I travel home to Colorado every weekend, but I got the opportunity to spend the first week of May at home for a district work period. During the week, I visited with students at several different schools in the district: Bear Creek K-8, Kyffin Elementary and Warren Tech. I look forward to school visits every year because it’s a fun opportunity to read to kids, answer questions about my job or discuss civics.

This past week was also Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to recognize and thank all the dedicated and hardworking teachers in Colorado and across the country. Teachers spend countless hours in and out of the classroom working to positively influence lives and help shape our future generation. Thank you for motivating and inspiring our children every day.

My office also hosted a reception for the participants of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. It was one of our larger shows with more than 130 students participating from 11 different schools. The winning artwork from each district will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

First Place: “The Broken Child”
Gabrielle Van Allen, Green Mountain High School

Second Place: “The Fire of Wisdom Burns Bright”
Gabriel Messa, Golden High School

Third Place: “Only At Dawn”
Hemily Madrigal, Adams City High School

We also held a reception for the thirteen students who have been appointed to a U.S. Military Service Academy by my office this year. We have remarkable students in our district and I wish all of them continued success in school and in all of their future endeavors.

If you’re a student or know of a student who is interested in learning more about any of these programs or interning in one of my offices, click here.