Class of 2026 Boettcher and National Merit Scholars

The Boulder Valley School District is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and its many varying accomplishments. Among those, we are pleased to share the names of students who have been selected for outstanding academic honors in our district.

Boettcher Scholarship

The 2026 Class of Boettcher Scholars, are a distinguished group of 50 Colorado high school graduates whose achievements and leadership are already creating meaningful change across the state. Since 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship Program has invested in young Colorado leaders, encouraging them to pursue higher education in the Centennial State and become catalysts for positive change.

Each Scholar receives an $80,000 scholarship over four years, supplemented by additional institutional, merit, and/or need-based aid. Beyond financial support, the program offers a comprehensive network and leadership development opportunities designed to help Scholars expand their influence and foster lasting contributions. 

The 2026 cohort brings this year’s theme “Power of Place,” to life, demonstrating how the communities we call home shape character, perspective, and leadership. 

Three BVSD students have been awarded full-ride Boettcher scholarships. They include:

• Katalina Dunlap Herreria from Monarch High School
• Molly Kolachov from Peak to Peak Charter School
• Emily Soesilo from Peak to Peak Charter School

CLICK HERE for the full press release from the Boettcher Foundation

National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year. All winners of Merit Scholarship awards (Merit Scholar® designees) are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Winners are selected by a committee of college admission officers and high school counselors without consideration of family financial circumstances, college choice, or major and career plans.

Nine BVSD students have been awarded 2026 National Merit Scholarships and National Merit Corporate Scholarships.

2026 National Merit $2500 winners include: 

• Cadence Michael, Boulder High School
  • Probable career field: Sound Engineering
• Sophia Zhang, Fairview High School
  • Probable career field: Bioengineering
• Saatwik Rishi Das, Peak to Peak Charter School
  • Probable career field: Electrical Engineering
• Victor Garianova, Fairview High School
  • Probable career field: Computer Engineering
• Ethan J. Bonnell, Centaurus High School
  • Probable career field: Mechanical Engineering
• Chelsea Dietz, Monarch High School
  • Probable career field: Medicine
• Jade Hanyu Liu, Fairview High School
  • Probable career field: Journalism
• Mila Korah, Peak to Peak Charter School
  • Probable career field: Law
• Caroline Schnelle, Fairview High School
  • Probable career field: Medicine

One BVSD student was awarded a 2026 College-sponsored Merit Scholarship.

College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners

• Levi C. Wicar, Centaurus High School
  • Probable career field: Mechanical Engineering
  • University of Tulsa