Teacher named Denver Nuggets ‘Most Valuable Teacher’; students announce Wish Week fundraiser and competition wins

Steve Saunders and Orchard Park principal Josh White joined the Board on Feb. 11 to recognize Orchard Park Academy teacher Melissa Garcia, who was named the Denver Nuggets’ Most Valuable Teacher for February and received a $2,000 grant and game seats for four.

The recognition matters to the district as it highlights outreach and resources for classroom programs: Garcia said the $2,000 will support her drone soccer program, which she runs after school and has grown through fundraising and volunteer time. Josh White praised Garcia’s dedication, saying she “goes above and beyond for all of our students.”

Separately, student ambassador Anna Lopez reported on Westminster High School’s Wish Week, scheduled Feb. 24–28, a fundraiser supporting Make‑A‑Wish Colorado. Lopez said the district has raised more than $20,000 over the past four years for Wish Week. This year’s Wish Week features spirit days, a Skate City Toy Story event, a dodgeball tournament (Feb. 26, $3 fan admission), pancakes and pajamas day with a culinary‑class pancake sale (Feb. 27), and a 5K walk/run on Saturday, March 1 at 8:45 a.m. Entry fees Lopez gave: $5 with a WPS ID and $10 without. She also noted event fundraisers at local restaurants (Culver’s share‑night) and vendors (Kona Ice and Traveling Tom’s Coffee on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28).

Lopez introduced the student chosen by Wish Week, a child named Edwin, and listed his background and interests shared with the board to highlight the fundraiser’s beneficiaries. The student ambassador also reported that five FBLA students qualified for state competition and that football and girls soccer tryouts are scheduled later in February.

No formal board action was taken on recognitions or the student report; the items were presented for acknowledgement and information.