Caps off, Celebrating Class of 2026 accomplishments

Congratulations to the nearly 2,700 graduates for their accomplishments!

As another school year comes to a close, we celebrate more than just an academic milestone — we honor the dedication, perseverance, and support that brought our students to this moment. Graduation is not only a reflection of our students’ determination, but also the unwavering commitment of their families, educators, and the wider community who guided and encouraged them along the way.

This spring, we proudly recognize the achievements of nearly 2,700 graduates in the Class of 2026. Their futures are filled with promise — nearly 87 percent have already mapped out their next steps, whether that means heading to college, beginning their careers, or serving our country in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Below is just a glimpse of the many honors and accomplishments from this exceptional class. Congratulations to every graduate of Five Star Schools — your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

College Pathway

The class of 2026 received millions in scholarships as a recognition of their dedication and hard work. These scholarship dollars represent both full and partial academic or athletic scholarships for a large number of graduates. Below are a few of the many scholarship honors:

Home to four 2026 Boettcher Scholars
The Boettcher Foundation recognizes Colorado's top students by providing them with the funds to attain an excellent in-state education and access to additional opportunities to enrich their time in college and beyond. This year’s class saw 50 distinguished graduates from high schools across the state, and four of them are from the Five Star District — Congratulations to our 2026 Boettcher Scholars:

• Breno Ejzykowicz, Legacy High School  | Attending University of Colorado Boulder
• Liliana Salazar, Horizon High School |  Attending University of Colorado Boulder
• Lydia Seedorf, Northglenn High School | Attending Colorado State University
• Surabhi Sharma, Legacy High School | Attending University of Colorado Boulder

Aim for the Stars Scholarship awarded to 61 students across district high schools
Aim for the Stars Scholarship is a multi-year scholarship in collaboration with Adams County and Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Of the 61 students, 21 received the two year Adams County Student Fund (ACSF) Scholarship, and 40 received the four year Achieve Scholarship. Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

Military Pathway

More than 60 graduates shared their plans to pursue military service and enlist in one of the six U.S. military branches - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force - after high school. 

Career Pathway

The class of 2026 has nearly 200 students who report they will enter directly into the workforce, and 124 students report they are going into an apprenticeship or on-the-job training opportunity. These include jobs in the fields of diesel, construction, welding, medical services, firefighting, business/marketing, engineering and more.

Other notable accomplishments:

• 959 industry certifications earned by 273 graduating seniors through FutureForward, the district’s career and technical education program. Industry certificates measure competency in an occupation, and they validate the knowledge base and skills that show mastery in a particular industry. 
• 161 students from the district’s comprehensive high schools were awarded a Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. 
• 8 students were awarded a Seal of Climate Literacy. The Colorado Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes students who graduate with the knowledge and skills to understand - and act on - the social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change. The Seal serves as a meaningful way to prepare students for civic and workforce leadership in a changing climate.
• 22 graduates were named Path4Ward Scholarship recipients. The Path4Ward program allows students from low-income households who graduate early to receive scholarships to pursue college classes, workforce training, or other certificate programs to prepare for life after graduation.
• 18 Gateway to College graduates, the highest in 9 years. The Gateway to College program is an opportunity for students who need an alternative to traditional high school or have left high school without a diploma. Students have the opportunity to complete their high school requirements while earning college credits toward a degree or certificate through Front Range Community College.
• 30 FutureForward graduates received an invitation to their respective Career and Technical Student Organizations’ (CTSO) National Competition. These 30 graduates represented four of the district’s comprehensive high schools, one district charter and the district’s two FutureForward campuses. The CTSO’s include: DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); HOSA Future Health Professionals; SkillsUSA; Technology Student Association
• In its second year, P-TEACH students reached significant academic milestones — students earned 225 college credits, exceeded 140 hours of classroom residency in P-8 settings, and completed 47 internships in 15 schools. Most notably, 87% of seniors are pursuing careers in education and 7 students were awarded scholarships.
• 3 graduates were named 2026 candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The students graduated from Legacy High School and Stargate Charter School.