Celebration of Success Scholarships

Sixteen outstanding students have been awarded the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation scholarship. Each student selected demonstrated a balance of academic excellence, extracurricular participation and community service throughout their high school career. The winners have chosen an Educator of Distinction; this is an education professional that had a positive impact on the student's time in the Los Alamos Public Schools. The LAPS Foundation is a non-profit organization that enriches the educational experience of our students through community investment. The Foundation continues to grow its scholarship funds through donations by community members and alumni of the Los Alamos High School.

Sara Tuzel chose Lynn Ovaska, her AP Psychology teacher, as her Educator or Distinction. Tuzel said of Ovaska, "At first intimidated by her honest in communicating the rigor or the course, I grew to appreciate her high standards and expectations for her students" and "She possess an incredible dedication to the individuals she teaches". At LAHS, Tuzel was in National Honor Society, participated and excelled at cross country, girls soccer, as Los Alamos Youth Advisory Board member and on the United Way Youth team. For ten years, Tuzel volunteered at Los Golondrinas for Spanish living history museum for over 450 service hours and a volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary church. Tuzel will attend the University of New Mexico; she will participate in the BA/MD program and plans to go on to become a doctor. Her parents are Jolenta and Walter Tuzel.

Emma Carroll chose Margo Batha, her AP Literature teacher and Assistant Debate Coach, as her Educator of Distinction. Carroll said of Batha, "She possesses a dynamic teaching style with varied activities and interesting projects," and "She always goes the extra mile to help me and all of her students, providing teaching resources and opening her classroom after school to debate practice." Carroll is in the National Honor Society, participated and excelled at Cross Country for five years, LAHS Key Club for four years, and served as the Lincoln Douglas Debate Capitan and Secretary on the Speech and Debate Team. Carroll credits her time spent volunteering in Key Club for bolstering her career aspirations. Carroll will attend Pomona College in Claremont, California; she plans to study Public Health/Neuroscience and go on to become a physician. Her parents are David and Janice Carroll.

Kimberly Boerigter chose Ildiko Nadaskay Goeller, her 10th grade Advanced Literature teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. Boerigter said of Nadaskay, "she is personal and knows every student's situation" and "she even allowed me to read a novel and write an essay for 'incentive credit' when I was struggling to achieve an A in her class." Boerigter participated and excelled at Cross Country for four years, also the LAHS Choir and Key Club for the last two years. She has volunteered at the White Rock Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School leading the music with all those kids. Boerigter has worked during much of her high school career, and you may have seen her at the Home Run pizza, the YMCA or one of the local pools. She will attend Hope College and plans to study Biology/Pre Med and hopes to pursue a medical related career, maybe as a pediatrician. Her parents are Kathleen and Steven Boerigter.

Katie Weinland chose Paul Anderson as her Educator of Distinction and said of Anderson, "I don't think I could have passed the math portion of the New Mexico High School Competency Exam without his encouragement" and "in one semester with Mr. Anderson I gained confidence and proficiency." Weinland participated and excelled in the LAHS Choir and achieved All-State Choir, was a Girl Scout in Troop 22 and won many silver and gold medals at the Special Olympics. She has served as her church's youth group leader and sung in the church choir. Weinland will attend the University of New Mexico at Los Alamos and will major in Education; she plans to teach pre-school special education children in a public or private school. Her parents are Janet Frensdorf and Lee G. Weinland III.

Holly Walker chose Brian Easton as her Educator of Distinction and said of Easton, "He taught us how to attain social success through economics by using conversation starters such as, 'the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility, and other fancy economic terms'". She says that Easton also "helps his students understand their rights and has much to teach inside and outside of the classroom." Walker participated and excelled at Cross Country and Track for the last five years, served on the Youth Advisory Board and Key Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. She says that one of the accomplishments that she is most proud of is working with the School Board, Athletic Director and community members to re-work and strengthen the extracurricular code as it relates to Minor in Possession offences for student athletes. Walker will attend the Colorado School of Mines, plans to major in Geological Engineering and pursue a career in that field. Her Parents are JoAnn & Warner Walker.

