Meet our HEROES

This spring, Consuelo Martinez, who works on the Cherry Creek innovation Center (CCIC) facility team, provided critical medical assistance to a volunteer helping on campus. 

In honor of her courageous efforts, Martinez was honored as a CCSD Hero. 

“Consuelo, thank you for helping our community members in times of need, and for keeping our students and staff safe every day,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “You are truly a Cherry Creek Hero.”

When Martinez saw that the volunteer required medical intervention, she stepped in to help them through the event and ensured that they were able to get home safely. Her proactive intervention prevented a greater emergency that day.  

“Consuelo deserves this award not only for her assistance to the volunteer on the day they needed it the most, but also for her extraordinary positive and unwavering work, disposition, and amazingly consistent kindness to all,” said CCIC Principal Steve Day. “She is a gem and we are proud to be a part of her CCIC family.”

Thank you, Consuelo, for your critical, outstanding efforts to help your community. Cherry Creek is lucky to have you!

Holly Hills Elementary School has welcomed hundreds of newcomer students in the 2023-2024 school year. Their Community Liaison, Nadira Rami, and Cultural Liaison and Newcomer Academy Teacher, Jimena Ortiz Lozano, have ensured that each new student and family is given a warm welcome to Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). 

To honor their outstanding commitment to uplifting our newcomer families and supporting their school community, Rami and Ortiz Lozano were both awarded with Cherry Creek Hero Awards. 

“Nadira and Jimena, you both embody what it means to be a Cherry Creek Hero. Every day you come to work and make our students feel like they have a home here. Thank you for making our kids feel safe and loved,” Superintendent Christopher Smith said. 

Rami is new to CCSD. She was hired in the fall as the school office manager, but has taken on the role of Community Liaison with the increase in newcomer families. As the Community Liaison, Rami welcomes new families into the Holly Hills community and provides any support they may need including school supplies, food, clothing, and more. Rami is well-equipped to support any new family that joins the community: she speaks five languages including Moroccan, Arabic. French, Spanish, and English. 

Rami is an immigrant from Morocco, “I feel what they feel. For that, I would like to help,” she said.

“As our Community Liaison, Nadira has welcomed our families with an open heart and support for their needs. Most of these new families are migrants and refugees, and Nadira has arranged and organized clothing donations for our students and their families. She is currently working the jobs of both community liaison and registrar, which is very demanding as we are registering around 3-4 students at Holly Hills every week. Despite this busy work schedule, she is calm and supportive to our students and staff,” said Interventionist Patrice Langdon, who nominated Rami. 

With the influx of more than 200 newcomer students, Holly Hills began a new program called the Newcomer Academy. This program is led and designed by Ortiz Lozano. While Ortiz Lozano has been working as a Paraprofessional over the past few years, she was eager to design a program that would help new students feel welcome and comfortable at Holly Hills.

When new students come to school for their first day, Ortiz Lozano speaks to them entirely in Spanish for a one-on-one school orientation. Throughout the week, Ortiz Lozano helps with translation and connecting students who speak the same language in class to make friends and build community. 

“Having a person who speaks their language helps [the students] out a lot, and they have that connection with me, which is really nice and I love it,” she said. 

“Jimena supports our newcomers as they transition to our country and to our school community at the Hollys. She develops authentic and nurturing relationships. She wraps around our students and provides them the support system they need to feel safe, successful, and cared for at school. She listens to their stories, their worries, their celebrations. She provides a secure environment for newcomers to access throughout the day when they are in need of a listening ear, a joyful thought partner or a cheerleader for their success,” said Principal Molly Drvenkar.

Nick Halaska, art teacher at Coyote Hills Elementary, is ensuring that creative expression is accessible and fun for all students. Halaska has been honored with a CCSD Hero award for his incredible work connecting with students.

“Nick is one of the best educators I’ve been around,” Superintendent Christopher Smith said.  “He has one of the biggest hearts and he’s one of the most focused on kids I've ever met.”

Halaska has taught elementary school for 17 years and has been teaching in Cherry Creek School District for 12 years. He was hired as a general education teacher, and recently transitioned to be the school art teacher. 

“Every kid is important to Nick and he finds a way to connect with them,” Principal Hillary Pohlmann said. “And he's amazing at art. He’s a safe place for kids in art and he has created a great program for our Coyotes, so whether in the classroom, art room, or at the crosswalk, he's always making connections and doing the best he can for kids.”

“I love teaching in Cherry Creek for three simple reasons,” Halaska said. “First, the students; we’ve got the best students and I’m lucky to work with them every day. They want to learn and are excited to feel the success that comes with their hard work. Second, staff; we’ve got great people working in Cherry Creek and I’ve never been alone in my career. They are the reason I continue to grow today. Third, community; I’ve always felt supported by the community I serve in Cherry Creek. They are aware of our work and appreciate and support the cause.” 

Halaska’s passion for art, combined with his care and thoughtfulness for each individual student has been at the center of his work in ensuring that each student is engaged and feels welcome in Coyote Hill’s creative space. 

“Nick goes above and beyond with all of his students,” said Kayla Lindbloom, Severe Needs Para Educator. “His ability to accommodate ILC students is always so refreshing to see. He can transform and personalize any activity the general education class is doing for each ILC student.” These are just two things that happened in the last week, he is continuously showing up for himself, his students, and his staff. He truly is a pleasure to work with and his love and passion for his job are clear every single day.

