By Lisa Scott
Special to The SUN

Kaylee Fitzwater has been awarded the Chase Regester Memorial Scholarship and will receive $1,500 for the 2013-14 academic year.

This scholarship is designed to honor the memory of Charles L. Regester III — “Chase” — (May 29, 1986– Aug. 2, 2006), who was raised on a ranch and spent his childhood and youth involved in 4-H, rodeos and ranch life. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in May 2005 and was pursuing ranching as a career. Chase loved animals, the great outdoors, his friends and family and had a great sense of humor and a “whipping and spurring” approach to life.

This scholarship was endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lindner to honor Chase and his family for living and preserving the history and traditions of the American West. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Russell, Jr. added to that endowment in 2007, as did Tiger Regester in 2012.

Ms. Fitzwater has spent time participating in a variety of 4-H projects and club activities since 2002. She has raised and bred rabbits and goats and has numerous grand and reserve champion titles. “Being in 4-H has taught me the responsibilities of owning animals and how to feel confident in my own judgments,” stated Kaylee. She currently volunteers at San Juan Veterinary Clinic. For these reasons, she has chosen to pursue an education to become a certified veterinarian technician and will be attending San Juan College for her preliminary coursework and then transferring to Colorado Mountain College for the certificate program. Kaylee also maintains a 3.0 GPA, is also one of the initial members of the FFA program and is the current president, participates in local rodeos and maintains a part-time job.

This scholarship is designed to support a student pursuing post-secondary education of any variety which can include university, college, community college, technical, business, vocational, agricultural or ranch training program. The basic requirement for any scholarship applicant is that they have participated in Rodeo, 4-H, FFA or have agriculture or ranching background and upbringing during their high school years.

Photo courtesy Greg Schick

Greg Schick, representing the Schick Scholarship Memorial Fund, presented Megan Rafferty, who is going to Fort Lewis College in Durango, and Elle McGinn, who will attend Colorado State University, with $500 scholarships for the coming school year. This is the 10th year two scholarships have been awarded.

Following is the Pagosa Springs High School second semester 4.0 and Honor Roll.

Grade 9

4.0:

Brooke Bowdridge, Andrew Cersonsky, Tyler Cowan, Lauren Fortney, Hannah Hemenger, Blake Irons, Miah Pitcher, Olivia Reinhardt, Regan Richardson, Ayana Schaffer, LaShae Smith, Nikola Taylor and Jessicah Wellman.

Honor Roll:

Sam Chronowski, Jacqueline Hampton, Faith Heitz, Ethan Hunt, Michael Iverson, Brett Meisinger, Ian Roth, Tanner Schlom, Glynis Tanner, Stephanie Castillo, Lilliana Hale, Kalei Harbur, Jaden Hinger, Catelyn Koster, Aimee Lark, Jordyn Martinez, Morgan McGuire, Sydney Mogensen, Savannah Murray, Liam O’Brien, Megan Kline, James Berndt, Briar Erskine, Alyssa Gallegos, Madi Lewis, Emily Martin, Carson McKee, Annalee Nevarez, Remy Oney, Gavin Ross, Taylor Lee, Gustavo Palma and Kasey Perea.

Grade 10

4.0:

Chris Archuleta, Stephanie Austin, Connor Burkesmith, Luke DeVooght, Jacqueline Garcia, Austin Harker, Devon Jurcak, Owateeka Murphy, Michelle Parker, Ayriana Rackham, Marissa Talamante and Shannel Wilson.

Honor Roll:

Kaycee Bennett, Summer Candelaria, Taylor Heitz, Mathew Huck, Jacob Keunig, Angette Pastuszek, Chase Patane, Payton Shahan, Payton Burnett, Kyle Casaeli, Johannah Laverty, Spence Scott, Davin Hanley,  Kassy Cundiff, Skylar Goldberg, Morgan Schaaf, Keaton Smyth, Ben Bard, Leo Baughman, Mason Brown, Maria Campuzano, Kailey Carr, Harrison Day, Shaylah, Lucero, Ryan McInnis, David McRee, Brennan Nichols, Josh Smith-Keagle and Savannah Wellman.

