CSU–Pueblo honors educators at 6th annual teacher celebration

Pueblo- We are constantly searching for true heroes. Colorado State University – Pueblo, in conjunction with its Teacher Education Program and the Southern Colorado Teacher Education Alliance, will honor 13 teachers who fit that bill on Sunday, May 21 -- teachers who have inspired young minds and influenced the lives of many children across southeastern Colorado.

The awards ceremony for the 6th Annual Teacher Celebration, Great Teachers Inspire the Minds of the Future will begin at noon in the CSU-Pueblo Occhiato University Center Ballroom. Hundreds of students from across southeastern Colorado in grades 5, 8, & 12 submitted emotional letters about their most inspiring teachers in this Teacher Celebration Contest. Thirteen students were chosen as winners and they, along with the teachers they wrote about, will be recognized in the ceremony.

The entries illustrate the abundance of incredible teachers that abound in southeastern Colorado. As one of the winning 8th grade students wrote of her teacher, "I have never had a teacher like you before. Not only have you inspired me to reach my goals, but you have inspired me by respecting my dreams, my thoughts, and my ideas.”

The local celebration coincides with several teacher recognition events throughout the country. In 1984, National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week-the first full week in May-to honor the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. The National Education Association also celebrates National Teacher Day annually on the first Tuesday in May.
The teachers being honored along with their respective school and the students who nominated them are:

Fifth Grade
     • Jenna Pryor, former teacher,Cotopaxi Consolidated, RE-3 School District
Nominated by Holly England
     • Marie Ortivez, La Veta Elementary, RE-2 School District
Nominated by Kayla Day
     • Teresa Montera, Eva R. Baca Elementary, Pueblo School District 60
Nominated by Deidre Herrera
     • Jeri Kennedy, Sierra Vista Elementary, Pueblo School District 70
Nominated by Lauren Rinard

     • April Abril, Rye Elementary, Pueblo School District 70
Nominated by Kaitlyn Caughfield
     • Jackie Schiferl, Liberty Elementary, Rocky Ford R-2
Nominated by Sierra Frentress
     • Heidi Schiro, Crowley County Elementary, Crowley County RE-15
Nominated by Jordan Wise
     •  Andrew Long, Former Teacher at Fremont Elementary, Fremont County School District Nominated by Abigail Angerman

Eighth Grade
     •  Kris Schoech, Cotopaxi Consolidated, RE-3 School District
Nominated by Contessa Young
     •  Bree Lessar, La Veta Jr. High, La Veta RE-2 School District
Nominated by Jennifer Miller
     • Julie Frink, Bessemer Academy, Pueblo School District 60
Nominated by Ambrosia Chaparro
     • Kristyl Boies, Pleasant View Middle School, Pueblo District 70
Nominated by Savannah Lucero

Twelfth Grade
     •  Dave Hemming, Cotopaxi Consolidated, RE-3 School District
Nominated by Shannon Cruise



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.