DCSD seniors are well on their way to college with a prestigious scholarship paving the way.
Three DCSD students are recipients of the Daniels Fund Scholarship. Recipients may use their scholarship at any accredited nonprofit college or university anywhere in the United States. Daniels Scholars have their full cost of attendance covered at partner schools in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, and up to $100,000 over four years if they choose to attend a school outside the four-state region. Students are selected for their strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, and academic potential.
Congratulations to these outstanding DCSD students!
Dylan Mundt, Chaparral High School
Cora Yuen, Chaparral High School
Tevia Reading, Mountain Vista High School
“We are thrilled to support the educational aspirations of this tremendous group of young people,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “They represent the next generation of leaders and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish with this opportunity.”
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation released the names of the first group of winners in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 13 students in Colorado are being recognized for their educational excellence with corporate-sponsored awards - with one of those coming from the Douglas County School District.
Congratulations to outstanding DCSD scholar Yashwin Thammiraju. Yashwin plans to study mechanical engineering and currently attends Legend High School.
Yashwin is the recipient of a National Merit corporate-sponsored award. Corporate sponsors provide scholarships for students who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the company serves, or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage. Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000.
By the conclusion of this year’s competition, more than 6,930 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $26 million. Recipients of the National Merit $2,500 scholarships will be announced on May 7.
A record number of Colorado students applied for the prestigious Boettcher Foundation Scholarship this year, with 50 being named recipients. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) is proud to congratulate a DCSD graduate for earning this prestigious scholarship that aims to retain Colorado’s inspiring high school graduates within the state for their college education.
Congratulations to Rock Canyon High School’s Olivia Brewer, who plans to attend CU Boulder. As a Boettcher scholar, Olivia will receive an $80,000 scholarship award across four years, along with institutional, merit and/or need-based aid. As a comprehensive scholarship, the Boettcher award also includes a program and support system designed to help Scholars maximize their academic and leadership capabilities.
“As we welcome the 2025 Boettcher Scholars, we recognize how their individual efforts create ripple effects that extend beyond themselves, inspiring others and strengthening communities throughout Colorado,” said Vanessa Roman, director of scholarships and foundation programs. “Their leadership and service truly reflect the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing talent that drives positive, meaningful change.”
Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, service and character.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation released the names of winners in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program, including one from the Douglas County School District.
Congratulations to outstanding DCSD scholar Ryan McCormick. Ryan attends Mountain Vista High School and plans to study computer science.
Ryan is the recipient of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship, selected from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists. These recipients have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Recipients of the National Merit college-sponsored scholarships will be announced in June and July.
The Missy Martin Scholarship Future Hope Foundation was established on behalf of the former Douglas County High School student after she survived a tragic accident resulting in her sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Each year, a ceremony is held at Douglas County High School where Missy and her family celebrate students from five high schools in the Douglas County School District by presenting each with a $2,000 scholarship. To date, the Missy Martin Scholarship Future Hope Foundation has awarded over $90,000 in scholarships. Congratulations to the following deserving DCSD students who are being recognized for overcoming hardship and demonstrating perseverance!
Deanna Gilson,Douglas County High School: Deanna will attend Montana State University, where she plans to complete her prerequisites and explore a field that sparks her passion for her future studies
Faith Kargoll,Highlands Ranch High School: Faith will attend the University of Colorado, Boulder and is planning to major in mechanical engineering
Alayah Neely, Chaparral High School: Alayah will attend Grand Canyon University and is planning to major in social work
Kebron Tekeda, Mountain Vista High School: Kebron will attend Colorado State University and is planning to study political science and pre-law
Christopher Young, Rock Canyon High School: Christopher will attend Metro State University and is planning to major in entrepreneurship and business
Kishan Vahalia – AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Rock Canyon High School graduate Kishan Vahalia for being selected as a recipient of the prestigious AOPA Flight Training Scholarship. This national scholarship, awarded by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), is given to only about 5% of applicants each year and helps aspiring pilots fund their flight training.
Kishan’s achievement reflects his hard work, dedication, and passion for aviation. We’re proud to celebrate his success as he takes off toward an exciting future in flight!