Kendra Smale chose Anita Boshier, her AP German 4 teacher, as her Educator of Distinction and said of Boshier, "She is passionate about her subject and I believe this is what makes her instruction so compelling" and "She became a true friend and mentor and gifted me with a passion for language and a refined knowledge." For 13 years, Smale participated, trained and excelled as a dancer, for the last 6 with the New Mexico Dance Theater. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a leader in Café Scientifique and the United Way Youth Team. She helped design this year's yearbook as a page designer. Smale is actively involved in her church, Immaculate Heart of Mary and has volunteered in many capacities including the children's program, youth ministry and the "workcamp". She will attend Texas A&M University and plans to study Mathematics and Dance Kinesiology with career aspirations of being a mathematician, economist or a medical researcher. Her parents are Kevin and Rachel Smale.

Bryn Smith chose Margo Batha, her 11th grade AP Literature teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. She said of Batha, "I will never forget what I learned in her class, as it has made me a smarter and more aware citizen of the world. Her class was captivating and kept my interest." Smith participated and excelled at tennis and as the manager of the Cross Country team, has been actively involved in Young Life for four years, and served as a youth leader, mentoring and planning activities. She is a Natural Helper, a distinction made by her peers, and has played the piano for 11 years, you may have heard her play at the senior center, the local nursing homes or in the worship band at The Christian Church. Smith will attend the University of New Mexico and plans to major Biochemistry and pursue a career in medicine or exercise science. Her parents are Brian and Sherisse Smith.

Katherine Rooney chose Joy Handsberry, her AP Calculus teacher as her Educator of Distinction. Rooney said of Handsberry, "Her positive outgoing attitude enables her to create an environment in her classroom which makes learning fun" and "She takes an interest in our lives and celebrates our personal success with enthusiasm." Rooney participated and excelled at girl's basketball and track, is the Editor-in-chief of Pegasus-the high school literary magazine, a member of the Environmental Club and of National Honor Society. She volunteered at the elementary Track and Field Day and the Hoops for Hope. Rooney served as a youth leader during Vacation Bible School at her church, the Christian Church of Los Alamos. She has worked as a student intern at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Kate will attend the Colorado School of Mines she plans to study Mechanical Engineering or Bioengineering and to pursue a career in biomechanical engineering. Her parents are Brian and Cindy Rooney.

Kyle Pittman chose Robert Hipwood, his Health teacher and Cross Country and Track Coach, as his Educator of Distinction. Pittman said of Hipwood, "He is an amazing teacher, coach and person. He taught me that everything in life, both school and running, takes practice, dedication and perseverance." Pittman has participated and excelled in Cross Country and Track for five years, served on Student Council, Juntos, and the Ski Club. Kyle is a member of the National Honor Society. Pittman helped found Hometown DJ which organizes youth dances, which were fun and safe events for local teenagers. He also volunteered refereeing local youth soccer games when a regular ref was not available. Pittman will attend the University of New Mexico to study Psychology. His parents are Pete and Carissa Pittman.

Kelsey Neal chose Pam Meyer, her Pre-Calculus teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. Neal said of Meyer, "She helped me to truly understand Math; she tutored me through the tough times and most of all showed me that it could be fun." Also, "She was the person that showed me the route to my destination." Neal participated and excelled at soccer, track and diving. She co-chaired the United Way Youth Team and coordinated their largest fundraising event. Neal was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church's Life Team and assisted with the Angel Tree program to provide Christmas presents for under privileged children. She has worked at Barranca Pool and at LANL as an intern. Neal will attend the Colorado School of Mines and will major in Biomedical Engineering with plans to pursue a career in medicine; possibly in pediatrics or sports medicine. Her parents are Ben and Ruth Ann Neal.

Gina Stroud chose Lysa Intrator, her fourth and fifth grade teacher, as her Educator of Distinction. Stroud said of Intrator, "She made learning come alive with interactive projects and taught me that my individual worth is not just based on my accomplishments, but more importantly, on the strength of my character." Stroud participated as a judge and lawyer for Teen Court, captain of the Speech and Debate Team, a Natural Helper. She also participated and excelled at girls soccer and tennis, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Gina has devoted a lot of time to the activities of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, and was the recipient of a service cross for nine years of service. Stroud will attend the University of Notre Dame and plans to study pre-law and pursue a career in law. Her parents are Mary Ann and Phil Stroud.

