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Castle Rock Youth Commission presents 2025 Rising Star scholarships to four seniors
Summary
The newly formed Castle Rock Youth Commission awarded four $1,000 Rising Star scholarships to local high school seniors for community service and leadership; recipients included Maya Ayres, Maria Jose Miranda, Kehlani Salinas and Wren Rosenberg (not present).
The Town of Castle Rock’s Youth Commission presented the 2025 Rising Star scholarships at the April 15 council meeting, awarding $1,000 scholarships to four local high school seniors in recognition of community service and leadership.
Becca Schnorn, Youth Commission coordinator, introduced the program and described the commission’s advisory role to the town council and its membership of nine students in grades 9 through 12. Youth representative Jake Coover said the scholarship is intended to foster civic engagement and honor local leadership.
Recipients and highlights announced at the meeting: - Maya Ayres (Douglas County High School) — recognized for environmental stewardship, hydroponic programs that supply student lunches, delivery of a TEDx talk and leadership roles; she will attend Colorado School of Mines. - Maria Jose Miranda (Colorado Early Colleges) — recognized for leadership with Young Rotary, more than 100 volunteer hours, service at AdventHealth Castle Rock and work on local historical archiving; she will attend the University of Colorado Boulder. - Kehlani Salinas (Colorado Early Colleges) — cited for teen‑court service, tutoring and Young Rotary contributions; she will attend New Mexico State University. - Wren Rosenberg (Ponderosa High School) — unable to attend; principal Ryan (last name not specified) described Wren’s leadership, community service and plans to attend Brigham Young University; Wren provided a pre‑recorded video message.
Presenters at the podium included teachers, program leaders and family members who spoke briefly about each student’s contributions. Councilmembers Jason Gray and Dietz presented certificates on behalf of the council.
Why it matters: the scholarship program is part of a new Youth Commission effort to involve local teens in civic processes and recognize service to the Castle Rock community.
What’s next: the Youth Commission’s applications are open for staggered terms; staff encouraged local high schoolers to apply.
