Giving Impact

Your support creates a close-knit community where students build meaningful relationships and discover their full potential.

A true outdoorswoman, it’s not surprising Hazel Lazar crushed it as a member of the mountain biking, climbing and ski teams and has become an accomplished backcountry skier during her time at CRMS. But she is also a hardworking, dedicated student who has thrived academically, and is a stunning example of the well-roundedness that exemplifies CRMS. “Hazel is a passionate biker, climber, skier, back country skier, and more,” says her advisor, Beth Krasemann. “She is also a kind member of our advisory who works really hard, both in and outside the classroom and always has her eye out for others. She is a rockstar citizen of CRMS.”

A day student from Carbondale, Hazel chose CRMS for its unique learning environment and small class sizes. “I have the opportunity to build strong connections with our teachers and peers, extending beyond the classroom through activities like trips and sports,” she says. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that is so supportive and connected.” 

Hazel loves being able to form meaningful connections with teachers, coaches and students across all grades “I’ve learned the value of strong, supportive relationships that have helped me grow both as a student and as an individual,” she says. “You’re not just a face in the crowd, but part of a close-knit community where relationships with peers and teachers extend beyond the classroom,” she says. “Whether it’s through school trips, sports, or other activities, it’s a place where you feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow, both academically and personally. CRMS is a place that fosters learning and growth both in the classroom and in the real world.”

Your support encourages students to reach new heights.

Sasha could have taken his love of learning to any boarding school in the world. He chose Colorado Rocky Mountain School because its values align with his: love of learning, optimism, and being outdoors-focused. “CRMS offers a lot of amazing opportunities that other schools don’t have,” explains Sasha. “The small class sizes and close relationships with teachers also appealed to me.” 

At CRMS, faculty members Dan Pittz and Matt Bowers have motivated Sasha even more both in and out of the classroom. “Dan is super funny and really good at Spanish. He has inspired me to take my Spanish learning to the next level.” Sasha also cites Dan’s extensive travels throughout the Spanish-speaking world as bringing a richness to the classroom. 

Fully immersed in boarding student life, Sasha also connected with faculty member Matt Bowers. “Matt was my biology teacher, dorm parent, and mountain bike coach last year. He has inspired me in lots of ways that someone who was only my classroom teacher couldn’t.” 

Sasha has always been curious about the world and how it works. Since elementary school, he’s tried his hardest and challenged himself. This summer he read Annihilation in English, Harry Potter in French, and some of Mujer de Luz in Spanish. “I love learning and love telling people about my experiences and helping them through what I know.” His teachers agree, saying that Sasha is always “completely psyched” for whatever intellectual pursuit is in front of him. Dan Pittz even called Sasha “an academic beast.”

With your support, faculty have the tools they need to ignite students' passions - whether academic, artistic, athletic, or personal.

You're making it possible for students to turn their passions into transformative experiences.

CRMS offers Alonso something rare: the perfect balance between world-class mountain biking and rigorous academics. What he's discovered here goes far beyond what he expected.

"The freedom you have, and how I've learned how to have freedom and do your responsibilities," Alonso explains. "Since freshman year, I think I've learned a lot about how to keep the balance." That freedom includes something as simple yet meaningful as walking into Carbondale on weekends—a level of safety and independence he rarely had back home in Mexico.

Josh Weinstein, who works with Alonso in the dorms, on Bike Team, and teaches him Algebra II, says Alonso “recognizes the value of hard work and kindness. He finds joy every day in his biking adventures and loves to share these experiences with others."

The integration of his passions has been transformative. "In Mexico, in my old school, you only knew your teachers in the classroom. You never spent time with them outside of class." he reflects. "I would never imagine biking with one of my teachers in Mexico. Now I mountain bike with my algebra teacher Josh every day."

Advisor Veronica Wolff has watched him grow from "an energetic freshman" into "a leader in the dorm, on the bike team, and in the community more broadly," adding, "To me, he represents the best of what CRMS can do for a student!"

Your support creates opportunities for caring faculty to help students find their passions and potential.

When Ava '27 received the Braj from faculty member Billy Gavette this fall, it marked more than just recognition for her dedication as ranch crew foreman. For Ava, it represents her connection to the very heart of CRMS.

"I'm trying to get CRMS back towards a ranch," Ava says. "I want people to remember that we started as a ranch. It's vital to remember that and keep John Holden's vision alive."

Ranch work has become her passion, from fencing projects to working irrigation systems. But it's the culture that truly captivated her: "It's really just a family. They're so welcoming and ranching is kind of a dying breed." This sense of family extends throughout her CRMS experience including dorm life. Speaking of her dormmates as part of her family, "I've never had a sister, but now I have 16 of them!" 

Under Billy's mentorship, Ava has also discovered emergency services, earning her nickname "Smoky" through fire department work. "I want to serve the public in that aspect. You make a mark through your work," she explains, planning to pursue her EMT certification after graduation.

"I want to build a name for myself here and leave a legacy," she reflects. After a transformative year and a half at CRMS, Ava knows she's found her place: "The school has given me everything I could have dreamed of and more."

Donor support creates an authentic community where students discover their true potential through challenge and adventure.

“At CRMS, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not to fit in. Being surrounded by a community that values authenticity has helped me feel more confident and open, and it’s led me into experiences I never imagined, climbing, kayaking, backpacking, and leading others through the outdoors. I’ve realized that I’m stronger, more capable, and more drawn to challenge than I ever knew. This has changed how I see my future, not as a fixed path, but as something I can shape around adventure, growth, and staying true to who I am.”

Your generosity enables caring faculty to provide the personalized support that transforms students' lives.

“CRMS staff show a different kind of compassion towards students, helping them in class, during trips, and in everyday life. Their support and kindness lead students to become their best selves, in and out of the classroom.”

Your investment builds lifelong friendships and transformative experiences that shape who students become.

“CRMS is such a special place. The friends I have met will last a lifetime and the impact the school has had on me is infinite. Through the climbing program I've learned problem solving and perseverance, as well as the importance of trust. Through skiing I've learned that stress is impermanent and to find joy in the little things. The teachers here offer me guidance and have become people I can really talk to and go to for advice. Your donation means the world to me because it makes these experiences and relationships I have here at CRMS even more special. Thank you.”

Donor contributions to professional development help faculty bring fresh inspiration and enhanced teaching to CRMS students.

Lifelong enthusiasm for learning and intellectual growth are essential to the CRMS experience, for both students and teachers. Since 2019, Eliot has taught American Literature and AP English at CRMS, but over the summers he fans his love of literature into flame through a Master’s program at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English. Donors to the Annual Fund help make Eliot’s experience and other professional development opportunities possible.

During a recent summer Eliot studied American naturalist, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. “My professor was the toughest yet,” he says, “but she gave me lots of positive feedback and was so kind in the process.” Eliot wants to carry that challenging kindness to his students. “I’ve been doing a lot of reading and writing and love being a student. I’ll use my experience as a student to enhance my teaching this year in some great ways.”

Eliot’s love of learning stems from his parents, both high school teachers, and his travels. He recently spent three weeks in Belize interacting with four distinct cultures. “Next summer I will take classes at Bread Loaf’s Monterrey, California campus. In my final year, I will finish at their Oxford campus. Thanks to CRMS donors, I can apply my experiences as a student to enhance students' learning at CRMS.”