EHS senior awarded Boettcher Scholarship

Colton Arciniaga will pursue International Studies

Tabatha Stewart
Special to Colorado Community Media
Posted 5/15/20

More than 1,400 high school seniors in Colorado apply for the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship each year. Only 42 are awarded. Elizabeth High School senior Colton Arciniaga was one of the 42 to …

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EHS senior awarded Boettcher Scholarship

Colton Arciniaga will pursue International Studies

Posted

More than 1,400 high school seniors in Colorado apply for the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship each year. Only 42 are awarded. Elizabeth High School senior Colton Arciniaga was one of the 42 to receive the scholarship this year, which includes all expenses paid to a Colorado school of choice, including books, tuition, fees and an annual stipend for living expenses.

Competition for the scholarship is based on academic achievement, outstanding character and service and leadership in their schools and communities, and Arciniaga said he was a little surprised he was chosen.

“Their selection criteria is pretty vigorous, but also pretty vague,” said Arciniaga. “There’s an academic aspect, but you don’t really know what other requirements they look for when you’re earnestly submitting an application. I was a little surprised that I was chosen because there are so many kids applying from other parts of the state that have bigger schools.”

Janet Crenshaw has been Arciniaga’s school counselor for the past two years, and contributed to the application process.

“The cool thing about Colton that’s always impressed me is that he not only excels academically and in the extracurricular activities, but he’s gone out of his way to find some interesting things to be involved with outside of school and our district,” said Crenshaw. “Boettcher has a heavy emphasis on academics, like many scholarships, but it really looks at the overall person, and Colton is just an all around good person.”

In addition to his high academic marks, Arciniaga has been involved in student council and participated in the school’s service organizations. He is a member of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, which meets with legislators to help them understand issues affecting young people in the Tate. Arciniaga said his time with the council has been educational, and he hopes to take what he has learned as he pursues a career in International Studies.

“It was a shocker to have me come in and talk about stuff we have out here, where the cows outnumber people,” said Arciniaga. “A lot of these kids have the same urban views on a lot of the issues that are prevalent in those urban areas. However, our rural view faces a lot of different challenges and issues. It was educational to not only learn from them, but I was also able to share some of my experiences and insight.”

Arciniaga will be attending the University of Denver, majoring in International Studies with a minor in Political Science or Spanish. He is fluent in Spanish and has traveled extensively with his family. He hopes to put his experiences to good use and become a positive influence by bringing people and communities together.

“My dream would be to become an ambassador someday,” said Arciniaga. “My family and I are travel enthusiasts, we’ve been to Africa and Nicaragua and beyond. It made an impression on me. I love meeting the people and learning about the culture and local traditions. I would like to get to use some of my experiences I’ve started in now.”

Crenshaw said she could see Arciniaga achieving his dream of being an ambassador.

“If we were going to have to choose somebody from our school who could someday be the president of the United States, it would be Colton,” said Crenshaw. “He’s focused, he peers really enjoy him and he’s social and fun to be around. He has a good head on his shoulders, and I think that’s why he’ll do so well in the future. He won’t get stuck in the academics, but will always be aware of the human aspect. Colton is exactly the kind of student the Boettcher Scholarship is looking for.”

The Boettcher Scholarship was established in 1952, and has recognized more than 2,400 scholars.

“Colton really stood out with his commitment both in and out of the classroom,” said Tiffany Anderson, director of programs for the Boettcher Foundation. “We’re proud to have him representing the Boettcher community, and look forward to seeing how his future leadership positively impacts the State of Colorado.”

For more information about the Boettcher Foundation and the Boettcher Scholars program, visit www.boettcherfoundation.org.

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