Rocky senior Ryan Woodall exudes empathy, kindness

Ryan Woodall, a soon-to-be graduate from Rocky Mountain High School, radiates happiness.

“Ryan’s joy, welcoming hugs and initial embrace make me smile,” volleyball coach Nicole Jones said of the others-focused young woman. “She gives back not only to her teammates, but to all.”

Over the three years Jones has coached Woodall, she has seen her persevere, giving her best on and off the court. Her impact has extended beyond her teammates and to Jones personally, who is thankful for the trust Woodall put in her when Jones became head coach during the pandemic.

"She was always there for me,” Jones said.

“The best is yet to come for Ryan,” who was nominated for the Grads at a Glance series by Rocky’s administrative team.

Kelly Madden, a counselor at Rocky, said Woodall is beyond her years and has left a long-lasting impression on the Rocky community. Madden met Woodall about two years ago when she applied to the Peer Counseling program.

“Ryan is a great listener. She takes in what people say and beautifully reflects (it), being there for others in a sincere and caring way,” said Madden, who oversees the program.

Rocky teacher, Chris O’grady, feels similarly and proud that Woodall will well represent not just Rocky but the greater Fort Collins community – no matter where her life journey takes her next. In her time as a Lobo, she has accomplished what she set out to do, he said.

“Ryan always had a goal to spread kindness, and I think that has happened for Ryan on a level where you see the way people respond to her and the way she has changed outcomes for her friends and those around her,” he said.

“I think the biggest goal that Ryan achieved was making the high school experience better for many people.”

As a freshman, Woodall started the Random Acts of Kindness Club (RAC) with a goal of showing people that they can choose to be kind, have empathy, and have a positive impact on their peers. After running the club for four years, she hopes it will continue after she’s left Rocky’s halls.

Woodall is most proud of receiving the Kate Pruitt Award her junior year. Pruitt was a Rocky student who died the first day of her senior year from brain cancer and played volleyball. Pruitt’s parents annually present the award to a player who encourages and spreads joy to others.

“Receiving the award was very emotional for me and impactful,” said Woodall, who is described as empathetic and humble. “To be able to know that I was honoring Kate in continuing to be someone fostering a positive environment reminded me that people see my joy the most on the court.”

While at Rocky, Woodall committed herself to music in a major way. She participated in three choirs (entry level choir, jazz choir, and women’s choir) for two years and was part of a musical, as well. Currently, Woodall is in the Rocky Mountain Singers, a group that competed at the Colorado Music Educators Association this school year.

After high school, Woodall plans to start at a four-year college with an undeclared major while she explores what comes next. That said, she’s still grounded in what brings her joy today.

“I know I want to keep a focus on theater and music because those are passions of mine, and I know I want to play volleyball,” she said.

There’s one individual at Rocky who knows Woodall on an even deeper level: her father, Craig Woodall. Craig is the principal at Rocky and her main cheerleader.

“My dad encourages me every single day in a way that no one else can,” she said.

Ryan may feel she is supported by her father, but Craig feels like Ryan also supports him and so many others. “Ryan is the glue of our family, in a way she holds everyone together,” Craig said.

Craig is proud of his daughter for the way she treats others.

“She is constantly putting the well-being of others ahead of herself,” he said. “Ryan supports others and makes them feel valued.” She models how Craig wants to show up in the world.

“I am reminded to not get frustrated when things don’t happen the way I think they should. This is never a reason to not treat people well, laugh with others, or spend time with them,” he said. “Ryan has helped me keep my priorities in line.”

Craig attributes Ryan’s success in high school to her people-first mentality and believes that continuing that will only bring her more joy in the years ahead.

“As someone who does a great job at building and sustaining relationships, I hope she never loses sight of that in the pursuit of goals or success but maintains her focus on relationships,” he said.

