Lewis-Palmer School District 38 and the surrounding community hold the arts in high regard.
The district hosted a recognition ceremony on May 14 at the D38 Administration Building to honor and celebrate seniors who will continue their pursuits of the arts at postsecondary institutions.
“This event is a celebration that represents the significance of the arts in the Tri-Lakes Community. In District 38, we firmly believe that a well-rounded education includes the fine arts, and we are proud to support our students in developing their creativity and artistic passion,” Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine said.
The event was hosted and emceed by Arts Education Advisory Council members, Ted Bauman and Theresa Phillips. During the ceremony, each honoree was brought to the podium to answer questions from the emcees and tell the audience about their future plans in pursuing the arts, what or who inspired them in their pursuits, and what their most memorable moments were as artists and creators in D38.
“Your music, art, theater performances, and all other pursuits create meaningful experiences and connections. What you create in these realms is wonderful and inspiring to many. Through creative design, sound engineering, music performance, and more, you communicate through a common global language, and highlight and embrace different perspectives. Now, you are moving on to a new chapter and we applaud you,” Theresa Phillips shared with the honorees to kick off the ceremony.
In attendance were also many D38 teachers who helped these students follow their passions and hone their skills. The teachers received many thank yous from both honorees and leaders in the district.
“Behind every talented student there are talented teachers. I would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible educators here who have inspired and led these students to grow a love for the arts,” Whetstine said.
Senior honorees will be pursuing studies in everything from sound engineering to theater, to music production, and even modern dance. They will attend schools from coast to coast, as well as right here in the Pikes Peak Region.
See the full list of honorees below:
Luke Bridges - Studying Sound Engineering at the University of Denver
Isabel Doyle - Studying Theater and Psychology at Arizona State University
Annabelle Erminger - Studying Veterinary Medicine and Vocal Studies at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Ashley Forsyth - Studying Music Therapy and Applied Trumpet at Colorado State University
Isadora Hayes - Studying Art and Psychology at the University of Denver
Tabor Hayes - Studying Music Business at Belmont University
Chloe Howver - Studying Film Production and Music Performance at Biola University
Bella Kappel - Studying Marketing at High Point University
Jaithan McEchron - Studying Violin Performance and Chemistry at the University of Colorado - Boulder
Hope Muldoon - Studying Music Education at Benedictine College
Keegan Owen - Studying Musical Theater and Dance at the University of Colorado - Boulder
Sophia Schulz - Studying Modern Dance at Texas Christian University
Abigail Sjobeck - Studying Interior Design and Business at Texas Christian University
Penny Stafford - Studying Costume Design and Theater Technology at Colorado State University
Sky Swenson - Studying Theater at Pikes Peak State College
Elliott Swiatek - Studying Music Production at the University of Colorado - Boulder
