SCHOLARSHIP

fascinated with space and space travel. is led me to pick aerospace engineering as my major,” Leonard said.

Leonard also dreamed of starting his own company. But would accept the idea of working for NASA.

“I want to be able to control my life more than that would allow and I hope I will one day be able to achieve the best of both worlds owning a company and contract with di erent organizations like NASA or Space X,” Leonard said.

After graduation from Frederick High School, Lauren Brown plans to take a break and enjoy the summer, making lasting memories of her accomplishment and work. Brown will attend the University of Massachusetts, in Boston in the fall. She received the United Power Youth Leadership scholarship for $1,500.

“I will be majoring in biology. I have always had a passion for science and the endless mysteries it allows us to explore. My goal is to eventually pursue a Master’s degree in forensic science, a bachelor’s degree in biology is my stepping stone to get there,” Brown said.

“ e world of DNA and crime evidence is extremely fascinating to me,” she said. “(I’m) following my true crime dreams.”

Brown said her hopes and dreams to become a successful forensic scientist investigating, solving major criminal cases, and focusing on ensuring the evidence is correct, criminals are convicted, and the victim receives justice.

“I’d also like to become a young adult novelist along the way and own a corgi named Walter,” Brown said.

Gwendolyn Hanks plans to work after graduation from Frederick High School to save for college expenses and spend time with family and friends. Hanks said she plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in nursing. She received the Tri-State G&T Association scholarship for $1,000.

“ e last four years of high school I have been a part of my school’s Biomedical Foundations Program which has inspired my interest in studying diseases and other medical issues,” Hanks said. “While doing nursing I will be able to continue to build on the knowledge this program has given me, while also being on a career pathway that will allow me to better the lives of others.”

Hanks said she is excited about her journey at the University of Alabama.

“It will be a considerable change being so far from home, but I know it will open up so many new opportunities and friendships, she said.

“I plan to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner.”

Cullen Aasmundstad-Williams’s plan after graduating from Frederick High School is to take a trip to Europe and a road trip adventure with friends to see local landmarks. Aasmundstad-Williams said he plans to study commuter engineering at Colorado State University. He will receive the United Power Book Scholarship for $1,000.

“Computer engineering involves the research and development of computer systems and components. Personally, from a young age I have been interested in technology,” Aasmundstad-Williams said. “ is degree will provide me with new knowledge, enable me to be on the forefront of technological developments, and will allow me to make impacts in elds that include environmental conservation and healthcare.”

Aasmundstad-Williams said his goal is to increase technology reaching regions that lack the resources or access bene ting advances in computer engineering.

Aasmundstad-Williams said he has many hopes for the future and wants to use his professional degree to make a di erence.

“I love to travel and have so many parts of this world I have yet to explore to experience other cultures. I will continue to enjoy my love for music and the culinary arts, as well,” Aasmundstad-Williams said. “Also stay involved in my community, mentor teens who may not have a consistent adult gure in their lives in hopes of helping them pursue their own hopes for their future. “

Other scholarship recipients year’s state girls wrestling tournament in Denver. In 2021, she placed third.

Mead High School’s Kaden Rademacher received the United Power Colorado College Scholarship for $2,000.

Prairie View High School’s Gavin Walker received the United Power Colorado College Scholarship for $2,000.

Frederick High School’s Haley Howell received the Basin Electric Power Cooperative scholarship of $1,000.

Frederick High School’s Otis Kindvall, received the Lois Lesser Education scholarship,1,000. Prairie View High School’s Jolene Her received the United Power Community College scholarship for $1,000.

The United Power Book Scholarships awardees for $1,000: Brooklyn Yates, Brighton High School; Megan Derby, Eagle Ridge Academy; Trisha Hammen, Fort Lupton High School; Gabriel Pemberton, Mead High School; Jaden Atencio, Riverdale Ridge High School; Zayne Blair, Mountain Territory; Grace Finnegan, Holy Family; Andrew Sawyer, Star Gate; Austin Hane, Northglenn High School.