Neha Srikanth, senior at Fossil Ridge High, advocates for equity

Fossil Ridge High School senior Neha Srikanth is a strong advocate for equity in the district, passionate about helping to change experiences for underrepresented student groups, whether those are based on ethnicity, LGBTQAI+, or economic inequality for students living in poverty.

“I am very passionate about making sure every student can come to school and not be ashamed of their name or skin color, as I once was,” she said.

Throughout her education, Srikanth has experienced microaggressions and racism as a minority in her community. While in high school, she became active in Fossil’s school equity coalition and the district’s student equity committee.

“I had always known that I wanted to change the situation of equity in the district but did not have the backing to do the work I wanted to,” said Srikanth. “When I was a junior, Fossil announced its first-ever equity collective, a group that would work to make the school more equitable. Throughout our work, I did not see the desired outcomes…With a friend, we shared our concerns and hopes for change in the district with the PSD equity director.”

Srikanth believes working to improve the lives of students is important and hopes that by modeling that, younger students will also consider how they can make a positive difference with their peers. She encourages students to be more aware of their actions and hopes the school district will focus on the problems that students of minority communities face and implement changes in the future.

In addition to her equity work, Srikanth also has a strong interest in entrepreneurship, starting her own jewelry business during high school. Trinity Wilbourne, PSD Global Academy teacher and former teacher at PSD Virtual, had Srikanth in a virtual class during the 2020-21 school year. She supported Srikanth with her jewelry business, helping her to connect with local boutiques and encouraging her in other endeavors like modeling.

“Neha is a fearless, practical dreamer, go getter, and change maker,” said Wilbourne.

Srikanth has had academic challenges – science is not her strong suit, she claims – but she worked hard to overcome those struggles and be successful with help from her teachers.

Sarah Hower, Srikanth’s teacher for biology, anatomy, and physiology classes, said Srikanth’s mature character and drive were apparent in class. “Neha always does the right thing,” Hower said. “She has so much courage and passion.”

“Neha often comes to hang out with me at lunch and she frequently offers me support and encouragement,” said Hower, adding that students like Srikanth make teachers feel good. “Neha wrote me a teacher appreciation note her freshman year and I still have it on my wall. She is so kind.”

Another major support group in Srikanth’s life is her family.

“They are always there for me and keep it real with me,” she said.

Srikanth’s older sister was especially supportive of her during her transition from her freshman to sophomore year in high school. Srikanth had been struggling with mental health problems and her sister was the person she could count on to be there for her.

“During my life, when I felt like I had no friends and my family was not there for me, she was, and I am really grateful for that,” said Srikanth.

She is glad she asked for help and advises underclassmen to trust themselves and reach out for support, if they feel they need it.

Srikanth’s family often reminds her that future opportunities and experiences are waiting for her, telling her that “Our present situation does not define the future. It is important to remember that.”

Srikanth plans to continue her jewelry business after graduation and during college. She hopes to stay true to her core beliefs and learn from new experiences that come her way.

Julia Warnock, Poudre Global Academy senior, accomplished pianist finds her voice through the support of others

Julia Warnock, accomplished musician, and all-round star senior at Poudre Global Academy, uses music to express herself and through her art, has learned to view mistakes as opportunities for growth.

"Sometimes I take myself too seriously,” said Warnock, who struggles with being a perfectionist at times. “My mom helped me realize that it’s okay to make mistakes. Sometimes you have to push through hard stuff.”

Warnock’s strong work ethic and organizational skills have helped her accomplish her goals in high school. She credits much of her success to several people who have supported her - her science guide, best friend, music mentor and parents.

Warnock’s mother is her piano teacher. “She has been extremely helpful for me to achieve my goal of getting into college for piano. She gives me advice on my technique,” Warnock said, adding that she felt at ease during piano auditions since learning not to freak out when she makes a mistake. “It paid off, because I got accepted into my school of choice.”