Jason Bossert chose Andrea Spence, his 5th grade GATE Math teacher at Barranca Elementary School, as his Educator or Distinction. Bossert said of Spence, "She figured out the manner in which her students learned best and taught to their strengths" and "Mrs. Spence imparted upon me a love for math that has carried me through my academic career thus far." Bossert has participated and excelled at Soccer and Cross Country. Jason is a member of the Environmental Club, he is an Eagle Scout and currently serves as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He has volunteered in local food drives and as an avid hiker has provided trail repair work on the Continental Divide Trail and numerous local trails including that done for his own Eagle Scout project. Bossert plans to study applied Mathematics, at University of California at Santa Barbara and plans to pursue a career that will allow him to research and develop ways to protect our environment. His parents are Jim and Carolyn Bossert.

Bethany Letellier chose Colleen Goddard, her fifth and sixth grade teacher at Chamisa Elementary, as her Educator or Distinction. Letellier said of Goddard, "She is kind and caring, a passionate educator and an excellent listener" and "She taught me proper etiquette, the importance of listening and most importantly respect for myself and others." Bethany participated and excelled in the LAHS Choir, danced for 12 years with Dance Arts Los Alamos and was a member of the high school's Marching Band. She has been serving to re-work and strengthen the LAPS policy on Smoking and Tobacco use under the Tobacco Task Force. She has worked at Horizon's Day Care Center. Bethany plans to attend Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, she will study Elementary Education and Dance with plans to pursue a career as a teacher, possibly teaching kindergarten. Her parents are Bruce and Kim Letellier.

Meghan Maes chose Diane Toups, her Guidance Counselor and Natural Helpers Sponsor, as her Educator or Distinction. Maes said of Toups, "She is the most guiding, trust-worthy and compassionate person I have met in LAPS" and "I am so appreciative of her warm words and intelligent advice." Meghan has participated and excelled at tennis, is a Natural Helper and served at Vice-President this year organizing the Haiti Rummage Sale. She is a member and volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and has volunteered in the Vacation Bible School at her there. Sine she was eight, Meghan has participated in the American Cancer Society's Camp Enchantment and this summer will go on to be a Counselor in Training. Meghan plans to attend the University of New Mexico. She will study Pre-Med with plans to become a physician. Her parents are Robert and Tricia Maes.

Alex Kirk chose Carol Busch, his third grade teacher at Pinon Elementary, as his Educator of Distinction. Kirk said of Busch, "She helped me understand; school first, then sports. She cared about me and prepared me for the future" and "she really recognized all the different needs of her students, and I remember her baking with every one of her students during the summer." Kirk has competed and excelled at basketball, also baseball and soccer at LAHS. He has participated in Los Alamos Youth Leadership for two years, helping with the overpass safety project and Wild Days. He is a member of the Key Club. He has worked at many children's basketball camps, teaching and mentoring young kids about the game he loves. Kirk plans to attend the University of New Mexico. He will study Business with plans to pursue a career in the National Basketball Association, sports management or college level coaching. His parents are Pat and Allen Kirk.

Brooke Maxwell chose Paula Nichols, her Choir Director, as her Educator of Distinction. Maxwell said of Nichols, "Since I stared choir in the 8th grade I have never heard her speak a harsh or unkind word". Also, "She strives to make her classes a positive and rewarding experience for everyone, and has taught me about music and shown me by example how a role model should act." Maxwell has participated in and excelled at Choir, in the Large Group Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival. She is a member of National Honor Society and has volunteered with the Empty Bowls project. Maxwell served as the President of the youth group at the Latter Day Saints church, mentored younger girls and taught basic camp training. She has worked at the Valles Caldera and as a laboratory assistant at LANL. Maxwell plans to attend Brigham Young University. She will study Communication Disorders with plans to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. Her parents are James and Wendy Maxwell.

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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