CSU-Pueblo announces 2014 Class of Kane Scholars
Release Date: May 22, 2014
Press Release
PUEBLO- Eight high-achieving students from Pueblo County high schools have been selected to receive the prestigious Kane Family Foundation Scholarship at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Lesley Di Mare, CSU-Pueblo President, announced today the names of the eight students who make up the 2014 class of Kane Family Scholars. The program is made possible by the Kane Family Foundation, a charitable vehicle of the late Alexander “Andy” and Wanden Matthews Kane. A reception in the scholars’ honor will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 in the Occhiato University Center Hearthwell Lounge.
Students were selected based on their high school academic record, written essays, and a competitive two-tier interview process. The Kane Scholarship covers the recipients’ tuition, book expenses, and mandatory fees in pursuit of a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The 2014 Kane Scholars at CSU-Pueblo are: Adam Burnett (Rye), Joseph DeTello (East), Julian Gutierrez (Central), Craig Hayson (DHPH), Thais Magallon (Centennial), Alisha Mason (County), Cody Ortiz (Pueblo West) and Isaiah Palacio (South).
Adam Burnett
Burnett will graduate from Rye High School and attend CSU-Pueblo to study computer information systems. Burnett is a high-achieving student both in and out of the classroom; he has attended Boys State, received the Mason’s “Best Junior Award” and the Daughters of the American Revolution’s “Good Citizen Award.” Burnett is passionate about technology and music, stating that his most meaningful experience was creating a YouTube music video that has received more than 100,000 views. Burnett also is active in his church, helping with weekly activities and technological needs.
Burnett will graduate from Rye High School and attend CSU-Pueblo to study computer information systems. Burnett is a high-achieving student both in and out of the classroom; he has attended Boys State, received the Mason’s “Best Junior Award” and the Daughters of the American Revolution’s “Good Citizen Award.” Burnett is passionate about technology and music, stating that his most meaningful experience was creating a YouTube music video that has received more than 100,000 views. Burnett also is active in his church, helping with weekly activities and technological needs.
Joseph DeTello
DeTello will graduate from Pueblo East High School in the top five percent of his class, achieving a 4.71 grade point average. Football is a major part of his life, as he played for East as team captain and will join the CSU-Pueblo Football Program beginning in the Fall of 2014. DeTello has been chosen as an All-City, All-Conference, and All-State Football player. In addition to his football involvement, he actively participates in basketball, track, National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Earth Awareness Club. DeTello is interested in both the medical and engineering fields and seeks a career where he can pursue both professional interests.
DeTello will graduate from Pueblo East High School in the top five percent of his class, achieving a 4.71 grade point average. Football is a major part of his life, as he played for East as team captain and will join the CSU-Pueblo Football Program beginning in the Fall of 2014. DeTello has been chosen as an All-City, All-Conference, and All-State Football player. In addition to his football involvement, he actively participates in basketball, track, National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Earth Awareness Club. DeTello is interested in both the medical and engineering fields and seeks a career where he can pursue both professional interests.
Julian Gutierrez
Despite coming from a challenging and modest background, Guiterrez has embraced education to graduate within the top 10 percent of his class from Central High School. Gutierrez has great respect and appreciation for his education and said “I love learning and I am very
Despite coming from a challenging and modest background, Guiterrez has embraced education to graduate within the top 10 percent of his class from Central High School. Gutierrez has great respect and appreciation for his education and said “I love learning and I am very
Julian Gutierrez
disciplined when it comes to my education.” Gutierrez has participated in Boys State, National Honor Society, wrestling, swimming, cross country, and band. Gutierrez is passionate about math and is considering a career as either a math educator or statistician.
disciplined when it comes to my education.” Gutierrez has participated in Boys State, National Honor Society, wrestling, swimming, cross country, and band. Gutierrez is passionate about math and is considering a career as either a math educator or statistician.
Craig Hayson
Hayson will enter CSU-Pueblo upon graduation from DHPH as an undeclared major but is interested in a career in engineering. Hayson is an accomplished Eagle Scout and enjoys leading younger Boy Scout Troops. He will graduate from the Early College Program with three associate’s degrees from Pueblo Community College. Hayson also is involved in soccer and his church.
Hayson will enter CSU-Pueblo upon graduation from DHPH as an undeclared major but is interested in a career in engineering. Hayson is an accomplished Eagle Scout and enjoys leading younger Boy Scout Troops. He will graduate from the Early College Program with three associate’s degrees from Pueblo Community College. Hayson also is involved in soccer and his church.
