2026 Spirit Celebration Scholarship Awardees
Each year, as part of The Spirit Celebration, we award four stellar students with college scholarships. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the Colwell Family. This year, Westerra Credit Union added to the Colwell Family's donation, allowing us to give $4,250 to each student. Meet this year's inspiring recipients below.
Gio Caranna - Arapahoe High School
Giovanni “Gio” Caranna has always understood the power of a great teacher because he’s seen it up close. Inspired by his mother’s decades in education and shaped by coaches and mentors who believed deeply in every student, Gio discovered early on that his path was about more than teaching - it was about connection, inclusion, and advocacy.
For the past four years, Gio has been a steady, uplifting presence for students with diverse learning needs. Whether through Unified Sports, Special Olympics, the Youth Activation Committee, or as an overnight camp counselor, he creates spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and capable.
That same commitment shows up in the classroom. Through EPIC, Gio works in center-based classrooms at Powell Middle School, while at Arapahoe High School, he studies under Ms. Wilson, whose relationship-centered approach continues to shape his own philosophy. Gio doesn’t just support students; he helps others recognize the strengths each student brings to their school community.
A leader on and off the field, Gio balances his work with athletics, FCA Leadership, and Young Life. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a double major in center-based teaching (grades 7–12) and adaptive physical education, continuing the work he already feels called to do.
Congratulations, Gio!
Grace Libbey - Heritage High School
Grace Libbey didn’t always plan to become a teacher, even growing up with two high school educators as parents. That changed when she was invited to work at Active Learners, the daycare and preschool she once attended. What started as a part-time job quickly became something more, sparking a passion for working with young children and helping them grow.
A lifelong LPS student, Grace has attended Hopkins, Euclid, Heritage, and EPIC. Along the way, she has seen firsthand how educators shape not just learning, but also how students show up for one another. That belief now drives her: helping children become kind, connected, and confident individuals.
Through the Teacher Cadet program at EPIC, Grace supports students at Field and Little Raven, gaining hands-on experience that has deepened her commitment to education. She doesn’t just assist in the classroom; she helps create spaces where students feel supported and valued.
This fall, Grace will attend Colorado State University to study Early Childhood Education, with a focus on supporting multilingual learners. She also hopes to pursue an administrative license one day and expand her impact.
Grace's biggest inspiration is her mom, a Spanish teacher at Heritage High School, whose ability to build meaningful relationships with students has shaped Grace’s own approach.
Beyond the classroom, Grace is a leader in student government, including a role that connects her with the LPS Board of Education. She is also a senior Life 101 leader and recently led a student workshop at the Colorado AssociationSchool Boards conference.
Congratulations, Grace! It’s a joy to celebrate you as a 2026 Spirit Award recipient.
Clara Cyphers - Littleton High School
Clara Cyphers’ future became clear the moment she stepped into the classroom. A senior at Littleton High School, Clara has embraced every opportunity to explore her future through EPIC and the Teacher Cadet program, where she has served as a student teacher at Ford and Field Elementary Schools.
It was in these classrooms that Clara discovered her love for working with young children, especially five- and six-year-olds. Through hands-on experience, she has seen the impact of patience, encouragement, and connection, and she is eager to build a career that supports students both academically and emotionally. Her interest in pediatric occupational therapy or psychology reflects her desire to help students thrive in a school setting.
Clara credits much of her inspiration to her 8th-grade language arts teacher, Mr. Bailey, whose influence helped shape her path.
Beyond the classroom, Clara is involved in Golf, National Honor Society, Poms, and Student Council. She also gives back to her community through the Melubo Foundation and volunteers at the Denver Rescue Mission.
Clara is looking forward to starting her college experience by studying abroad in London during her first semester. Afterward, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology at Emory University.
Congratulations, Clara! It’s a joy to celebrate you as a 2026 Spirit Award recipient.
May Osbourne - Options Secondary
May Osbourne’s journey was not a straight line, but it led her exactly where she was meant to be. After struggling to feel challenged and engaged, she found a turning point at Options and through the EPIC Natural Resources Pathway, where learning finally clicked in a meaningful way.
It was a botany class with Leah Crew that sparked something deeper. Through hands-on learning and an engaging approach, May discovered a passion for environmental horticulture and a desire to protect endangered plants and ecosystems. What once felt out of reach became exciting and possible.
Since then, May has taken that passion beyond the classroom, participating in Highline Canal cleanups and helping build planters for NOVA. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to environmental work and shown her the impact of caring for shared spaces.
Looking ahead, May plans to study Environmental Horticulture at Colorado State University. She hopes not only to protect the natural world but also to inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in fields such as water testing, environmental studies, and wastewater management.
May’s journey is a powerful reminder that the right opportunity can change everything.
Congratulations, May! We’re honored to recognize you as a 2026 Spirit Award recipient from the Littleton Public Schools Foundation.