Her parents describe her as creative, artistic and kind. “Since she was young, Julia has always been very self-directed. Our job as her parents was to give her the means to follow through her interests in a meaningful way,” Warnock’s parents offered. “If she ever had doubts about her abilities, we would let her know that she was loved and we believed in her, and what she learned was more important than so-called success or failure."

Warnock has also been playing the violin since she was nine years old. Jephta Bernstein, Warnock’s violin teacher, is proud to see Warnock now expressing herself through music.

“There is a level of musicality that Julia does not let a lot of people see. I am seeing her courage to let that shine, and that is the most rewarding thing as a teacher - to see the student have their personal voice through music,” said Bernstein, who described Warnock as a dedicated music student. “She is always willing to be there. I know if I needed someone for a performance, I could always count on her, whether it is to play the violin or the piano, she is dependable.”

In addition to her musical talents, Warnock excels at science. With Courtney Butler, family friend and science mentor, by her side, Warnock has been eligible to compete in the International Science Fair event (regionally or at the state level) since the fifth grade.

For her project last year, Warnock created a device that generates electricity from the night sky.

She was able to generate enough electricity to light a small LED bulb bright enough to read a book. Warnock hopes her device can help kids in developing countries, who don’t have electricity at home, study at night.

Warnock’s project was awarded fourth place out of 1,400 entries at the International Science Fair, which was held virtually. Warnock met peers from around the world including Sweden, China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. “It made me so happy that she made it, even though she did not get to travel for the International Science Fair,” said Butler.

Flora Sanderson is Warnock’s best friend and has known her for as long as she can remember. They were neighbors in elementary school.

“Julia is the reason for a lot of my smiles and memories,” Sanderson shared.

“Julia is always there for me, and she is a great listener,” Sanderson shared.

Warnock plans to attend the University of Colorado and major in piano performance.

Polaris senior, competitive skater Rowan Martey excels in school, community leadership

Whether on the ice rink or in the classroom, Rowan Martey is a role model in all regards.

An award-winning competitive figure skater, the Polaris Expeditionary Learning School graduating senior is currently ranked top of her class and will leave PSD with more than 35 college credits. She’s also hardworking, brilliant, open and kind, those who know her best agree.

“Rowan is always leading by example and looking to do nice things for others,” said Polaris Social Studies teacher Liz Melahn and leader of Martey’s crew, a group of students who stick together from freshman year through graduation. “Rowan has incredible drive and excels in school because she cares about learning and growing. She never does anything halfway.”

Brooklyn King has known Martey for years, as a skating teammate and co-member of the Junior Board of the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club. She attributes Martey’s success to her dedication, which includes being out on the rink multiple times a day and passing difficult skating tests.

“Rowan always creates an encouraging, happy environment for everyone involved,” said King.

“Rowan has taught me what it means to be a leader and a teammate. Taking my next steps without her will not be the same.”

“This graduate is always there for everyone with a smile and words of encouragement,” echoed Lomi Christiansen, Martey’s ice skating coach.

When Martey is not competing, practicing, or volunteering to support skaters with disabilities at the rink, she is taking classes at Front Range Community College and enjoying adventures with her crew at Polaris.

Shauna Anderson, a Polaris French teacher, met Martey early in the hybrid-learning days of fall 2020. Martey would invite her to lunch with her and Melahn, and the trio would talk about her skating career. She remembers Martey’s cheerfulness, acceptance and warmth.

“Even though I did not have her in class, it was like I had always known her,” she said.

After graduation, Martey is looking forward to being able to explore more and continuing to empower others to be leaders.

She plans to travel abroad, attend a four-year college and join a collegiate figure skating team.

“I am excited to see what is outside of high school, to try new hobbies, explore passions and create new ideas,” she said.

Martey found her voice during high school, those in her support network said. She came into her own, and they’ll miss that most of all.

“I do not know what I am going to do when she is gone,” said Polaris Math teacher Mark Biller, one of the teachers Martey would check in on and offer support to. “Very simply, Rowan is a sweet kid to be around, and she makes me smile.”

