On May 1, The Boettcher Foundation announced this year’s full list of scholarship recipients selected based on academics, leadership and character. These students each were awarded an annual scholarship of $20,000 for four years and remain eligible to receive institutional, merit or need-based aid from their universities. The Boettcher Scholarship not only hopes to serve as financial assistance as students make their way through university, but also a support system to ensure students experience their expansion within the academic world to its fullest potential.
“The application was tedious,” said Eli Cohen, a student from Roaring Fork High School who won the award alongside his peer, Ricardo Zavala. They will be the Salutatorian and Valedictorian at their high school graduation, respectively. Of about 1,900 applicants, 300 are chosen as semifinalists, Cohen explained. “Then you send two teacher recommendations and then it goes down to 100 finalists. After the in-person interview in early March, only 50 are awarded.”
Cohen is the head student for his student council, he is in LINK Leaders, National Honor Society and is co-captain of his soccer team this year. He went through the meticulous application process by highlighting his adventurous side, writing details about climbing outdoors. Cohen did this as a way to show his love and appreciation for the state of Colorado in order to complete the essay prompt.
Aside from enjoying the outdoor scene that Colorado has to offer, Cohen makes an effort to integrate himself into the community. “I volunteered in English in Action this year. My mom was a volunteer for them for a while,” Cohen said. “Growing up, I saw the tutorship between her and one of her students and I saw it blossom into a beautiful friendship. I try to ingrain myself in
the community.”
Cohen draws inspiration from his family. “My dad’s parents have always been college forward,” Cohen said. “My great-grandma was one of the first women to go to college. My mom said that was her only opportunity.”
Sarah Blazier, a student at Basalt High School, is also a Boettcher Scholarship recipient. She draws inspiration from her community of friends and family, similar to Cohen. For Blazier, being awarded the scholarship was a dream come true.
“I am super grateful because I remember telling my friends that getting a full ride scholarship was a dream,” Blazier said.
Blazier has been part of student council since she was a freshman and is currently the head student. She also participates in Key Club and National Honor Society and looks to her mother for inspiration.
“My mom, Gloria Rodriguez, from El Salvador — I take her drive,” Blazier said. “My dad died when I was 6 years old. She had to take care of three children on her own. I learned from her courage and persistence.”
For the highly selective process of the Boettcher Scholarship, Blazier prepared for essay questions and interview processes by being confident in her writing skills and by reflecting on multiple interviews she had in the past.
“I have a hard time recognizing my accomplishments,” Blazier said when she explained what she wrote for one of the essay prompts of the application. “I wrote about imposter syndrome.” She will be the first in her family to attend college.
Blazier and Cohen both plan to take their next steps in the academic world at CU Boulder, where Blazier will study either political science, history or English along a pre-law route. Cohen will study biomedical engineering within the honors program. As they prepare to make tracks, both advise those who look to apply for the scholarship next year to take a chance and pursue the opportunities presented to them.
“Take any opportunity you get. I did many things I didn’t imagine I could have done by accepting help from others like PreCollegiate, my teachers, my family,” Blazier said. “Accept help and realize you don’t have to do it alone.”
“Branch out and find the best in your community,” Cohen agreed.