Celebrations
At 27J Schools, our students and staff achieve incredible things every day. Families and community members often reach out wanting to share these proud moments, so we created the Celebrations Page as a place to bring them all together. Here, you’ll find photos, awards, and stories that showcase the hard work, talent, and dedication happening across our schools. Big or small, every win matters, and we’re proud to celebrate them with you.
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![Group of eight male and female students with certificates smiling for photo in Board of Education meeting room.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1781281805/sd27jorg/zhpsl5cmxer4wy7fhy7s/BHSyearbookstudents_award.jpg","width":2200}])
The 27J Schools Board of Education recognized high school students who were honored as state and national winners during its June 10, 2026 regular meeting.
Brighton High School
- Parker Gundersen – All State Choir and National Qualifier, International Thespian Society for
- Solo Musical
- Elisa Gomez, Jackie Reynoso, Lennon Suppes, First Place - Colorado ProStart Management
- Team
- Dayanara Mariscal - ProStart Outstanding Student of the Year
- Alana Merceiz - Daniels Scholarship Recipient
- Alblino Ortega-Jaquez – Skills USA State Champion Plumbing
- Trace Rieman, All State Choir
- Tony Tufano - State Wrestling Champion - 113 pounds
- Tilly Ruby - State Wrestling Champion - 155 pounds
- Keith Robinson - State Champion - Shot Put
- Elke Sander - National Qualifier International Thespian Society for Solo Musical
- Trap/Skeet Shooting - Second Place - State Competition
Reflections Yearbook:
- Gavin Federocko - Colorado Student Media Association Designer of the Year
- Sammy Granado - Colorado Student Media Association Social Media Content Creator of the Year
- First Place Overall Theme Package and First Place Theme Copy Package - Riley Doherty, Isaiah Leon, Aubrey Thomson, Gavin Federocko and Sammy Granado
- First Place Sports Reaction Photo (Football) - Kayce Spellman
- First Place Clubs Spread (The Daily Dawg) - Riley Doherty, Gavin Federocko, Tatum McTarsney, Skylar Thomson, Max Trujillo, Anthony Vera Gonzalez
- First Place People Spread - Riley Doherty, Gavin Federocko, Tatum McTarsney, Skylar Thomson, Max Trujillo, Anthony Vera Gonzalez
- First Place Academic Writing (Welding & Auto) - Roryn Dodge, Wyatt Dinges, Marlie Nyland, Cory Kessinger, Isaiah Vega
- First Place Academic Photo (Welding) - Cory Kessinger
- First Place Sports Action Photo (Boys Basketball) - Riley Doherty
- First Place Student Life Spread (Trends) - Hailynn Dyck, Ivan Fuentes, Audrey Heller, Morgan Hudak
- First Place Student Life Photo (Peach Fuzz) - Riley Doherty
- First Place Sports Writing (Boys Basketball)- Gavin Federocko, Tatum McTarsney, Skylar Thomson, Max Trujillo, Anthony Vera Gonzalez
- First Place Sports Spread (State Wrestling Champs) - Riley Doherty
- First Place Chronological Spreads - BHS Staff
- First Place School News - Colorado Student Media Assn Best of Colorado Sammy Granado, Kayden Kanda, Cory Kessinger
- Second Place Student Life Writing (Student Walkout) - Riley Doherty, Aubrey Thomson, Eternity Neito, Taylor Ostrander
- Second Place Student Life Writing (Summer) - Riley Doherty, Hailynn Dyck, Ivan Fuentes, Audrey Heller, Morgan Hudak, Taylor Ostrander
- Second Place Profile Writing (Luz Galindo Story) - Aubrey Thomson
- Honorable Mention Clubs Writing (Trap) - Riley Doherty, Kayce Spellman, Nui Baker, Sophia Cespedes, Jaidon Gallegos
- Honorable Mention Environmental Portrait (State Wrestling) - Riley Doherty
- Honorable Mention Academics Spread (AP Literature) - Isaiah Leon, Austin Sickler, Loganne Easdon and Preston Fiedler
- Honorable Mention Clubs Photo (LULAC) - Cory Kessinger
- The yearbook staff also placed in 20 of the 21 categories in the Colorado Student Media Association Best of Colorado contest. The team won 13 first-place awards, three second-place awards, and four honorable mentions, the most of any 5A high school yearbook.
