Students in D38 excel in a lot of areas.
We are home to state champions and honorees in everything from athletics to business, to academics and the arts.
On May 13, the district honored our Senior students who not only excel in the arts, but will continue their artistic pursuits at postsecondary institutions.
The Arts Recognition began in 2025 and has now become an annual event for D38. The idea behind the event and the credit for much of its success goes to the Arts Education Advisory Committee. Committee members Ted Bauman and Theresa Phillips emceed the ceremony, as well as the inaugural ceremony in 2025.
"It is so fun to see the passion these kids have and the joy that they have in their hearts to entertain people, but to also just let their let shine," Bauman said. "I do think that after my 40 years around here that this is probably the cumulative best Senior scholarship class that I've seen. We've had stars occasionally here and there, but not a group like this," he added.
The ceremony was a celebration of each student and allowed them to speak to 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.
"I was very thankful for the recognition we received tonight for our years in the district," Noelle Garcia, who will be studying political science and voice at the University of Colorado - Boulder said.
"Tonight was a true celebration of the arts. Not just the performing arts but also the visual arts," said Michael Nunez, who will be studying Musical Theater at Roosevelt University.
See the full list of the night's honorees below:
Sadie Arter - Received Art Scholarship from Palmer Lake Arts Council
Brianna Chester - Studying music at Boise State University
Zach Converse - Studying Film & Television at University of Colorado - Denver
Noelle Garcia - Studying Political Science & Voice at University of Colorado - Boulder
Lindiwe Gichuki - Studying Arts Administration & Music at Butler University
Noah Helland - Studying Music Technology at Belmont University
Katelyn Jones - Studying Theater Arts Set Design & Technology at University of Northern Colorado
Everleigh Larsen - Studying Clarinet Performance at University of Denver
Jonathan Lilley - Studying Musical Theater at Roosevelt University
Kayla McKenzie - Studying Visual Arts & Music Composition at UC Santa Barbara
Benton Miles - Studying Contemporary Vocal Performance at Belmont University
Michael Nunez - Studying Musical Theater at Roosevelt University
Bonnyeclaire Patterson - Studying Music at Utah State University
Garrett Pyle - Studying Theater Arts Production and Practice at Columbia College of Chicago
Leah Reyes - Studying Musical Theater at Colorado State University
Autumn Ross - Studying Studio Art at Pikes Peak State College
Lizzy Sapp - Studying Art Education & Music Performance at Colorado State University
Winn Sienkowski - Studying Musical Theater at Colorado State University
Shandi Soper - Studying Musical Theater at American Musical & Dramatic Academy
Ruby Taylor - Studying Opera and Business at University of Denver
Briyar Weese - Studying Technical Theater at University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Diora Williams - Studying Art at Trinidad State College
