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Puma Spotlight 2024-25
February 2025
Raul Shrestha (class of 2030) was selected to represent Team Colorado at the 2025 Midwest All Star Swimming Championships held in Des Moines, Iowa last month. Congratulations, Raul!
Several Peak to Peak students competed in the 4A State Swim Championship last week with their home school. Congratulations to all of our dedicated athletes on a successful season!
Swimming for Centaurus:
- Abby Fitzgerald & Josie Karr ('25) placed 3rd in 200 yd Freestyle Relay & 8th in 200 yd Medley
- Abby also placed 13th in 50 yd Freestyle and 9th in 100 yd Breaststroke
- Josie also placed 17th in 50 yd Freestyle
- Virginia Walsh ('25) placed 3rd in 100 Flys & #2 100 Backstroke
- Isabelle Blaustein ('26) finished 14th in 1 Meter Diving
- Sydney Cusack ('25) finished 18th in 1 Meter Diving
- Isa Brady ('25) competed in 100 yd Butterfly
Swimming for Monarch:
- Avery Zerwekh Reardon ('25) placed 3rd in the 400yd Freestyle Relay, 12th in 100 yd Freestyle, and 19th in 200 yd Freestyle
- Isabel Swarr ('26) placed 10th in the 200 yd IM and 7th in 100 yd Breaststroke
- Sophia Banjo ('28) placed 1st on the 200 Medley Relay Team, 6th in the 100 Fly, and 12th in the 500 Freestyle
- Katherine Zerwekh Reardon ('27) competed in the 200 yd Freestyle
Shaan Karande (class of 2027) had the honor to perform in the 2025 Colorado All-State Jazz Band on February 1st at the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Based on his auditions, Shaan was impressively offered both the piano and 1st tenor sax spots for the Small Schools Band. Having played piano for this group in 2024, Shaan chose to play tenor sax this year. He had the opportunity to rehearse and jam alongside the state’s finest high school jazz musicians and learn from talented guest directors over three intense days, closing with a knock-out concert. Congratulations to Shaan on his accomplishment!
Miralisa Trivedi (class of 2026) was awarded a National Honorable Mention for Aspirations in Computer Science by the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
The Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) is open to 9-12 grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students and recognizes students for their computing achievements and interests, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Congratulations, Miralisa!
Scholastic Art Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for teens in the US, and Peak to Peak is proud to have nineteen student artists recognized this year! The selected artworks will be displayed digitally and physically at the Denver Art Museum and 40 West Gallery in Denver.
View the slideshow of the impressive artwork from these talented artists.
January 2025
Since November, NHS students have been hand-making blankets for people experiencing homelessness. Last week, during the extreme temperatures, Nick Griffin (class of 2026) dropped off about 100 blankets from our NHS members at the Boulder Homeless Shelter to help keep our community warm during this cold snap. Thank you for using your skills and spare time to help others, Pumas. You make us proud!
Congratulations to our Spelling Bee winners!
In elementary, Naomi Antman took 1st place and Arrin Petkar was named runner-up (both class of 2032). At the middle school level, Sophia Alter placed 1st and Juston Liu was our runner-up (both class of 2029).
All participants did an amazing job competing for the title!
Avery Pascoe (class of 2032) showcased her equestrian skills during her debut at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Point Show on January 12th. Riding Gideon in the Future Beginner Walk/Trot category, Avery delivered an impressive performance, earning a well-deserved 4th Place finish on the flat. This remarkable achievement marks an exciting start to her competitive equestrian journey! You can watch a clip from her performance on YouTube.
The Peak to Peak National Honor Society (NHS) has been honored with the Scholarship Award of Excellence from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). This is an incredible achievement, and Peak to Peak is one of the only schools in the state to receive this distinction for 2024!
Peak to Peak's NHS chapter was recognized for its extensive tutoring efforts through Summer Lab, Summer Bridge, and Study Skills courses. These programs, which were developed to support struggling students, are designed to help them fill learning gaps, stay on track, and graduate on time. To make these initiatives sustainable, Ms. Tarbutton (NHS sponsor) creatively integrated them with NHS by training our students to be effective, empathetic, and engaging tutors and mentors.
