Castle Pines outstanding students for 2011

Articles by Lisa Crockett, Elean Gersack, and Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the families

The 39th Annual Student Awards for the Douglas County Federation was held on Wednesday, May 11, at Rock Canyon High School.  Students were nominated based on the following qualities: scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers.  And the honors went to…

Buffalo Ridge Elementary
Fifth grader, Carlie McCrillis, was chosen to represent Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) for the outstanding student award.  Notably thrilled about the award, McCrillis remembers hearing about the honor one morning before school from her teacher, Mrs. Sedersten.  “[I was] excited and proud of myself,” said McCrillis.

A committee of fifth grade teachers at BRE was tasked making the selection of one student who best exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable student, friend and community member.  According to Principal, Ally Berggren, McCrillis was selected because of her excellence in academics, character, respect and responsibility.  

As McCrillis makes the leap to middle school this fall, she wants to continue to do her best.  “[I want to] work hard and be the best person I can be.  I’m excited to meet new friends and keep old friends.  I encourage other students to strive to do their personal best.  It always pays off!” said McCrillis.

Timber Trail Elementary
An athlete, a student, a musician; these are all titles held by Timber Trail Elementary’s (TTE) Blake Fredericksen.  And despite his ability to excel in so many pursuits, Blake said he was surprised by the honor.  “There are so many great students at Timber trail.  It was really great to get chosen,” he said.

Blake was nominated by his teacher, Jesica Harrington, based on a variety of criteria including scholarship, creativity, responsibility, helpfulness and humility.  “Blake sets high expectations for himself; whether it is singing in the honor choir, taking on math challenges through math olympiad for the last two years, or playing baseball, he is willing to give the extra time and effort necessary to achieve success,” said Harrington.

Blake spent his entire elementary school career at TTE and is looking forward to middle school at Rocky Heights, where he will join older sister, Logan.  He credits his family and his Christian faith for his success thus far in life.  “I want to thank all my teachers at Timber Trail,” said Fredericksen.  “They did a great job!”

DCS Montessori
The DCS Montessori (DCSM) outstanding student recipient was sixth grader, Maddie Mooney, resident of Castle Rock.  Mooney is a successful leader in and out of the classroom.  According to teacher, Laura Gunder, “She consistently excels in all academic work and demonstrates leadership skills on a daily basis.  Maddie is approachable and this makes her a very responsive leader.”

Without surprise, Mooney was elected class president of her upper elementary class of fourth, fifth and sixth graders.  Mooney has creative problem solving skills and proposed numerous solutions to classroom problems.

Busy with competitive soccer, Mooney has also been on the DCSM dance team for three years and was elected captain of the dance team by her peers.  Mooney remarked, “I was so surprised and honored to receive this award.  I couldn’t have done it without the lessons Ms. Gunden and Ms. Chrys taught me, along with the love and support I get from my dad!”

American Academy
The middle school faculty of American Academy (AA) selected eighth grader and HOA II resident, Kelcey Beckman, to receive the outstanding student award for their school.  Beckman was nominated by middle school English teacher, Cori Teeple, who said, “Kelcey distinguished herself as a student that embodies the key traits of scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers.

In fifth grade, Beckman’s teachers recognized her leadership qualities and elected her to attend the Junior National Leadership Conference. This school year alone, Beckman has earned considerable recognition for her achievements in the school’s Science Fair, served as Student Council Vice President, participated in the Service Club, performed with the drama group, and played a key role on the girls’ basketball team.

Teeple concluded, “Overall, Kelcey is the kind of student that inspires both her peers and the adults with whom she works.”