Grade 11

4.0:

Emily Bryant, Mason Chronowski, Madelyn Davey, Zach Ellis, Rose Graveson, Luke Hansen, Josh Harwood, Trysten Iverson, Anissa Lucero, Mesa Lynch, Lindsay Martinez, Shelby Nordendahl, Colton Polczynski, Jesse Richardson, Dean Scott and Alexandra Willeford.

Honor Roll:

Kylee Bonnell, Devyn Doctor, Anthony Ferguson, BaiLee Gallegos, Mia Jones, Savannah Kuehn, Jacob Manzanares, Amber Onello, Taylor Strohecker, Creede Wylie, Brayden Mitchell, Alexa Alexander, Joey Campbell, Ryan Canning, Dana Danielson, Trisha Flihan, Shawnee Koster, Jeremiah Miller, Ryder Searle, Jacob Fortney, Jessey Hampton, Sabrina Jack, Becca Leslie, Casey Mudroch, Lorenzo Quezada, Cheyenne Rosser, Susan Medina, Zakk Brown, Cody Couch, Tyler Greenly, Rogelio Padilla and Sara Sloan.

Grade 12

4.0:

Bethany Burnett, Garek Erskine, Angela Gallegos, Kitman Gill, Mary Hughes, Kylie Johnson, Felicity Laine, Katie Laverty, Kain Lucero, Gabby Pajak, Eli Stephens, Toni Stoll, Rowan Taylor, Isaiah Thompson and Haleigh Zenz.

Honor Roll:

Brannon Harbur, Cierra Weiss, Keith Archuleta, Danielle Beserra, Brandan Eggleston, Kaylee Fitzwater, Dean Hampton, Rylee Houston, Elle McGinn, Quinn Smith, Kimberly Williams, Tristen Bennett, Anna Demianova, Sacha Santacruz, Katie Blue, Jamie Clark, Ian Geraghty, Meadow Karr, Samantha Leslie, Travis Loran , Manley Callaway, Christopher Mannara, Megan Davey, Hayley Hudson, Montana Bailey, Zach Griego, Ashley Guzman, Tucker Houston, Walker Powe, Abi Soto, Lane Tanner and Fatima Gutierrez.

Kurt-Mason

School District 50 Jt.Special Talents teacher Mary Kurt-Mason is the recipient of the Colorado Council for Exceptional Children Joe Todd Service Award. 

The Joe Todd Annual Service Award is named in honor of Joe Todd, a longtime Colorado special educator, who went beyond the daily requirements of teaching to meet the needs of students with exceptional needs. The Colorado Council for Exceptional Children grants an award to a professional or paraprofessional who has contributed outstanding service  to the field of education for exceptional children in Colorado. 

The award presentation took place at the “Courage to Risk Conference” in Colorado Springs.

The following Pagosa Springs students have been named to Fort Lewis College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester:

Morgan Galvin — major, philosophy.

Jennifer Low — major, English-communications option.

Mary Brinton — major, athletic training.

Megan Bryant — major, public health.

Taylor Cunningham — major, psychology.

John Jewell — major, athletic training.

Katarina Medici — major, exercise science-exercise specialist option.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or better in no fewer than 15 credit hours of graded college level work and have completed all work for which they are registered by the end of the semester.

Hudson

Curtains Up Pagosa! has announced that Hayley Hudson, a 2013 graduate of Pagosa Springs High School, is the group’s selection to receive a 2013 scholarship. CUP has offered scholarships to graduates majoring in one of the areas of the performing arts for 24 years. Hudson is one of four students currently in the scholarship program, and will attend Northern Colorado University in the fall, studying theater, music, dance and theater education. She will receive $1,000 per year, renewable for four years.

