DCSD Alumni Profiles

DCSD Alumni profiles. Where are they now?


Did you graduate from a DCSD high school?

No matter what year, we want to connect with you! Reach out to us at [email protected] and share your story.




DCHS Grad’s Fascination with Construction Laid the Foundation for Her Career
02/26/2024
news
After graduating from Douglas County High School (DCHS) in 2011, Katie Van Kooten attended the South Dakota School of Mines on a women’s golf scholarship, while earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Read More about DCHS Grad’s Fascination with Construction Laid the Foundation for Her Career
clear
Spilling the Beans on Joshua Rivero, Owner, Fika Coffee House
01/29/2024
news
Joshua Rivero was born in California and spent his younger years in Vermont. His family then moved to Colorado and New Mexico before returning back to Colorado. Frequent moves didn’t provide a strong foundation for school, but he says things took a positive turn when his family moved to Parker and enrolled at Ponderosa High School. Principal Dr. Bill Larson helped him regain his focus on school and apply himself. Rivero credits Dr. Larson for helping him graduate in 1990.
Read More about Spilling the Beans on Joshua Rivero, Owner, Fika Coffee House
clear
Singing the Praises of Highlands Ranch High Grad Riley Cullinan
11/08/2023
news
2023 Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS) Graduate Riley Cullinan is living life on a high note. She recorded her first album before heading off to her freshman year at Harvard University where she is enrolled in the Berklee School of Music’s joint five-year Master’s Program. 
Read More about Singing the Praises of Highlands Ranch High Grad Riley Cullinan
clear
DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
08/16/2023
news
Jordan Hinton is a DCHS grad whose passion for agriculture and animals led her to open a craft meat market.
Read More about DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
clear
Reporter Conor McCue is at Home Covering News in Colorado
03/06/2023
news
Conor McCue, a Rock Canyon High School alum, came full circle, returning to Colorado after working in several television markets. After graduating from Rock Canyon in Highlands Ranch in 2010, Conor McCue attended CU Boulder and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. Soon after, he embarked on a television career. As a television reporter, he’s worked throughout the country. Conor landed his first job in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and then moved to Lexington, Kentucky. His next move brought him home to Colorado, where he’s been with CBS4 Denver since 2019.
Read More about Reporter Conor McCue is at Home Covering News in Colorado
clear
It’s Blue Skies Ahead for This HRHS Grad
01/26/2023
news
Annie Johanning knew as a teenager that she wanted to become a pilot. She enrolled in one of the early aviation classes offered at Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS). After graduating from HRHS in 2020, Annie attended Montana State University but soon realized that the school didn't offer the flight program she initially wanted. In the Spring of 2021, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver and is majoring in Aviation and Aerospace Science with a concentration in the Air Traffic Control College Training Initiative.
Read More about It’s Blue Skies Ahead for This HRHS Grad
clear
Kristin Schmidt, Choice Programming Coordinator, and Castle View Grad has Deep Roots in DCSD
12/15/2022
news
Kristin’s DCSD journey began as a kindergarten student at Sedalia Elementary. She liked it there so much that decades later she sent her five children to Sedalia Elementary!
Read More about Kristin Schmidt, Choice Programming Coordinator, and Castle View Grad has Deep Roots in DCSD
clear
Mountain Vista Grad Emma Woody Becomes First-Time Author and Hopes to Someday Teach at her Alma Mater
11/30/2022
news
Often students are encouraged to pursue their dreams and interests by teachers who know them best. Emma Woody credits her teachers at Mountain Vista High School for developing her interest in literature and helping her hone her skills as a writer. Emma graduated from Mountain Vista High School in 2021, and she is currently studying English secondary education and creative writing at Colorado State University.
Read More about Mountain Vista Grad Emma Woody Becomes First-Time Author and Hopes to Someday Teach at her Alma Mater
clear
Chap Grad Credits Graphic Design Teacher for the Career he Enjoys Today
11/15/2022
news
Kyle DeBoer learned the basics of his trade at Chaparral and years later is proud to include DCSD among his clients.
Read More about Chap Grad Credits Graphic Design Teacher for the Career he Enjoys Today
clear
ThunderRidge Grad Manages Studies, Plays Multiple Sports at Midland University
10/25/2022
news
Madilynn Edwards graduated from ThunderRidge High School in 2020. Now, she attends Midland University where she plays lacrosse, cross-country, and track, all while studying for her degree in exercise science.
Read More about ThunderRidge Grad Manages Studies, Plays Multiple Sports at Midland University
clear
Jackson Engels in his naval uniform
Ponderosa Grad Joins the Naval Academy
09/15/2022
news
Ponderosa Grad Jackson Engels, Class of 2022, pursues his dream of becoming a naval submarine officer. Jackson started off with Plebe Summer shortly after graduating and is looking forward to continuing his education at the Naval Academy.
Read More about Ponderosa Grad Joins the Naval Academy
clear
Mountain Vista Grad Fulfills Goal to Teach Music
04/15/2022
news
Jordan Cash credits her Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) choir teachers for inspiring her to become the music teacher she is today at MVHS.
Read More about Mountain Vista Grad Fulfills Goal to Teach Music
clear
Mountain Vista Grad Pursuing Career in Naval Aviation
04/06/2022
news
Following high school graduation, Nicholas Romine was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the academy as an officer and is now learning to fly helicopters for the U.S. Navy.
Read More about Mountain Vista Grad Pursuing Career in Naval Aviation
clear
ThunderRidge Grad Begins New Career in Nursing
03/17/2022
news
Brooke Jelniker juggled basketball and school while she earned a bachelor’s degree, pursued a career in sales after college, and ultimately found her calling as a nurse.
