Honoring 40 Years Of Excellence: Rotary Champions Pikes Peak Celebrates Scholar-Athletes At Annual Awards Banquet -05/08/25
Colorado Springs, CO — The 40th Annual Rotary Champions Pikes Peak Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, May 12, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Ed Robson Arena, honoring the most accomplished high school scholar-athletes in the Pikes Peak Region.
Founded in 1985 by the Garden of the Gods Rotary Club, the Rotary Champions Program was created to spotlight students who lead with integrity and excel in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. In the face of negativity surrounding youth at the time, this program aimed to shift the narrative—and 40 years later, it continues to uplift and reward excellence in our next generation of leaders.
This year’s ceremony will feature special guest Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who will present the prestigious $10,000 scholarships to the overall Male and Female Champions—selected from a field of more than 300 nominees across 44 high schools.
Returning as Masters of Ceremonies are Jessica Mendoza, Sports Director at KKTV, and Jesse Kurtz, Executive Producer of the Mountain West Network—two beloved voices in regional athletics.
What to Expect:
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Presentation of 27 sport-specific Medallion Awards
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Spirit of Champions Award, honoring resilience through adversity
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Ian Weikel Champion of Service Award, recognizing community impact and honoring a local hero
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Two $10,000 Scholarships to the top Male and Female scholar-athletes
Since its founding, the Rotary Champions Program has honored over 11,000 student-athletes and awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships. Former honorees have gone on to serve in the military, education, medicine, engineering, professional sports, and public service.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Ed Robson Arena, Colorado College
Admission: Open to press and public (limited seating – RSVP recommended)
Join us to celebrate the very best of youth leadership, service, and achievement in Southern Colorado.