Grant recipients

Nourish Our Moms Inc. and Tri-Lakes Cares were recipients of a Youth Endowment Series Grant.

Ent Credit Union, which is transitioning to the Wings Credit Union name, awarded $300,000 YES Grants to 125 nonprofit organizations serving children and teens across the state. Grant recipients were recognized May 13 at Empower Field at Mile High, with Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey serving as a special guest.

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Wildfire training

La Foret Conference & Retreat Center will be hosting volunteer Wildland Firefighters from multiple counties regarding a Wildland Fire Chainsaw training certification on May 29-30.

The training, conducted by Black Forest Fire Rescue, will be held on La Foret’s 350-acre property from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification is a nationally recognized USFS training standard that qualifies fire and forestry personnel to safely operate chainsaws in wildland fire environments. Given the destructive wildfires and continued fire threats the Black Forest Fire Rescue and fire communities face; these organizations are committed to methods and training for the Colorado fire, forestry, and landscape workforce. Through a continued partnership for educational certifications, we can reduce risk exposure and strengthen community bonds.

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Advancing artists

Performing arts students from Lewis-Palmer School District 38 were celebrated on May 13 during ceremonies at Palmer Ridge and Lewis-Palmer high schools. The students signed letters of intent to attend universities, conservatories, or colleges to continue their studies in the performing and visual arts.

The list includes:

• Brianna Chester, studying music at Boise State University
• – Zach Converse, studying film & television at University of Colorado at Denver
• Noah Helland, studying music technology at Belmont University
• Katelyn Jones, studying theatre arts at the University of Northern Colorado
• Everleigh Larsen, studying music performance at Denver University
• Jonathan Lilley, studying musical theatre at Roosevelt – Chicago College of the Performing Arts
• Benton Miles, studying contemporary vocal performance at Belmont University
• Michael Nunez, studying musical theatre at Roosevelt – Chicago College of the Performing Arts
• Garrett Pyle, studying theater arts production and practice at Columbia College of Chicago
• Bonneyclaire Patterson, studying music at Utah State University
• Leah Reyes, studying musical theatre at Colorado State University
• Lizzy Sapp, studying art education and music at Colorado State University
• Winn Sienkowski, studying musical theatre at Colorado State University
• Shandi Soper, studying musical theatre at American Musical and Dramatic Academy
• Ruby Taylor, studying opera and business at University of Denver
• Briyar Weese, studying technical theatre at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

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Other education accolades

• John Victor Burmeister of Monument was named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Spring 2026 dean’s list.
• Dakota Roehrig, Jennifer Oliver, Michael Collins, all of Monument, and Jessica Simer of Larkspur were named to the Spring 2026 president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University.
• Henry Hedstrand of Monument was named to the Cedarville University dean’s list for the Spring 2026 semester.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced that four students from Monument were among its 3,885 graduates honored during commencement exercises May 8-9.

• Ethan Twesme, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with highest distinction.
• Devan William Zahl, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with high distinction.
• Margaret Luttrell, College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts.
• Zacheus Lee Ritchey, Graduate Studies, Master of Business Administration.