Kayla shared a few examples of Halaska’s dedication to art activities tailored to the needs of each ILC student. 

“He knows one student loves to put pencils under the door, so he swapped a pencil with playdoh and the smile on the student’s face was gigantic. He also knows a student loves to twirl pants and shirts, so he took a shirt, connected four paintbrushes to the bottom and had paper laid out on the floor. That student was happy to twirl the shirt and make some amazing art.”

Coyote Hills is lucky to have an art teacher as caring and thoughtful as Nick Halaska! 

Brian Alex, building engineer at Peakview Elementary, not only keeps the building safe for students to learn, but has truly embodied Cherry Creek’s Core Value of Relationships. Brian’s strong relationships with students make him a CCSD Hero Award recipient.  

“This is my 23^rd year in education and I have never seen a building engineer so committed to what’s best for kids,” said Peakview Elementary Principal Julie Saurberg. “Yes, he keeps the building clean and safe, but the most important thing is that he loves kids. He joins us for assemblies, he’s in the cafeteria talking with kids, and sometimes he’s their safe adult in the building that they can talk to. He definitely is very deserving of the Cherry Creek Hero award.”

Brian has worked for Peakview Elementary for 8 years, and Cherry Creek Schools for 12 years. 

“I’ve never had a better job in my life. The time off that I get is awesome, but the time that I’m here, I have never been thanked more or appreciated more, ever,” said Brian. “You saw the kids giving me high-fives and hugs, and that’s a daily thing for me. And it makes me happy, extremely happy.”

“Brian, Cherry Creek Schools and the students at Peakview are incredibly lucky to have you looking out for them,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “You embody what it means to be a Cherry Creek Hero, thank you.”   

Brian is known around school for his positivity and his legendary high-fives. 

“Brian is a wonderful person, deep down to his core,” said educator Nicole Rangel. “Our students think the world of Mr. Brian and never pass up an opportunity for one of his famous high-fives. Without fail, Brian is readily available to assist at a moment’s call. Need something heavy moved? Out of paper towels? Snow is covering the playground slides. A student got sick in the classroom. No worries, because Brain is on the way to save the day; and you can rest assured he’ll be wearing a smile when he arrives. Peakview Elementary runs smoothly because of our hero, Mr. Brian Alex!”

Thank you, Brian, for your dedication to the safety and well-being of Peakview Elementary students!

The mental health team at Ponderosa Elementary goes above and beyond to provide support to students and families in their community. In honor of their outstanding work, Ponderosa social worker Jenn Calabrese and psychologist Vy Turner were honored as CCSD Heroes.

“Vy and Jenn, you have made a difference in the lives of so many students. I’ve heard how excited your students are to come to school and to be here at Ponderosa,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “We are so grateful to have you in Cherry Creek Schools.”

In addition to supporting the varied needs of families at Ponderosa, Calabrese has launched several positive intervention systems for students, including multiple mentorship programs, art therapy, and more. 

Ponderosa Principal Chad Gerrity said, “Jenn has an incredible pulse for the students' needs at Ponderosa. She works tirelessly to connect our families with resources, often having the ability to match families with resources that we don't know about, due to her extensive background working in child protection. She has incredible connections with students and is very intuitive. Her relationships with families, kids, and staff members are deep, and people in the Ponderosa community seek out her support on a daily basis. She has a ‘macro perspective’ that allows her to see systems in unique and innovative ways. She has a lot of connections in the community that allow our school to better support our kids and families who are in need. Her experience and insights are invaluable for what we are trying to accomplish at our school; she is an amazing asset, has a huge heart and tons of compassion.”

Turner has worked for Ponderosa for 11 years. She has offered constant and steadfast support to countless students in the Ponderosa community. Calabrese and Turner serve as leaders and role models both within Ponderosa and in the CCSD district mental health team. 

“Vy does so much for all of our students! She looks at students as individuals. She is instrumental in putting together plans for our most vulnerable students in order for them to be successful. She partners with family members in a way that makes all parties feel included and a sense of belonging. She gives so much of herself to her work. She has been a dedicated team member in the Ponderosa community for many years. She also partners with classroom teachers to co-teach social/emotional lessons and to host community meetings to create spaces of safety for students,” said Gerrity.

Lauren Ross, who worked as a social worker in CCSD, said, “Jenn serves in multiple leadership capacities, both within Ponderosa and the larger mental health department. She is a critical member of the HEARTS implementation team to build systems and structures for trauma-informed care. She built a mentoring program at the school over the past two years. On the mental health team, she has served as a social work intern supervisor, as well as a group supervisor for social workers who are pursuing their clinical licensure.”

“Vy is a member of the school MTSS team and collaborates with teachers as they navigate the intervention process. In the mental health department, she has served in multiple leadership capacities. She has served as a mentor for new hires, a supervisor for psychology interns, and a peer level leader,” Ross added. 

Thank you, Vy and Jenn, for all that you do for the Ponderosa community!

Joe “Jo Roe” Rosales is a coach, security specialist, and mentor to the students of Cherry Creek High School. This spring, Rosales was honored as a Cherry Creek Schools Hero for his role in supporting a player on the baseball team. 

