By Lindsey Prahl

The Woodland Park School District Board of Education, during its regular meeting on April 8, introduced the “On Wings of Eagles” Community Recognition Program, a formal initiative honoring community members and organizations that go above and beyond to inspire and uplift students in their pursuit of academic excellence, personal responsibility, and civic duty.

Board President Keegan Barkley presented Kimberly Founds, director of the House of David Music Center in Woodland Park, with the program’s inaugural award at the meeting.

Founds and her team at the House of David Music Center trained 47 students from Summit, Columbine and Ute Pass elementary schools, Colorado Springs Christian School in Woodland Park, and Merit Academy in instrumental performance for a Showcase Fundraiser music recital. Following the recital, each school’s music program received a $100 check. Energized by the showcase, students are now preparing a second fundraiser, with all proceeds designated for scholarships supporting 61 future House of David students.

“Mrs. Founds embodies everything this award represents. She saw potential in our students, invested her time and talent, and created something truly special that will ripple through our schools for years to come,” said Barkley.

Founds received a formal citation documenting her distinguished service and an eagle sculpture, The sculpture embodies courage, vision, strength, and the ability to soar to great heights; representing insight, clarity, wisdom, leadership and renewal.

“When we all take part, our students are inspired and begin to see that they can do great things — even something as simple as playing a little piano piece. We’re looking forward to our next event on May 30, where more students will have the opportunity to share and be inspired. Thank you so much for seeing us,” said Founds.

Community members and organizations are eligible for nomination through the WPSD Board of Education webpage at https://tinyurl.com/wpsdboe. To be considered, nominees must demonstrate a commitment to inspiring and uplifting students across multiple campuses in their pursuit of academic excellence, personal responsibility, and civic duty.