As the 2025-26 school year draws to a close, the Dolores RE-4A School District’s students, staff and families are celebrating student achievements, staff commitment and more while preparing for end-of-year events.
The last day of school for all grades is a half day on Thursday with release at noon. High school graduation is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. in the Main Gym. Additional ceremonies include fifth-grade continuation, Teddy Bear Preschool graduation and middle school awards events.
Superintendent Alesa Reed highlighted progress on the district’s BEST Grant building project, specifically providing information on the new learning stair.
“This space is designed to foster collaboration, creativity and beauty, and we cannot wait to see it in full use by our students,” Reed said in a newsletter provided to The Journal.
A “long-awaited” flood mitigation grant project is also set to begin later this month, supported by the owner’s representative Artaic Group.
Reed recognized two staff members who went “above and beyond” in the 2025-26 school year.
Melissa Dalzell, high school technology teacher, created and edited yearbooks for both secondary and elementary/preschool levels while developing a computer and digital literacy curriculum and new middle school life skills courses.
Kristin Schurr, middle school science teacher, was praised for utilizing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make science come alive for her students. The district also noted her strong relationship with fellow staff and unwavering support for students.
Middle school updates showcased student talent and a recent community project. The Fine Arts and Poetry Night allowed students to present original poems, making a space for participants to “build confidence” and other skills that will “prepare them for high school and beyond,” middle school Principal Mary Weiss said.
For Earth Day, middle school students spent three hours cleaning up the town of Dolores, a project organized by middle school science teacher Karen Batson with assistance from the town of Dolores.
Seventh grader Nyah Gorsuch was honored for her essay on the topic “What Americanism means to you,” placing first in the Elks Club writing contest and advancing to nationals.
The middle school also honored students on the Principal’s Honor Roll (all A’s).
In eighth grade, those students were Isaac Marty, Chloe Paine, Hayes Robinson and Sean Tarpey. Seventh graders Brian Boniface, Amelia Daniel, Brantley Frans, Marissa Hill, Cambri Hooper, Zoey Kennedy, Ophelia Pietruszka, Parker Pribble, Vann Robinson, MacKenzie Stowe, Kyndal Winter and Kinlea Wright were named.
Finally, the sixth grade students on the Principal’s Honor Roll are Aspen Brafford, William Chubbuck, Annalise Cunningham, Johanna LaRose, Patricia Nielson, Idris Pietruszka, Finn Tarpey and Daisy Williford.
The success of the school’s music groups was celebrated at the high school. Both the choir and jazz band placed first at a recent competition in Denver. The music program was awarded the Esprit de Corps award, “a reflection of both performance and character under the direction of Bentley Monk,” Matt Walker, Dolores High School Principal said.
The modern band also performed at JAMFEST in Grand Junction.
FFA’s AG mechanics team placed third at state, with individual competitors Branson Lee winning first and Kooper Thomas placing second. Rylan Maloney placed second in food science.
Across the district, students and teachers alike are preparing to end the 2025-26 school year while looking to the new school year ahead. Multiple events and celebrations are also taking place in the Dolores Elementary School and Teddy Bear Preschool.
bduran@the-journal.com
