Hesford was notified this summer that she had been named to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Top 10 Outstanding Colorado High School Students list.
The award is highly competitive. Each high school in Colorado may nominate only one student, and CU Boulder selects just ten from that elite pool. Award winners receive a $4,000 scholarship —$1,000 per year for four years — toward tuition at CU Boulder, an invitation to a special awards ceremony on campus in April, and a waiver of the $65 application fee.
“Each high school in Colorado nominates one student, and CU picks the top ten,” Sylvia explained. “I was surprised to be one of the top ten students. I knew I was the BHS candidate, but I didn’t expect this.”
Sylvia found out when a plaque showed up in the mail. “Then I got a scholarship notice along with it,” she said. “This is the first scholarship I’ve gotten, so it sure helps.”
CU Boulder is high on Sylvia’s college list—especially since her boyfriend will be attending there next year. “Now they’ve given me money, which helps as well,” she said. “I’m hopeful there are other awards out there for me, too.”
A driven and accomplished student, Sylvia is Co–Student Body President and is spending her senior year as a full-time concurrent enrollment student at Fort Lewis College, earning significant college credit before graduation. She also hopes to graduate as valedictorian.
“I want to win and get as many scholarships as I can,” she said. “There are a ton of local and Colorado scholarships that open soon, and I plan to apply.”
Whether she chooses CU Boulder or another school, Sylvia says she wants to keep her options open. “I’m thinking about going on some trips and seeing some more schools to help make the decision,” she said.
Bayfield High School is proud to see one of its own recognized at the state level for academic excellence, leadership, and community service.