Announcements

Denver -- Four Denver Public Schools students learned last week they have been offered the 2011 Boettcher Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based scholarship available to graduating high school students in Colorado.  Read an article in the Denver Post.

(Image caption: JFK students Alyssa Kasperson and Richard Maez)

Of the four DPS students, two are from John F. Kennedy High School. They are seniors Alyssa Kasperson and Richard Maez. In addition, Elliot Mamet from Denver East High School and Charla (Aubrey) Rhodes from the Denver School of the Arts also received the Boettcher Scholarship. 

These students will be recognized for this outstanding achievement by the Board of Education during its Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 17 at 5 p.m. 

It has been 20 years since JFK has had two students receive a scholarship from the Boettcher Foundation in the same year. The most recent was in 1991 when two students earned the prestigious scholarship. Other years in which two students received the honor in the same year at JFK include 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1978. The last JFK Boettcher recipient was Annie Guo in 2002. 

Both outstanding students at JFK High School, Alyssa Kasperson and Richard Maez, are candidates for this year's valedictorian of their class. As a dedicated leader, Alyssa currently serves as All-School President and has served as President or Vice-President every year in high school. 

"Since ninth-grade, I have seen Alyssa blossom from a shy kid into a very confident young lady who leads others with both words and actions," said JFK school counselor Emily Rivera. "She is the consummate team player, whether on the sports field, in the classroom, on student council or as an active member of her church." 

A member of JFK's second graduating class of International Baccalaureate Diploma students, Richard Maez shines with his academic achievements as he continues to take and master challenging and rigorous courses. He is a also a leader in the JFK community as Key Club President, National Honor Society President, and newspaper Editor-in Chief. 

Rivera says, "While these accolades are nothing to scoff at, clear evidence of his intelligence, dedication and hard work, I think Richard's scholarly significance is best exemplified in the tutoring program he created." 

Richard is in his second year of running a tutoring program at the local elementary school and regards this as his favorite extra-curricular activity. 

"Richard's selflessness emerges clearly when one reviews the activities in which he has chosen to be involved," Rivera added. "Richard has chosen clubs and projects that make a difference in the lives of others." 

At East High School, Elliot Mamet is an outspoken advocate for all students. He ensures the school is accountable to its commitments to our young people. He is an exceptional student, a talented debater and a musician whose talents are appreciated at East and beyond. 

"We are proud to have Elliot represent East High School as a 2011 Boettcher, and we look forward to celebrating his future successes as an outstanding student, community member and leader," said East Principal John Youngquist. 

At the Denver School of the Arts, Aubrey Rhodes is a stand-out student whose compassion, drive and sense of community will make her a recognized leader in the community. 

"During our career as educators, some students stand out above all others and make a permanent mark on our lives," said Denver School of the Arts Principal William Kohut. "Aubrey is one of those students whose imprint on our memories is both indelible and positive.  This is true because Aubrey's life is defined by her service to others."

About the Boettcher Scholarship:

The Boettcher Scholarship is the most prestigious merit-based scholarship available to graduating high school seniors in the State of Colorado. Begun in 1952 by Claude Boettcher, the Boettcher Scholarship was initially modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship Program. The purpose of the Boettcher Scholarship is to attract Colorado's best and brightest students to attend college within the state. The Boettcher Scholarship covers the cost of a Scholar's tuition, fees and books for eight semesters/twelve quarters at any of Colorado's four-year universities or colleges. A $2,800 living stipend is also supplied to help defray the cost of room and board. The total amount of the Scholarship depends on a number of factors, including the cost of a Scholar's institution, and can range from approximately $50,000 to $160,000.