The impact has been profound—not only on the students receiving support but also on the NHS members themselves, who have demonstrated tremendous growth in leadership and service. Together, they’ve fostered a more cohesive school culture, one of collaboration and shared success, breaking down the divides between "us" and "them."
This national recognition highlights the incredible efforts of our students and underscores the significance of prioritizing programs that support equity and academic achievement. We are so proud of these Pumas and what they've accomplished!
Pictured: Ms. Tarbutton and the NHS Leadership Council
Last weekend, four Pumas participated in the 2025 Colorado All-State Choir. They worked hard in all-day rehearsals with fabulous clinicians Dr. Marques Garrett, Dr. Jenaya Robison, and Dr. Anton Armstrong. This culminated in a concert at the famed Buell Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where they sang exceptionally challenging and enriching repertoire with hundreds of the most talented singers from across the state. Please join us in congratulating Ellie Hayes ('26), Sydney Lewis ('25), Abby Fitzgerald ('25), and Alex Henry ('25) for representing Peak to Peak at the highest level of choral singing. Way to go, Pumas!
Allison Duan (class of '27) qualified for the American Invitational Math Exam (AIME), which will be held in February. Her score in the qualifying test (AMC10) was among the top 5% of all participants in the nation. Great work, Allison!
Aadi Sobti (Class of 2026) was recently named the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and was recognized by Congress. Aadi's app, Firewatch, provides real-time emergency fire and weather updates and was inspired by his own experience of losing his family home during the Marshall Fire in 2021. Congratulations, Aadi, on this impressive achievement!
Read the full article on CPR.org.
Photo courtesy of Amita Sobti via Colorado Public Radio.
December 2024
These middle school actors recently performed in The Arts Hub’s musical production of “Alice in Wonderland.” They practiced all semester and were shining stars on the stage. They finished just in time to join the cast of Peak to Peak’s middle school play- “Romeo and Juliet- Together (and Alive!) at Last” which will perform at the beginning of February.
Pictured: Ava W. (class of 2029), Sophia A. (2029), Tierney (2029), Audrey A. (2029), and Sophia N. (2030).
Congratulations to Emory Vazquez (Class of 2025), who was awarded the Dorothy Rupert High School Service Award by Congressman Joe Neguse as part of the 2024 2nd District Congressional Service Awards. Emory was recognized for his work with his nonprofit organization, Connect Digital Inclusion Labs, which is a group of Peak to Peak high school students who offer technology support at no cost to members of the community.
The photo includes (3rd from the left) surrounded by Congressman Neguse and other Peak to Peak students who also donate their time to this great cause. Congrats, Emory and team!
Claire Kirchner and Lucy Ladd (class of 2032) participated in the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship in Shelbyville, Indiana this past weekend. Lucy placed 43rd, and Claire placed 109th.
Congratulations to Claire and Lucy on this great accomplishment!
Shaan Karande (Class of ’27), pianist for the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts’ top high school group, performed live at KUVO radio station on Tuesday as part of Colorado Gives Day. The hour-long performance took place in front of a studio audience and was broadcast live on-air and streaming from the station’s Masterpiece Studio.
You can watch a video recording of the broadcast on the KUVO YouTube Channel.
Karina Minson (class of 2029) is a 2025 Juvenile Midwestern Sectional Final Bronze Medalist and a 2025 Juvenile Southwestern Regional Pewter Medalist! She qualifies to go to the US Figure Skating National Development Team Camp in January 2026. Watch a clip from her Bronze Medal performance on YouTube.
Nine athletes competed in the NXR Regional Cross Country Meet in Phoenix, Arizona, and each one achieved their personal best times. Jack Cerullo ('25) had an outstanding performance, finishing second in the region and setting a new school record for the 5K with an impressive time of 15 minutes, 34 seconds. Congratulations to Bennett Ross ('25), Jack Cerullo ('25), Emory Vazquez ('25), Isaac Cao ('27), Skye Williams ('26), Olin Harrison Anguiano ('25), Chris DiMaio ('28), Pierce Ross ('27), and Alden Bradley ('27).
November 2024
Congratulations to Jacque Steven ('26) and Sona Karande ('27)!
