Photo: Students from Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) — Archuleta County’s district-authorized, tuition-free charter school — perform at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts in 2024.
The Colorado League of Charter Schools’ annual Hall of Fame is a joyous celebration honoring members, leaders, and supporters who have significantly contributed to the charter school movement. Annually, the League invites nominations from the charter school community, and a dedicated committee thoroughly reviews the submissions. The winners are revealed during a special ceremony held in conjunction with the annual conference, to be held this year from February 26-28 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center.
‘Hall of Fame’ recognition is awarded in five categories, and this year, Lawrence Rugar — President of the Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) board of directors — was nominated in the ‘Advocate of the Year’ category’
“Supporting school choice in rural communities takes a commitment at a high level,” notes PPOS School Director Emily Murphy. “Advocates not only sit in meetings or share opinions; they prioritize the school through the gift of their time, their communication, and their unwavering belief in the mission of the school. Lawrence has shown up by celebrating our successes and the tiny stories that build those successes. He recognizes the effort needed for PPOS to continue on its path toward excellence, and has consistently contributed to the school’s growth — as well as to my growth as a new school leader. He has kept his eye and his heart on what’s important: providing the students of our community with a high quality option for education.”
“We are delighted to highlight these remarkable individuals who have already distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to the charter community across Colorado,” says Pete Mason, Vice President of Communications for the League. “Every charter school in Colorado is free, public, and open to all — as well as non-profit and non-religious — and every one of these amazing finalists represent their peers in why charter schools are such a sought-after part of the public school family.
“These inspiring teachers, leaders, administrators, and staff are examples and inspirations of the thousands of dedicated and passionate professionals across Colorado who are making charter schools a positive part of the public-school family.”
Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s deserving winners at the special ceremony during the League’s annual conference on Wednesday, February 26, at 6pm at the Marriott DTC.
Leader of the Year Finalists:
- Elin Curry, DSST Public Schools, Denver
- Adam DiGiacomo, Prospect Ridge Academy, Broomfield
- Cameron Gehlen, Compass Montessori, Wheat Ridge
- Lisa Gonsalves, Independence Academy Charter School, Grand Junction
- Kryszelda Gorrell, DSST Public Schools, Denver
- Elias Huerta, Lotus School for Excellence – Elementary, Aurora
- Kathryn Mullins, Vega Collegiate Academy, Aurora
- Chris Novak, Atlas Preparatory School, Colorado Springs
- Keith Ouweneel, Crown Point Academy, Westminster
- Linda Spreitzer, Knowledge Quest Academy, Milliken
- Dan Porter, Kwiyagat Community Academy, Towaoc
- Janet Worley, SkyView Academy, Highlands Ranch
Advocate of the Year Finalists:
- Sam Adams, Academy 360 and Monarch Montessori, Denver
- Steven Bartholomew, New Legacy Charter School, Aurora
- Kim Gilmartin, Liberty Schools Initiative, Denver
- Lorelei Jackson, Teach Plus, Denver
- Lawrence Rugar, Pagosa Peak Open School, Pagosa Springs
- Agustina Yanez, Academy 360, Denver
Most Valuable Charter Contributor Finalists:
- Ilene Agustin, Colorado Charter School Institute, Denver
- Nicole “Niki” Amidei, Atlas Preparatory School, Colorado Springs
- Heather (Henson) Cooper, Georgetown Community School, Georgetown
Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists:
- Mary Faith Hall, Thomas MacLaren School, Colorado Springs
- Camilla Modesitt, Denver Language School, Denver
- Sherry Price, Independence Academy Charter School, Grand Junction
Educator of the Year Finalists:
- Mallory Clasquin, New Vision Charter School, Loveland
- Steven Denham, DSST: Aurora Science & Tech High School, Aurora
- Camille Herigstad, Independence Academy Charter School, Grand Junction
- Zach Kennelly, DSST: College View High School, Denver
- Tyler Richardson, Montessori Peaks Academy, Littleton
- Anna Royal, Summit Middle School, Boulder
- Amy Sheren, DSST Public Schools, Denver
- Nancy Wickham, Mountain Middle School, Durango
- Rachael Williford, Challenge to Excellence Charter School, Parker
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that represents the interests of the state’s 262 charter schools and the families of more than 136,000 students who attend them. Our mission is to improve student achievement by supporting Colorado’s charter schools, positively reshaping the public-school landscape, and advancing opportunities for innovation and expanded choice. We want all Colorado students to have access to high-quality public school options. More information is available at www.coloradoleague.org.