Rosales coaches the Cherry Creek High School JV baseball team. Two years ago, one of his players lost his father and “Coach Joe” was there for the student in his time of need. While grieving the loss of his father, this player began to make out-of-character decisions, according to the student's mother who nominated Rosales for the CCSD Hero Award.

“Coach Joe took the time to meet with him,” the mother added. “This meant a lot to my son. More than you could imagine. It made him feel like his coach, someone he looked up to, cared about him. Joe makes him feel comfortable, safe and supported.”

Rosales has provided support and encouragement to several students on the team during difficult times. 

“The support Joe Rosales has given these amazing boys during rough times has been pivotal on why they have been able to thrive and overcome a very hard time in their lives,” the Bruins mother said.

“We are so lucky to have Joe as a leader here at Creek,” said Principal Ryan Silva. “Just this year, Joe has been recognized as an All Star, a Cherry Creek Hero, and an Alumni in Action.” 

Rosales was a student at Cherry Creek High School in the early 2000s and was a center fielder for the Bruins. He grew up playing baseball and considers baseball like a brotherhood, so it’s not surprising that he joined the baseball staff 14 years ago. 

“Joe, you are a hero to our students,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “The support you provide for our students is invaluable. Thank you so much for all that you do.” 

This spring, Shannon Arellano was honored with a Cherry Creek Hero award for her work serving as an outstanding educator to her students and as a mentor to her colleagues at Timberline Elementary School. 

This year, Arellano launched a school-wide reading program called “One School—One Book.” The whole school read “Lemonade War” and Arellano created a curriculum based on the book. She also created and organized a “Cardboard Carnival” event where students were able to display economics projects based on the book. 

“Shannon has developed an entire curriculum,” said Arenello’s colleague, Venetcia Green, who nominated her. “This curriculum crosses every grade level to help students grow and learn to become better readers. The curriculum includes the Colorado Standards which provides student focused reading skills. Our students particularly enjoy meeting weekly with their reading buddies. The program affords every Timberline student to read the same book and discuss its content.”

“I wanted the whole school to be unified as a community reading one book as one school.” said Arellano." It was very motivating for the students to be able to tie their project to the book and literacy. It allowed students to be inventive and innovative at the same time.”

Superintendent Christopher Smith commented, “We give these awards to the heroes of Cherry Creek. Your colleagues have nominated you for several incredible things, but mostly for being a great teammate and teacher, and a model employee of Cherry Creek.” 

When asked what her favorite part about working with students is, Arellano said, ”I love the creativity of the students. Seeing them flourish and accomplish goals that they didn't think were possible.”

Timberline Principal Mary Bowens added, “Shannon is so dedicated. She is an advocate for kids and learning. She’s a learner herself, always looking for ways to learn and motivate her students to be learners. She’s so positive with a vast amount of information. She’s been a mentor to a lot of teachers, and she has a ton of experience with a variety of students. She has taken on so many leadership roles in the building.”

Shelia Phillips has taught at Arrowhead Elementary School for fifty years. In her time teaching in Cherry Creek Schools, she has impacted over 10,000 students. 

“I’ve been happy to spend my life this way. It makes me happy and keeps me happy, and hopefully makes kids happy,” said Phillips. 

Arrowhead Elementary threw Shelia a surprise 50th Golden Jubilee celebration to honor her service to the district. 

CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith said during the celebration of Phillips, “The lives that you have impacted and the people you have taught who then wanted to become teachers and change the lives of more students is incredible—the number of lives you have touched over the last fifty years is insurmountable.” 

Phillips has taught every grade level, as well as music, science, art, and reading. She also travels to Alaska and Tennessee every summer to train teachers. 

“Shelia has truly dedicated her life's work to education and is still passionate about what she does,” said Principal Kelsey Jones. “She cares deeply about her students, their families, and her colleagues.”

Phillips recently attended the retirement party for one of her former students. Throughout her fiftieth celebration, she made it very clear that she is not ready for retirement herself.  

Phillips also works alongside one of her former students, Micaela Villarreal, as fellow teachers at Arrowhead Elementary. 

“It's surreal to be a teacher with her. I was so excited to interact with her again and call her a coworker and friend,” Villarreal said. “She's definitely been an influence on me wanting to do the same exact thing because she was a huge supporter of me. Regardless of skill level, she always made sure the kids knew that they were smart and could do what they put their mind to. She makes education and learning fun.”

Despite Phillips' many years as a veteran teacher, Principal Jones notes, “Shelia is always learning and growing, that's one of the things that I appreciate about her even after 50 years in education. And I think that makes her such an asset to our community and to our students because she's always looking for better ways to serve kids.”

John Farnham steps up whenever he can to provide the best educational experience for the students at Coyote Hills. A fifth-grade teacher, Farnham is dedicated to making sure all students feel safe and welcomed at school.

“John has certainly been a hero at Coyote Hills this year,” said Principal Hillary Pohlmann. 

For the first six weeks of school, Coyote Hills was short a building engineer. Farnham made sure that the school didn't skip a beat. 

“As the principal, I tried to keep up with the demands, but I was never alone because John stepped up. He took it upon himself to raise the flag every morning and lower it in the evening. He broke down all the recycling that comes with new curriculum and beginning of the year supplies. He came into the school on the weekends to sweep the blacktop free of rocks and debris and other tasks as needed.”

