Last week, Impact on Education and the Boulder Valley community gathered to celebrate our 33rd annual Impact Awards. With nearly 500 people in attendance, we honored 62 Boulder Valley School District teachers and staff members nominated by their principals and peers.

These educators were chosen for their dedication to improving student learning, well-being, and future success. An Impact Award winner was recognized from every school across the district, alongside two distinguished honors: the Blake Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award and the Imogene Maxon Early Educator Award.

Please join us in congratulating these education superheroes!

Blake Peterson, ganador del premio a la trayectoria

Michele Giggey, office manager
Fireside Elementary School

A proud alum of BVSD, a parent to alumni, and a district employee for 32 years, Michele has deep roots in Boulder Valley education. In her role as office manager at Fireside Elementary, she manages sensitive, complex, and urgent tasks with grace and skill. Michele remains a calm, reliable support for staff, students, and families, even under pressure.

“When you are with Michele, you feel heard and valued, and that feeling extends to every corner of the building. Fireside feels like a true community because Michele makes it one.”

She constantly goes above and beyond her job duties, advocating for her community. Driven by a commitment to equity, Michele seeks out funding for resources like field trip fees and volunteer background checks so that more caregivers and students can participate in school activities. She was also instrumental in connecting families affected by the Marshall Fire with critical resources such as food, housing, and clothing. As one nominator shared:

“From the moment you walk through our doors, her presence sets the tone. She welcomes everyone with genuine warmth, compassion, and joy. When you are with Michele, you feel heard and valued, and that feeling extends to every corner of the building. Fireside feels like a true community because Michele makes it one.”

Ganadora del premio Imogene Maxon a la educación temprana

Hasan Elsayed, math and science teacher
Escuela secundaria Centaurus

Image credit: Victoria Engblom

In just a few years at Centaurus High School, Hasan has already made a significant impact on students. His talent for teaching shone through even before he was a full-time educator. Students he taught as a practicum student still reach out to the school to share how his passion and support inspired them to pursue higher education in physics. As one nominator put it, Hasan builds a “community of shared discovery” that helps every student find their own potential and confidence.

An active listener and a steady presence is felt inside the classroom and outside it — from the volleyball court to the physics club. He leads the 360 Program —connecting freshmen with upperclassmen mentors — and serves as a Physics Club sponsor, an E-Sports coach, and an assistant coach for boys’ volleyball. His students describe him as “wholehearted” and “passionate about science and also about us.” By creating an inclusive, collaborative environment, Hasan encourages his students to take intellectual risks and discover their potential.

2026 Impact Award honorees

Educators from each school across the Boulder Valley School District were honored.

Elementary honorees

• Di Morgan, Alicia Sanchez Elementary
• Brie Wright, Bear Creek Elementary
• Megan Granger, Birch Elementary
• Jen O’Brien, BCSIS
• Rachel Cauley, Coal Creek Elementary
• Enes Mesan, Columbine Elementary
• Melissa Martin, Community Montessori
• Nicole Griffin, Creekside Elementary
• Jeanette Scotti, Crestview Elementary
• Michelle Cartwright, Douglass Elementary
• Becky Sanchez, Eisenhower Elementary
• Jocelyne Barnes, Emerald Elementary
• Sandy Sirepisios, Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer
• Liz Harp, Fireside Elementary
• Jeannie Dulaney, Flatirons Elementary
• Erin Eissinger, Foothill Elementary
• Beth Cendali, Gold Hill Elementary
• Mara Oleson, Heatherwood Elementary
• Sharon Udasin, High Peaks Elementary
• Mary Jill Fransen, Jamestown Elementary
• Antwon Owens, Kohl Elementary
• Tremen Fenner, Lafayette Elementary
• Paula Reichel, Louisville Elementary
• Jennifer Bones, Mapleton Early Childhood
• Caron Minsley, Mesa Elementary
• Kristen Kron, Nederland Elementary
• Lauren Davis, Ryan Elementary
• Ashley Friede, Superior Elementary
• Cecilia Lopez, University Hill Elementary

Middle and PK-8 honorees

• Troy Yanel, Angevine Middle
• Jessie Trezise, Aspen Creek PK-8
• Anahi Quintana, Broomfield Heights
• Erin Randall, Casey Middle
• Rocio Leal, Centennial Middle
• Jeremy James, Eldorado PK-8
• Ryan Conrad, Horizons K-8 Charter
• Bethany Konz, Louisville Middle
• Alaina McQueen, Manhattan Middle
• Desiree Wright, Meadowlark
• Erica Bednar, Monarch PK-8
• Sean DePaula, Nederland Middle-Senior
• Josh Feiger, Nevin Platt Middle
• Pamela Rutigliano, Peak to Peak Charter
• Steve Pilger, Southern Hills Middle
• Brian Rogers, Summit Charter Middle

High school and special programs honorees

• Barbara Kase, APEX
• Michael Ryan, Arapahoe Ridge High
• Sherri Funk, Broomfield High
• Eduardo Anduaga, Boulder High
• Kenny Gillis, Boulder Preparatory High
• Sarah Stone, Boulder Universal 
• Deb Hammock, Centaurus High
• Kim Sibray, Chinook West High
• Ross Sutter, Fairview High
• Amy Smith, Halcyon
• Andrew Harding, Justice High
• Kathleen Packard, Monarch High
• Ed Kaschins, New Vista High
• Jen Gero, The Transitions Center
• Terri LeRose, Whittier International

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the award ceremony, and to the generous sponsors who made the event possible: Meritrust Credit Union, the Boulder Valley Education Association, AdventHealth Avista, and the Daily Camera.

ANTES DE QUE TE VAYAS

Impact on Education es una organización independiente sin fines de lucro que apoya al Distrito Escolar del Valle de Boulder. Dependemos de la generosidad de nuestra comunidad para llevar a cabo nuestra misión.

¿Nos ayudarás a brindar oportunidades y recursos a los estudiantes locales?