Scholarship Recipients
This page acknowledges the children who have received a scholarship from our organization.
Our 2023- 2024 Scholarship Winners - Click on each image to learn more.
In honor of our 10th anniversary we are awarding one scholarship a month for the next YEAR!
Mateo - iPad and 1 year Learning Ally November 2023
Mateo is a 10 year old boy who loves soccer. Born in Mexico and moved up to the United States after the earthquake in Mexico City in 2017. Mateo is fluent in Spanish and English. He has a very bright and bubbly personality. He has wild and crazy curly hair and a beautiful smile. Mateo loves to do things outside and spend time with hid big family.
Noah - Tutoring Scholarship December 2023 and May 2024 Assistive Technology
Noah is an amazing kid! He has the biggest heart and is always the one to seek out playing with the little ones. He loves his brother unconditionally and they can always be found together. Noah loves everything the outdoors and everything it has to offer, including fishing, camping, riding, and skiing. He has a very mechanical mind and loves to build Legos and work on his RC truck. We have enjoyed watching him improve his confidence with reading and spelling. Although he has a long road ahead of him, we appreciate the resources and guidance that the foundation has provided to us. Noah is an amazing kid and we cannot wait to see what his future holds.
"The choices we make today create the future we are dreaming of" ~Kapil Teterawal
Evelyn - Tutoring Scholarship Dec 2023 and May 2024
Evelyn is a kind and compassionate kid who cares for others and finds joy in the little
things. She has a striking sense of humor that keeps those around her on their toes. Evelyn
has a big heart to serve others. She shows compassion to individuals with special needs
and often spends her recesses at school playing with them, so they have a friend. When
she grows up, she desires to be a teacher. She works extremely hard although her Dyslexia
makes things more challenging. She is driven to be successful and puts in additional
efforts to grow as a learner. She has a heart of gold and her personality lights up a room.
She is a special kid to many.
Milo - Tutoring Scholarship December 2023
Milo is an 8-year-old boy with the challenges and special skills of dyslexia. School has been difficult so far, but he is now enjoying learning at Peak Academy in Montrose. Science is his favorite subject, especially when learning about nature and space. He enjoys building with Legos, magnet tiles and plus plus toys! He also enjoys being out in nature. He loves camping, hiking, rock climbing and riding his bike with his family and friends. Milo is the oldest child in his family, with one sister and one brother, and is learning about the responsibilities that come with being the oldest and leading the way.
Jan 2024 - No Applicants
See our February Winners!
Kylee - Assistive Technology Scholarship February 2023
“Grit is not just a simple elbow-grease term for rugged persistence. It is an often invisible display of endurance that lets you stay in an uncomfortable place, work hard to improve upon a given interest and do it again and again.” This quote by Sarah Lewis just about sums up Kylee. From the moment she was born she had grit which was shown by her ability to walk at 9 months old. She was so petite everyone was astonished to see this little human wobbling around. At 2 months old Kylee was diagnosed with hypoxia and put on oxygen all day and night and finally at 8 months only needed it at night. At 10 months she was off for good at least we thought. When Kylee was 20 months old she climbed to the top of her Little Tykes Play set under the great care of her Aunt and dove of the top and got a concussion but the worst happened 2 weeks later. Kylee was mauled by our family dog. She had to be air lifted to children’s hospital. We all stayed with her every moment and the nurses could not believe that Kylee was so concerned with her potty training while dealing with such a trauma. They were also surprised that she didn’t need nearly as much pain medication as they thought she did… once again a testament to her GRIT!
