University Relations

Kane Scholarship winners announced

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Community College announced recipients of the 2008 Kane Scholarships May 14 ceremonies on the PPCC campus.

The $25 million merit scholarship program, one of the largest in the state, was made possible through the Kane Family Foundation and its benefactors, Wanden and Andy Kane. The Kanes were Fountain ranchers who believed in independence through education. Together for more than 50 years, the couple came from vastly different backgrounds while sharing a love of the Western lifestyle and an appreciation for learning. Together, Andy and Wanden Kane’s vision was to help others. Their Foundation allows their vision to continue by helping thousands of Colorado residents achieve the dream of a college education.

The Kane Family Scholar program provides merit-base scholarships annually to cover tuition, books and fees for up to five years. Twelve students are chosen by PPCC to participate in the University Connection program, and will transfer to UCCS after obtaining their associate’s degree at PPCC. Twelve students are chosen by UCCS and will attend UCCS. Additional, shorter-term Kane Scholarships are provided each year to students at both schools. Based on an average of current costs of a bachelor’s degree at a public college in Colorado, a Kane scholarship would be worth more than $35,000.

 

UCCS Kane Family Scholars 2008-2009

Payden K. Ackerman
Hometown: Trinidad
High School: Trinidad

Ackerman plans to study sport management. During high school, she lettered in varsity volleyball for three years, and basketball and soccer for four years. She was the captain for each sport. She also lettered in golf the past two years. She was the first four-sport letter winner in the history of T.H.S. She received Player of the League in basketball her senior year. She has been a member of the T.H.S. Marching/Concert Band all four years. She has served as student council president for two years and class president for four. This year she is the president of National Honor Society. Some of her awards include CU Outstanding Junior for T.H.S., DAR Good Citizen Award and the female selection for the Wendy’s Heisman Award. She will graduate as valedictorian.

 

Sarah C. Barili
Hometown: Colorado Springs
High School: Sand Creek

Barili is pursuing a degree in visual and performing arts with a minor in gallery management. In high school, she was a member of the art club where she taught calligraphy, printing and cartoon animation. In a school-wide art show, she achieved 1st place for one of her pieces. For three years, Sarah studied shodokan karate. She achieved the rank of first degree black belt and won two silver medals in the State Games of America for form. All four years of high school, Sarah was named to the Principal’s Honor Roll for her outstanding GPA. She is ranked in the top 5th percent of her senior class.

 
Elle A. Clarke
Hometown: Cripple Creek
High School: Cripple Creek-Victor

Clarke plans to pursue a degree in the field of chemistry. She was the class president in her school’s student government. She was a part of student council all four years, serving as secretary her junior year and vice president her senior year. She also played volleyball and basketball during high school and was team captain for both sports her senior year. Since her sophomore year, Elle has also been running track. Her volunteer activities include serving as president of her community’s EPYCS program and founding the "Connections" Mentoring Program at her school. She was recognized as a DAR Good Citizen, Outstanding Junior for CU-Boulder and Outstanding Junior for the Mason’s Lodge #96. She received a variety of awards for volleyball, one being named to the Colorado All State Volleyball Team.

 
Dana E. Corman
Hometown: Otis
High School: Otis

In college, Corman plans to study accounting. She was the chairman for many community organizations including the Washington County Angel Tree, Coats for Colorado, Staying Safe (a child abduction awareness program) and Tsunami Relief Efforts. During high school, she was awarded the Colorado School of Mines Medal of Achievement in Math and Science, the Most Outstanding Student Award, and the National Student Athlete Award for volleyball and basketball. She was also named to the CHSAA Academic All-State and Class A All-State 2nd Team for volleyball. Her outstanding academics have been recognized by being placed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and achieving the President’s Education Award.

 
Jacob M. Gentry
Hometown: Colorado Springs
High School: Sierra

Awarded in honor of Peak Education Foundation Founder Dalton Connor

Gentry plans to major in computer science. Throughout high school, he was involved in the Pre-Collegiate Development Program and the Peak Education Foundation Program. He was also a part of his school’s AP Varsity team, a group of returning students who had previously taken and passed an Advanced Placement class and test. He was voted best with technology his sophomore year. He has served as a mentor at the Boys and Girls club every summer since 7th grade. In addition, he is ranked 13th in his class and has been a member of the honor roll during his entire high school career.

