Acosta, Cuadras to attend Colorado Mountain College

Venezia Cuadras received the 2012 Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholarship for Coal Ridge High School. Photo Kate Lapides

[RIFLE] Heidi Acosta and Venezia Cuadras had a few things in common before they were both named Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholars. Each had a big dream, and each believed that college was out of reach.

Acosta, inspired by her work as a volunteer catechism instructor at her church, hoped to earn a teaching degree. Cuadras, who had congenital scoliosis as a child, was fascinated by the medical field and wanted to become a nurse. But for both prospective students, the lack of funding was an obstacle.

Caring educators encouraged recipients to plan for future

Cuadras was encouraged by her English teacher at Coal Ridge High School, Zac Meseke, to pursue the scholarship to fund her education. In her application essay, Cuadras wrote: “If I get the privilege to earn this scholarship, I will be very thankful and very proud of earning something so important for my future.”

Heidi Acosta received the 2012 Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholarship for Rifle High School. The scholarship covers two years of tuition, fees and books for 13 students to attend any Colorado Mountain College campus. Photo Kate Lapides

When Acosta’s counselor at Rifle High School, Drew Hogan, told her she was eligible for the Alpine Bank scholarship to attend Colorado Mountain College, the student felt it was an impossible dream but applied anyway. “I was so excited when I found out I got it,” Acosta said. “This was dearly needed, and I was really proud.”

This is the 17^th year Alpine Bank has honored regional high school graduates through the bank’s Latino/Hispanic Scholarships. This year’s 13 recipients receive a scholarship that covers two years of tuition, fees and books at any Colorado Mountain College campus.

Acosta hopes to set example for next generation

Acosta was particularly glad to study close to home at Colorado Mountain College. “I’m very attached to my family,” she said. “The younger kids look up to me.” She added that her mother has already started encouraging her 14-year-old sister to study hard so she can apply for a scholarship too.

While in high school, Acosta taught catechism to 4^th-graders at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She plans to continue teaching at the parish after she begins working toward her degree in education. She hopes that Read more

Dolly Contreras selected as one of 13 Latino/Hispanic scholars

Dolly Contreras received the 2012 Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholarship for Glenwood Springs High School. The scholarship covers two years of tuition, fees and books for 13 students to attend any Colorado Mountain College campus. Photo Kate Lapides

Dolly Contreras said she was “in shock” when she learned she’d been awarded an Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholarship to attend Colorado Mountain College. “I was so happy and really proud of myself.”

According to science teacher Joe Mollica, who recommended Contreras, she has every right to feel proud. Contreras tackled Anatomy and Physiology as a junior and AP Biology as a senior. “These difficult elective classes serve as an example of her hard work ethic and tenacity,” said Mollica.

Beyond the classroom, Contreras has shown initiative and demonstrated volunteer spirit. She played an active role in the high school’s Key Club, yearbook and Varsity Choir, and as a translator for Latino students.

This is the 17^th year Alpine Bank has honored regional high school graduates through the bank’s Latino/Hispanic Scholarships. This year’s 13 recipients receive a scholarship that covers two years of tuition, fees and books at any Colorado Mountain College campus.

Part-time job led to interest in business

Contreras was particularly honored to receive support from her fellow employees at Read more