possible without your continued support and partnership. Together, we have:
As I prepare for this transition, I remain steadfast in my belief that “out of our public school grows the greatness of a nation.” The path forward is filled with limitless potential—our financial foundation is strong, our academic achievements continue to soar, and most importantly, our community remains unified in its dedication to providing every child with the very best educational opportunities.
To our students, families, teachers, staff, and community members—thank you for making these years the greatest honor of my professional life. Your compassion, dedication, and innovative spirit will undoubtedly lead our district and our nation forward to greater heights.
With profound gratitude and optimism for the future,
Don Haddad, Ed.D.
Superintendent
@SVVSDSupt
Class of 2025
Meet just a few of our approximately 2,300 outstanding graduates who will walk across a stage this week to receive their St. Vrain Valley Schools diploma. Congratulations to all students in the Class of 2025!
Click here to read more.
Class of 2025
We are preparing our students for their future by giving them a strong competitive advantage and cultivating a drive for learning and continued growth. See where our 4.0+ graduates are attending college in the fall.
Click here to read more.
#StVrainStorm
St. Vrain’s four International Baccalaureate programs transform curious young minds into globally-prepared leaders.
Read More in StVrainnovation Magazine.
#StVrainStorm
Character, teamwork, strength, resilience, leadership, commitment, passion, and creativity—to name a few. While we most often see these traits play out on our athletic courts and fields, every day across St. Vrain Valley Schools, our students are embodying champion mindsets in their classrooms, in after-school robotics practice, in extra-curricular leadership roles, on the stage, and in their communities.
Read More in StVrainnovation Magazine.
Save the date
St. Vrain Valley Schools is proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of our Class of 2025 and invites the entire community to join the celebrations virtually through the livestreams of our graduation ceremonies. Click here for more information.
Filling Fast
St. Vrain Valley Schools offers robust summer programming options to keep students engaged in their academic learning. Click here for more information.
Registration Open
If you are interested in having your child ride the bus for the 2025-2026 school year, please apply for transportation services as soon as possible. We make every effort to accommodate as many eligible riders as possible.
Click here for more information.
ComMunity Connection
You will be joining a highly effective and supportive team of professionals who are having a significant impact in the lives of students and families within our community.
Click here for open positions.
Meet just a few of our approximately 2,300 outstanding graduates who will walk across a stage this week to receive their St. Vrain Valley Schools diploma. Congratulations to all students in the Class of 2025!
Isabella Palacios
Business, University of Colorado Boulder
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
My favorite memory from my time at St. Vrain was when my third grade Vex IQ robotics team went to the world championships. We met people from all over the country and world. It was my first time meeting and competing with such a diverse group of students around my age and it was so fun! That whole experience was so cool and I am beyond grateful to have that opportunity at such a young age.
Dean Curtis
Brigham Young University Following Two Years of Missionary Service
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
The chance to take high-level AP classes, especially AP Biology, has helped me to be ready academically for the workload of college and has allowed me to increase my knowledge of the subjects I have thought of studying in college. The chance for AP classes has given me the opportunity to potentially save money on college courses as well as the academic enrichment the classes have provided.
Atlas Momier
Aeronautical Sciences & Flight with a Minor in Music, Florida Institute of Technology
What makes your high school unique?
Erie High has a very strong student culture. From our walks of champions to pep rallies, all facets of student success are celebrated. It is so amazing to see all of the achievements that Erie students gather throughout the year, and I am so proud to be a tiger!
Sabina Stroia
Exercise Science, University of Northern Colorado
What advice would you give to students entering high school?
Enjoy every moment. You’re going to hear that high school goes by fast and it’s going to get tiring but high school does really pass in a blur so make sure to enjoy and cherish every moment. I would also say that make sure you go out and do as many things as you can–joining clubs, sports, going to school events–because it can help grow skills and build relationships with others. It’s nice to remember all the fun things that you did in high school.
