2025 Spirit Celebration Scholarship Awardees
Each year, as part of The Spirit Celebration, we award four stellar students with $3,000 college scholarships. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the Colwell Family. Meet this year's inspiring recipients below.
Kelly Tanberg - Arapahoe High School
Kelly Tanberg’s passion for teaching is undeniable. Though she once aspired to be an actor, a surprising moment at an AHS volunteer fair changed her path. After transferring from Valor to Arapahoe her sophomore year, she volunteered at the AHS tennis camp—despite not playing tennis—simply because she enjoyed working with kids. At the end of the camp, a stranger told her she was a natural teacher and should consider it as a career. That message stuck, and she began to seriously pursue education.
This fall, Kelly will attend the University of Oklahoma to study elementary education, with plans to teach kindergarten. Her own academic struggles, particularly during her time at Valor, have shaped her into a compassionate and empathetic future educator.
Her biggest inspiration is a young girl she tutors. The child, deaf in one ear, faced significant learning challenges, but Kelly has helped her progress in math, reading, and social skills. Seeing that growth has reinforced Kelly’s belief in the impact early education has on a child’s development.
Kelly’s passion has even inspired her mother, who now works with special education students in Douglas County. Kelly frequently helps her as well.
Tina Bloom - Heritage High School
From an early age, Tina knew she wanted to be a teacher. Inspired by her preschool and first-grade teachers, she recently reconnected with her former first-grade teacher—now in Alaska—to express her gratitude and discuss her future.
Tina thrives in school, especially in her EPIC classes, where she learns teaching concepts and applies them during student teaching at Runyon Elementary and The Village Preschool. Tina has already earned 24 college credits through her classes at EPIC.
Outside of school, she works at Primrose Schools, teaching preschoolers—a role she loves. She has also taken on a leadership role, helping develop a Curriculum Manager position to ensure high teaching standards across Primrose locations.
Tina is passionate about early education, especially health and nutrition in public schools. Inspired by the MyPlate Program as a student at Ralph Moody, she now advocates for nutrition education in early learning. She has pursued training, expanded programming, and presented on the topic at a Heritage roundtable. Her culinary teacher, Mrs. Sawyer, has been a key inspiration.
As a first-generation college student, Tina briefly considered child psychology but remains committed to teaching. She will attend Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, earning her associate’s degree before continuing her education.
Mature and determined, Tina is excited for her future. She is deeply grateful that this scholarship will cover her first year’s room and board, helping her take the next step toward her dream.
Evalyn Frick - Littleton High School
Evalyn trusts her instincts and takes bold leaps of faith. After attending a small private school in Denver through eighth grade, she carefully considered where to continue her education. She chose Littleton High School for its welcoming community and ideal size—bigger than she was used to, but not overwhelming. The decision proved rewarding, allowing her to thrive academically while exploring extracurriculars like theater tech and managing the girls' basketball team. She also appreciated the school’s proximity to the EPIC campus, where she could explore diverse academic and vocational opportunities.
Exposed to the arts and antiques from an early age, Evalyn grew up with a maturity beyond her years. Initially interested in interior design, she realized her true passion lay in helping others. She had always enjoyed babysitting and working with children, finding deep fulfillment in making a difference in their lives.
Taking another leap, she enrolled in EPIC’s early childhood education, Teacher Cadet, and certified nursing assistant programs. She discovered a love for hands-on learning and found great joy working with Sandburg Elementary students. The kids inspire her, and she is proud to support their growth as kind, curious individuals.
Now, Evalyn is deciding between colleges in Boulder and Colorado Springs. While unsure of her major, she knows she wants to work with children and make a lasting impact.
Monica Torres Gaytan - Options Secondary
Monica Torres Gaytan is an outstanding student who has not only shown immense resilience, but also a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
Monica's story is one of transformation and courage. In the middle of her high school career, she realized she needed a change to better shape her future. With determination, Monica made the bold decision to transfer to Options, a move that proved to be pivotal. At Options, she found a community of teachers who not only built authentic relationships with her, but also guided and encouraged her to reach her fullest potential. They saw in Monica a natural gift for teaching—a combination of kindness, patience, and dedication.
Through job shadowing experiences at the Joshua School and NOVA, she witnessed Registered Behavioral Therapists working with students with Autism and other learning differences. Watching these professionals with their compassion and commitment, Monica discovered her calling. She knew she could bring the same care and diligence to students who needed it most. Inspired by these experiences, Monica set her sights on a future in this field.
After graduating from Options, Monica will pursue her RBT certification through EPIC and work to gain invaluable hands-on experience in behavioral health. Monica plans to attend Arapahoe Community College to continue her education and study early childhood education.
When she’s not studying or planning her future, she works as a CNA at a nursing home and also finds time to explore her creative side through drawing and trying new foods.