Chase Nelson, Poudre High senior and artist, overcomes mental health challenges

As one who has struggled with mental health challenges the past few years, Poudre High School senior Chase Nelson now uses art and creativity to deal with anxiety and is trying to help break the negative stigma often associated with mental health issues.

“I used to struggle mentally a lot, but after finding help through therapy, life has gotten a lot better,” said Nelson. “Therapy has changed me.”

Nelson is now a strong advocate for mental health. “I am trying to break the stigma of mental health because many students struggle,” said Nelson. “As someone in the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to raise awareness of the different genders and help others understand the wide spectrum.”

While in high school, Nelson has valued the support from family members and art teachers.

“My mom is always there for me,” Nelson said. “My mom would always remind me that this too shall pass. She would encourage me to preserve through hard things, whether it was academic, relational, or anything else.”

Kira Nelson, Chase’s mother, is proud of Nelson, who identifies as they, for being true to who they are.

“Chase has overcome so much the past couple of years, and to see them doing so well makes me proud to be their mom,” she said.

An International Baccalaureate (IB) student, Nelson appreciates the support from older sister Kelsey Nelson, also a PHS IB graduate. “My sister helps guide me through the program,” Nelson said. “If I didn’t have her, it would be harder.”

She took many of the same classes when she was a PHS student and enjoys helping Nelson with homework.

“They get really excited about art, pop culture, and seeing them get absorbed by the things they love, makes me smile,” said Kelsey Nelson, noting that Nelson’s enthusiasm and passion are contagious.

As a creative and passionate young artist, Nelson has received three Scholastic art awards in the past four years.

“My art teachers helped me grow into the artist I am today,” said Nelson. “I used to refuse to dabble in other art mediums, but now after being pushed by my teachers, I use colored pencil, graphite, watercolor, and more.”

PHS Art Teacher David Nichols believes Nelson’s strong work ethic will serve Nelson well in the future.

“Chase has a lot of energy, and it is fun to watch Chase make things,” he said. During drawing classes, Nichols would coach Nelson. “Sometimes Chase would feel insecure in their work, but I was able to reinforce confidence in Chase. Chase should be proud of themselves.”

Craig Moyer, PHS art teacher, echoed that sentiment and said he’s proudest of Nelson’s openness.

“Chase is willing to talk about their life and stuff with people at school, setting an example for others,” he said.

Sara Harris, another Poudre art teacher, recognizes Nelson’s willingness to be vulnerable. “Chase is an advocate, in a positive, non-defensive way,” she said. “Chase has shown me that it is okay to be authentic.”

Earlier this school year, Nelson began to transition their name and pronouns. Harris observed Nelson maneuver through obstacles to become their true genuine self. “This impacted me to stand up for who I am and what I believe in by being myself, no matter the adversity in the process,” she said.

After graduation, Nelson plans to major in psychology and minor in art at a college in Oregon, with hopes of becoming a therapist.

Knowing that high school will soon be over, Nelson advises underclassmen to do things that make them happy.

“Surround yourself with those who bring you joy,” Nelson said. “Do things that make you feel good about yourself – this is good for your mental health and well-being.”

Alice Post, Centennial High graduate, discovers true self in school

Alice Post, a recent graduate from Centennial High School, is a strong advocate for the LGBTQAI+ community. As a transgender student, they struggled with school, bullying, and other adversities during their high school journey.

Through the support of their math, health, and woodworking teachers and family, Post thrived at Centennial. They gained not only an education but also a love for woodworking and construction. Fast forward after graduation, and Post is taking business classes at Front Range Community College as part of their dream to one day own a cat café.

Key to their success was encouragement from the entire school community.

“Centennial helped me by being supportive of who I am,” Post said. “I had always struggled with my gender and who I am going to be in this life, but Centennial was accepting and the community there made me feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Rowan Post, Alice’s stepparent, is proud of them for “unapologetically getting to know themselves and being their full, beautiful self. Alice inspires me. They do not know when to give up, they have grit and determination.” Having faced a lot of adversity already, Alice’s tenacity will help them through trials and tribulations that might come their way, said Randal Post, Alice’s dad.