Zoe Wittler
Business Management, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
What makes your high school unique?
A lot of schools are known for their academics and athletics. Frederick is exceptional in those areas, but what stood out to me was the environment. The teachers are more than average instructors. All of the teachers genuinely care about every student and do everything they can to support them inside and outside of school. I’ve had teachers make time to answer my questions in between their grading, or in their planning periods. I was always so grateful for that. It made me want to work harder in their classes so I could pay back a little bit of what they gave me. Additionally, many teachers come to our extra-curricular sporting events, choir concerts or theatre productions and love to talk about it with us afterwards. It makes me feel seen and cared about beyond the classroom.
TJ Mogensen
Music Business & Recording Arts, University of Colorado Denver
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
I always love getting to participate in events with students from other schools. One of my favorites is always being a part of the district marching band, as well as going to support other schools’ theater departments at their productions.
Kaya Fountain
Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
I am part of the P-TECH program focused on a biochemistry pathway. This program allows me to graduate with an associate degree in general studies. This prepared me for postsecondary success because it gave me a head start for college.
Bryan Perdomo Deleon
Why should a student choose to enroll in St. Vrain Valley Schools?
St. Vrain gives you opportunities you don’t find everywhere. Programs like the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation & Technology Center (CETC) open doors to real-world experiences. At the Innovation Center, students get to work on cutting-edge technology projects, while CETC focuses more on hands-on, workforce-based skills in areas like health science, construction, and manufacturing. Plus, you can earn college credit while still in high school, which gives you a head start. St. Vrain isn’t just about school, it’s about preparing you for college, a career, or whatever your future goals may be.
Erika Rubio
Culinary, The Culinary Institute of America
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Some advice I would give to students entering high school next year is to not be scared or intimidated. High school is a big step from middle school, but it’s full of so many different opportunities that you should definitely take advantage of. It’s important to try your best to succeed because these are some of the years that really count and can help shape your future. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t matter what you need help with—just reach out. Getting the help you need will make things easier.
Carl Richter
Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
Winning the highest award at the VEX Robotics World Championship in 2024 with my team, Pronounce This, out of Longmont High School.
River Dudden
Information Technology, Front Range Community College
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
I believe that my school has helped me with wanting to pursue a career path in technology. Attending an online school showed me that I can pursue a career in IT or Cybersecurity. Plus knowing that my teachers can work in a digital presence motivates me to want to do something similar. Especially when they have problems with the meeting or something, I try to help out with my IT knowledge.
Clara Linder
Exploratory Studies: Environmental and Natural Resources, Colorado State University
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
The past 14 years that I’ve spent as a student in St. Vrain Valley have been so formidable. I can think of countless memories filled with laughter, stress, excitement, disappointment, accomplishment, and everything in between. It’s hard to just pick one memory. What has stood out the most for me has been all the wonderful friends I’ve made in this district. I’m lucky to have met the friends that have stayed by my side and supported me so early in my life. My best memories are times spent with them; studying, playing sports, making goofy group projects, and, above all, growing up together.
Colton Kominski
Journalism and Political Science, University of Colorado Boulder
What makes your high school unique?
Every morning on the announcements, after celebrating the amazing accomplishments of our student body, I always end with: “Have a great day the Trojan way.” But that phrase is more than just a catchy sign-off. It’s a heartbeat, a motto that pulses through every hallway, classroom, and corner at Longmont.
Tradition – Honoring the legacy of students, faculty, and staff who walked these halls before us.
Respect – For our community, for each other, and for ourselves as representatives of something greater.
Ownership – Owning what it means to be a Trojan, and carrying that title with pride and integrity.
Journey – Each of our stories, backgrounds, and experiences that weave together into a single, strong community.
Achievement – In the classroom, on the stage, the field, the court, and in every creative corner of this school.
Never quit – Because Trojans don’t back down. We problem-solve. We persevere. We finish what we start.
