Hitting the Books: Sixteen Bulldog artists published in 2 books through statewide contest

James Bartolo, Pueblo Chieftain
·3 min read

Bookshelves throughout Colorado will feature colorful artwork made by Centennial High School students thanks to the Bulldogs' big showing in the 2024 Colorado Kids Create art contest.

Sixteen Centennial students had their artwork chosen for publication in the books "Bicycling in Colorado" and "Birds of Colorado" through the contest. Sponsored by the Colorado Education Association, all profits from the purchase of Colorado Kids Create books directly benefit Colorado art classrooms.

Elorah Valdez, a sophomore at Centennial, won first place in this year's Colorado Kids Create high school contest. Bulldog junior Anna Garnett took third place in the contest and sophomore Viktorious Velasquez took fourth place.

Student artists from Centennial High School were honored during a Pueblo School District 60 meeting on May 14, 2024 after having their work published in a pair of children's books.
Student artists from Centennial High School were honored during a Pueblo School District 60 meeting on May 14, 2024 after having their work published in a pair of children's books.

Other Centennial students to have artwork published through the contest include Emilyn Gallegos, Crystal Krall, Desiree Martinez, Leo Rejas Montes, Ivory Peralta, Ruby Rodrguez, Marcus Ruybal, Ciara Sanchez, Erin Toupal, Aubri Valdez, Valena Vargas, Avery Vigil and Kaydence Welsh. April Vickey is the art teacher for the Bulldogs.

More information about Colorado Kids Create can be found at coloradokidscreate.org.

Former Pueblo resident among 2024 U.S. Naval Academy graduates

On May 24, a scholar with Pueblo ties will graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor of science in chemistry.

Eva Torres is a Pueblo native who attended Corwin International Magnet School before graduating from Lewis Palmer High School in Monument. Her four years at the U.S. Naval Academy included "challenging academic, physical and professional military training," according to a news release from the U.S. Naval Academy.

In addition to her bachelor's, Torres will graduate with a U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. commission and accreditation from the American Chemical Society. While earning her degree, she was part of the Catholic Midshipmen Club, European Culture Club, German Club, Navy Medicine Club and Ultimate Frisbee Intramural Team.

Colorado Teacher of the Year nominations due May 28

Know a teacher worthy of recognition? The Colorado Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year award until May 28, 2024.

Students, community members and fellow staff members can nominate an exceptional K-12 teacher through the quick completion of a nomination form at www.bit.ly/CO_TOY. Teachers nominated through the form will be notified by CDE and be encouraged to complete the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year application.

While the nomination deadline is on May 28, teachers will have until 11:59 p.m. on June 19 to complete an application for Teacher of the Year. Additional information about the application can be found at cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/teacheroftheyear_applicationprocess.

Pueblo D60 recognizes Class of '24 scholarship recipients

Pueblo School District 60 recognized recipients of the Kane Family Foundation, Hurliman Scholarship Foundation, and Boettcher Foundation scholarships among others during a board meeting on May 14.

Recipients of the Kane Family Foundation scholarship recognized at the May 14 meeting included Lluvia Alvarado of Central High School, Josiah Barela of Central High School and Sara DeHeart of Centennial High School.

Ellianna High of South High School, Gianna Mirshamsi of South High School, Sean Cummings of Centennial High School, Joshua Sanchez of Central High School and Jacob Welte of Centennial High School were recognized as Hurliman recipients. Welte also was recognized as a Boettcher recipient.

Pueblo D60 students recognized as receiving at least $100,000 worth of other "University and College Scholarships" at the May 14 meeting included Eli Schwartz of Centennial High School and Emilee Espinoza of South High School.

Student of the Week: Who will be the next Pueblo Chieftain Student of the Week? Vote by May 23

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Bulldog artists published in children's books and more education news