2026 Outstanding Graduates
Before starting his PhD at 91´«Ă˝, Kyle Kopsick taught social studies at a high school in Quito, Ecuador for roughly five years. This experience greatly impacted his life and guided him to further his learning by joining the doctoral program in educational foundations, policy and practice. Kopsick has received the 91´«Ă˝ School of Education’s 2026 Outstanding Dissertation award.
Meet Bridger Jackson, a 4th generation educator and new lead teacher for his Denver community.
Originally from South Denver, it was his experience working with the Boulder Public Library District and connecting with its community that truly reaffirmed his belief that he was always meant to be a teacher. Jackson received this year’s Outstanding MA+ Graduate Contribution to Teaching Award.
When Paolo Chavez Calvadores started teaching in rural Colorado, he yearned for a more intentional approach to his work and how he shows up in the world. Originally from the Philippines, Calvadores came to the United States hoping to “grow as an educator and serve students in a meaningful way," he said.
Collette Heskett’s parents always lovingly remind her that she was born to be in science education. From a young age, Heskett spent most of her time playing “teacher” with her toys or observing bugs in their habitats for hours. Many years later, Heskett is now the 2026 91´«Ă˝ School of Education's Outstanding Capstone graduate.
Alexis “Lex” Hunter’s advisors put it simply: the field needs more scholars like her. “Lex is positioning herself to be both a leading theorist and practitioner of community-engaged research,” said her advisors, who nominated her for the School of Education’s Outstanding Graduate in Community Engagement Award.
Esperanza Zárate always liked working with kids—from coaching summer soccer camps to volunteering at local elementary schools. Now graduating with her elementary education degree, she is ready to continue this passion through her own classroom.
Alyssa Shappee came into college with one big thing in mind: that she was passionate about science. However, it was through the many experiences that she went through at 91´«Ă˝ where she realized that she wanted to pursue education. “I was drawn to the School of Education because of its emphasis on equity, hands-on learning and preparing teachers to build meaningful relationships with their students,” said Shappee, the 2026 School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching award recipient.
Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, Jinjae Han had originally decided on 91´«Ă˝ because she wanted to stay close to my family. Now, Han is grateful to have picked Boulder. Han is the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement award recipient.