Greeley Stampede Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Press Release from the Greeley Stampede Foundation:

Since its inception in 2001, the Greeley Stampede Foundation has remained a steadfast source of support for Weld County’s graduating high school seniors. Over the years, the Foundation has awarded more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to over 695 students—an investment that continues to open doors, inspire achievement, and strengthen our community.

The Foundation is honored to continue the All-Around Champion Impact Scholarship, a prestigious four-year award totaling $100,000. This scholarship is designed to support one exceptional student whose achievements, character, and community involvement exemplify the spirit of the Greeley Stampede. Now in its second year, the All-Around scholarship reflects the Foundation’s growing commitment to empowering future leaders in a meaningful and lasting way.

The Greeley Stampede Foundation is proud to recognize Nathan Koesler of Greeley Central High School as the 2026 All‑Around Champion Impact Scholarship recipient. Nathan stands out as a scholar‑leader with a 4.0 GPA and National Honors Society Member, four consecutive years of Academic Excellence Awards, and advanced training in cybersecurity, including earning the CompTIA CySA+ certification. His technical talent has earned him top‑tier recognition as an FBLA State Qualifier, placing in the top 10 in Colorado for coding, programming, and mobile app development.

A natural leader on and off the field, Nathan served as captain of the Greeley Central soccer team, helping lead the Wildcats to the state finals for the first time in school history. He is also deeply committed to service supporting his community through 50+ hours with NOCO Missions, volunteering at the Eduardo Pedregon Veteran’s Memorial Museum, and completing 100+ hours as a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation Junior Staff member.

Nathan’s impact extends into advocacy and student wellness. As a leader in the Sexual Assault Response Team, he educated ninth‑grade students on consent, boundaries, and support resources. He has also contributed to Downtown Greeley cultural events, supported local non-profits and organizations as well as participated in multiple school‑based leadership organizations including Sources of Strength, Link Crew, Knowledge Bowl, DECA, and FBLA to name a few.

Nathan plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study Computer Engineering while pursuing Air Force ROTC, with aspirations to serve in the U.S. Air Force specializing in cybersecurity or advanced defense technologies.

“Nathan represents exactly what this scholarship is meant to honor,” said Tracy Damrell, Greeley Stampede Foundation Board Member. “His leadership, compassion, and drive to serve others reflect the very best of our community. We are proud to support his next steps and excited to see the impact he will make.”

This scholarship celebrates Nathan’s exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and commitment to strengthening his community—qualities that embody the spirit of the All‑Around Champion Impact Award.

In 2026, the Foundation is also proud to continue this tradition by awarding $50,000 in academic scholarships, including twenty $2,500 scholarships recognizing students for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to serving others. These awards help ease the financial burden of higher education and encourage students as they take their next steps.

2026 Academic Scholarship Recipients

• Reagan Annable, Windsor High School
• Jiali Grier, Erie High School
• Andrew Loyd, Eaton High School
• Danae Rowe, Dayspring Christian Academy
• Maya Burkholder, Northridge High School
• Jessica Hernandez, Northridge High School
• Ashlynn Mangina, Frontier Academy
• Abbie Sedaghat, Windsor High School
• Haiden Chambers, Roosevelt High School
• Camila Hernandez, Platte Valley High School
• Jordan Mathis, Severance High School
• Emmy Tecu, Mead High School
• Harrison Endorf, University High School
• Grace Jackson, Roosevelt High School
• Adalyne Moreno, Frontier Academy
• Sarai Templeman, Frontier Academy
• Karis Gamblin, Frontier Academy
• Emma Jex, Roosevelt High School 
• Avalon Parlin, Greeley Central High School
• Hazen Weber, Platte Valley High School

The Greeley Stampede Foundation remains dedicated to fostering opportunity, celebrating achievement, and investing in the next generation of Weld County students.

Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipients. Your hard work, resilience, and leadership have earned you this recognition. Your community is proud of you, and we look forward to the incredible things you will accomplish in the years ahead.

ABOUT THE GREELEY STAMPEDE FOUNDATION

The Greeley Stampede Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was established in 2001 and has grown to impact more than just graduating high school students by awarding more than $1,000,000 to various educational programs and scholarships. Funding for the Greeley Stampede Foundation comes from annual events produced by the Greeley Stampede including the Stampede Golf Tournament, Western Art Show & Gala, Big Buckle Ball, and the new Ray Esola Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament. In 2025, the Greeley Stampede Foundation awarded $167,500 to support local students and educational programs including awarding twenty-seven $2,500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors, high school rodeo athletes, college rodeo athletes, and Miss Rodeo Colorado. More information is available at the Greeley Stampede Foundation online at www.greeleystampede.org/p/foundation.

ABOUT THE GREELEY STAMPEDE:

NEW Security Update – Starting in 2026, Weapons Detection Systems (WDS) will be used at all park entrances to prevent illegal weapons from entering the park. The WDS will be in addition to the park wide clear bag policy. For more information about the security updates, visit greeleystampede.org/p/know-before-you-go1.

The Greeley Stampede, a 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation, is the Colorado’s premiere summer western celebration. The 2025 Stampede is scheduled for June 24 – July 5. This longstanding event has grown in diversity and popularity since its inception and has provided music and rodeo entertainment to hundreds of thousands of people every summer. The Stampede has been inducted in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and received many awards including PRCA Mountain States Large Rodeo of the Year, RMCMA Event of the Year and listed in the US Today Top 10 rodeos. For more information about the Greeley Stampede visit www.greeleystampede.org.