When Kylee was about 9 I had a strange intuitive insight that she may still be low on oxygen and after doing a sleep study we discovered that she indeed was still desaturating at night while sleeping. Being on oxygen at night felt embarrassing to Kylee when she had friends sleep over. Kylee felt the discomfort and forged forward doing what had to be done even if it was uncomfortable. In third grade the teachers and I noticed that Kylee had some challenges with reading, fluency, spelling and writing. I just hoped that in her own time she would blossom. Two years later Kylee went through rigorous testing at children’s hospital and through the school system to discover that Kylee had dyslexia. She couldn’t stand all the special attention on her. She just wanted to feel like a “normal” kid but yet once again Kylee had grit! She dealt with tutors, computer programs and being pulled out for Orton Gilliangham. During this time Kylee was on the cross country team and pushed so hard to win almost every race! Kylee has a fighting spirit and the tenacity to get through what ever life throws at her even when it is uncomfortable. She is always wanting to improve and do better and has the confidence to keep soaring. Today Kylee can be found dancing in the living room to her favorite songs, suspended in air on an aerial silk or twirling around in a Lyra. Her Grit is what makes her succeed and no matter what she always finds a way to shine.
By Jamie DeLuccio (Kylee’s Mom)
Ascher - Assistive Technology Scholarship February 2023
Ascher is a 7-year-old boy who has a huge heart and is always looking out for others. He has a unique
ability to respond with empathy and compassion when someone is upset or struggling. Ascher has a love for mathematics and has been adding numbers in his head for several years. He has an endless amount
of energy and loves to move his body. When he grows up, he wants to be a farmer, as he loves the
outdoors. Ascher has ADHD and dyslexia, which makes school and reading challenging. He has a lot of support at school and his school referred him to the Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado, which has been a blessing to Ascher. In his free time, he enjoys playing Legos, video games, basketball, and fishing.
Tomas - Assistive Technology Scholarship February 2023
Tomas is kind, caring, and curious. Tomas often asks questions to learn about the world around him. He loves to build with Lego, and his attention to detail always amazes his family. He has competed in Lego League for the past 2 years with his school. He is also quite the budding artist and enjoys drawing characters in pop culture and of his own imagination. Since finding out that he has dyslexia, Tomas now understands how having an unique brain has helped him unlock so many of his interests.
July 2024 - No Applicants; a portion of the fund went to help another non-profit that organization that supports individuals with disabilities.
Describe your image here.
Amelia Tutoring Scholarship - March 2023
This is Amelia! Her favorite thing is being with family! Amelia’s favorite color is pink and her favorite snack is apples. In her free time she loves to craft and watch DIY videos. Amelia became a big sister last year and has been so wonderful to her new baby brother as well as to her tired parents! She helps and plays and teaches and loves with all her heart. She is definitely the Kind Kid, with her classmates, her family, and to total strangers. Amelia has a pure heart and brings out the best in all of us. Her dyslexia is a struggle like those everyone faces and she knows that and works to make it better every single day. Amelia has private tutoring after school two days a week and even though we know she is tired she keeps going with a smile on her face and drive in every step.
Wyatt - Tutoring Scholarship March 2024 and September 2024
Wyatt is an 8-year-old boy who lives at home with his mom, dad, little brother and two furry sisters. He is
incredibly creative and expresses his creativity through drawing and Legos. He is gifted in math and
always picks up new concepts very easily. He loves animals and can rattle off all sorts of fun facts about
them. When his mind is set on something he becomes quite the negotiator and salesman. He enjoys
hiking, swimming, and golfing. Wyatt also has dyslexia, and has to work a little harder at reading, writing
and spelling than most. We began tutoring at the start of the school year, and we have seen a lot of
growth this year. We know with a little extra effort, and hard work, Wyatt will accomplish great things.
Zach - Tutoring Scholarship March 2024
My name is Zachariah but I go by "Zach". I am 15 years old. I was born in Australia and am part Australian, even though I don't have an accent. I've lived in four states now, including Colorado. I love to play video games, watch anime, and hang out with friends and family. I like to make people laugh and show I care about them.
April 2024 Winner | Julie | Post-Secondary Education Costs
I have been battling dyslexia and ADHD for the entirety of my 56 years on this planet. I often reflect that if it weren't for challenges like dyslexia, my life might not have been as interesting. The necessity to continually reinvent myself has led me down numerous paths and introduced me to a diverse array of people.