Prairie View High School
- Jaydin Cuevas - State Wrestling Champion - 115 pounds
- Isaiah Lovato - Daniels Scholarship Recipient
- Jasmine Newman – Daniels Scholarship Recipient
- Nic Wall – Skills USA State Champion – Power Equipment
Riverdale Ridge High School
- Lliana Armendaiz – Skills USA Champion – Medical Terminology
- Brihanna (Bri) Crittendon - Girls Basketball All-Time State Scoring Leader
- Veronica Lear – Skills USA State Champion – Computer Programming
- Payton Meinike - Colorado Running Hall of Fame
- Jeffrey Xu – Skills USA State Champion – Related Technical Math
- Unified Basketball Team - State Champions
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![prairie view middle blue-eyed cartoon tiger logo on gray background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710438483/sd27jorg/mloabucumsxaerjmhuap/SchoolNewsGeneralwLogos_PVMS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710438483/sd27jorg/mloabucumsxaerjmhuap/SchoolNewsGeneralwLogos_PVMS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710438483/sd27jorg/mloabucumsxaerjmhuap/SchoolNewsGeneralwLogos_PVMS.png","width":600}])
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Third Annual Open Letter Contest!
Downstairs Pod: 1st Place Kylie Potter, 2nd Place Paityn Clarke, 3rd Place Nalani Her
Upstairs Pod: 1st Place Leticia Silva Cortes, 2nd Place Arieona Federico, 3rd Place Tilei Masao
This year’s competition was our most ambitious yet. Every single open letter entry was meticulously reviewed and scored a minimum of five times. To ensure a truly balanced perspective, each piece was evaluated by at least one adult reader from outside the PVMS ELA department. With over 1,250 individual scores to average, the competition was incredibly tight, showcasing the passionate voices and persuasive power of our student body. Over 50 students submitted their open letter to the New York Times open letter competition along with this competition. Students are telling the world that their voice matters and that 8th graders have powerful, informed opinions on the issues shaping our future. Having the courage to put their ideas is a massive achievement! A BIG TIGER ROAR TO ALL INVOLVED.
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![female student holding award trophy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1775482808/sd27jorg/s62ktu6dxzi9bh9rxd3e/Celebrations.jpg","width":2200}])
One of Mrs Wright’s prostart 1 and 2 students, Emma Newman, received 2nd place at CO FCCLA state competition in the culinary arts competition and will now compete in nationals in the summer!!
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![Picture of female]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771513934/sd27jorg/l1h0gur07fxh4ufaonbt/Celebration.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771513934/sd27jorg/l1h0gur07fxh4ufaonbt/Celebration.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771513934/sd27jorg/l1h0gur07fxh4ufaonbt/Celebration.jpg","width":656}])
Nubia Garza, a 27J student, who is part of the Gateway to College program at FRCC was nominated for the Achieving the Dream 2026 DREAM Scholar opportunity and she was selected! This is a super prestigious accolade, and very competitive nationwide. There are 8 total scholars selected for this through all the 300+ community colleges that Achieving the Dream works with. One of these scholars is dedicated to being a Gateway to College student. So of the 30 Gateway programs nationwide, each program can nominate two students. There are several rounds to the process including interviews. Nubia previously attended Prairie View. She will read her poem and be presenting on panels at the conference and highlighted throughout March.
