District 6 Announces Boettcher, Daniels Scholarships

A Greeley Central High School student has received the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship, and two other District 6 students have been named Daniels Fund Scholars.

Natalie Chairez Salazar was named a Boettcher Scholar last week. She is the second person in her family to receive this full-ride scholarship: Her brother, Yahir Chairez Salazar, received a Boettcher scholarship in 2022 and is attending the Colorado School of Mines in Golden.

Boettcher Scholars receive an annual fixed amount of $20,000 per year for four years to use at a Colorado institution of higher education. Boettcher scholars can also qualify for additional tuition reimbursements from the college or university they attend, as well as educational enrichment grants and international education grants. Since 1952, the Boettcher Foundation has awarded more than $115 million in scholarships.

Natalie has competed in volleyball, wrestling and track at Greeley Central, and has also served as president of the National Honor Society, all while maintaining a part-time job. She plans to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder to major in biological sciences and minor in business. She hopes to become a vascular surgeon someday.

“It was so heartwarming that I was chosen from the Boettcher,” Natalie said. “It relieved so much stress from me, not having to worry about how I was going to pay for college. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Anastasia Rodriguez, a senior at Greeley West High School, and Levi Carlson, a senior at University High School, have been named Daniels Scholars for 2025. Daniels Scholars receive up to $100,000 over four years towards their undergraduate degree, depending on financial need. Daniels Scholars may use their scholarship at any accredited non profit college or university anywhere in the United States. Students are selected for their strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, and academic potential.

Anastasia has been very involved in the Future Farmers of America organization at Greeley West, especially animal sciences. She plans to attend Colorado State University next year to study Animal and Equine Science with the hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian. 

“Getting this scholarship means a lot,” Anastasia said. “It means I can realize my dreams and my greatest hopes without having to worry about how I am going to pay for college. It is a huge relief.”

Levi is also very active in extracurricular activities at University High, including Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and National Honor Society. Levi said he was excited to learn he will receive the Daniels Fund Scholarship. He plans to attend Colorado State University to study Computer Science.

“It opens the door for me to feel like I can pursue things that make a difference,” Levi said.

More than 2,000 students applied for Daniels Scholarships this year. The foundation awarded 209 scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming this year.

Last year, one District 6 student received Daniels scholarships. Over the past 19 years, 118 District 6 scholars have received this competitive award.