“I just want to make sure the kids are happy when they’re here at school,” said Farnham. “When I saw kids slipping and falling on the rocks in the playground, I got a little rock sweeper, came in on a Saturday, and spent three hours sweeping up the rocks.”

Farnham is as beloved by his students as his colleagues.  

“Mr. Farnham was my 5th grade teacher,” said former Coyote Hills student, Reagan Dahl. “When he was my teacher, he made sure my class was safe but that we also had fun. Mr. Farnham taught in a way that I understood, and he was an amazing teacher. I think that he should be recognized for what he does and how he does it.”

By consistently building relationships with students, increasing engagement, demonstrating growth mindset, and promoting whole wellbeing and equity, Farnham truly embodies the Core Values of Cherry Creek Schools. 

“It is because of teachers and staff like you, John, that we are able to provide an excellent education to our students,” “said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “You show us what it means to be dedicated to excellence.”

“I am truly grateful for the work ethic that John displays. He is here for kids, and he does the work to be the best for kids,” said Principal Pohlmann. “He never backs down from learning, or a challenging student, or even going above and beyond as a professional.”

When a student’s life was in danger, school nurse Brian Kornreich was quick to respond.

Kornreich supports students at Overland High School. Last fall, he provided life-saving measures to a student in need during a medical emergency. 

“You did something extraordinary in helping this student stay alive,” said CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith. “We are so grateful for you in Cherry Creek Schools and so proud of you. Thank you for being you.”

“Brian was able to maintain a level-head, act quickly, and communicate effectively to his coworkers what was needed during this intense situation,” said Overland school nurse, Tonya Hopper. 

Kornreich has used this experience to ensure fellow school nurses are as prepared as possible in an emergency. 

“Brian has been happy to utilize this event to provide education to his staff by sharing his story and answering medical questions. Brian was also kind enough to share his story with the nurses throughout the district to ensure this event serves as a learning experience for all. He is truly an asset not only to Overland High School, but the district overall,” Hopper said.

Throughout his time at Overland, Kornreich has revamped the nurse’s clinic to ensure it meets the needs of the whole child. The clinic now serves as a welcoming space for all. 

“He has always been a quick thinker and an advocate for student health,” said Assistant Director of Health Services Nicole Mar. “His dream is to have every person certified in CPR so that everyone can intervene if needed. Brian truly is a hero, and he carries himself like one as well.” 

“I'm so proud to work in the Cherry Creek School District,” said Brian Kornreich. “I’ve been here for nine years and it's the level of appreciation that keeps me here.” 

Thank you Brian, for your service to the students of Overland High School, and living the core values of Cherry Creek Schools!

Stacey Peoples and the Early Childhood Education team are opening doors and creating pathways to bright futures for thousands of CCSD’s youngest learners by implementing free Universal Preschool in Cherry Creek Schools.

“We are play-based, we focus on the kids and what they individually need,” Peoples explained. “We have exceptional staff; we partner with parents and there isn’t a better place to have your preschool-aged child.”

Peoples and her team have added or converted 54 new preschool classrooms, built 17 new playgrounds, and unloaded and set up tons of tiny chairs and supplies across the district. They worked tirelessly to get the program up and running to ensure our littlest learners would have all that they needed to have the best preschool experience.

“I’ve never seen so many people work so hard,” she said. “They set up classrooms, sometimes in rooms that weren’t air conditioned, they categorized, and organized hundreds of pieces of equipment.”

Early Childhood Education added more than a hundred preschool educators and staff focused on special education and speech development. Research consistently shows that early childhood education sets the stage for lifelong learning and achievement.

“If we can start kids early with communication skills, language, literacy, and math skills, we are setting them up to be successful,” Peoples added. 

“The staff’s unwavering commitment, even in the face of challenges from the state, demonstrates their belief in the transformative power of quality preschool education,” Dr. Tony Poole, Assistant Superintendent of Special Populations said.

Peoples has been with the district since she was a kindergarten student herself and is very proud of what her team has accomplished.

“I hope I am representing the excellence we have in this district, and I am honored to be a part of it,” she said.

In the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD), the pursuit of excellence extends beyond the classroom and into school cafeterias. This year, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Kim Kilgore and the Food and Nutrition Services team, the Healthy School Meals for All program was implemented seamlessly.

“Kim Kilgore and the Food and Nutrition Services team have undertaken a herculean effort to successfully make free meals accessible for all CCSD students,” Chief Financial and Operating Officer Scott Smith said. “Launching this program meant more mouths to feed, so the Food and Nutrition team had to ramp up their preparation and volume of food from 3 million to 5 million meals.”

Recently, the team served nearly 37,000 meals, a record for meals in a single day. In addition to expanding the reach of delicious and healthy food, Kilgore and her awesome team have implemented the following innovative initiatives:

• Changed bakery ingredients to reduce sugar and removed egg/dairy for students with food sensitivities.
• Started monthly initiatives to introduce families to recipes that students can make at home and to have them eat new/more veggies and fruit.
• Worked on increasing scratch cooking this year so that more students are excited to eat CCSD food and expand their pallets.
• Implemented compostable trays to help reduce CCSD’s carbon footprint and teach students the importance of sustainability.
• Developed a plan to shorten lunch lines in high schools by incorporating food trucks. The department is currently working on obtaining food trucks for both high schools and events.
• Provided and expanded free summer lunch program.

