Celebrations

Students who participated in the fellowship were tasked with developing an Ai app to tackle a real world problem. They engaged in the design thinking process to target their chosen problem and learned how to develop an Ai app to address the issue.

Ian Leonard and Jackson Chabra were the two students from Brighton High School. They developed a program called Humanizer which allows people to learn about opposing viewpoints of others in a manner that encourages understanding and empathy so that differences in opinion do not hinder positive interactions with others.

Solana Ruiz and Aaliyah Perez were the two students from Riverdale Ridge High School. They looked at test data from across the state and in 27J to develop an app that helps to promote student engagement and academic growth. It is intended to be used by both students and teachers as a way to support individual learners.

All four students presented their projects as the final component of their fellowship.

Michelle has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado for more than 14 years, first as a parent, and then as a dedicated Unified coach and youth mentor at Brighton High School. For the past 12 years, she’s played a key role in growing and coordinating Brighton’s Unified program, making it as easy as possible for others to step in, coach, and make an impact.

What fills Michelle’s cup most is helping others find their place in inclusion. She’s passionate about creating spaces where everyone can thrive and lead in their own way.

For Michelle, the best part of volunteering is watching students empower one another and build truly inclusive communities. “You become what you surround yourself with,” she says, “and when you surround yourself with inclusion, you become inclusive.”

Among her favorite memories is taking the Brighton Unified soccer team to the 2019 USA Games in Seattle. She explained that it was a trip that strengthened bonds and created friendships that are still going strong today.

To anyone thinking about getting involved with Special Olympics, Michelle says, “Go for it! It’s impossible not to leave with a smile and a deeper understanding of an inclusive community where every athlete proves what’s possible when given the chance to shine.”

Congratulations on being recognized as the October 2025 Volunteer of the Month, Michelle!!

Riverdale Ridge High School teacher, Tyler Orcutt, has been named the Colorado Civic Educator for 2025.

The Colorado Civic Educator of the Year award recognizes an exemplary classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional expertise in teaching about citizenship, the U.S. Constitution, Colorado Studies, Congress, and/or public policy at the state and local levels and is committed to preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens. This award is presented in honor of the extraordinary work of the Center for Education in Law and Democracy, which promoted and supported the development of responsible citizens committed to democratic principles and active participation in representative government in Colorado since 2002.

The Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Colorado has named Brian Hull as the recipient of the 2025 SHAPE Colorado Staff Recognition Award.

This prestigious honor recognizes the outstanding contributions Brian has made in the fields of health, physical education, and dance. The SHAPE Colorado Awards Committee agreed wholeheartedly with his nomination, noting that he is highly deserving of this recognition.

Brian will be officially recognized at the SHAPE Colorado Awards Dinner on December 5, 2025, during the SHAPE Colorado Convention at the Hyatt Regency Aurora Denver Conference Center.

Colorado Art Education Association Honors Erin Knoettgen-Nap as Colorado Middle School Art Educator of the Year.

The Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA) proudly announces Erin Knoettgen-Nap as the recipient of the Colorado Middle School Art Educator of the Year Award. This distinguished honor highlights Erin’s outstanding commitment and impact in middle school art education throughout Colorado.

Erin Knoettgen-Nap has shown remarkable dedication to nurturing creativity, artistic skills, and self-expression among middle school students. Her innovative teaching methods and passion for creating an inclusive and inspiring learning environment have made a meaningful difference for her students and colleagues alike.

The Colorado Middle School Art Educator of the Year Award recognizes educators who foster artistic growth and personal development during these critical years. Erin’s work continues to elevate the importance of arts education in Colorado’s middle schools.
 

The Society of Health and Physical Education has named Jason Humphrey as the recipient of the SHAPE Colorado High School Administrator of the Year Award for 2025. This award recognizes the contributions he has made in the fields of health, physical education and dance. The award committee agrees wholeheartedly with his nominator that he is highly deserving of this recognition. 

Presented by: National Scholastic Press Association

Category: Student

Riley Doherty, a senior and Editor-in-Chief of the school yearbook at Brighton High School, is a top 10 finalist in the nation for National Scholastic Press Association's contest for Sports Feature Photo.

Presented by: 5th ROTC Brigade

Category: Activities/Athletics

The team competed with 50 teams from over 10 states on April 12th at the National Western Complex. Schools use this as the qualifier for the National Championships. This is the second year of JROTC in 27J and PVHS.