Anya Wieder
Organismal Biology and Ecology, Colorado College
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Get involved in programs that sound interesting to you. There are so many amazing opportunities within St. Vrain. Whether you get involved in sports, the arts, the Innovation Center, Career Elevation & Technology Center, or something else, there is something for everyone and opens so many doors for success!
Rocio Uvina Perez
Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University
How has your school’s focus program prepared you for postsecondary success?
The Medical Bioscience Academy at Longmont High School has been an essential resource towards my postsecondary education. Through hands-on experiences such as from our senior year internship to educational field trips, I have had the opportunity to gain valuable insights to real world medical environments. It has helped me truly understand and appreciate the importance of the medical field and why I want to be a part of it. These opportunities have allowed me to observe professionals in action, ask questions, and develop a clearer understanding of numerous roles in healthcare. Most importantly, these experiences have grown my passion for the medical field and the importance it has on the community.
Jordan Boldt
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
One of my favorite memories is winning WAICY, an international AI competition, my sophomore year. I was very proud of this and it motivated me to continue working hard in the field of AI. I’ve also loved participating in track and field with my friends, it’s always been a highlight of my year.
Julia Hutt
Business Administration, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Use the resources that are available to you and take advantage of every opportunity you are interested in. Get involved in high school! Take this time to find out what you like and what you are good at. There is so much that is around specifically to help you succeed, and if you don’t take advantage of that you are just wasting your time.
Wyatt Saunders
Electrical Engineering with concentration in Lasers and Optics, Colorado State University
What makes your high school unique?
The most important parts of Lyons High School are the community and the opportunities. Many of my classes are about 20 students in size which makes it easier to make connections. Likewise, at Lyons, it is easy to become involved in many activities in and outside of school. I am involved in numerous clubs including NHS, student council, science and leadership, and the LEO Club.
Katie Brownsberger
Physics, University of Alaska Fairbanks
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
In one of my school’s focus groups, I learned the importance of leadership and teambuilding and how to work with younger kids through the Lyons Science and Leadership program at Lyons Elementary. This program at Lyons allows high school students to work with elementary schoolers in developing their leadership skills, along with emphasizing the importance of environmental research. This program not only benefits the younger students we are teaching, but also the older students who participate and will be able to apply their leadership knowledge to future careers.
Taylor Morris
Music Education with Vocal Emphasis, Colorado State University
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
For my post secondary plan I have decided I am going into Music Education to be a Choir teacher. Because of the amazing choir program I have at school I was able to find my love and my passion for choir. My teacher Ms. Berry truly changed my life when she suggested I should join more choirs and theatre. So I did and the minute I decided to put my all into singing I knew it was where I was meant to be. Then I got to continue my focus by taking AP music theory this year to get a jumpstart on tackling the very rigorous college theory which has helped me get perfect on every theory pre test a college has given me. Because of the Mead high school choir department I was able to find what I wanted to do with my life as well as get ahead in my learning so I can thrive when I go to college.
Grant Gordon
Business, University of Northern Colorado
What makes your high school unique?
The thing that makes mead high school unique is the culture and community. As soon as you step on campus you feel like you have a giant support system around you. This support extends past the school as well. The whole town of Mead has your back and that gives us a very special feeling.
Adisyn Rademacher
Undecided, Regis University
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Do not take your time in high school for granted. Participate in every spirit day, go to the sporting events, dances, concerts, and performances that the school programs put on. Be intentional about being present during your short time in high school. It goes by fast.
Maggie Raleigh
Environmental Studies, Colorado Mountain College Following A Gap Year
What makes your high school unique?
My high school is unique because it is an alternative school. The school is small, allowing the teachers to really focus on each student as individuals, helping them succeed.
Wylie Leigh
How has your school prepared you for postsecondary success?
New Meridian High School has prepared me for postsecondary success by providing opportunities to visit and tour different colleges, offering field trips to career centers, and giving me the chance to apply for scholarships. I’ve gone on multiple field trips to colleges and other educational institutions, and the two I’ve gone on have been extremely helpful, showing me different opportunities and perspectives on future schooling. Before New Meridian, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school, but now I have a couple of strong choices.