After graduating from Guilford College with a degree in art, I relocated to New York City. In NY, I pursued a career as an artist in both fashion and theater. Skiing introduced me to Colorado as a child. I knew at age 14 I would have a life in Colorado. In 1996, my husband and I moved from New York to the Roaring Fork Valley in Western Colorado. Since settling in the Valley, I have engaged in various pursuits, including teaching skiing, horseback riding, art, and theater classes. Additionally, I have operated a preschool and organized several summer camps. Most recently, I've been teaching children struggling with reading while also venturing into the Ranch Real Estate Business. Throughout my career, I have had employers such as the Aspen Ski Company, Ross Montessori School, and SkyWest Airlines. However, due to my dyslexia, employers don't understand me. So, I often find myself creating avenues to make a living.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am proud to have raised three successful children. Ruby, aged 27, is an engineer; Joey, aged 25, resides in New York City, where he works in an event marketing firm; and Colton (Colt), aged 16, currently attends Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale. Raising children in the mountains has brought me immense joy. Sharing my passion for the outdoors with them during their formative years and witnessing their continued embrace of nature as adults fills me with pride as a parent.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Dyslexia Foundation of the Western Slope. Thanks to your scholarship, I can enroll in a Graphics 101 class. This opportunity will enhance my marketing and advertising skills, benefiting my reading business and real estate ventures.
Summer 2024 Therapy Support | Collaboration with Sensory Therapeutic Center | Emiline
Emiline is one of four children. She has always been the cheerful clown of the family and is either very loud or very quiet, there is no in-the-middle for her. She lives on a little farm and has cared for cows, sheep chickens, a horse, cats, bunnies, and currently her pet fish, Fuego, and turtle, Shelbert. She is open to learning new things and prefers dancing. When Emiline grows up she would like to operate her own bakery.
Naya - Assistive Technology Winner May 2024
Naya is a caring, intelligent and art loving 9 year old. Her love for Ballet and animals
shape her desires for the future. When she grows up she wants to be a vet, ballerina and a teacher.
Duke - August 2024 - Assistive Technology Scholarship
Duke is a very outgoing 10-year-old. He is in 5 th Grade at Messiah Lutheran School.
Duke is involved in Cub Scouts Troop 345 and will be crossing over to Boy Scouts in the
Spring. Duke has discovered that he loves reading graphic novels. Dog Man is one of
his favorites.
Duke loves to camp and spends most of this time playing in the water while camping.
Duke is a good friend and doesn’t want anyone to feel left out. Duke enjoys traveling.
After we took a family vacation this summer to Rapid City, SD, Duke has decided that
he is going to move there after high school to work at the Reptile Gardens while
attending college to become an engineer.
Lucas - August 2024 - Assistive Technology
Lucas is eight years old, and he is an amazing kid! His favorite thing to do is to make people laugh. He enjoys playing soccer, building with Legos and crafting. Lucas also loves being outside and visiting his grandparents’ chickens! I have no doubt in my mind that Lucas will do great things in life despite the academic hardships that he faces. He is a special little soul and an exceptional little boy.
September 2024 - Katy
Tutoring Scholarship
Kathleen (Katy) is 10 years old and recently moved to Grand Junction with her mom, dad and brother. Katy is
very creative and loves to draw, color and create crafts. Katy loves dancing, swimming, jumping on the
trampoline and playing outside. Katy loves to play with her friends, go shopping with her mom and enjoys
working with her dad. Katy works hard to learn and is always kind and caring to everyone around her.
Katy struggled with dyslexia for years at her prior school, which is part of the reason the family moved to
Grand Junction. Katy has done very well in her new school and has recently started tutoring. Katy loves going
to school and tutoring and is doing excellent. Katy has always loved to learn and read is improving day by day
with the assets she now has available to her.