“The thing Alice often forgets is that they can do a lot. They have done many amazing things, and their strength will help them,” he said.

Alice also struggled to believe in themselves.

Jerry Kreisher, a woodworking teacher at Centennial, encouraged Alice to work when they were unhappy because it helped them relax and become happy. “I could see the bright side,” he said of the student he described as wise, thoughtful and caring. “Alice is a deep thinker, and they are always willing to help others,” he said.

Kreisher loves his job because he gets to watch students “Catch the Vision” at Centennial. When Alice caught their vision, Kreisher was proud. It made him smile. “Alice’s confidence grew, and they began to really believe in themselves, even when they had doubts,” he said.

Kimberly Donegan echoed that sentiment about the student in whom she has seen so much positive change.

“Alice is astounding and has grown into a passionate, genuine, kind warrior who will fight for themselves and others’ beliefs,” she said. “Alice is a brave person. They now embrace themselves when they had been terrified; they are a soulful warrior fighting a continual battle against themselves and the world.”

To Alice, the people at Centennial are their second family.

“Some of my toughest times have happened during my time at Centennial, and everyone gave resources, ideas, and positivity that made me love this school that much more,” Alice said.

“I will never forget the experiences I have had here.”

Now Alice knows that they are smart, capable, and talented. They are leaving Centennial more secure in who they are.

Post caught the vision.

Luis Morales, a Poudre Community Academy student overcomes poor attendance with support of family

Luis Morales, a graduating senior at Poudre Community Academy (PCA), did not always like school. At times he did not even attend.

However, through encouragement from and the support of his family and teachers at PCA, he went from poor attendance to accomplishing his goals and graduating with honors – all with a smile on his face.

He attributes much of his academic turnabout to his mother and brother.

Michael Rodriquez, Morales’ older brother, smiles when he remembers how hard Morales has fought to overcome obstacles in life.

“I am proud of Luis to see what he has gone through -- having nothing and being by himself, but not losing who he is in the middle of the trials and tribulations,” said Rodriquez, who has learned about himself from his brother.

“He helped me understand things that I barely comprehend yet. He challenges me and teaches me in his own way. He opens my eyes,” he said of his caring, loving and responsible sibling.

His mother, Rudina Morales, often brings a smile to Luis’ face. She is proud of her strong-willed, amazing son for being present at school and for being a good student. This in turn makes Luis proud of himself.

“In middle school, I wasn’t really into the whole school thing. But now I come to school, get my work done and, eventually, I can pursue my dreams.”

When classes were remote and hybrid during the pandemic, it was a battle daily for Rudina to get Luis to go to school. “He was not wanting to do anything online,” she said. “He was anxious as he fell behind, but then he learned he could catch up and this boosted his confidence.”

During the summer before Luis’ senior year, his brother remembers him barely talking about graduation. Fast forward, and Luis is constantly talking about his plans after graduation.

Morales’ mother can see the effort her son has put in the past few months. “He is a smart kid, even when he doubts himself or his capabilities. I often reassure him that he can do anything he puts his mind to.”

Before his senior year, Morales hated to ask for help. Now, instead of doing things alone, he relies on his support system – including his mother and brother.

“I hit a few bumpy roads along the way to graduation, but I overcame them and now I am here, about to graduate with my diploma and good grades,” he said.

“This is thanks to my mother; she pushed me to be who I am today.”

Rudina did not graduate from high school and wants more for her children. “I want my kids to be successful and follow their hopes and dreams,” she said. “I am so proud of Luis for finishing high school with a bang!”

“He is setting bigger goals,” said Rodriquez.

After graduation, Luis plans to continue classes at Front Range Community College. Eventually, he wants to attend medical school to become a doctor.