Trish Melanson
Welding
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
High school may seem intimidating, but that’s only if you let it. Every school offers so many amazing things. Take advantage of it; it helps you find what you’re looking for. Also, embrace the change. Nothing will ever truly be the same in high school. Friends grow up and grow apart, classes get harder, but a lot of good comes from it. You grow, and you slowly become who you’re supposed to be. The work builds characters, and the success that comes from that brings together those you need around you. So be brave, be bold, and be who you’re meant to be.
Matilde Ponticelli
Criminal Justice, Metropolitan State University
Why should a student choose to enroll in New Meridian High School?
New Meridian is unique from other schools because it is small, allowing teachers to offer personalized support. Our teachers genuinely care about each student and are committed to helping them succeed. You will not get lost in the crowd. You get to know everyone, and they get to know you. If you need a fresh start or just want to learn in a supportive environment, it’s the place to be.
Jack McGuirk
Philosophy & Theology, University of Oxford
How has your school’s focus program prepared you for postsecondary success?
I participated in the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at Niwot, which provided a rigorous education alongside hard-working peers and taught me countless academic skills in the process. The high standards of IB gave me a kind of intellectual confidence that I’ll carry with me to university. They also gave the international schools I applied to more confidence in my ability to handle academic rigor, helping me get accepted to my top choices.
Kianna Butler
Undecided, MSU Denver
What makes your high school unique?
The teachers and staff make Niwot High school. They are a supportive environment and they want you to succeed in the future while being there in the present. Whether they are coaches, the athletic director, counselors, teachers, and principals; they care about your performance and your future. For example, whenever I was in the Niwot news, Mr. Rauschkolb would write me a letter of my great performance and come to all of the Niwot sports games and events as well as Mr. Brown. They go out of their way to support their students. This made an impact on me and I would strive to be a better student representative on and off the field. Coaches and staff believed in my potential and encouraged the possibility of being a college athlete.
Malcolm Smith
Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Take the classes that you are interested in. Sometimes students won’t take Innovation Center classes or other interesting subjects because they are worried about their weighted GPA going down. At least on college applications, showing a passion and interest for learning matters more than one number.
Maria Arrece Garcia
Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
After 12 wonderful years in this district, I have a lot of memories I hold close to my heart. I have made some of my closest friends here and grown up with my peers. As I am approaching graduation, I have two favorite memories tied for first. The first one took place during my freshman year when I won the Robotics World Championship with my friends down in Houston. This entire competition was memorable as it was my first time traveling outside the state, and because we were proud and excited that we won. I will never forget hugging my best friends as the confetti rained down on us. My second favorite memory took place just a couple of days ago, Decision Day! I absolutely loved coming to school and seeing all of my friends proudly wear their college spirit wear. It felt nice to see us all land exactly where we were meant to be after a whole year of hard work and stress. It made me excited for what my friend’s and my future holds as we are pursuing what we love.
Paige Schleper
Neurobiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Honors Program
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite memory from my time at St. Vrain, but what stands out to me the most are the relationships I’ve built over the years. My best friend from preschool at Blue Mountain Elementary is now co-captaining the Silver Creek soccer team with me. That kind of long-lasting friendship is so special, and I think the connections I’ve made with both students and teachers are the best part about my time in St. Vrain Valley Schools.
Zachary Kaufman
Musical Performance, University of North Texas
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Do as many things and know as many people as you possibly can. At the end of the day, you only get to do high school once. You only get to do all your classes, sports, clubs, and meeting your friends once. When looking at it from that perspective, it makes one realize the finite amount of time you have in high school. The more you do, the more memories you will have, and the more you will enjoy making those memories.
Brynne Geittmann
Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder
What makes your high school unique?