September 2024 - Cody - Tutoring Scholarship
Cody was born in 2012 in Gilbert, Arizona. In 2013, he moved with his parents to Colorado to be closer to his family. For a couple of years, he explored Silt and played wonderful music with his grandma. He also got to hang out with his Nana in Glenwood. He then moved to Rifle, CO where he got to play with friends and cousins. He attended Dos Rios from 2nd to 5th grade and is now in middle school.
September 2024 - Isabella
Tutoring Scholarship
Isabella is a 5th Grade student at Caprock Academy. She enjoys many extracurricular activities including 4-H and sports. She raised and sold her first 4-H Market Beef at the July 2024 Mesa County Fair. She also qualified for the Colorado State Fair in Archery. She loves the outdoors and learning new things.
September 2024 - Teia - Tutoring/Curriculum Support
Teia is a talented, curious, great problem solver, and creative 15-year-old artist from a bilingual family. Her
mother is American, and her father is Romanian. Despite having dyslexia, she enjoys reading and is
passionate about learning new things every day. She can often be found drawing, doing something
creative, listening to music, singing, or playing her piano. In the winter, she loves to ski, and in the summer
enjoys, hiking, paddleboarding, or playing soccer. She is crazy about her new English Shepard puppy,
Gideon. She sees dyslexia as a gift, a superpower, to help her see the world through a more creative,
dynamic lens and help her connect to other people.
Our 2022 Scholarship Recipients
Highest Amount Given Per Child Per Date!
Xander - age 7
Xander is a creative 7 year-old-boy who loves all things scary. Maybe it’s because he was an October baby, but he would just as soon play with a toy skeleton as a teddy bear. He loves to build and create: he builds wonderfully imaginative scenes with Legos and in Minecraft, and makes up the unique stories that take place within them. Xander adores his brothers – one older, one younger – and likes nothing better than playing make-believe all together.
Archer - age 9 Archer is a bright, imaginative and energetic 9 year old. He loves school and learning, some of his favorite subjects are history, math and learning about other countries. Archer enjoys soccer, hiking, camping, riding bikes, swimming, card games, board games and playing with his friends.This creative young man loves drawing and writes imaginative stories about the characters he has created. He is a webelo in Cub Scouts and loves exploring the grand valley with his troop. Archer loves working with tools and dreams of being a carpenter and having his own business.
Kolby - Age 13
Hi my name Kolby. I am 12 years old, soon to be 13 in two days. I live in Craig. I have 4 sisters. I like to
snowmobile, ride dirt bikes, go camping, play hockey, ice skate and play basketball.
I have been tutoring for almost a year and a half. Sometimes it is hard to tutor, but it has really helped
me with school. I care a lot about my grades, and I work really hard in school to keep my grades up. I am
thankful that I started tutoring and making improvements with my reading and confidence.
Samuel - Age 8
Hello, I am Samuel Kemp. I was born July 11th, 2014, in Wilmington, North Carolina. I am 8 years old and live in Montrose Colorado with my mom and dad and two little sisters. I am in the second grade at a small school in town. I have also been working hard with my tutor to better learn to read and write, I have made some great progress this year!
I enjoy a wide range of activities, but my favorite by far is to be a part of what my dad and grandpa are building! In the summers I work with them whenever I am able and they are teaching me to be a hard worker and a creative builder. This summer I was able to learn to operate a backhoe!
I also enjoy playing with my friends and being an active participant with my local Trail Life USA troop.
Thank you for your support of me in my educational journey. I will continue to learn and thrive and work hard!
Our 2021 Scholarship Winners!!
Our Board is excited to announce we have selected 8 scholarship winners for the 2021 Winter Season!
Bella
Isabella is a senior at Mesa Valley Community School and is the second oldest of seven children. She loves to bake, paint, and spend time with her family in her free time. Next year she is looking to go to school for Nursing or Occupational Therapy, and can’t wait to see where life takes her.
Natalee
Natalee is nine years old and in the 3 rd grade at She is currently taking
advantage of Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado’s recommendation of tutoring and has already seen results from her time in tutoring.