His mother is inspired by his humility. “Luis is the type of kid that would give his last drink of water for others or take the shirt off his back for someone in need,” Rudina said, inspired by Luis’ humility and desire to help people. “He is respectful to strangers and his big heart inspires me.”

Aden Faris, senior at Fort Collins High, ‘fails forward’ despite life’s challenges

Aden Faris, a senior at Fort Collins High School, always dreamed of wrestling in college, but that came to a halt when he suffered a back injury and spinal fusion his freshman year. Ever-determined, however, Faris turned tragedy into opportunity.

Enter DiploGrad (www.diplograd.org).* Faris’ free online tutoring business was born out of a joke of sorts.

His chemistry teacher, Chris Lee, jested that Faris needed to have his own nonprofit by the time he graduated high school to be accepted at an Ivy League school. That got Farris thinking.

As a LINK leader at Collins, Faris participated in service projects and helped teach classes. He saw classmates struggling in school, particularly during the pandemic, and wanted to help. Through DiploGrad, students can access free educational resources and work one-on-one with tutors.

This is but one example of how Faris is ambitious – in and outside of school.

Emily and Avery Fox-Million are twin sisters and long-time friends of Faris. Emily, who has been instrumental in the DiploGrad evolution, said the site’s growth is a 24-7-365 process requiring constant attention.

“It has entailed hundreds of hours building the website, meeting with leadership teams, and creating advertising campaigns, all with the intention of bettering our school system,” said Emily, who loves being a thought partner to Faris and supports his dreams in any way she can.

Emily is not alone.

When Faris was about 10 years old, wrestling Olympic champion Brandon Slay watched him compete. Faris had lost almost every single match that day. After the day ended, Slay approached Faris and told him to fail forward. This is the motto by which Faris now lives.

Matt Moeller, a teacher and wrestling coach at Lesher, recognizes Faris’ grit and determination.

“Aden worked hard; he never missed a practice. He always showed up as his authentic self. Even when he got matches handed to him, he kept pushing,” he said of Faris, who visits Lesher to assist his younger brother, who wrestles, and to volunteer his time.

Mark Moser, the head wrestling coach at Fort Collins High, met Faris when he was wrestling at Lesher Middle School. Faris’ father and grandfather were well-known in the wrestling community, so Moser got to know Faris quickly. Faris injured his back when wrestling at Fort Collins High.

“Seeing what Aden went through, both physically and mentally, made an impact on me,” Moser said. “His resilience and attempt to wrestle after his injury displayed his hard-working mentality.”

Sadly, Faris was unable to continue his wrestling career, even after competing on the junior level during his sophomore year. Moeller said Faris is wise beyond his years.

“Aden can handle anything,” he said. “When Aden had his spinal fusion, he took his goal of being a wrestler and put his drive and determination into DiploGrad. He shifted his gear and kept on going. He turns challenges into opportunities.”

Faris’ family echoed that sentiment.

“Aden makes his major accomplishments appear effortless. He sets his mind on something and he works at it until he reaches his personal finish line,” his family said.

When Faris is not volunteering his time at wrestling practices, managing DiploGrad, or sleeping, he is in school. That’s where another support group in his life comes in: his teachers and, specifically, Lee and Francisco Cordova.

“Aden grinds. He sees an opportunity and takes advantage of it,” said Francisco, who taught Faris’ AP Modern European class. “Aden capitalizes on everything and makes the school system work for his own goals.”

Faris reminds Francisco of what kids are capable of, given the right work ethic and encouragement.

Lee smiles when he remembers how Faris overcame obstacles in life through sheer willpower. “Aden gives a lot to our community, and he is an amazing kid,” Lee said.

As Faris leaves for college, to study environmental engineering and continue running DiploGrad, Emily wants Faris to be kind and true to himself.

“Never be afraid to fail, and always fail forward.”

* please note – DiploGrad is not a PSD website and as such PSD does not control the content of the website.