Colorado Group Awards $16K in Scholarships to 11 Students

Central Colorado Humanists just made college more affordable for nine graduating seniors and two continuing students, proving that community support can turn academic dreams into reality.

The nonprofit awarded $16,000 in scholarships this year to students across central Colorado. The recipients include future teachers, engineers, doctors, and scientists who will study everywhere from Montana State University to Harvard College.

This year's program drew a record 27 applicants, thanks to a partnership with the Chaffee County Community Foundation that streamlined the application process. The collaboration shows how nonprofits working together can multiply their impact.

The scholarship winners represent an inspiring range of passions and career paths. Orion Baxter earned statewide honors for critical thinking and will study ocean engineering at Florida Institute of Technology, where he plans to design fuel-efficient ships. Violet Jacoby will pursue nutrition and dietetics at Colorado State University, blending science with patient care. Daniel DeWalt, inspired by his volunteer work with medical teams in Nicaragua, is headed to the University of Northwestern-St. Paul for pre-med studies.

Joey Kaiser chose special education and early childhood development, motivated by her desire to help her community. Olivia Van Dyke will study elementary education at Fort Lewis College, committed to teaching students about kindness and respect. Samuel Jones plans to combine business with health and wellness at the University of Denver.

The engineering students include Luke Regan, who gained hands-on experience at a 3D house printing company, and Carson McConathy, who will study biomedical engineering. Pace Booth Delarue brings leadership skills as a student athlete and musician to his quantum engineering studies at Colorado School of Mines.

Two continuing education scholarships went to outstanding second-year students. Emerson Reed maintained a 3.9 GPA at Colorado State University while studying health and nutrition. Olive Richie earned a 3.8 GPA at Harvard College, pursuing molecular and cellular biology with impressive independence and grit.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than ease financial burdens. They send a powerful message to students that their community believes in them and their potential to make a difference. Many recipients have already demonstrated commitment to serving others through volunteering, community leadership, and dreams of careers focused on helping people.

With $120,000 invested over 20 years, Central Colorado Humanists has touched countless lives, creating a ripple effect as scholarship recipients go on to serve their own communities as teachers, healthcare providers, engineers, and advocates.

Eleven students just got the chance to pursue their passions without crushing debt holding them back.