We are proud of Nubia for representing FRCC Gateway to College and 27J Schools at this event. https://achievingthedream.org/
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![girl with award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1771432923/sd27jorg/nhbim05abdjfg1pavu3r/HOSA.jpg","width":2200}])
Congratulations to Madison Pickens! Madison won first place in her event, Interviewing Skills, at the HOSA State Leadership Conference this past weekend (Feb 13-15, 2026). She prepared a resume and personal statement for her round 1 competition and did an interview for her round 2 competition.
![Decorative]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771018333/sd27jorg/aha4kkfy8e18ywtpvgoh/dailydogbhs.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771018333/sd27jorg/aha4kkfy8e18ywtpvgoh/dailydogbhs.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771018333/sd27jorg/aha4kkfy8e18ywtpvgoh/dailydogbhs.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771018333/sd27jorg/aha4kkfy8e18ywtpvgoh/dailydogbhs.png","width":1176}])
Mrs. Wick and her students are getting this program going this year for the first time and they are learning industry skills in creating, directing and producing a video production that supports school culture and empowers students for their future. Here is the link for the first episode of "The Daily Dawg": https://www.youtube.com/watch?
![teachers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1771018083/sd27jorg/cszaxbuvkhy64afhi2ss/IMG_6556.jpg","width":2200}])
The 27J School District CTE Department is proud to celebrate a major milestone—successfully hosting our first Regional SkillsUSA Competition. Thanks to the leadership and dedication of CTE teachers Tyler Freytag and Adam Nelson, the event was an outstanding success and tremendous opportunity for our students.
Tyler and Adam worked tirelessly to plan and execute a high-quality competition showcasing the talent, professionalism, and career-ready skills of our students. Adam also secured generous donations and grants from community partners, ensuring the event ran smoothly while keeping costs to a minimum.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all industry partners and sponsors who contributed their time, resources, and expertise. This event would not have been possible without their support and commitment to Career and Technical Education in 27J.
Congratulations to Tyler, Adam, and everyone involved in making 27J’s first Regional SkillsUSA Competition such a memorable success.
![man receiving an award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762877500/sd27jorg/b3kbwnamnjfytpgczsbr/RRHS.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762877500/sd27jorg/b3kbwnamnjfytpgczsbr/RRHS.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762877500/sd27jorg/b3kbwnamnjfytpgczsbr/RRHS.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762877500/sd27jorg/b3kbwnamnjfytpgczsbr/RRHS.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762877500/sd27jorg/b3kbwnamnjfytpgczsbr/RRHS.jpg","width":1228}])
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.
![Brian Hull Faculty Headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762791801/sd27jorg/ufpxqkzmkypjxwg71gs3/Image_20251110_092046.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762791801/sd27jorg/ufpxqkzmkypjxwg71gs3/Image_20251110_092046.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762791801/sd27jorg/ufpxqkzmkypjxwg71gs3/Image_20251110_092046.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762791801/sd27jorg/ufpxqkzmkypjxwg71gs3/Image_20251110_092046.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762791801/sd27jorg/ufpxqkzmkypjxwg71gs3/Image_20251110_092046.png","width":1290}])
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.
![female art teacher assisting students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762785387/sd27jorg/kux38oextflfhutipysa/IMG_1639-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762785387/sd27jorg/kux38oextflfhutipysa/IMG_1639-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762785387/sd27jorg/kux38oextflfhutipysa/IMG_1639-cropped.jpg","width":600}])
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.
![Picture of male administrator]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762556880/sd27jorg/fb2lnjv5iqseuxbnfzt3/PVHS-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762556880/sd27jorg/fb2lnjv5iqseuxbnfzt3/PVHS-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762556880/sd27jorg/fb2lnjv5iqseuxbnfzt3/PVHS-cropped.jpg","width":600}])
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.
![Students at Riverdale Ridge High School accept Eliza Pickrell Rout award on a stage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758057483/sd27jorg/mzghlk3fq3szqnf6biy1/Santana1.jpg","width":2200}])
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.
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