From statewide academic achievements to national recognition in leadership and communications, these honors reflect our shared commitment to preparing every student for success – inside and outside the classroom.
DHS Teacher Named Colorado Teacher of the Year Semifinalist
We’re proud to share that Teri Kopack, English Department Chair at Durango High School, has been named a semifinalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education.
A 21-year educator and member of the DHS Instructional Leadership Team, Ms. Kopack is recognized for her commitment to equity, academic excellence, and student-centered learning.
“Her dedication embodies the qualities that define an exceptional educator,” said Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser. “Her impact is felt by students, colleagues, and our broader community.”
Ms. Kopack is one of 22 semifinalists selected from 419 applicants across the state. Finalists will be named in September, with the winner announced in October.
Four elementary schools earn CDE Governor’s Awards
Park Elementary, Animas Valley Elementary, Needham Elementary, and Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary were all named recipients of the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award from the Colorado Department of Education. This prestigious award honors schools that demonstrate exceptional academic growth across multiple years and subject areas.
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary received additional recognition with the John Irwin Award for exceeding expectations in academic achievement.
“These awards remind us what’s possible when educators, families, and communities work together to create meaningful opportunities for every learner,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova.
Each school’s leadership credits a powerful mix of dedicated staff, strong instruction, and a culture of high expectations and support.
DHS Student Council named a National Gold Council of Excellence
For the 14th time in 15 years, the Durango High School Student Council has been recognized as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils. This award celebrates student leadership that creates a positive impact in school and in the community.
In 2024 alone, the council:
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Raised over $5,000 during Wish Week for Make-A-Wish Colorado
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Created personal valentines for every student and staff member
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Co-led Big Event, a schoolwide day of service
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Hosted Inclusion Week with Unified Sports
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Brought energy to long-standing traditions like prom, spirit days, and teacher appreciation
“Being able to look at everything we’ve done on a national scale is really inspiring,” said student leader Rye Standifer. “It shows how much impact we can have – even as high school students.”
District Communications team wins COSPRA Gold Medallion
Durango School District’s Communications Department – led by Public Information Officer Karla Sluis – has received the 2025 Gold Medallion Award from the Colorado School Public Relations Association (COSPRA), the highest honor for strategic school communication in the state.
The winning campaign, Project Angel Flight, was a multimedia storytelling initiative featuring the tumultuous six-month journey of Miller Middle School students, staff, and families in the 2024/25 school year. In July 2024, a suspicious fire delayed the opening of the new Miller school. The staff and students found a temporary home by merging with Durango High School for a couple of months before finally moving into their new school. The communication campaign was a cross-departmental effort involving many teachers, principals, tech and communications staff, and district leaders.
"This award is a tribute to the resilience of our staff, students, and families,” said Sluis. “We’ve weathered challenges together – and through it all, we’ve kept showing up, lifting each other up, and telling the stories that matter.”
These awards highlight just a few of the ways Durango School District is living its mission: to empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are grateful to our staff, families, and community for supporting every student’s journey – and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.