Student Accomplishments

Excelling in academics and activities

PSD students exceed in numerous ways in the classroom academically and in extra curricular activities that involve art, music, theater, athletics, and other competitions including science, history, debate, writing and more! 

Class of 2023

Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment and milestone. Congratulations to all PSD graduates! 

The Class of 2023 has excelled academically and earned notable scholarships and  endorsed diplomas.

• Numerous scholarship awards from local organizations like the Rotary and Elks Clubs, Poudre Education Association, PSD Association of Classified Employees and Community Foundation scholarships. Thank you for supporting PSD graduates! 

• Advanced Placement endorsed-diplomas - 104 students who have taken numerous AP courses and fulfilled the requirements for an AP-endorsed diploma 

• International Baccalaureate graduates - 53 graduates are candidates for an IB diploma through Poudre High School's program

• Seal of Biliteracy diplomas - 234 graduates who are highly proficient in another language and earned the credential of having a Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma

• Other endorsed diplomas - 300+ graduates have fulfilled the requirements in a specific area of focus to receive an endorsement on their diploma. Areas may include:
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
  • Biosciences Career Academy
  • Gifted and Talented Academy
  • PSD Endorsement of Academic Merit

 

Prestigious scholarships and appointments:

U.S. Academy Appointments and ROTC Scholarships

 

Boettcher Foundation Scholarship

The Boettcher Scholarship is a scholarship available to graduating seniors who provide service to community and school, and are top students in their class, display leadership and demonstrate character. Only 42 scholarships are offered across Colorado. 

The four-year scholarship pays full expenses to attend the Colorado school of the recipient’s choice. The scholarship also includes lifelong programming and support to ensure students reach their full potential as community leaders. 

• Kerem Gurkan, Fossil Ridge High School

 

Daniels Fund Scholarship

Daniels scholars are seniors who have demonstrated strong character and a determination to succeed in life. Scholars receive funding to attend the college or university of their choice. The scholarship is supplemental to other financial resources available to the student, covering remaining expenses after other financial resources have been applied.

• Zane Kondratieff, Fossil Ridge High School 
• Mason Sanfilippo, Liberty Common High School

 

National Hispanic Scholar

The College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes about 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take college board tests. The recognition is an exceptional academic honor.

 

National Merit Scholar Program

National Merit Scholars score in the top 1% academically. Three National Merit Scholarships are awarded: a one-time $2,500 award, a corporate-sponsored achievement scholarship or a college-sponsored merit scholarship. National Merit Scholars earn this elite designation through a two-year testing and application process. 

This list includes National Merit Scholar Finalists and Scholars: National Merit Scholars are selected from the finalists group. It is updated as high schools notify us of students selected.

 

More Notable Scholarships By School

• Centennial High School graduates: 
  • Amris Fernandez, Poudre Association of School Executives Scholarship
  • Lizbeth Fuentes Zamora, Poudre Retired School Employees Association and Poudre Association of School Executives Scholarship
  • Ramon Hernandez, Poudre Retired School Employees Association and Poudre Association of School Executives Scholarships
  • Christian Lopez, Poudre Retired School Employees Association Scholarship
  • Reagan Richardson, Elks Vocational Scholarship

• Fort Collins High School graduates: 
  • Bryn Erickson, Quest Bridge Scholarship

• Fossil Ridge High School graduates:
  • Sophie Wang, Coca Cola Scholarship

• Poudre High School graduates:
  • Bianka Kodrich Saavedra, Amazon Future Engineer Scholar 
  • Kira Osborne, Poudre High School, National Indigenous Award
  • Phoenix Wall, Poudre High School, National Indigenous Award

• Rocky Mountain High School graduates (scholarships for academics, arts, leadership or service):
  • Owen Geiss, full-tuition scholarship
  • Zoe Glenn, full-tuition scholarship
  • Morgan Roscoe, full-tuition scholarship
  • Arya Shaffe, full-tuition scholarship
  • Riley Stone, full-tuition scholarship

 

Additional 2022-23 Outstanding Accomplishments

• 2022 Boys Individual Class 5A Cross Country State Champion - Christian Groendyk, Fort Collins High School 

• 2023 5A Golf State Champions - Fossil Ridge High School Boys Golf Team (Austin Barry, Landon Houska, Grant Samuelson, Kaden Davenport)

• 2022-23 Esports Colorado Champions:
  • Super Smash Bros Ultimate – Rocky Mountain High School
  • Mario Kart – Rocky Mountain High School

• 2023 Colorado Science Olympiad Middle School Champions - Preston Middle School

• ThesCon Mainstage Selection for their performance of Chicago – Fort Collins High School Theater Club 

• Poudre High School Thespians received a superior rating for their individual performance/presentation and qualification to present at the International Thespian Festival in June. PHS students honored: Noura Benessa (costume design), Shannya Knudsen (costume design), Erin Hayhow (scenic design)