Thirty-five Pikes Peak Early College seniors accepted their diplomas this morning at The Campus in D49. The school had 48 seniors graduating, with 16 students graduating with associate degrees. PPEC graduates earned over $400,000 in scholarships this year, with several students receiving full-ride scholarships. PPEC graduate Matteo Coscia, 13, was the youngest graduate receiving his diploma today. Coscia plans to attend CU Boulder to earn a degree in biomedical engineering and then pursue post-graduate degrees in the school's MD/Ph.D. program.
"The goal for Pikes Peak Early College students is not necessarily a high school diploma, but rather to continue with us to complete their pathway by achieving an associate's degree, industry certification, or transfer to a four-year university," said PPEC principal Rochelle Kolhouse. "After today, our graduates will be spread across the continental US, attending schools as close as UCCS, Baylor, & OSU and as far away as Whitworth University in Washington. Among our graduates today, we have majors in cyber security and computer science, engineering, medicine, musical theater, criminal justice, and education, just to name a few. Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate the many unique achievements of our students.
Seniors Syndi Ellis and Abigail Troup received Yetis (Students) of the Year honors. PPEC teacher Julie Butterworth said, "Both Abby and Syndi have been heavily involved in our school, embracing their journey and leading confidently. "Syndi not only served on the student board this year but is also the student council vice president who is not afraid to hold other council members accountable when they are not doing their part. Abby not only served on the student board this year and last year but is also the first to volunteer for any new student orientations or outreach opportunities to share her thoughts on our school. PPEC is a better school because of Abby and Syndi, and we are so grateful they chose us."
D49 track standout Brianna Tira was one of the graduates who missed today’s ceremony. Tira won the state 4A long jump competition yesterday and will compete in other events today. Tira will study criminal justice at Whitworth University in hopes of pursuing a law degree after college graduation.
Congratulations to the PPEC Class of 2023!
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