In 2020, Natalee was identified as having Dyslexia and Irlen’s Syndrome. Previously to being identified, Natalee
was falling behind in schoolwork and having trouble learning to read. While she was participating in school
programs such as Lexia, she continued to struggle. Things turned around after she was identified and we began
meeting with Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado and taking advantage of the resources and advice that they have shared with us.
Duke
Duke is an energetic 7 year old who likes being outside!
Jessie
Jessie is a 7 year old who loves animals!
Trenton
Trenton is a lively 10-year-old boy. He loves animals and helping with building projects. Trenton is a hard worker. He enjoys cooking, drawing, and is very talented on his bicycle. He enjoys practicing his tricks. Trenton has a difficult time with learning and school is very hard for him. He does keep preserving and his hard work is paying off. He is enjoying his tutoring and learning so much!
Gavin
Gavin is an energetic 12-year-old young man. He loves anything mechanical! He enjoys building things especially ones with working parts. Gavin is also gifted with music, he plays the piano and the guitar. He enjoys being outdoors and riding his bike. Gavin struggles with reading and spelling. He has worked hard in tutoring over the last year and is actually starting to enjoy learning! We are so grateful for all the resources and the wonderful people who are so dedicated to helping people like Gavin.
Adylen
Adelyn is 15 years old and just got her driver’s permit. She is the oldest of 6 children and is an amazing big
sister and loves babysitting. She has a passion for reading, painting and music. She also is a natural
entrepreneur often raising enough money to send herself and her siblings to camp as well as providing
additional scholarships for other children.
Timothy
Timothy is a 9-year-old boy that loves swimming, building, basketball, and having fun with friends. He loves
to build with his Legos, hang out with his siblings, and enjoys playing nerf wars with his friends. He is kind
and loving. He has a gentle spirit and loves exploring the outdoors.
2020 was a wild, crazy year for all. While we couldn't give away as much as we could in prior years but we did give away 4 iPads to these lucky kiddos!
From L to R:
- My name is Aubrey and I am 7. I like reading and my monster game. An iPad would help me read.
-Hi, my name is Tyler and I [am] 10 years old. I would love an iPad to help my reading get better by using Dolphin Easy reader app. An iPad can be used to improve my reading too! Thank you. Ty
-My name is Natalie. I am a 2nd grader doing remote learning. An IPad would help me be able to have an easier time doing my Lexia, Dreambox and Prodigy which helps me with my reading and math skills!
-My name is Jacob and I'm a 9th grader doing remote learning. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade and have worked hard to try to keep up with reading. Remote learning is definitely a challenge for me and an IPad would help me with more access to the reading programs I use for school work. It would also be be useful to download books to read.
One of our 2019 scholarship recipient is Joshua M., as described by his Family:
Joshua is a 13-year-old who loves to play with Legos and Nerf guns. He is very energetic and willing to play most outdoor activities. He is always ready to play a good game of racquetball.
Joshua is a loving little boy who tries very hard with his school work but with his learning disabilities, it is a big struggle. He started West Middle School this year and has adjusted well. He is now realizing his hard work is paying off with the help of lots of tutoring. We are so grateful to have found the necessary help to make him a successful adult. DFWC's scholarship is a real blessing for our family and Joshua.
Chance L., as described by his mother, Ila:
Chance Lynn is an active, adventurous 7 year old little man. He loves the outdoors and the ranching/cowboy way of life. He is a self-proclaimed cowboy. He loves to take care of his animals, ride horses and round up or herd cows. Chance loves his siblings and is always willing to help.
Chance is in the 2nd grade and is loving his new school at Tope with new teachers and friends. He seems very active and motivated to succeed. Chance is not afraid of hard work and with the support of DFWC team members, Chance will get the tools and support needed to succeed in life.
