District 60 was well represented in the 2024 Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County’s annual Champions of Youth Dinner at Pueblo Convention Center.
Ted Johnson, a lifelong educator who currently serves as D60’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, was named 2024 Grand Champion of Youth.
A former principal at Irving Elementary who also served as the District’s Executive Director of Continuous Improvement and Innovation, Assistant Superintendent Johnson has served as a liaison between the District and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County since 2018.
Initially, Assistant Superintendent Johnson worked with Clubs' leadership in navigating the administrative process to access student data and test scores, for use in 21st Century Grant Reporting.
However, it was during the pandemic that Assistant Superintendent Johnson's relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County solidified.
“Ted always kept the Clubs in mind when making decisions about school closures and communicated with us on a regular basis,” said President/CEO Angela Giron. “In addition, when the District received ESSER funds, he ensured our needs were represented and funded accordingly. These funds were instrumental in the support of our youth’s emotional needs.”
Since 1992, District 60 has offered in-kind space and use of school facilities, and today, we proudly host Clubhouses throughout the District.
“Ted has always been accessible to staff and has made sure our leadership feels more supported and connected to the District,” President Giron added.
A proud and active Central Wildcat and member of the Ray Aguilera Teen Clubhouse at Central, Sylvia Tennant was named Youth of the Year.
The award comes with a scholarship to Colorado State University Pueblo and the opportunity to compete for State and National Youth of the Year.
Sylvia was selected from a group of finalists that included her twin sister Elaine Tennant, Audie Barros, Jack Montoya, and Khyliendra Montoya.
Elaine Tennant was lauded for creating a colorfully detailed piece of art, which was auctioned off to raise funds for the Clubs. Additionally, the Tennants – father Gregory and mother Bernadette Esquibel-Tennant together with their daughters -- were honored as Family of the Year. Bernadette Esquibel-Tennant serves as an Engagement Coordinator at Central.
A member of the Minnequa Elementary Clubhouse, Claire Huffine was named Kid of the Year, as was Adaliah Ripke from the Avondale Clubhouse.
From the East Side Clubhouse based at Risley, Alesia Gonzales received the Junior Youth of the Year award.
Kevin McCarthy received the Volunteer of the Year Award with the Pueblo Police Department acknowledged as Friend of the Year.