 
Robin L. Grasso
Hometown: Pueblo West
High School: Pueblo West

Graduating as valedictorian from high school, Grasso’s goal is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology. Because of personal experiences, she is passionate about helping others suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). She started the “Never Alone Foundation, Inc.,” a non-profit organization that aids those afflicted with IBD in southeastern Colorado. Her annual charity golf tournaments have raised over $12,000 total for scholarships and foundation support, with $5,000 donated for medical research at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. She has served as a team leader and graphic designer for the Alzheimer’s Association of Pueblo, a Meals on Wheels driver, a church hospitality volunteer, a National Honor Society member and the president of her local Key Club. She is also a soon-to-be published author.

 

Kavada S. Harrison
Hometown: Colorado Springs
High School: Harrison

Awarded in honor of Peak Education Foundation Founder Steve Mullens

Harrison wants to pursue a career in nursing. A very active member of her high school community, she has participated in EPYCS, the Women’s Intercept Program, and her high school band, where she serves as the historian. She has also participated in the Peak Education Foundation Scholarship Program and the Pre-Collegiate Development Program for five years. Outside of high school, she worked at the Colorado State Fair and has volunteered at the Gorman Daycare Center. She was also an All American Scholar, a Presidential Scholar and was a part of the Who’s Who Among American High School Students list.

 

Catherine E. Jensen
Hometown: Denver
High School: South

Catherine aspires to encourage respect for all cultures and backgrounds by majoring in anthropology and becoming a teacher. She has been active in her community by serving as the president of her local National Honor Society, volunteering as an event facilitator for the Special Olympics, in which her brother competes, and raising funds for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

 
Trey S. Quiller
Hometown: Pagosa Springs
High School: Pagosa Springs

Quiller plans to major in mechanical engineering. During high school, he was an active member of the FBLA. His senior year, he earned 1st place at the FBLA Regional competition in both business calculations and entrepreneurship. Since his freshman year, he played basketball, football and participated in track and field. He was also the captain of the soccer team his senior year. He was the drum player for his youth group band and has taught many children to play the drums through KAIO, a local organization that teaches kids how to play instruments. All four years of high school, he earned a 4.0 GPA.

 

 
Joni B. Raile
Hometown: Colorado Springs
High School: James Irwin Charter

Raile plans to pursue a career in the field of health care science. She participated in her school's play as a freshman, was president of concert choir as a junior, and also was a member of the Mad Scientist Club, the Drama Club and the Ballroom Dancing Club. She was also the team captain of her school's Knowledge Bowl team. She has taught Sunday School for two years, coached T-Ball during the summer and helped as a secretary aide at James Irwin Charter Elementary. During high school, she was a big part of her track team. Her sophomore year, the Rocky Mountain News ranked Joni 6th in the state for the 200 meter dash and 400 meter dash.

 
Sara D. Stewart
Hometown: Keenesburg
High School: Weld Central

Stewart hopes to become a surgical nurse one day. In high school, Sarah was a part of LINK, Student Council and the National Honor Society. Outside of her high school, Sara helped with the Hawks Youth Athletics program where she mentored young kids, taught them the rules of many team sports and served as a referee. She also volunteered for Relay for Life and helped out at her grandmother’s church. A student athlete, Sara was named to the Academic All-State First Team for her participation in soccer and volleyball while maintaining an excellent GPA. During the summer, Sara has spent her time showing animals at the county fair and this past summer, at the Adams County Fair, she was the named grand champion for both the Pig and Lamb competitions.

 
Joshua J. Wolfaardt
Hometown: Colorado Springs
High School: Air Academy

Wolfaardt hopes to study math and science and become a high school teacher. He has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America since 2nd grade and has earned his Eagle Scout Rank. He is currently a junior assistant scoutmaster. He serves as the lead student attorney and president of the advisory board for Colorado Springs Teen Court and was a member of the Mayor's Top 100 Teens in 2006. Josh is a member of National Honor Society and the International Thespian Society. He plays in his school’s jazz band, wind ensemble and has been part of Air Academy’s award winning marching band for four years. He has spent part of two summers in South Africa volunteering at an AIDS orphanage.