“This team consistently prioritizes the CCSD Core Value of Whole Wellbeing,” remarked Superintendent Christopher Smith. “The invaluable work of feeding our students with nutritious foods directly makes a difference in our students’ lives.”

“I couldn’t do it without my amazing team! They are always up for a new challenge and don’t complain,” Kilgore said.

In recognition of their unwavering dedication, innovative initiatives, and remarkable accomplishments, Kim Kilgore and the Food and Nutrition Services team truly deserve to be celebrated as Cherry Creek Heroes.

“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.”

The members of the Smoky Hill High School Marching Band counted aloud as they practiced their marching technique. They moved precisely, forward and backward, hitting yard lines painted on an imaginary football field in the school’s south parking lot. This is how their rehearsal begins every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall marching season. But on Sept. 19, before the bandmembers moved on to their music warm-ups, Band Director Zak Ruffert called them together and introduced a surprise guest – Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Christopher Smith.

“Here in the Cherry Creek School District, we have five Core Values,” Smith told the group. “One of those Core Values that’s near and dear to my heart is Relationships, and I’m here to recognize a couple of your bandmates who are examples of what it means to have true relationships and to push one another and sacrifice for one another.”

At that, a cheer went up from the band students, because they knew who the superintendent was referring to. For the past three years, seniors Nolan Dauer and Donovan Light have been the band’s dynamic duo. Friends since middle school, the two teamed up when Light, who plays the trumpet, decided he wanted to be in the marching band. Light was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect that affects his lower extremities. It’s difficult for him to walk, much less march while playing a trumpet.

“We were looking for ways for Donovan to participate fully in our marching band,” Band Director Zak Ruffert recalled. “I didn’t want to put him in the ‘pit’ or front ensemble playing simple percussion parts or playing his instrument parked on the sideline.

“That’s when Nolan volunteered to be his ‘marching band buddy’ and come to every single rehearsal and band event and be his ‘legs’ so to speak,” Ruffert continued. “Nolan’s dedication has allowed Donavan to fully participate in every aspect of the marching band.”

Both young men say their friendship and the trust they have in each other has made their partnership successful, and they both enjoy being part of the Hill Regiment.

“I love learning the drill and how accepting and caring the community of our band is, Dauer said.

“We are all one big happy family,” Light added. “Everyone has each other's back, and no one is ever left out of anything.”

Ruffert is proud that his band is a caring and inclusive community, and that Light and Dauer are such positive examples of partnership and perseverance. That’s why he nominated them for the CCSD Heros Award, which recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things.

“These are two incredible kids who both represent the best of what we hope to see in our schools and our community,” Ruffert said.

If you know of someone who goes above and beyond normal expectations to help or support Cherry Creek Schools students, staff, or schools, nominate them for the CCSD Hero award here.

Debbi Kennedy couldn’t help thinking that she was meant to be at the intersection of Smoky Hill Road and Biscay Circle on Aug. 16.

It was the second day of the 2022-23 school year in Cherry Creek Schools and Kennedy, an affective needs paraeducator at Trails West Elementary, had left the building a little earlier than usual because of the staggered school schedule that day. She was behind the wheel, waiting to make the turn onto Smoky Hill when she spotted a small figure running into the rainy street.

It was a child, she realized; a very young child.

“I thought, ‘What’s going on? He’s not with his parents! I’ve got to do something.’ That’s why I stopped and pulled over,” Kennedy recalled. “I pulled up beside him, and then I lost sight of him. I pulled the wrong way going on to Biscay. I got out of my car and ran, and he was in the middle of Smoky Hill. I ran out there and asked the cars to stop; I was screaming, holding my arms up.”

Some of the cars stopped. Most didn’t.

With traffic whizzing by on the busy, four-lane road, Kennedy reached the child, grabbed him, and pulled him to safety on the side of the road. She called 911, and tried to comfort the child as best she could as police officers arrived.

“It had rained that morning. He didn’t have any shoes on; he just had socks on. His feet were soaking wet,” Kennedy said. “I tried to get him warm, put a little towel on him. He wasn’t talking. I kept on saying, ‘Where’s your mommy?’”

The child didn’t reply. He was non-verbal autistic, as Kennedy learned after the child’s mother arrived and took him home. On that day, Kennedy didn’t get the chance to talk to the child’s mother; she didn’t get the opportunity to ask any questions, or receive proper credit for her heroic actions.

“I felt like I was at the right place at the right time, because I do work with special needs kids,” she said. “I was there. I was able to comfort the child until mom came.”

Kennedy eventually received that credit, thanks to the Trails West community. During a surprise celebration held on Sept. 19, the entire school gathered in the gym for a surprise celebration honoring Kennedy’s selflessness, bravery, and quick thinking on that rainy afternoon in August. CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith was on hand to present Kennedy with the Cherry Creek Heroes Award, an honor designed to recognize those in Cherry Creek Schools who commit extraordinary actions of behalf of the community.

“Thank you for being a real-life hero,” Smith said. “You saved a child’s life. You are the epitome of what it means to be a Cherry Creek Hero and a member of the CCSD family. Thank you.”