Jacque and Sona auditioned for and have been accepted into this year's 2024 CSU High School Honor Band Festival. Both musicians made the top honor band, Wind Symphony, and were selected from hundreds of applicants throughout the western region; the three-day festival takes place at the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Students will have the opportunity to work with guest clinicians and conductors to enhance their experience, providing invaluable insight and expertise. In addition to rehearsals, students will enjoy several concerts by the CSU faculty and student ensembles. The experience culminates in a performance by the Honor Wind Symphony and the Festival Concert Band in the beautiful, world-class Griffin Concert Hall. This is the second time in Peak to Peak history that a band member has made this ensemble. Please join us in congratulating Jacque and Sona on a job well done. Way to represent, Pumas!
Shaan Karande ('27), who plays tenor saxophone in Peak to Peak's Advanced Jazz Band, auditioned for and was accepted into the 2024 High School Combined League Honor Jazz Band (CLHJB). CLHJB is an audition-only group for students in northern Colorado. Shaan was among four tenor saxophone players chosen. Each year, numerous students try out for an opportunity to join the band and work with some of the leading conductors in the region and from out of state. On Tuesday (Nov. 19), Shaan had the opportunity to work under the direction of a guest clinician from Washington when Shaan and the other selected musicians met for their first and only full day of rehearsal. The day ended with an impressive evening performance! Please join us in congratulating Shaan on his success!
Model UN sent 13 delegates to the Valor Christian conference last weekend and walked away with several awards! Kavi Gokula Giridaran ('26) won Best Delegate. Kashyap Bista and Jonah Antman (both '27) won Stand-Out Delegates, and Windan Palmer ('28) won Best Position Paper. Congratulations, delegates!
October 2024
This week, three high school teachers found out they were the second-place winners of the 2024 Voya Unsung Heroes nationwide awards competition and were surprised with a grant check for $12,000. Bayley Zubler (Physics), Kristie Letter (Innovation), and Cindy Guajardo (former Art teacher) worked together last year on the "Tech-Enabled Teaching Forest" project to inspire students to become changemakers to solve environmental issues in Colorado.
Congratulations to Mr. Zubler, Ms. Letter, and Ms. Guajardo, and thank you for the innovative ideas and experiences you bring to our students every day!
After a year of hard work & perseverance, Austin Ringgold ('26) established Peak to Peak’s first-ever Red Cross Club. This club has quickly grown to 60+ members and has gained tremendous momentum. Their first event, a blood drive on October 22nd, attracted 47 donors, exceeding the Red Cross' expectations and significantly contributing to local blood supply efforts. Thank you to Austin and his club members for helping to assist in the collection of a much-needed lifesaving resource!
Nine Peak to Peak students competed on the Monarch Mountain Biking Team this year. This was the first time Peak had enough students riding to score as its own team! Kyson Webb ('28) and Wes Hruska ('28) qualified and went on to race in the Colorado High School Mountain Biking State Championships!
Congratulations, Pumas, and way to represent!
Grant Johnson ('28), Kyson Webb ('28), Quentin Bona ('25), Wes Hruska ('28), Will Fischer ('27), Phil Fischer ('25), Calvin Johnson ('25)
Not Pictured: Soren Dumond ('27) & Cohen Hamilton ('27)
Congrats to 10 Peak to Peak String Players for representing Peak to Peak at BVSD's District Honors Orchestra. Special recognition is due to senior Vix Douglass who sat Principal Bass and Kavi Gokula Giridaran who sat Co-Principal Second Violin. In addition, freshman Cayden Mallory (not pictured) has been accepted into the Western States Honors Orchestra, which will perform in November - a rare feat for a freshman musician. Congrats all!
Left to right in photo: Kavi Gokula Giridaran ('26), Axel Rudolph ('26), Meredith Seiler ('25), Pranavi Mantha ('26), Vix Douglass ('25), Elliott Graves ('28), Katherine Zerwekh Reardon ('27), Tyler Li ('26), and Julianne Chirakattu ('27).
Noa Carmelli (Class of 2030) organizes monthly volunteering for teens in her community at Community Food Share in Louisville. Noa and the group she organizes have helped rescue thousands of pounds of food from landfills to feed families! Thanks for making a difference in our local community, Noa!
The boys golf team competed at the state tournament in Pueblo this week. Jack Brayman took third overall. Congratulations, Pumas!
