Colorado State University Pueblo announces merit scholars through the CSU Pueblo Foundation

Colorado State University Pueblo has announced the names of 11 local students who will receive prominent merit scholarships through the CSU Pueblo Foundation. Six of these high-achieving students will receive the Kane Family Foundation Scholarship, two the Jennie and Albert Gersick Foundation Scholarship, and three the Lois W. and J. Roland Mathis Education Fund Scholarship.

The scholars were selected based on their high school academic record, merit, written essays and a competitive interview process. The Kane and Gersick scholarships cover the recipients’ tuition, book expenses and mandatory fees in pursuit of a four-year bachelor’s degree. The Mathis scholarship will fund a significant portion of the students’ freshman year.

The 2021 CSU Pueblo Kane Family Foundation Scholars are Ashlyn Drury (Pueblo West), Emilia Garcia (Pueblo South), Garrett Lerch (Pueblo West), Whitney Monter (Pueblo West), Jocelyn Sanchez (Pueblo Centennial) and Heather Ward (Pueblo Centennial). A reception and unveiling of the Kane Family Foundation Garden is planned during fall 2021 semester.

Ashlyn Drury, Pueblo West, plans to major in media communication (multimedia journalism) while at CSU Pueblo. She will graduate with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 4.27 and received an academic letter all four years of high school. Ashlyn is a three-sport varsity letter recipient (four years) and was Miss Colorado High School America (2019) and first runner-up, Miss High School America Nationals (2019).

Emilia Garcia, Pueblo South, will graduate high school with a 3.93 cumulative GPA. Emilia plans to major in health science (pre-nursing) and minor in psychology in preparation for a career in psychiatric nursing. Emilia participated in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Key Club and Marching Band/Color Guard.

Garrett Lerch, Pueblo West, plans to major in psychology and minor in sociology while at CSU Pueblo with career aspirations of becoming a marriage and family therapist/counselor. Garrett will graduate with a 3.93 cumulative GPA and received an academic letter all four years of high school. He participated in soccer, track and field, STRIVE (co-president), art club and drama club. Garrett continues to volunteer at the Center for American Values.

Whitney Monter, Pueblo West, will graduate high school with a cumulative GPA of 4.11. Whitney plans to major in early childhood education (K-3) with plans of becoming a special education teacher. Whitney was team captain of the dance team, was a DECA officer and was a member of National Honor Society. Whitney has been a Sarah Shaw dancer for the past 16 years.

Jocelyn Sanchez, Pueblo Centennial, plans to major in liberal studies while at CSU Pueblo and plans to become a teacher (K-6). Jocelyn will graduate from high school with a 4.66 cumulative GPA, and a cumulative 4.0 GPA through concurrent enrollment at Pueblo Community College. She received an academic letter all four years of high school, was a member of Spanish Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PCC).

Heather Ward, Pueblo Centennial, will graduate high school with a cumulative GPA of 4.11. Heather plans to major in English (secondary certification) and minor in leadership studies and English (creative writing). Heather participated in soccer, Student Government (student body vice president), Science Olympiad, Girls’ Cabinet (historian), National Honor Society, Bulldog TV and received an academic letter all four years.

The 2021 CSU Pueblo Jennie and Albert Gersick Foundation scholars are Olivia Arellano (Pueblo South) and Aubrie Valdez (Pueblo West).

Olivia Arellano, Pueblo South, plans to major in biology (pre-medical) while at CSU Pueblo with aspirations of becoming a pediatric oncologist. Olivia will graduate with a 4.53 cumulative GPA and received academic letters all four years of high school. Olivia was a member of National Honor Society, a four-year cheerleader (All-American Cheerleader – 2019) and participated in track.

Aubrie Valdez, Pueblo West, will graduate high school with a 4.36 cumulative GPA and plans to major in health science (pre-nursing) while at CSU Pueblo. Aubrie participated in Student Government (student body vice president), Dance Team (captain), DECA (officer and national qualifier), Student to Employment Program and the Pueblo Arts Alliance.

The 2021 Lois W. and J. Roland Mathis Education Fund scholars are Alexi Burnett (Pueblo Centennial), Hannah Graham (Pueblo South) and Holly Ward Pueblo (Centennial).

Alexi Burnett, Pueblo Centennial, plans to major in health sciences (general health science) and minor in psychology and sociology while at CSU Pueblo. She will graduate high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.91. Alexi is a certified nurse’s aide (CNA) and is certified in CPR by the American Heart Association. Alexi was a member of Girls’ Cabinet, National Honor Society and the Health Academy.

Hannah Graham, Pueblo South, plans to major in psychology and minor in education while at CSU Pueblo with aspirations of becoming a school psychologist. She will graduate high school with a 4.26 cumulative GPA. Hannah was a member of Girls’ Cabinet, Dance Team, National Honor Society, Newman Club and track.

Holly Ward, Pueblo Centennial, will graduate with a 4.67 cumulative GPA and received an academic letter all four years of high school. Holly plans to major in early childhood education and minor in

leadership studies and art and creative media while at CSU Pueblo. Holly was a member of Student Government (student body president), Girls’ Cabinet, National Honor Society and Science Olympiad. Holly participated on the Central high school Co-Op Varsity Gymnastics team (four years) and Pueblo Centennial soccer.