Silver Creek has a lot of opportunities for almost every interest. We have a ton of clubs, great academic opportunities such as Universal High School, P-TEACH, and P-TECH. We also have great music programs and a myriad of sports opportunities. Outside of that the district at large has many amazing opportunities for internships, concurrent college classes, and work certifications. I had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the majority of my teachers and found that most of them care a great deal more that you realize.
Brooklyn Baum
Politics with Minors in American Studies & German, Princeton University
How has your school’s focus program(s) prepared you for postsecondary success?
The Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA) has given me the skills necessary to be a strong and impactful leader while also showing me how to work with others and use my voice for good. Through SCLA, I have created strong relationships with prominent members of the Longmont community, worked on service projects impacting students all the way in Africa, and learned what it means to be a goal-oriented, service-minded leader.
Edgar Neverez Pena
Aerospace Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Don’t be scared to try new things. Take every opportunity to try everything and know that you are never alone. You have people here ready to support you as you try all of these new things.
Breanne Baker
Business, Utah State University
What makes your high school unique?
Skyline has given me a number of opportunities for athletics and has met the needs for me academically by offering high-level classes. The staff is very caring and supportive.
Tobias Pinson
Business Administration w/ Concentration in Real Estate, Colorado State University
How has your school’s focus program prepared you for postsecondary success?
The business classes offered have given me a great opportunity to explore what a future career in business will look like.
Karla Navarrete Espinoza
Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
Mariachi has had a big role in my life and at Skyline High. The opportunities to play at large concerts to have people watch us perform has been great.
Luca Fowler
Mechatronics, Simon Fraser University
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
During my manufacturing class at the Career Elevation & Technology Center, my favorite machine was the plasma cutter. It is a modular laser set over a huge sheet of metal; you give it a 3D model and it cuts a 2D shape out of the metal. For one of my projects, I made a metal “Bigfoot”. I imported the drawing into CAD (computer-aided design) and then created my Bigfoot with the plasma cutter. Bigfoot ultimately ended up on my best friend’s Christmas tree!
Aidan Dodge
Business/Marketing, Colorado State University
How has your school’s focus program prepared you for postsecondary success?
Students at St. Vrain Virtual work by themselves and they get their work done. Everyone at St. Vrain Virtual is independent, and capable of critical thinking and problem solving. The students, my peers, are exceptional when it comes to managing their time and taking personal responsibility. At this high school you can learn a lot and the teachers and counselors make sure that you are prepared for the future, helping you follow your dreams. The one-on-one time given between staff and students is the most helpful tool for students at St. Vrain Virtual, especially when it comes to achieving your postsecondary goals.
Eissa Everdeen
Geology, Colorado State University
What makes your high school unique?
The smallness of the classrooms, the comfortable seating, and the kind staff. These are all examples of what I think makes APEX unique. Our principal and staff are so open to ideas the student council has and always considers them, making students feel seen and heard. Even though we are a homeschooled program, we have so many events throughout the year: homecomings, freshman events, Valentine’s dance, spring events, and others including prom for 9th-12th graders.
Isaac Ellsaesser
Undecided, Attending FRCC For One Year Before Transferring To A Four Year University
What’s a favorite memory from your time at St. Vrain?
My favorite memories from my time at APEX were teaching people how to play a card game called Magic: the Gathering. I suppose I kind of started an unofficial club for it, and I always enjoyed playing it with my friends.
Raelan Schmidgall
Film Production/Cinematography, CU Denver
What advice would you give to students entering high school next year?
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone — try out that new class, join that club, take that chance. You never know what you’ll discover or how much you’ll grow until you give it a try. Some of your best high school experiences might come from the opportunities you almost didn’t take.
Ana Vaughan
Biology, Belmont Abbey College
What makes your high school unique?
APEX is unique because of its ability to offer both flexibility and stability. During my time at APEX, I was able to create a schedule that revolved heavily around concurrent enrollment courses, but I was still able to have a “home base” where I could take only a few classes, and participate in activities such as music programs and student government.