The awards ceremony was a complete surprise to Kennedy, who entered the gym expecting a schoolwide assembly. Instead, she received cheers, congratulations, and encouragement from students and staff alike. Students hoisted handmade posters bearing messages like, “You’re Our Hero, Miss Debbi.” Her colleagues were on hand to speak to Kennedy’s everyday commitment to kids.

“Debbi is the definition of Hero and compassion in my book. Every single day I see her helping the kids. She gives her all in everything that she does,” said district Behavior Support Technician Texceam Krebsbach, who nominated Kennedy for the Cherry Creek Hero Award. Krebsbach added that she wasn’t surprised when she heard the tale of Kennedy’s brave rescue of a small child wandering into a busy street. “I wasn’t totally surprised when she told me the story.

“That’s what she does,” Krebsbach added.

Morgan Mayer’s parents received an encouraging email from their daughter’s teacher at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

It had been a challenging year for Morgan, and for all of the students, teachers and staff at Liberty Middle School. The COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted the regular classroom routine in too many ways to count, as the Liberty community sought persevere through remote learning, the cancellation of activities and other pressures wrought by a global pandemic. Although Liberty wasn’t alone in dealing with these hurdles, students like Morgan felt unique pressures tied to an unparalleled situation.

That’s what made the email from Morgan’s AVID teacher so special. Tracy Docksey reached out to personally celebrate Morgan’s accomplishments and growth during a difficult time. In addition to a hand-written note she’d written to Morgan touching on similar themes, the email served as a celebration, an acknowledgement and an inspiration for student and parents alike. “I am so proud of how much (Morgan) has grown and what they overcame this year. Thank you for trusting me with them,” Docksey wrote, “Please know that wherever they go, I am always here for them and you as a resource.”

Docksey’s commitment to Morgan wasn’t unique. As a teacher, she’s worked hard to build a special link with each and every one of her students. She’s shown a commitment to establishing relationships in her classroom, relationships that foster learning, growth and enrichment for the whole child.

“We know this firsthand, and have heard this from other parents who have had the blessing of having her as their child's teacher,” Morgan’s mother, Susan Mayer, wrote. “The last several years have been so challenging, in so many ways, for these kids. It is comforting to know we have someone like Tracy in their lives. She is the true definition of the word hero!”

Docksey’s commitment to her students recently earned her the Cherry Creek Hero award, an honor that celebrates those who commit extraordinary actions on behalf of the community. In Docksey’s case, that extraordinary action comes every day, in every one of her classes, for every one of her students.

CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith visited Liberty on April 5 to personally give Docksey her plaque, and to celebrate the unique work she does every day on behalf of her students. Smith stood alongside Susan Mayer, Morgan Mayer (now a freshman at Grandview High School) and Marleigh Mayer, Morgan’s younger sister who’s a seventh-grader at Liberty. Docksey has shown the same commitment to Marleigh that made her time with Morgan so special.

“One of our core values here in the district is building relationships. You know this, and you know how important it is to be loving, caring and compassionate to your students. It’s not just these two; it truly is all of your students,” Smith said. “It’s not about every, it’s about each, because each child is different. You lean in to each child in a different way and make sure that you differentiate your instruction. You offer care and compassion to every single student. I just wanted to thank you so much for what you do.”

The value of Docksey’s approach was clear for Morgan Mayer. From a student first starting her middle school journey, nervous about her enrollment in AVID, a college preparatory program, Morgan has grown into a confident high schooler, ready for the next challenge and equipped with the skills to succeed.

“We can say, without a doubt, Tracy Docksey was the most influential person in our Morgan's middle school education,” her mother wrote in Docksey’s nomination for the Heroes award. “The story continues with Marleigh. Tracy makes sure each and every one of her students has a support system, and has the tools to be as successful as possible during their time in middle school.”

Tracy Docksey prioritizes building relationships with students, and that commitment has made a critical difference for Mayer family, and for countless others. That kind of impact is the definition of heroism in CCSD.

A typical day at work is never predictable for Lauren Buckles, the registered school nurse at Fox Ridge Middle School.

Like her fellow nurses at every building across the Cherry Creek School District, Buckles’ typical workload can range from casual to life-or-death in nature. As a health professional charged with the well-being of an entire school’s student, teacher and staff population, Buckles has to be prepared for any type of medical situation.

She is more than up to that task, as she proved a few months ago. According to Michelle Weinraub, CCSD’s Chief Health Officer, Buckles “administered life-saving medication (epinephrine) to a student suffering from a life-threatening, anaphylactic reaction to a food. It was an unexpected trauma that occurred outside the school clinic, elsewhere in the school.”

Nevertheless, Buckles was on the scene in mere moments, providing the right medication and averting a potentially fatal outcome. According to Weinraub, Buckles’ “calm, competent care helped safe this child's life as everyone waited for the Emergency Medical Services to arrive.”

Buckles’ steady demeanor in the face of a life-threatening situation is the epitome of what it takes to be a nurse in the school environment, and it recently earned her the Cherry Creek Heroes Award, an honor designed to celebrate those in the district who commit extraordinary actions on behalf of the entire community.

CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith traveled to Fox Ridge earlier this month to formally present Buckles with a plaque celebrating her honor, and to offer an in-person ‘thank you’ for her commitment to the school, to her work and to her pledge as a medical professional.

