Alumni Resources

Highline - Kelly Linderman Future Teachers Scholarship 

Scholarship Overview and Current Status of Award Recipients - 2023

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The Highline Future Teachers - Kelly Linderman Scholarship was created in honor of Kelly Linderman, a teacher who was passionate for equity in education so that students from all backgrounds may be supported to discover their potential and value in the world. The family and friends of Kelly Linderman sought to honor Kelly's legacy by further supporting the next generation of educators with a scholarship that could be offered for many years to come

After a few years of planning and in partnership with The Denver Foundation, the Highline Future Teachers - Kelly Linderman Scholarship was launched in 2019. To qualify, candidates were required to be an alum from Highline Academy, demonstrate Highline's values, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, pursue a career in teaching or education, and enroll in an accredited college or university. 

For its inaugural year, the scholarship was $1,800. Highline alum Anja Oss (2012 graduate) was awarded. Anja was hired by Highline in August 2019 to be a member of their special education team in support of her desire to serve special needs students. This full-circle story fulfilled the very purpose and vision for the scholarship. Anja graduated with her Masters in Special Education from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in December 2021.

In 2020, the award for the scholarship increased to $2,200 thanks to The Denver Foundation's diligent investing of the scholarship fund and significant and ongoing support from Kelly’s friends and family. Highline alum Kaitlyn Fisher (2016 graduate) was selected as the recipient that year. She pursued a double major in psychology and linguistics at Metropolitan State University of Denver and aspires to become a child psychologist. 

In its 3rd year, Malia Logan was selected to receive the Highline Future Teachers - Kelly Linderman Scholarship. The award increased to $2,500 for 2021. She majored in creative writing with a double minor in business and Biblical studies at Belhaven University. Malia has a lasting legacy at Highline as the founder of Literacy Day, an annual tradition at HASE that celebrates reading, writing, and storytelling. Malia has written and self-published 4 novels, and aspires to become a nationally renowned author. She endeavors to inspire students to develop a passion for writing and to craft their own stories.

2022 marked the 4th year of the scholarship and Macey Schwartz was selected as the recipient. Macey graduated from Highline in 2017 and attended Littleton High School. She attended the University of Northern Colorado in August 2022 and seeked to major in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. Macey aspires to provide occupational, learning or behavioral therapy for young children after graduation. Macey received a $2,750 scholarship to support her educational pursuits and we look forward to seeing her fulfill her calling as an early childhood educator. 

After receiving several strong applications in the 5th year of the scholarship, the committee selected Malia Logan for a 2nd time as the 2023 recipient. Malia continues to pursue her desire to become an esteemed author with a worldwide impact. She dreams of motivating young people to fall in love with writing and to use their voice in spinning tales or capture realities in non-fiction works. The award increased to $3,000 thanks to the generosity and support of the scholarship's funders. 

2024 marked the 6th year of the Kelly Linderman Future Teacher Scholarship at Highline, awarded to Marissa Fernandez who attends the Colorado School of Mines. Check out updates that each recipient gave here in 2024.

The 2025 recipient of the Kelly Linderman Scholarship was Mateo Mérida (2012 graduate) who attended Highline Academy and later returned to Highline as a teacher. Mateo continues to serve Highline alumni in his current role as a Social Studies teacher at South High School where he helps former Highline Hawks transition into a larger school environment. Mateo is honored and grateful to be the recipient of the 2025 Highline Academy Alumni Kelly Linderman Scholarship, which will support his continued studies in education; a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Colorado Denver.

We are grateful to the family and friends of Kelly Linderman for choosing to honor Kelly’s legacy through this award. It is a privilege to support Highline Academy alumni  as we REACH together to support the next generation of educators. This scholarship is a tribute to Kelly’s commitment to educational equity and helping all students succeed to realize their potential.