We host the Impact Awards each year to honor educators across the Boulder Valley School District. Recognizing their dedication is essential, as they play a vital role in providing excellent and equitable education to all students. While we’re only able to recognize a small number of BVSD educators at the Impact Awards, we value and appreciate the hard work and dedication of every educator across BVSD.

Sara says her life’s mission is empowering others, particularly children who are still learning how to find their own way in the world. Interventionists like McIntosh play a crucial role in ensuring young readers who struggle get on track before they fall too far behind. McIntosh, who goes above and beyond for her students, was recently awarded the 2024 Blake Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Unlike most first-year teachers who join the profession directly after college, Mattys delayed getting her degree so she could see the world instead. She’s now an English Language Arts teacher at Fairview High School and the winner of the 2024 Imogene Maxon New Teacher Award.

This year we awarded over $53,500 in scholarships for Boulder Valley School District graduates, including $28,500 in scholarship renewals for 16 students and over $25,000 to 8 graduating seniors in the Class of 2024.

Rich Smith, a dedicated volunteer with Impact on Education, has committed his life to educating, both inside the classroom and beyond. From his early days as a park ranger teaching the tenets of environmental stewardship to youth mentoring and coaching, Smith’s career journey reflects a profound passion for fostering learning opportunities and supporting underserved communities.

Tess Amer, a mental health advocate at Fairview High School, knows the pressures Boulder’s teenagers face firsthand. As a licensed counselor and certified teacher, she oversees the school’s Wellness Center, a cozy and calming space that welcomes teenagers seeking mental health support.

Jessica, a literacy interventionist at Alicia Sanchez Elementary School, wanted to level the playing field for emerging bilingual students. With a grant from Impact on Education she built a Reading Club to provide these students with opportunities to grow as readers.

For students in our Career Readiness Academy, mock interviews are more than just a practice run – they’re a safe space to explore their potential, polish their skills and practice professional communication. They also offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to engage with the next generation, sharing their expertise and learning in the process.

Ema Lyman is a McKinney Vento specialist and child welfare liaison with Boulder Valley School District and a member of our Board of Directors. Learn about her childhood in Chile, her education journey, and why she’s dedicated to empowering young people through education.