“ e sports keep me in shape for the others, except for softball – not really,” she laughed. “But wrestling and soccer, I can stay in shape for both sports. If I’m in shape for wrestling, I’m ready for soccer and vice versa.”

Her mother was a soccer player, and her dad was a wrestler.

“Softball? Some cousins played and got me in there,” she said. “I’m looking at wrestling for college, for sure. No question. I’m starting the (search) process soon. My goal is to leave the state, not far. But somewhere nice so I don’t have that regret of not leaving. I want to travel and get out of my comfort zone.”

When she started high school, Balcazar’s goal was to earn as many athletic letters as possible. So, in keeping with that, she wants to add cross country to her list next year. Cross country’s season is concurrent with softball.

“I love talking to people and making friends,” she said. “If I’m a striker (in soccer), I talk to the defenders, just make friends, just joke around. Everything is fun at home. Why just stay home if you can play as many sports as you can?”

“It helps me grow a lot, like with social skills,” Balcazar added. “It keeps me in shape, of course. Basically, it keeps me pushing through. It helps with con dence, motivation. It helps my laziness. It helps keep me in school. It helps me keep going.”

L

WINNING

Remaining quiet and checking my phone to try and avoid being drawn into the discussion didn’t quite work out the way I had hoped. Before I knew it, the group turned their attention to me and asked me what I thought. The good news is that I was already prepared with my response, it’s my same response whenever I find the people around me focusing on what is wrong with the world instead of what is right.

After placing my phone on the table, I looked around the table and one by one, I made eye contact with everyone before saying, “A return to grace.” I will share that whenever I give that response the first reaction is usually confusion, followed by cynicism, and then possibly a little mocking, questioning my sincerity. Standing my ground, I made it a point to once again making eye contact with everyone before restating my position, “Yes, you all heard me correctly, a return to grace.”

Remaining silent once again, I waited for someone to ask me what it means to return to grace. And it never fails, someone will always ask me to elaborate on that statement.

Returning to grace means that we give everyone the same grace that we would expect when we screw up. I haven’t met the person, the company, the politician, or anyone else who hasn’t screwed up royally. And I include myself among the elite when it comes to making mistakes, I am pretty sure I am close to the top, if not at the top, when it comes to screwing up.

Are society and the world at large teetering on the precipice of total chaos and anarchy? OK, maybe that is a little dramatic, but then again maybe not. Are there people whose actions and words are driving us crazy? Abso- i stening to the conversation around a business dinner table, I found myself trying to stay away from the conversation as it began to center around what was wrong with society and basically the world in general. If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that I try and remove myself as quickly as possible from anything I perceive as negativity, and this conversation was devolving quickly in that direction.A publication of VOICES LOCAL

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Web: FtLuptonPress.com lutely. Do we sit stunned as we read or watch the news, wondering, “What idiot thought that was a good idea?” Or maybe we just let the anger and resentment fester inside of us until it reaches a boiling point or creates an ulcer. And then we share our outrage with anyone who will listen. And even if there is no one to listen, we go on a rant on social media, posting our anger and frustration, continuing to carrying the weight of what’s wrong with the world on our shoulders.

A return to grace means that instead of playing the blame game, we play the love and forgiveness game. I know, I know, I have heard it before that this is not a realistic approach in dealing with the nonsense and idiotic decisions being made and the ridiculous actions of those who we do not agree with. And everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My opinion and position are that I would rather live under the spirit of love and forgiveness as opposed to harboring anger, resentment, and frustration relative to the things that I have absolutely no control over. And if you still disagree with me, or think I am a bit too naïve, then maybe this can be your first attempt at offering me some grace. Will society ever be perfect? No. Will people ever be without fault? No. Will the world ever get back to what the majority of us would call normal? Maybe, maybe not. But wouldn’t it be a better place if we all figured how to offer love and forgiveness instead of spite and hostility? As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can truly make that leap towards a return to grace, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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