Celebration of Success Scholarships

The mission of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation is to enrich the educational experience of our students through community investment. The LAPS Foundation was entrusted with funds by the Los Alamos Community Foundation to give scholarships to Los Alamos High School graduates pursuing college or vocational training from an accredited institution. The Foundation is proud to provide scholarships to six deserving graduates this year. Each of the recipients has chosen an Educator of Distinction. This is a teacher or education professional that has had the greatest impact on them during their time as a student in the Los Alamos Public Schools.

Highlights of the 2008 award winner’s accomplishments are as follows:

Rebecca Boerigter will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, with the intent of attending graduate or medical school in the future.

Some of Rebecca's participation and service during her years at LAHS included: Varsity Track & Field, Yearbook, National Honor Society, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday school at White Rock Baptist Church and working part-time as the Physics Department Intern at Los Alamos High School and as a server at Chinshan Restaurant in White Rock.

Rebecca chose Debbie Smith, her 6th grade teacher at Chamisa Elementary School as her Educator or Distinction. Boerigter said of Smith, "The lessons that she taught I still use today. She was kind, but challenged me. She designed curriculum that would interest me and build upon my personal skills. While a student in her class, I learned that being your best is better than just being."

Elyse Dinehart will attend the University of Dallas, in Irving, TX, a small Catholic liberal arts college. She will major in mathematics and pursue a minor in secondary education. Dinehart intends to teach high school mathematics in the state of NM maybe even at Los Alamos High School.

During her years at LAHS Elyse participated and served in the following ways: Varsity Tennis, Yearbook, National Honor Society, Leadership team for Café Scientific, Alter Server at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Chamber Orchestra.

She chose, Anne Ryder, her 6th grade teacher at Pinon Elementary School as her Educator of Distinction. Dinehart said of Ryer, "She challenged me to learn those hard spelling words and solve difficult math problems. That year I was struggling, especially with math, and she would stay after school to make sure I understood what we had learned in class so that I would be able to complete my homework. Mrs. Ryder is my inspiration for wanting to become a high school math teacher."

Noopur Goyal will attend University of California at Santa Cruz to pursue a degree in Biology with the intent of pursuing a career in medical or research science.

During her years at LAHS Noopur participated and served in the following ways: Varsity Tennis, Rotary Student of the Month, National Honor Society, Key Club President, Student Council, Los Alamos Heart Council, New Mexico Star Scholar, and Jr. Volunteer at Los Alamos Medical Center.

She chose, Beth West, her Advanced Placement World Literature and Composition teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. Goyal said of West, "I have chosen her as a teacher of distinction because of the positive and energetic attitude that she brings to the classroom. Mrs. West speaks about literature with the greatest passion and because of this, I was eager to learn from her. She always supports her students and believes that they are capable of anything. She instilled in me the greatest sense of pride in learning and for that I am forever thankful."

Jeremy Kasik will attend the United States Naval Academy as a member of the class of 2012 as an undeclared major. Upon graduation he will serve the minimum 5 years as an officer in the Navy, but intends to serve until the point at which he can retire.

Some of Jeremy's participation and service during his years at LAHS included: Capitan of Varsity Football and Baseball, JUNTOS and Los Alamos Youth Leadership, National Honor Society and Commanding Officer in NJORTC.

Kasik chose, Catherine Puranananda, his freshman literature and senior Advanced Placement Literature teacher as his Educator of Distinction. Kasik said of Puranananda,

"My experience at LAHS and my life were positively impacted by Ms. P. The writing skills I learned in her class during my freshman year, prepared me for advanced studies as a sophomore and Advanced Placement courses in my junior and senior years. I feel thankful for the brilliant instruction that she has given me and am confident that she will remain a life long friend."

Allen Pittman will attend the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque to pursue a degree in Psychology or Microbiology with his focus on a degree in medicine.

During Allen's years at LAHS he participated and served in the following: Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field, National Honor Society, Peace Club, Student Council, Los Alamos Youth Leadership, and JUNTOS, he also worked at the Los Alamos Ski Hill as a ski instructor.

Pittman chose Rob Hipwood, Health teacher and Cross Country coach as his Educator of Distinction. Pittman said of Hipwood, "I met Mr. Hipwood my freshman year of high school after doing track in the spring. Through knowing him, I learned not only how to pace myself in a race, but also how to have fun and look at life with a laugh. As my role model, I see Mr. Hipwood as the perfect balance of seriousness and fun. I see him as my teacher, coach, and lifelong friend. Mr. Hipwood, I'll miss you. "

Kelsey Souza will attend the University of California at San Diego to pursue a dental degree with the intent of studying and practicing orthodontia.

Some of the Kelsey's participation and service during her years at LAHS included: Key Club, Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Youth Sub-Committee member, National Honor Society, Yearbook, Piano, and was a semi-finalist in the UNM/PNM state-wide mathematics contest.

Souza chose Shannon Seitz, Yearbook teacher and her advisor as her Educator of Distinction. Souza said of Seitz, "As my yearbook teacher and advisor for two years, she made a difference, teaching me skills I never learned from studying the traditional subjects. Ms. Seitz taught me to believe in myself. When I was working on the yearbook, she pushed me to my limit, encouraging me to meet deadlines, be creative, and reminding me that I was a great leader as a co-editor in chief. I have achieved more in her class than I ever thought possible and learned about the value of hard work. "

Click Here for 2007 Winners

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.