Scholarship Winners 2025 | Niwot High School Ed

The Niwot High School Education Foundation offers three scholarships to graduating seniors:

The Niwot High School Pursuit for Education Scholarship (need-based), designed to support motivated students in overcoming financial barriers to post-secondary education.

The Niwot High School Founding Directors Scholarship, which recognizes students who have made an impact on the school and community through service and leadership.

The Niwot High School Trade/Vocational/Technical School Scholarship, for students pursuing trade, vocational, or associate degree programs.

This year, the NHSEF awarded a total of nine scholarships, with each recipient receiving $2,000.

NHSEF Scholarship Winners, 2025

Sofia Burks will attend the University of Colorado Boulder this fall to study Occupational Therapy, with a focus on neurocognitive and developmental disorders. Her interest in the field was sparked by the interdisciplinary connections between integrative physiology, neuroscience, and psychology, which she explored through her IB courses. At CU Boulder, Sofia plans to take advantage of research opportunities and classes like Poverty, Power, and Patriotism to better understand healthcare inequalities and improve access to therapy. Additionally, she intends to pursue a Business minor to complement her entrepreneurial experience running a photography business and to help manage her future Occupational Therapy clinic. At Niwot High School, Sofia founded the Helping Hands Club, which partners with local nonprofits to support pediatric patients. She also held leadership roles in FCCLA and co-founded IB Connected to support her peers. These experiences taught her that leadership is about creating opportunities for others and embracing challenges.

Jacob Cardenas will attend Lincoln College of Technology this fall to study automotive technology. With a deep passion for cars, Jacob is eager to acquire the technical skills needed to address the growing demand for skilled mechanics. Throughout his time at Niwot High School, he has been known for his positive attitude, work ethic, and ability to form strong connections with peers and teachers. Whether through helping classmates or spreading positivity, Jacob made a lasting impact on his school community. His dedication to learning and his natural leadership skills position him for success in both his studies and his future career in the automotive industry, where he hopes to innovate and make a difference.

Yael Cordova-Aguirre will attend the University of Northern Colorado this fall to study Marketing at the Monfort College of Business. Throughout his time at Niwot High School, Yael demonstrated resilience by overcoming personal challenges while maintaining a commitment to both academic excellence and community involvement. As a leader in the Yearbook club, he played a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive, creative environment, encouraging peers to collaborate and contribute to a shared vision. He also contributed to school spirit through his involvement in various student activities. At UNC, Yael is excited to deepen his understanding of marketing and pursue his passion for creativity, communication, and problem-solving, aiming for a future in marketing management and leadership.

Gavin Engtrakul will attend Williams College this fall, eager to engage in a rigorous academic environment and take advantage of the unique tutorial system, which fosters close interactions with professors. Gavin values interdisciplinary learning and plans to explore a broad range of subjects before narrowing his focus. At Niwot High School, Gavin demonstrated leadership as the Head Coordinator of the Reading Buddies program, where he helped improve young readers' skills by managing volunteers and designing engaging activities. He also displayed resilience and team spirit as a member of the Nike Cross Nationals 2024 Championship cross-country team. Additionally, as a Link Crew Leader, Gavin supported incoming freshmen by providing mentorship and creating a welcoming environment. These experiences have shaped him into a compassionate, adaptable leader, ready to contribute meaningfully at Williams College.

Shobhit Joshi will attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall to study Aerospace Engineering, continuing his passion for aviation and space exploration. His fascination with flight began in childhood and grew through hands-on experiences in UAV Engineering, where he learned design principles, CAD, and 3D printing. Through independent experiments and team projects, Shobhit explored aircraft performance and rocket design, laying the groundwork for his future in spacecraft development. He aspires to contribute to missions to Mars and beyond. In addition to his academic pursuits, Shobhit has demonstrated strong leadership in athletics, environmental service, and robotics. As captain of the Silver Creek Swim and Dive team, he led his team to a state championship. He also volunteered in wildfire recovery through the Left Hand Outdoor Challenge and served as a mentor in FRC robotics, helping other teams succeed in competition. Shobhit’s commitment to teamwork, service, and technical excellence reflects the values he will carry with him to the Air Force Academy and beyond.

Isabela Mendes will attend the University of Hawaii this fall to study Biology through the Honors Program, with a focus on marine biology and conservation. She chose UH for its strong research focus and the opportunity to immerse herself in the coastal culture of Hawaii. The smaller class sizes and close professor relationships in the Honors Program will allow her to deepen her studies and prepare for medical school. At Niwot High School, Isabela demonstrated leadership in athletics and mentoring roles, especially through Unified Basketball and Bowling, where she helped create an inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities. Her resilience after overcoming knee injuries in soccer led her to take on a mentor role, further strengthening her leadership and empathy. Isabela’s dedication to supporting others has shaped her into a compassionate leader, and she hopes to continue fostering inclusivity and making a positive impact at UH.

Maria Arrece-Garcia will attend Vanderbilt University this fall to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. With a passion for robotics and advanced manufacturing, Maria looks forward to expanding her knowledge of engineering principles and honing her skills for real-world problem-solving. As Student Body Vice President at Niwot High School, Maria played an active role in organizing school events, including Homecoming and Wish Week, ensuring they were inclusive and well-executed. She also demonstrated leadership within her robotics team, where she fostered collaboration and a growth-focused mindset. Maria’s leadership experience, coupled with her passion for engineering, will help her thrive in Vanderbilt’s rigorous academic environment, where she plans to continue collaborating with like-minded peers.

Angel Kho will attend the University of Denver this fall to major in business at the Daniels College of Business. Angel is excited to embrace all that university life has to offer, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities. She plans to join clubs like climbing or cooking and is eager to try new things and meet new people. Throughout her time at Niwot High School, Angel demonstrated leadership by fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment. As a leader in her music section and through her involvement in clubs like Knitting Club and Club Heartbeat, Angel consistently made others feel supported and valued. She looks forward to continuing to build connections and contribute to a strong sense of community at DU, just as she did at Niwot.

Siam Reed will attend Front Range Community College this fall to pursue an associate’s degree in Surgical Technology. After a life-changing snowboarding accident, Siam became inspired by the medical professionals who helped him recover, motivating him to pursue a career in healthcare. His dedication to academics and passion for the field have earned him a place in the National Technical Honor Society. Siam’s goal is to become a Surgical Technologist, improving patients’ health and well-being through surgery. With a commitment to excellence and service, Siam plans to continue his education and make a real impact in the healthcare field, supporting others as the medical professionals once supported him.