The following members of the Class of 2013 at Pagosa Springs High School received diplomas at the June graduation ceremony.

Damian Agraz

Keith Edwin Archuleta

Jared Henry Bachtel

Montana Ann Bailey

Sable Bethel Anne Baxstrom

Tristen Nichelle Bennett

Danielle Marie Beserra

Katie Mae Blue

Charles Alonso Boen

Blaze Anne Bonn

Heather Renae Brooks

Sierra Nikole Bryson

Bethany Grace Burnett

Mayzie Lee Burton

Matthew Bryan Cary

Brandon Michael Clark

Jamie Douglas Clark

Kevin Wayne Crow

Megan Olivia Davey

Gilbert Justin Davidson

Everett Cornelius DeGraaf

Anna Vitaliyivna Demianova

Brandan Aaron Eggleston

Garek Quin Erskine

Sienna Jo Espinosa

Alyssa Monique Feyen

Kaylee June Fitzwater

Cody Kieffer Florez

Angela Gallegos

Isaiah Jacob Gallegos

Ian Patrick Geraghty

Kitman Marie Gill

Evan Michael Ilya Greer

Dalton Douglas Gregory

Zachariah Brian Griego-Gutierrez

Diego Alfredo Gutierrez

Fatima Del Rosario Gutierrez-Garcia

Ashley Belen Guzman Rodriquez

Dean Michael Hampton

Brannon Kelly Harbur

Konnor Mackenzie Hirons

Anthony Christian Hobbs

Rylee Morgan Houston

Tucker Quinn Houston

Hayley Elizabeth Hudson

Mary Elizabeth Hughes

Kylie Breanne Johnson

Meadow Brooke Karr

Jullian Anthony Kimball

Felicity Faith Laine

Kathryn Delane Laverty

Alyssa Marie Lee

Sean MaGuire Lee

Zachary Brian Leewitt

Samantha Lynn Leslie

Megan Joy Loran

Travis Jay Loran

Mauro Kain Lucero

Garrett David Lyle

Callaway Robert Manley

Christopher Louis Mannara

Patrick Dee Manzanares

Hannah Morgan Matzdorf

Elle Leisa McGinn

Jack Coleman McInnis

Reyes Dylan McInnis

Kody Lawrence McNutt

Eric O’Ryan Milburn

Mireya Elyse Ortega

Gabrielle Caroline Pajak

Walker Matthew Powe

Chase Douglass Purcell

Megan Kelly Rafferty

Benjamin Charles Reece

Linda Flora Rivas

Blake Charles Roman

Sacha Amelia Santacruz

Kendra Lynnea Schlom

Wesley Taylor Schoneman

Daniel Adam Sloan

Quinn Ray-Estep Smith

Cody Ryan Snow

Abigail Christine Soto

Elijah Ray Stephens

Toni Anne Stoll

Tyrell William Sweitzer

Lane Jacob Tanner

Rowan Mae Taylor

Isaiah Michael Thompson

Noor-un-Nisa Touchon

Karrianne Rebakah Weigant

Cierra Summer Weiss

Kimberly Nicole Williams

Slade Hunter Wylie

Omar David Zamudio

Coleman Frank Zellner

Haleigh Reid Zenz

Darryl Christopher Zito III

Kitman Gill and Gabrielle Pajak were class valedictorians.

Second Lt. Kyle Anthony Casci graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., on May 29, 2013, with a bachelor of science degree in systems engineering management, and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. Kyle successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and military training that included earning his “jump wings” in parachuting, combat survival training, water survival training and global engagement.

On Aug. 6, 2013, Kyle reports to Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma to begin pilot training.

Kyle is the great-grandson of the late Magdalena Martinez of Durango, Colo., and of the late Jose Amador and Juanita Chavez of Caraque, Colo. In his youth, Kyle spent many a summer and winter vacation with his uncles Frank and Chris Chavez hunting and fishing on the Chavez family ranch in Caraque on the San Juan River. The Chavez family ranch was established in 1886. Kyle is the grandson of Tess Martinez Stark and Leonard Chavez. Kyle is the son of Toby and Karen Chavez Casci. He is a 2009 graduate of Las Cruces High School, N.M.

