Colorado State University Pueblo Announces Merit Scholars Through the CSU Pueblo Foundation

Pueblo – Colorado State University Pueblo has announced the names of 13 local students who will receive prominent merit scholarships through the CSU Pueblo Foundation. Twelve of these high-achieving students will receive the Kane Family Foundation Scholarship, and one the Jennie and Albert Gersick Foundation 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 2022 CSU Pueblo Kane Family Foundation Scholars are Thomas Cruz (Pueblo West), Gavin Grant (Pueblo County), Aaron Krinsky (Pueblo County), Jenna Lewis (Pueblo Centennial), Mark North (Pueblo County), Gracie Pfalmer (Rye), Julianna Rendon (Pueblo South), Devin Romero (Pueblo County), Alleson Schlosky (Pueblo South), Shannon Sheehan (Pueblo West), Taylor Singleton (Pueblo West), and Evan Smith (Pueblo East). A reception was held on Thurs., May 5 in their honor and to recognize the 2022 graduating Kane Scholars.

Thomas Cruz, Pueblo West, will graduate from high school with a 4.4 GPA. He was a four-year varsity athlete in tennis, winning two regional titles and participating in two CHSAA state tennis tournaments. Thomas was a member of the school’s speech and debate team and volunteered as a teacher’s aide with the adaptive physical education class. He currently works at Cat’s Pourhouse in Pueblo West and plans to major in engineering at CSU Pueblo.

Gavin Grant, Pueblo County, is enrolled in the School of Engineering and Biomedical Sciences and the Arts Academy and will graduate with a 3.82 GPA. He has participated in jazz band, concert band, and choir, and has led and participated in numerous school and professional ensembles/musicals. He currently serves as a pianist for Pueblo Catholic churches. He volunteers at CASA of Pueblo and completed leadership training for Camp Invention. Gavin plans to double major in engineering and music education with future plans of working in the field of engineering and giving back to his community by teaching music.

Aaron Krinsky, Pueblo County, will be majoring in biology (pre-chiropractic). He will graduate from high school with a 4.27 GPA where he participated in National Honor Society, National Italian Honor Society, and DECA. Aaron was a varsity athlete in football, soccer, and tennis. He was a Kicking World All American, KOAA Athlete of the Week and will play CSU Pueblo Pack football in the fall. Aaron works as a swim instructor, kids’ camp instructor and is an Arbonne independent consultant and ambassador.

Jenna Lewis, Pueblo Centennial, will major in social work at CSU Pueblo. She will graduate from high school with a 4.28 GPA. Jenna participated in the National Honor Society, Newman Club, Italian Club, Italian Honor Society, Key Club, DECA and Sources of Strength. She was a member and captain of both the Centennial High School dance and tennis teams.

Mark North, Pueblo County, will graduate from high school with a 4.48 GPA and plans to major in nursing at CSU Pueblo. He was a state finalist of the Technology Student Association and Knowledge Bowl, and was a member of the soccer team. Mark volunteers for Ducks Unlimited, the Humane Society and the Assistance League. Mark’s desire to go into the nursing field came after being diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disease. After many hospital stays he learned to value and appreciate the knowledgeable and caring nursing staff.

Gracie Pfalmer, Rye, will major in health sciences (pre-nursing) with aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse. She is graduating from high school with a 4.21 GPA after taking six advanced placement courses. Gracie was a member and co-captain of both the volleyball (All-State/All-Conference) and basketball teams and was actively involved in National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America and Senior Class President..

Julianna Rendon, Pueblo South, will graduate from high school with a 4.1 GPA and will major in health sciences (pre-nursing) in the fall. She participated in Student Council, Key Club, Girls Cabinet, National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA. Julianna received varsity letters in softball (All Conference honorable mention and second team), basketball and track. Julianna’s desire to become a nurse has been a goal since she was a young child after experiencing a family member’s illness. She volunteers for her church and works for Dicks Sporting Goods.

Devin Romero, Pueblo County, plans to major in business while at CSU Pueblo. He will graduate high school with a 4.17 GPA. Devin was a member of National Honor Society and DECA (State competition qualifier). He competed on the varsity soccer team as team captain and was a state soccer platinum division champion. After earning a restaurant management championship in the DECA regionals, he was invited to become a team member at Little Caesars.

Alleson Schlosky, Pueblo South, will graduate from high school with a 4.1 GPA and plans to study psychology at CSU Pueblo. Alleson aspires to earn a PhD in psychology and have a career as a clinical psychologist. She was a member and Vice President of Key Club and National Honor Society, secretary of Girls Cabinet and member of the Spanish Honor Society. Alleson participated in Gymnastics, Track & Field and was an All-American Cheerleader.

Shannon Sheehan, Pueblo West, will major in biology (pre-physical therapy) at CSU Pueblo. She will graduate from high school with a 4.71 GPA. Shannon completed more than 10 advanced placement courses and was inducted into Gifted and Talented and participated in the STEP program. She competed in soccer, was editor-in-chief of CyChron newspaper, a member of Key Club, Interact Club, FCC and boys’ soccer team manager.

Taylor Singleton, Pueblo West, will graduate with a 4.55 GPA and will major in engineering. Taylor is considering a career in agricultural engineering. She participated in DECA (executive office treasurer, state qualifier), National Honor Society, Student Council, softball and was Student Body Secretary. Taylor received reserve-grand champion goat in 4-H and she completed an internship with Colorado Department of Natural Resources as a hatchery intern.

Evan Smith, Pueblo East, plans to major in Economics and will graduate from high school with a 4.61 GPA. He was involved in DECA (co-president, District 9 state representative and first place award) and National Honor Society. He received a varsity golf letter all four years (three-time state qualifier, best of Pueblo preps, second team all-state) and will be a member of the CSU Pueblo golf team. Evan received a Hispanic Recognition Award and Small Town Recognition Award from the College Board National Recognition Program and was a Parkview Medical Center Parkteen.

The 2022 CSU Pueblo Jennie and Albert Gersick Foundation scholar is Asher Pelz (Pueblo Centennial).

Asher Pelz, Pueblo Centennial, will graduate from high school with a 4.35 GPA and plans to major in nursing at CSU Pueblo. During his high school career, he was in advanced band as first chair (trumpet) and completed a number of advanced placement and concurrent enrollment medical courses through the Centennial High School Health Academy. In addition, Asher is a certified nurse aid and worked as a CNA for a local retirement home and completed the required hours for a phlebotomy certification. Asher volunteers with the Pueblo Nature and Raptor Center and for the HOSA organization.

Photos of the merit scholarship recipients may be found on here.