Scholarship Winners 2026 | 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, 2026

Ashley Ahrens will attend Grand Canyon University this fall, where she will pursue a combined degree in elementary education and special education. At Niwot High School, she served as co-president of Helping Hands, was a two-year Link Leader, and advocated for the school's Unified Theater Program. She also co-founded HopeComing, a community event supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer, which brought together local organizations, volunteers, and families from across the region.

Alan Argueta Gutierrez will attend South Louisiana Community College and The Ocean Corporation, where he plans to train in commercial diving and underwater welding. He is pursuing a career in underwater construction and industrial diving, focusing on hands-on technical work involving the inspection, repair, and maintenance of marine and offshore structures.

Tessa Ashkenase will attend Trinity College, where she plans to study Psychology on a pre-med track. At Niwot High School, she served as Vice President of FCCLA, competed successfully at the state and national levels, and led a book drive that collected more than 400 books for local elementary students. She also served as a Link Crew leader, helped expand FCCLA membership and involvement, and supported her peers through her creative small business designing custom press-on nails.

Aanshi Gandhakwaka will attend the University of Colorado Boulder this fall, where she plans to study neuroscience. During her four years at Niwot High School, she was an active member of Student Council and served as Student Body Secretary. She helped organize student events, including Club Rush and Wish Week activities, and contributed to student engagement and school programs through her leadership and involvement.

Eli Quesada plans to attend Front Range Community College, where he will pursue EMT certification as the first step toward a career as a firefighter. He is focused on entering emergency services in order to work directly in the community, providing hands-on medical and fire response care. His interest in the field is supported by prior work experience and a strong commitment to developing practical skills in healthcare and emergency response through structured training.

Lila Repsher will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honors Program, where she plans to study Political Science. At Niwot High School, she served as Senior Class President, co-president of Model United Nations, and held multiple leadership roles in Student Council, including leading Wish Week fundraising efforts that helped raise more than $57,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado over two years. Her leadership focused on community service, student engagement, and strengthening school spirit.

Clara Rhea will attend the University of Utah this fall, where she plans to major in Elementary Education. At Niwot High School, she served as Student Body President, class vice president, cheer captain, and Senior Patrol Leader of her BSA troop. Her leadership contributions included helping lead Wish Week fundraising efforts, organizing school and community events such as Fall Fest and Prom, mentoring younger student leaders, and student teaching at Niwot Elementary School.

Ava Schroll will attend the University of Colorado Boulder this fall, where she plans to study neuroscience as part of the Honors Program. At Niwot High School, she served as president of the Knitting Club and as a LINK Crew leader, helping build connections among students and supporting incoming freshmen. She also organized a community yarn drive, expanded club resources, and led service projects in partnership with the Little Heart Project.

JoDe Zorgdrager will attend Colorado School of Mines this fall, where she plans to major in mining engineering with minors in explosives engineering and geological engineering. At Niwot High School, she served as president of Key Club, founded and led the Public Speaking Club, and was a member of the varsity cheer leadership team. Her contributions included organizing community service projects and fundraisers, leading the Key Club leadership team, and establishing a community haunted house fundraiser.