The following Pagosa Springs students graduated from Fort Lewis College on Saturday, April 27:

Daniel Abbott received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in art-graphic design option.

Garrett Campbell received a Bachelor of Science with a major in geology-geology option.

Stephen Clark received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in interdisciplinary studies-general option.

Kristin Hopper received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in economics-business economics option.

Kayla Kohake received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in student constructed major.

Courtney Mael received a cum laude Bachelor of Science with a major in biology-cellular and molecular biology.

Jessica Martinez received a cum laude Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology.

Thomas Schmidt received a magna cum laude Bachelor of Arts with a major in environmental studies-policy option.

Matthew Schwarz received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in liberal studies with a concentration in anthropology.

Justin Stone received a magna cum laude Bachelor of Science with a major in biology-environmental and organismic biology option.

Over 400 students participated in the April commencement ceremony. The commencement speaker, People Ink CEO Ann Rhoades, encouraged the new graduates to build their personal, positive brand.

My mom and dad, Tabatha Short and Jeremiah Flaugh, along with my grandparents Kathy and Rick Short, and Darwin and Lisa Flaugh, want to show me off. Isabella Ann Flaugh, born April 11, 2013.  Hello world!

Leslie Baughman, of Pagosa Springs, has been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll in recognition of her outstanding scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year at the University of Northern Colorado. Students named to the Honor Roll  have a 3.50-3.74 grade point average.

James and Linda Watkins of Pagosa Springs are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Resha Watkins, to Jeremy Still, the son of Charles and Janice Still of Mead, Colo. The wedding was held April 6, 2013, in Fort Collins, Colo., where the couple currently resides.

By Thomas Holdsworth
Special to The SUN

Students from Colorado high school and college technical education programs won the nation’s highest awards at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Industry leaders representing over 1,100 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized the students for their demonstrated excellence in 98 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as robotics, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. All contests are designed, run and judged by industry using industry standards.

Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trade and/or scholarships to further their careers and education. The SkillsUSA Championships is for high school and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA.

In addition, high scorers in the contests received Skill Point Certificates. The Skill Point Certificate was awarded in 86 occupational and leadership areas to students who achieved a high score defined by industry. The SkillsUSA Championships have been a premier event since 1967. The Skill Point Certificates were introduced in 2009 as a component of the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System.

Isaiah Thompson, a student at Pagosa Springs High School, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Computer Programming.

“Over 6,000 students from every state in the nation came to compete in the SkillsUSA Championships this week,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Tim Lawrence. “This is the SkillsUSA partnership at its best. Students, instructors and industries are working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and every student excels. These students prove that career and technical education expands opportunities.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who take three or more career and technical education (CTE) programs in high school are more likely to attend college and stay there to graduate. In fact, 79 percent of CTE concentrators enrolled in postsecondary education within two years of high school graduation. And, students in CTE programs have a higher-than-average high school graduation rate. Research has shown the average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 90 percent compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 74.9 percent.

Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $36 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material. All contests are run and judged by industry experts using industry standards for employment. Contests assess hands-on, employability and academic skills.

Over 1,700 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

The SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System was developed as an extension of the SkillsUSA mission and supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The system recognizes students for excellence in occupational training; it assesses and documents the entry-level technical proficiency and cumulative experiences of candidates. For more information about the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System, visit www.workforcereadysystem.com.

SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps every student excel. The nationwide career and technical education (CTE) student organization serves more than 300,000 high school, college and postsecondary students and their instructors in technical, skilled, and service occupation instructional programs. CTE is learning that works for America. SkillsUSA has the active support of more than 1,100 corporations, trade associations, business and labor unions at the national level. Over 11.2 million people have been annual members of SkillsUSA since its founding as The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in 1965. SkillsUSA programs teach leadership, citizenship and character development to complement technical skill training. The organization emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information, contact www.skillsusa.org.