“You are a literal life-saver for our community. Thank you for being prepared and proactive in your care for our kids,” Smith said. “Your professionalism and expertise truly make our dedication to excellence possible.”

Buckles, who wasn’t expecting the honor or the formal recognition from the district superintendent, had a hard time finding the right words to express her gratitude. Surrounded by colleagues and friends, Buckles laughed, cried and thanked the entire Fox Ridge community for the award and the shout-out.

“This is the biggest honor I can imagine,” she said.

On any typical morning at Polton Elementary, Kristine Willett is on the front lines of getting students prepped for an engaging, rewarding and exciting day of learning.

Willett, a physical education teacher at the school, was one of the masterminds behind Polton’s “Hug and Go Lane,” a morning dropoff system that sees students being welcomed by teachers and administrators. Cars will pull up, and Polton staff will be there ready to get kids prepped for a great day of learning.

With her bottomless store of enthusiasm and genuine investment in the well-being of all of Polton’s students, Willett is one of the best representatives of the “Hug and Go” system.

“Let me just tell you, day in and day out Ms. Willett is running up and down the sidewalk opening car doors, yelling, “Good Morning!” to all the kiddos, and getting the students “pumped up” to start their day,” said Lyndee Salomonson, a Polton parent whose twin fifth-graders have had Willett as their gym teacher since first grade. “Last year she almost scored a 100 percent at being the one and only teacher to open my girls' doors!

“We all look forward to seeing her face when we turn that corner into school every morning,” Salomonson added.

Willett’s unfailing energy and commitment to students recently earned her the Cherry Creek Heroes award, an honor designed to celebrate those in the CCSD community who show an extraordinary dedication to the district. According to those who nominated her for the award, Willett was a perfect candidate for the honor for her full dedication to Polton’s students, parents and fellow staff members.

“You can tell she loves each and every student she encounters every day. She puts her full heart and soul into all aspects of her teaching. She cares greatly about the health of her students in many ways,” Salomonson wrote in her nomination letter. “Not only does she teach P.E., but she also runs flag football, soccer club, running club and a fun jump-roping and gymnastic club called the ‘Jump Arounds.’ Supporting kids no matter their level of ‘fitness’ is so important and she makes it a priority to make sure everyone feels included and important.”

CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith joined Polton Principal Angie Lore and other school staff to formally celebrate Willett and present her with the Cherry Creek Heroes plaque. Smith, who joined Willett at the morning welcome line before school started on Jan. 26, praised her unflagging energy and kindness.

“You show care and investment in every student you interact with, and that’s what our district is all about,” Smith said. “Our mission is ‘Dedicated to Excellence,’ and that comes through in the way you deal with every kid, every parent and every one of your colleagues. Thank you for living the values we hold so dear in Cherry Creek Schools.”

Brittany Peitersen’s commitment to the students at Falcon Creek Middle School could inspire a Hollywood film.

Peitersen is a paraeducator at Falcon Creek, and according to her colleagues, her typical day features all the action and intrigue of an inspirational movie. Peitersen plays the role of the committed classroom hero, as she invests all of her energy, focus and attention to meeting the needs of every single student, no matter the circumstances.

“Although Peitersen is a paraeducator, she goes beyond the expectations of what a paraeducator's responsibilities entail. She has supported many students in our building,” wrote Brady Goode, special education teacher at Falcon Creek. “She provides much needed social/emotional support, guidance and academic support to ensure that our students are achieving their very best. Her patience is that of a saint and her wisdom is well beyond her years.”

Peitersen’s service and investment in her students recently earned her the Cherry Creek Hero Award, an honor that celebrates those who show an extraordinary commitment to the CCSD community. Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Perry traveled to Falcon Creek to present Peitersen with a plaque and praise her extraordinary service to her school, her district and her community.

“Your work with your students exemplifies the values that inspire us in Cherry Creek Schools,” Perry said, as Peitersen, Goode and a group of students looked on. “Your everyday commitment is what our dedication to excellence is all about. You are a shining example for all of us!”

Peitersen responded with humility, offering gratitude to her colleagues, her students and her friends. Goode was there to point out just how much work she does on a daily basis, and how that work positively impacts students. Peitersen, he said, helps kids learn every single day, and her dedication to her students has a measurably positive impact.

“Brittany has problem-solved with administration, staff and students to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable in our academic setting. She often figures out before anyone else what is impacting our students and is usually first to lend a helping hand,” Goode said. “A movie could be made about a day in the life of Ms. P and it would be an edge-of-your-seat, tear-jerker, epic embodiment of strength and resilience for all.

“I cannot say enough about the positive impact that this young woman has on our school,” he added. “She deserves the moon and more!”

Rebecca Blauw makes all of her students feel welcome, valued and appreciated in her classroom at Timberline Elementary, and that commitment made a big difference for one particular student.

When a five-year old kindergarten student moved from a small Montessori school to Timberline, he felt overwhelmed and stressed. The change in size and culture between the two schools was a lot to handle, and according to the student’s parents, the shift made learning difficult.

That’s where Blauw and her approach in the classroom helped make the transition less overwhelming and frightening.

“Mrs Blauw has gone above and beyond her normal teaching duties to contact us and to accommodate my son in her classroom,” wrote Holly Cheng, the student’s mother. “She tried several social-emotional techniques to help him interact. She even helped him walk up to the lunch counter and sat with him for several weeks so he would feel comfortable eating his food.”