Thais Magallon
Magallon comes from a Spanish-speaking, immigrant household. Her parents moved to the U.S. from Mexico and became naturalized citizens. Magallon entered preschool only knowing Spanish; while attending preschool, she and her mother began to learn English together. Magallon will graduate in the top 10 percent of her class and has received an academic letter each semester at Centennial High School. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. Magallon is involved in soccer, rifle team, JROTC, Honor and Color Guard, Newman Club, and the National Catholic Youth Conference. Magallon aspires to receive a degree in social work so she can “give a voice to the helpless.”
Magallon comes from a Spanish-speaking, immigrant household. Her parents moved to the U.S. from Mexico and became naturalized citizens. Magallon entered preschool only knowing Spanish; while attending preschool, she and her mother began to learn English together. Magallon will graduate in the top 10 percent of her class and has received an academic letter each semester at Centennial High School. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. Magallon is involved in soccer, rifle team, JROTC, Honor and Color Guard, Newman Club, and the National Catholic Youth Conference. Magallon aspires to receive a degree in social work so she can “give a voice to the helpless.”
Alisha Mason
Mason dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and plans to study biology with a pre-veterinary emphasis, and minors in chemistry and business at CSU-Pueblo upon graduation from Pueblo County. She has been interested in veterinary science since she was young and hopes to specialize in reproductive services for all animals. She is a member of National Honor Society, 4-H, and has participated in the TLC Food Drive and Rake-up Pueblo. In 2013, Mason planted several acres of her family’s land with crops, and donated more than 22,340 pounds of food to Pueblo Cooperative Care. In addition to her academic and extracurricular activities, Mason is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has participated in the sport for 12 years. She volunteers and works at the Peak View Animal Hospital in Fowler. During her time at Peak View Animal Hospital, she has dedicated more than 550 hours to shadowing veterinary professionals.
Mason dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and plans to study biology with a pre-veterinary emphasis, and minors in chemistry and business at CSU-Pueblo upon graduation from Pueblo County. She has been interested in veterinary science since she was young and hopes to specialize in reproductive services for all animals. She is a member of National Honor Society, 4-H, and has participated in the TLC Food Drive and Rake-up Pueblo. In 2013, Mason planted several acres of her family’s land with crops, and donated more than 22,340 pounds of food to Pueblo Cooperative Care. In addition to her academic and extracurricular activities, Mason is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has participated in the sport for 12 years. She volunteers and works at the Peak View Animal Hospital in Fowler. During her time at Peak View Animal Hospital, she has dedicated more than 550 hours to shadowing veterinary professionals.
Cody Ortiz
Ortiz plans to major in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Upon graduation from CSU-Pueblo, he hopes to obtain a position in pharmaceutical sales. Ortiz also will red shirt for the CSU-Pueblo Football Team beginning in Fall 2014. He volunteers at Pueblo West Elementary School and the United States Geological Survey. Ortiz has been on honor roll for his full four-year academic career at Pueblo West High School. He has participated in basketball, football, track, baseball, and wrestling.
Ortiz plans to major in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Upon graduation from CSU-Pueblo, he hopes to obtain a position in pharmaceutical sales. Ortiz also will red shirt for the CSU-Pueblo Football Team beginning in Fall 2014. He volunteers at Pueblo West Elementary School and the United States Geological Survey. Ortiz has been on honor roll for his full four-year academic career at Pueblo West High School. He has participated in basketball, football, track, baseball, and wrestling.
Isaiah Palacio
Palacio is ranked within the top 10 percent of his class and plans to enter CSU-Pueblo majoring in biology with a specialization in pre-occupational therapy. He is passionate about football and athletics and wants to use his degree to help athletes heal from injuries sustained from playing sports that they love. Palacio is an active member of National Honor Society, Spanish. National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen of South High School. He plans to become a contributing member both of the ThunderWolves Football Program and Men’s Track Team.
Palacio is ranked within the top 10 percent of his class and plans to enter CSU-Pueblo majoring in biology with a specialization in pre-occupational therapy. He is passionate about football and athletics and wants to use his degree to help athletes heal from injuries sustained from playing sports that they love. Palacio is an active member of National Honor Society, Spanish. National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen of South High School. He plans to become a contributing member both of the ThunderWolves Football Program and Men’s Track Team.
Andy Kane, a Fountain native and entrepreneur, and his wife, Wanden Kane, a two-time mayor of Fountain, ran the Kane Ranch near Williams Creek. During their lifetimes, the Kanes helped many young people with the financing of their education and also contributed to research related to drug and alcohol addiction. Before his death, Kane established the Kane Family Foundation and directed the Foundation to provide funds for tuition and books for eligible students.
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.
