Thomas Schaal, a senior at Burlington High School and son of Craig Schaal and Candice Schaal, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Boettcher Foundation Scholarship. This honor recognizes Colorado’s most outstanding students by providing them with the resources to pursue an exceptional in-state education while gaining access to a lifelong network of alumni and community leaders.
Thomas is currently considering an alternative path—serving as a Colorado State FFA Officer for a year before utilizing his Boettcher Scholarship. His deep-rooted passion for agriculture and leadership has led him to explore the opportunity to represent FFA at the state level, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders. If he pursues this role, he will defer his scholarship for one year before attending Colorado State University to major in Biology to explore a career in either Veterinary or Human Medicine.”
“Boettcher Scholars are selected for their academic achievement, outstanding character, and service and leadership in their schools and communities,” said Katie Kramer, president and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. “The Boettcher Scholarship is an investment in our state’s doers and difference makers. It not only recognizes their past achievements but also their future impact on the State of Colorado.”
Established in 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship program awards 50 scholarships annually, creating a network of more than 2,800 Boettcher Scholars. Nearly 2,000 graduating high school seniors apply for the scholarship annually.
The scholarship Thomas earned includes $20,000 per year for four years from the Boettcher Foundation. Partner institutions then provide additional institutional aid, covering up to either the cost of tuition and fees or the full cost of attendance at a Colorado college or university of the recipient’s choice.
“The Boettcher Foundation’s scholarship selection process is competitive and rigorous,” said Tiffany Anderson, director of programs. “Thomas really stood out with his commitment both in and out of the classroom. We’re proud to have him representing the Boettcher community, and we look forward to seeing how his leadership positively impacts the State of Colorado, whether through FFA or in his future career in veterinary science.”