Blauw also enlisted the aid of her fellow educators and professionals at Timberline, drawing on the combined expertise of counselors, teachers and social/emotional learning experts to make sure the student’s transition into the Timberline “wolf pack” is healthy, safe and complete.

This commitment to her students recently earned Blauw the Cherry Creek Heroes award, an honor that recognizes those in the CCSD community who commit extraordinary actions on behalf of the entire district. CCSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Perry recently visited Timberline to present Blauw with a physical award and personally thank her for her extraordinary investment in the everyday well-being of all of her students. The 5-year-old student’s father was also on hand to personally thank her for her work in making his son feel like he was a part of the school community.

“Your dedication to your students is a perfect example of our district’s mission. This is what being dedicated to excellence is all about,” Perry said. “Your work with your students proves that excellence isn’t just an idea; it’s what our teachers do in our classrooms every day. Thank you for your hard work and your commitment to all of your students.”

Blauw’s commitment makes a real difference in students’ lives and in their classroom learning, as the grateful mother of the kindergarten wrote in her nomination letter.

“My son is starting to engage and interact with friends and I have no doubt this wouldn’t have happened without Mrs. Blauw,” she wrote.

Julie Ahlgrim’s commitment to the students at Campus Middle School goes far beyond the school day.

As one of the school’s counselors, Ahlgrim never hesitates to put in the extra hours to support students’ mental health and well-being. She’ll go out of her way to create dialogue, offer positive feedback and simply listen when a student is in need. It’s a brand of investment and dedication that can save lives.

One parent at Campus can attest to Ahlgrim’s dedication, and just how big of a difference it can make. Her daughter was facing a potentially life-threatening situation, and Ahlgrim’s investment in the student’s wellness and healing made a critical difference.

“Julie went out of her way every day for a month to be there for my daughter,” the mother wrote recently. “I’m forever grateful to Julie Ahlgrim. She is a life saver and a hero.”

Ahlgrim’s approach to students’ well-being at Campus recently earned her the Cherry Creek Heroes Award, an honor designed to recognize those who make extraordinary contributions on behalf of the entire district. During a formal award ceremony held in October, CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith credited Ahlgrim with exemplifying the values of the entire district.

“Our dedication to excellence isn’t only about academics. At Cherry Creek Schools, we’re committed to our students’ mental health and social/emotional well-being. We’re committed to educating and supporting the whole child, to making sure our students are successful in all phases of their lives,” Smith said. “Your work here at Campus is a perfect example of that approach. You give your heart and soul to make sure that our kids have the support they need in all phases of their lives. Your work matters, and it makes a difference.”

For her part, Ahlgrim was hesitant to take any part of the spotlight. Her work is about students, and the focus should be on their stories – their successes, their achievements, their hopes, ambitions and journeys.

But Ahlgrim’s daily dedication makes sure that students have access to that kind of success. The testimony of countless parents, students and colleagues proves that Ahlgrim is part of what makes the Cherry Creek School District so special.

When Eli Mahnken added the words “I can run” on a drawing of him competing in a race, it symbolized a special kind of victory.

Mahnken, 6, wrote those words after a long and challenging battle against cancer, an illness that had temporarily robbed him of his mobility. Mahnken and his family had waged a long fight against the sickness, and they’d never shied away from defying the odds. Eli was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, and through relapses and hospital visits, he never lost his determination to live life to the fullest.

One of Eli’s ambitions in his fight against cancer was simple: he wanted to run on an Olympic-sized track. Thanks to a hero at Smoky Hill High School, his wish came true earlier this year.

Scott Cohen, Smoky Hill’s activities director, worked closely with the Mahnken family to make sure that Eli’s dreams were realized. After helping coordinate a Childhood Brain Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser for Eli in 2020 that raised over $5,500, Cohen went even further, working with the family and the school to bring Eli to run on the school’s track during Smoky Hill’s Homecoming game in September.

“Scott took Eli’s wish to a whole new level,” said Heather Mahnken, Eli’s mother. “He invited Eli to run on the track against Smoky Hill’s mascot during the Homecoming game … It would give Eli the opportunity to have hundreds of people cheering for him while he ran the race.”

The result was a scene worthy of an Olympic broadcast. Eli and the Smoky Hill Buffalo ran a tight race, but Eli won in the end. He crossed the finish line to the thunderous applause of hundreds in attendance at the game.

The Mahnkens credit Scott Cohen with helping Eli realize his dream. Cohen’s selflessness and investment hasn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the district. Last month, Cohen received the Cherry Creek Heroes Award, an honor designed to recognize those in the district who commit extraordinary actions on behalf of the entire community.

During a formal presentation of an award plaque held at Smoky Hill in October, CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith said that Cohen’s actions summed up the values of the Cherry Creek School District.

“In CCSD, we are dedicated to excellence, and that means taking an active role in our community,” Smith said. “Your actions were a perfect example of that value. You reached out to a family in need, and you made their lives better as a result. That’s what our district is about.”

The Mahnkens were also on hand for the presentation. Eli was able to personally thank Cohen for helping him find the opportunity to thrive, despite overwhelming challenges.

“It is true what they say: Everyone can make a difference,” Heather Mahnken said. “Scott Cohen, you are definitely a Cherry Creek Hero.”