Tripp R., as described by his mother, Savannah:
Tripp is a 7 year old Colorado native who loves anything outdoors. Tripp is passionate about fishing, semi trucks, and his family. He attends first grade at Messiah Lutheran School here in Grand Junction and has attended for 3 years starting with preschool. Tripp is a team player in anything he does and aims to please. He loves his friends he has made at school and his favorite subject is P.E. Tripp is very eager to learn and is excited for all the tools he will have with the help of his teachers and the staff at Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado.
Rachel P., as described by her parents, Robert and Theresa:
Rachel was a beautiful baby and brought us nothing but complete joy. Rachel is growing into a very loving, kind, hardworking, respectful, and enthusiastic young woman. She has a zest for life that is contagious. She has participated in the Girls on the Run program and has gained a great sense of empowerment and value of self. This summer she plans on taking a CPR certification course so that she can start her own babysitting business. Rachel also takes care of our 3 dogs and a slew of fish (one that is currently expecting). Rachel has made tremendous strides while dealing with her learning disability. She has done this with a support system at home and at East Middle School that cheer her on at every barrier she pushes through. Her older brother is her biggest fan and helps her as well.
Axton S. as written by his mother, Kate:
Axton is 8 years old and attends Juniper Ridge Community School. He enjoys just about every activity and is a friend to all. Some of his favorite things to do include: riding his bike, playing with Legos, fishing, teasing his sister, and playing Mindcraft.
For the 2nd half of Cal D.'s award his parents, Marlena and Joe, said:
Cal is very athletic. He skis, rock climbs, plays soccer, hikes and participates in Track. He loves Legos, puzzles, card tricks, and Minecraft. Cal is a compassionate caring boy. He loves his pets and his sister. He is a good, loyal friend. He strives to do what is "right". Cal works hard and does what is asked of him. Cal rarely complains. We are honored to be Cal's Mom and Dad.
Cal D. as written by his father, Joe D.:
Cal Diedrich loves life! He is a compassionate, caring boy. Cal is up at 6am excited for the day and goes until 8pm then is out like a light. Cal is an individual that will stick up for anyone that is being wronged. Cal loves Legos, hot wheels, puzzles (Rubik's cube), board games, his pets, his skateboard and the outdoors including camping, hiking, swimming, running and soccer. Cal will brighten any room with his positive uplighting personality.
Makayla P., as written by her mother, Glacia P.:
Makayla is a 12 year old with the biggest heart! She is has a great sense of humor and loves helping others. She enjoys fishing, volleyball and color guard. Makayla is one of the most courageous people I know. No matter how hard a situation gets she always keeps pushing through!
Maddie W., as written by her mother, Audra W.:
Maddie is an eight year old girl, with imaginative and inventive gifts in abundance. She is playful and dramatic in her social interactions, which enables her to make friends wherever she goes. She has a very compassionate and giving heart and would do just about anything for someone in need. Maddie has been struggling with reading and writing for several years, but that hasn’t stopped her from writing her own song lyrics, personal greeting cards to friends and family, and/or anything else that she can personally create. Her hard work and persistence are finally paying off with the amazing help from her tutor.
Jeremy D., as written by his mother, Krystle D.:
Jeremy is an energetic 8 year old boy with great determination. The way Jeremy has faced is hardships with reading and childhood apraxia of speech with such a great attitude of positivity and hard work has been an inspiration to not only our family but our close friends as well. Being the oldest of his 2 siblings he takes joy in teaching his 6 year old brother and 4 year old sister new thing that he has learned. Jeremy's gentle loving nature makes him a joy to be around. He loves fishing, dirt bikes, camping and almost any thing out doors. Jeremy truly is a blessing to his family!
Aiden S., as written by his mother, Shannon S.:
Aiden Shannon is a 10 year old boy with a heart of gold. Despite premature birth, hearing impairment and other challenges, he continues to prove himself as an intelligent, charismatic, fun loving young man. He has not met one person who has not been charmed by his wonderful personality. His greatest passions include reading, video games and sharing new information he has learned. He is a full time student as well as a household comedian for his mother, father and younger year old sister.
