Each year the League awards committee reviews over 100+ nominees across six main categories to award Hall of Fame status. It is the strength of the entire nominee pool which is impressive and challenging to narrow down to a finalist pool. Again, this year, we are impressed, awed, and honored to announce our finalists for the 2021 awards below. Thank you to all the nominees, all the finalists, nominators, and all the staff, teachers, administrators, leaders, and families who participate and contribute to the success of the 261 charter schools serving over 131,000 charter school students. The awards will be announced at the Member Forum, March 5, 9:45am virtually through Zoom during the annual conference. We congratulate all the 2021 winners!

CATEGORIES:

Charter School Authorizer of the Year Award

• Jennifer Holladay, Denver Public Schools
• Dan Snowberger, Durango Public Schools

Charter School Advocate of the Year

• Wisdom Amouzou, Empower Community High School
• Pam Benigno, Independence Institute

Charter School Educator of the Year

• Ashley Carruth, Animas High School
• Nicole Hiam, Aspen View Academy
• Leha Moskoff, Flagstaff Academy Charter School
• Patty Quinn, Flagstaff Academy Charter School
• Bentley Ryberg, Jefferson Academy Elementary School
• Farrah Ross, Pinnacle Charter School
• Cameron Ryan, STEM School Highlands Ranch

Charter School Leader of the Year

• Erin Kane, American Academy
• Sandi Brown, Colorado Early Colleges
• Annie Trujillo, Denver Language School
• Christine (Chris) Ferris, Highline Academy
• Ian Stout, Loveland Classical Schools
• Liv Helmericks, Mountain Sage Community School
• James Cryan, Rocky Mountain Prep
• Willyn Webb, Vision Charter Academy

Most Valuable Charter Contributor

• Emily Thomsen, AXL Academy
• Debra Smith, Challenge To Excellence
• Dave Loomis, Cherry Creek Academy
• Robin Zook, Colorado Early Colleges Network
• Shelly Knight, Douglas County School District
• Julie Ramsey, Early College of Arvada
• Kim Daly, Jefferson Academy – Elementary PTO
• Alexis Walker, The CUBE High School
• Caryn Braddy, Vision Charter Academy

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Tom Morrissey, Animas High School
• Mark Hyatt, Colorado Military Academy
• Colin T. Mullaney, The Vanguard School

Each week, PACE brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week: school choice is both celebrated and criticized.

Each week, PACE brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week: suspending suspensions, growing support for teacher pay, angry teachers, and more!