Colorado State University Names Five Monfort Scholars

Colorado State University has awarded five outstanding incoming freshmen full scholarships as part of the Monfort Scholars program, which was established to reward top students from Colorado.

The recipients are Mary Button of Arvada, David McVey of Springfield, Helenka Rowe of Greeley, Victoria Scott of Penrose and Chelsea Weiskerger of Westminster. All scored a least 1300 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT, ranked in the top 5 percent of their graduating class, demonstrated a high-level of service to their schools and communities and have shown outstanding character and leadership skills.     

"These five Monfort Scholars exemplify Colorado State University through their commitment to a high-quality education that is essential in developing advanced skills and a global perspective," said Anthony Frank, senior vice president and provost at Colorado State. "We are very pleased that these five outstanding students have chosen Colorado State, and we are proud to offer excellent academic opportunities that will enrich their educational experience. We are also very appreciative of the Monfort family for continually providing students support and opportunities for academic excellence at Colorado State University."

Button, a graduate of Arvada High School, is interested in law and journalism. She would like to join the Peace Corps upon earning her undergraduate degree. Button founded and served as president of her school’s chapter of Amnesty International, conducting fundraisers to aid earthquake relief in Pakistan and Kashmir and help end international slavery. Button also participated in debate and tae kwon-do while attending Arvada West.

McVey, a graduate of Springfield High School, plans to study journalism. In addition to strong academic performances – he was a three-year member of the National Honor Society – McVey excelled in football, golf and basketball. He also acted in school plays, participated in the Knowledge Bowl and served as an officer in the 4-H club. McVey is exploring careers in history, teaching or law.

Rowe, a graduate of Greeley West High School, plans to enter medicine, a goal that has been developed through her volunteer work at the Monfort Family Birth Center at North Colorado Medical Center. Rowe also shadowed professionals at the hospital’s pathology lab. As a member of National Honor Society, she organized and participated in projects to collect coats for the homeless, volunteered at a homeless shelter and collected turkeys for a food bank. Rowe also volunteered to mentor freshman students and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Scott, a graduate of Canon City High School, seeks to find a solution to the energy crisis through the development of renewable energy. Scott spent 10 years in 4-H and earned top honors in beef and sheep categories. She is a gifted marksman and was part of the state champion small-bore rifle team and team captain of the Junior ROTC rifle team. Scott wants to complete her undergraduate work while volunteering to do lab work for Colorado State’s renewable energy researchers.

Weiskerger, a graduate of Thornton High School, will enter the Warner College of Natural Resources to study wildlife biology. She has volunteered at North Suburban Medical Center and for Mission: Wolf in southern Colorado to help endangered wolves. In high school, Weiskerger was a member of the Thornton High spirit squad and earned several awards for perfect attendance. Wieskerger is interested in a career such as a wildlife biologist or park ranger that would allow her to work in natural environments.

-30-