Niche, a national review and ranking site for schools, recently published its list of top schools and districts for 2025. Boulder Valley School District ranked as the #2 district in the state, with Peak to Peak listed as their highest-ranking school. Peak to Peak received the following rankings:
- A+ overall Niche grade
- #1 Best College Prep High School in Colorado (#119 in the USA out of nearly 18,000 schools!)
- #2 Best Public Elementary School in Colorado
- #2 Best Public Middle School in Colorado
- #22 Best Charter Elementary School in America (out of 4,191 schools)
- #24 Best Charter Middle School in America (out of 3,930 schools)
- #35 Best Charter High School in America (out of 2,638 schools)
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Nine Peak to Peak students were designated as Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Program based on their performance on the PSAT last fall and the nationally applied Selection Index. Congratulations to the following seniors!
Photo 1 (left to right): Jude Hartter, Sydney Lewis, Emma Casini, Charlotte Morton, Lauren Laird
Photo 2 (left to right): Elliott Graves, Nyima Chonden, Bennett Ross, Emory Vazquez
Stella Corzine (class of 2025) was the 2024 Youth Speaker at the Youth Climate Action Event hosted by the Sustainable Living Association in Fort Collins last weekend. She discussed her experience with climate activism and the importance of promoting climate literacy in education. Thanks for advocating for positive change, Stella!
September 2024
Last Saturday, several Peak to Peak students presented at the Climate Resilience Summit held at Monarch High School. They spoke about our schoolwide science experiment using mycelium to improve soil, the 60+ trees we've planted in the last year in front of the baseball field, and how we've partnered with the community to empower teenagers for climate resilience. Great work, Pumas!
Peak to Peak middle school girls came out in force to attend the Innovate and Inspire Robotics Camp hosted by FIRST Colorado and Google. They spent the weekend of September 21st at the Google campus in Boulder, learning how the engineering design process works by designing, building, and programming LEGO robotics. They worked directly with industry professionals who were not only their workshop mentors, but shared what a career in STEM is like. Keep an eye on the Weekly Digest for more opportunities like this as they arise!
Three Peak to Peak students were selected as Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Out of over 1.3 million students, less than 1% become Semifinalists. These students received some of the highest PSAT scores in the state and are now eligible to become National Merit Scholars this Spring.
Please join us in congratulating Maren Bradley, Ranye Ezenekwe, and Vivek Balachander (class of 2025)!
Olin Harrison Anguiano (Class of 2025) presented at the United Nations this summer alongside Ollin Farms and in partnership with CU Denver. The topic was centered on the importance of Indigenous practices and regenerative farming in the modern era.
You can read more about Olin's presentation in this article from CU Denver: Families, Climate Change, and Social Justice
August 2024
Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA) is Colorado’s professional association for art educators. CAEA recently selected our very own Heather Bertarelli, High School Art Teacher, as the Colorado High School Art Teacher of the Year. We could not be more proud of Ms. Bertarelli and all that she's done to share her love and knowledge of the arts with our students over the past 15+ years. Congratulations, Ms. Bertarelli!
You can read more about Ms. Bertarelli's award, and her contributions to the Peak to Peak art program, on the CAEA Award Winners page.
Sophia Banjo ('28) and Ethan Soesilo ('30) qualified to represent Team Colorado at the 2024 Western Zones swimming championships in Boise, Idaho earlier this month. Way to go Pumas!
Gavin Keogh (Class of 2025) competed at the US Olympic Team Trials this summer and was selected to represent USA Swimming at the 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships held in Canberra, Australia this week. Good luck, Gavin!
Clara Wright ('28) and Hadley Wright ('31) went to the USA Volleyball Nationals with their teams this summer. Hadley's team was the only Colorado 11U team to qualify and earned 13th place in the nation. Congrats!
Sophie Walker and Prisha Jain (both Class of 2028) represented Peak to Peak's Builders Club (our Middle School Service Leadership Club) at this year's Kiwanis International Convention. Peak to Peak's club was asked to represent the entire Rocky Mountain District at this International event based on its exemplary service leadership program. As representatives, they were asked to speak of their commitment to service leadership in front of a large audience of Kiwanians from around the world.