By Lisa Scott
Special to The SUN

Photo courtesy Lisa Scott
Bob Goodman is a fourth-generation Pagosan and the 64th annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo Committee and the board of the Western Heritage Event Center honored him last week for his philanthropic support of the rodeo and his outstanding contribution to the western culture of the community.

Every year, the board of the Western Heritage Event Center acknowledges people who have upheld ideals that align with the board’s mission statement: To uphold the western ranching traditions of Archuleta County.

Bob Goodman is a fourth-generation Pagosan, currently owning and operating the family business, and in the transition phase to the fifth generation — his daughter, Hayley.

David and Fanny Lowenstein, Bob’s great-grandparents, came to Pagosa in 1899 with $500 and a dream of settling down and starting a business. Lowenstein’s was established and opened in the same location at which the store exists today. Bob’s grandmother, Hortense Lowenstein, took over the store in the 1940s and married L.J. Goodman. They ran the store together and changed the name to Goodman’s Department Store. Bob’s mother and father, Dave and Dorothy Goodman, took over the store in the mid-1960s. In 1982, Bob and his bride, Valerie, began running the store.

Goodman’s Department Store and Bob have been longtime supporters of the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo by being sponsors and the source of saddle purchases used as prizes. During the early 1900s, Goodman’s Store served as a trading post of sorts for the local tribes and today serves the non-profit community in a similar fashion. Bob and Valerie are well known in the community for their support of non-profit organizations and a Goodman’s gift certificate or retail item can be found at virtually every non-profit event during the year.

The 64th annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo Committee and the Board of the Western Heritage Event Center would like to honor our very good friend Bob Goodman for his philanthropic support of the rodeo and his outstanding contribution to the western culture of this community.

Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Wegmann, of Woodburn, Ind., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Elizabeth Wegmann, to William David Kern, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kern, of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Laura and David will be married July 28, 2013, in West Chester, Ohio, at St. Anne Episcopal Church.

Dan Langford Cammack graduated from Colorado State University this spring with a bachelor of science degree, Magna Cum Laude, in fish, wildlife and conservation biology. He is currently employed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife in Montrose, Colo. Dan was a 2008 graduate of Pagosa Springs High School.

Andrea Fautheree, a junior global studies/art major at the University of Colorado Boulder has made the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List for spring semester 2013. The Dean’s List requires that a student hold a 3.75 or better GPA and be enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours of coursework for the given semester.

Mr. and Mrs. Manny Trujillo of Pagosa Springs are happy to announce the engagement of their son Jesse Trujillo to Jordyn Carmin of Greeley, Colo., daughter of Ray and Jen Carmin, also of Greeley.  The couple plan a 2014 wedding on the Fourth of July in Pagosa Springs.  

By Joanne Irons
Special to The SUN

Come join us in saying thank you to Don and Mary McKeehan for their years of volunteer and business service to our community.

Recently, Don and Mary made the decision to sell their business, Old West Press, and prepare for their next adventure.

Stop by Nello’s Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for some nibbles and cash bar and to say “Thanks” for their generosity to our community. The years volunteering with Pagosa Springs Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Music Boosters (Curtains Up Pagosa!) and all the other nonprofits that have benefited from their service, will be celebrated and we will wish them well. Please join us.

For information, contact Joanne Irons, 946-7545.

Sarah and West Jackson are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Elizabeth. 

Cora was born July 31, 2013, at 8:26 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Cora is welcomed by her brother, Peyton, and sisters Emma and Bella. Her proud grandparents are Carolyn Paschal and Jerry and Kathy Jackson of Pagosa Springs, and Jackie Wilson and Richard Denny of Las Vegas. Her great-grandfather is Bill Paschal of Pagosa Springs.