Read More about ThunderRidge Grad Begins New Career in Nursing
clear
A Leader Under Pressure: How One DCHS Grad Stepped Up During the Marshall Fire
03/08/2022
news
When the Marshall Fire broke out in Superior, CO, on December 30, 2021, businesses and homes were consumed in flames, with many families forced to leave their beloved pets behind. One Douglas County High School graduate, Ellie Creasey, took on an extraordinary role in reuniting families with their furry friends.
Read More about A Leader Under Pressure: How One DCHS Grad Stepped Up During the Marshall Fire
clear
DCHS Alum Travels the Globe with Healthcare Career
02/25/2022
news
Gretchen Stoddard has earned multiple degrees and enjoys a rewarding career in global public health.
Read More about DCHS Alum Travels the Globe with Healthcare Career
clear
Castle View Alum Shares Story and Struggles Through E-Book
02/23/2022
news
Castle View High School grad Hudson Rose is busy working, blogging, and volunteering for an organization close to his heart.
Read More about Castle View Alum Shares Story and Struggles Through E-Book
clear
DCHS Grad Goes From Driver’s Seat to Transportation Dispatcher
02/09/2022
news
Jeffrey Orndorff’s love for tinkering under the hood of a car began in automotive shop class in high school and evolved into a career driving buses for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) and ultimately becoming a transportation dispatcher.
Read More about DCHS Grad Goes From Driver’s Seat to Transportation Dispatcher
clear
Former Grizzly Now DCSD Speech-Language Pathologist
02/09/2022
news
Shana Fraley helps students as a speech-language pathologist, runs a private practice, works with patients at a skilled nursing facility, and is a Special Olympics Unified Coach!
Read More about Former Grizzly Now DCSD Speech-Language Pathologist
clear
Legend Alum Returns to Alma Mater to Teach Spanish
01/28/2022
news
Kassidy Dunnigan is the first college graduate in her family! Thanks to an engaging teacher who made learning languages fun, Kassidy pursued a degree in Spanish education and returned to her alma mater to teach Spanish.
Read More about Legend Alum Returns to Alma Mater to Teach Spanish
clear
Husky Alum is Living Her Dream as a School Counselor
01/13/2022
news
Jenny Alsup credits DCSD for preparing her for her career, providing her with job experience, and meeting her future husband.
Read More about Husky Alum is Living Her Dream as a School Counselor
clear
LHS Graduate Makes a Living by His Hobby
01/13/2022
news
Thanks to his teachers’ encouragement, Jacob Regan’s passion for playing video games evolved into a talent for creating digital art.
Read More about LHS Graduate Makes a Living by His Hobby
clear
DCHS Grad Follows Inspiring Teachers Into The Classroom
12/09/2021
news
After graduating from Douglas County High School in 2019, Brad Rotherham found himself returning to education. He says, "Teachers like the ones I had in high school are the reason I now desire a career in education." He now works as a Severe Needs Educational Assistant at Northeast Elementary in Parker.
Read More about DCHS Grad Follows Inspiring Teachers Into The Classroom
clear
From Student to Affective Needs Teacher, Alum Finds Inspiration in Passion
11/17/2021
news
Kirstin Nordentoft graduated from Rock Canyon High School in 2010 and now works with students at Plum Creek Academy. She credits her teachers and high school experience for her passion about history and interest in helping Affective Needs students through social studies core content, art, and social emotional growth.
Read More about From Student to Affective Needs Teacher, Alum Finds Inspiration in Passion
clear
Former Grizzly Inspired by ThunderRidge Teachers, "Never Give Up & Keep Your Head Up High"
11/09/2021
news
Bailey Morse, who graduated ThunderRidge High School in 2016, returned to DCSD as an Educational Assistant. The former Grizzly now draws inspiration from her teachers as she works with students at Plum Creek Academy.
Read More about Former Grizzly Inspired by ThunderRidge Teachers, "Never Give Up & Keep Your Head Up High"
clear
Eagle Academy Grad Returns to Help Students in Alternative Education
11/05/2021
news
When he graduated from Eagle Academy in 2014, Kyle McKinney never thought he would return to DCSD. But the beginning of the 2021-22 school year found him as an Educational Assistant for Affective Needs at Plum Creek Academy. There, he finds happiness and inspiration in the familiar alternative education atmosphere.
Read More about Eagle Academy Grad Returns to Help Students in Alternative Education
clear
Alum Returns as School Psychologist, Shares Love for Helping Kids
10/29/2021
news
After graduating from Ponderosa High School in 1994, Rochelle Evans returned to Douglas County School District (DCSD) in 2006. She now works as a school psychologist at Gold Rush Elementary in the same town where she grew up. We caught up with Evans for a glimpse at what it has been like to work in her hometown community.
Read More about Alum Returns as School Psychologist, Shares Love for Helping Kids
clear
Ponderosa Alum Credits High School Community for Perspective on Nursing
10/13/2021
news
Maddison Wilson graduated from Ponderosa High School in 2016 and now spends her nights working with COVID patients on the third floor of Sky Ridge Medical Center. She says that Ponderosa's loving community helped her understand what it means to be a nurse.
Read More about Ponderosa Alum Credits High School Community for Perspective on Nursing
clear
From Highlands Ranch High School to Healthcare Frontlines
09/10/2021
news
Megan Dierker, CNA, graduated from Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS) in 2014. The former HRHS Falcon now soars on the frontlines of healthcare, lifted up by her education and experiences at the Douglas County School District (DCSD).
Read More about From Highlands Ranch High School to Healthcare Frontlines
clear
DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
08/16/2021
news
Jordan Hinton is a DCHS grad whose passion for agriculture and animals led her to open a craft meat market.
Read More about DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
clear
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).