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District 51 honors student robotics teams, artists and volunteers
Summary
Trustees recognized Palisade High football honorees, First Lego League teams from Mesa View and Fruta Middle, several students selected for the county 'I Voted' sticker contest, and community partners receiving grants; the board publicly thanked coaches and volunteers for supporting STEM and civic engagement.
At its Jan. 20 meeting, Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 trustees celebrated student and community achievements across athletics, arts and STEM.
The board and Superintendent Brian Hill recognized Palisade High players Michael Kimus (defensive player of the year) and Carter Haywood (special teams player of the year) and Coach Joe Ramuno for leading the Bulldogs to a 10–3 season and an undefeated league record.
District students were also honored for civic and STEM involvement. Four winning designs by District 51 students—selected from more than 150 entries—were chosen for the county’s official "I Voted" stickers for the upcoming election season. The board recognized winners from New Emerson Elementary, Independence Academy and Grand High School and encouraged civic participation.
Several district robotics teams were acknowledged for success at the First Lego League State Championship: Mesa View Elementary’s Chicken Hawks (core values award and invitation to international competition), Fruta Middle School’s Livewires 3.0 (core values award, third place in core values), the Brick Bobcats (judges’ award) and Central High School’s Hawk Challengers (second place in robot design). Coaches including Liz Fitzgerald and volunteers were thanked for building accessibility to robotics and STEM learning.
Other items: the Grand Junction Lions Club awarded Fruitfell Elementary $7,500 (to be matched by the district) to purchase an inclusive playground carousel, and the district announced ParentSquare training sessions to help families use the district’s new communication platform.
The recognitions section concluded with applause and a reminder of upcoming community events; trustees noted these achievements as examples of student opportunity amid the district’s broader budget conversations.
