Celebration of Success Scholarships

2011 LAPS Foundation Scholarship Winners

Each of the LAPS Foundation scholarship winners was selected based on academic achievement and service contributions to the students and community of the Los Alamos Public Schools. Once selected, winners are asked to select an Educator of Distinction; this is a teacher who has had a significant impact on the winner during the years of attendance in the Los Alamos Pubic Schools.

Shannon Blair chose her Advanced American Literature teacher, Catherine Puranananda, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Purananda: "Rather than teaching her students the correct answers to pass a test or class, Ms. P truly teaches her students how to think," and "She is a beautiful teacher and a strong woman, passionate about literature and reading and passes that passion on to her students." Blair has been a member of Los Alamos Youth Leadership for two years, where she helped plan and execute events such as Wild Day and homecoming bonfires. She has been an active participant in LAHS student council and played varsity soccer. Blair will attend Whitman College and plans to study Geology or Anthropology; her parents are Steve and Barbara Blair.

Eli Chertkov chose his Advanced Placement Calculus teacher, Joy Handsberry, as his Educator of Distinction. He said of Handsberry: "Ms. Handsberry motivated me like no other teacher has," and "she possesses an attitude of excitement that permeates her classroom." Chertkov was a Youth Leader for Café Scientifique, a community program that brings scientific demonstrations to teens, a varsity Lincoln-Douglas debater in the Los Alamos Hilltalkers, and received black and brown belts in jujitsu and karate, respectively. Chertkov will attend Princeton University and plans to study Computer Science or Physics; his parents are Michael and Olga Chertkov.

Morgan Vaughn chose her Aspen Elementary third grade and later her art teacher, Lori McInroy as her Educator of Distinction. She said of McInroy: "She had great faith in all her students and believed we were capable of anything we put our minds to," and "She has always been upbeat, positive, and shown an interest in my life." Vaughn was a girl's varsity golf co-captain, was a member of choir, including the elite Bel Canto women's choir. She also served as a volunteer counselor for cancer patients and siblings. Vaughn will attend Arizona State University and is undecided about her major but is interested in Journalism; her parents are Nancy and Randy Vaughn.

Taylor Engleman chose her first grade teacher at Barranca Elementary and faculty sponsor of the K-Kids program (a version of Key Club for elementary students), Sharon Allen, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Allen: "She seemed just as excited as I was and she really brought that passion of learning and service to the kids" and "she pushes everyone to be the best they can be." Engleman served as historian of Key Club and led the Kiwanis Club's effort to charter a K-Kids organization at Barranca elementary. She was also the co-captain of the girl's varsity golf team. Engleman will be a Pre-Medicine major at the University of New Mexico; her parents are Devon and Krista Engleman.

Meghan Montoya chose Rob Hipwood, her high school Health teacher and cross country coach, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Hipwood: "He advocates a healthy lifestyle and reaches out to every one of his students," and "He has opened a world of running and racing to many students and has shown them how rewarding it can be to truly apply oneself to something to reach a goal you once thought impossible." Megan participated in cross country her entire high school career, was a member of the United Way Youth Team, and was a volunteer for the Los Alamos Special Olympics Track and Field events. Meghan will attend the College of William and Mary and plans to study Chemistry; her parents are Art and Marilyn Montoya.

Keanna Cohen chose Michelle Holland, her Advanced Literature Teacher and Yearbook Advisor, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Holland: "Mrs. Holland was the first of many teachers who would challenge me, insisting that I open my mind and defend my beliefs," and "with Mrs. Holland as Yearbook advisor, I believe we created one of the most thought-provoking and creative yearbooks in the history of Los Alamos High School. " Cohen served as the chair of the United Way Youth Campaign, actively participated in the Los Alamos Youth leadership program, served as co-editor of the high school yearbook, and played girl's varsity soccer. Cohen will attend the University of California at Santa Barbara and plans to study Political Science and Pre-Law; her parents are Scott Cohen, Stephanie Archuleta and Sean French.

Ellen Rabin chose Margo Batha, her AP English teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Batha: "In her class more than any other I saw my writing abilities dramatically improve, and I am tremendously grateful for this" and "Since I have known her, Mrs. Batha has served as my teacher, my advisor, and my friend, helping me with any problem I might have: small, large, school related, or personal." During high school, Ellen served as treasurer and president of the French Club. She also served as actively as an attorney, judge, and truancy panel member in Los Alamos Teen Court. Rabin will attend the University of Chicago and plans to study Political Science and Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics; her parents are Michael Rabin and Leslie Sherman.

The Foundation encourages members of the community to support the Foundation by growing its endowment through tax-deductible donations for the betterment of Los Alamos Public School district and its students.

To apply for a LAPS Foundation scholarship, pick up an application at the Los Alamos High School IMC or contact Edwina Lieb at e.lieb@laschools.net.

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