From Kindergarten To College: A CSS Student’s Journey To $1 Million In Scholarships (Photo) - 01/26/26
Twelfth grader Coltin Bridgmon, a student at The Colorado Springs School since Kindergarten, draws on the lessons and experiences gained at CSS to navigate the college application process—ultimately earning more than $1 million in scholarship offers over four years, a rare and remarkable achievement among high school seniors.
He also credits this journey to support and guidance from Erik Playe, CSS’s Director of College Counseling. “I feel like I can talk forever about Mr. Playe. He’s always been supportive,” Coltin said. “From the moment I joined the Upper School and stepped foot in this building, Mr. Playe introduced himself to me. The second we shook hands, he started inviting me to college recruiter visits. He cares so much for us, and enthusiastic teachers lead to enthusiastic students.”
To date, Coltin has received $1,000,072 in merit scholarship offers from 13 universities nationwide, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida), Colorado School of Mines, Elon University (North Carolina), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York), and Wofford College (South Carolina). He has not yet made a final decision and is awaiting decisions from four additional schools.
While Coltin’s academic accomplishments contributed to his scholarship offers, his success extends well beyond grades. Active in the school community, Coltin has earned numerous honors, including the National Honor Society Character Award, Kodiak Male Athlete of the Year, 200+ Hour Community Service Club recognition, Triple Threat Athlete honors, and the Middle School Director Award. He also serves as president of Forum, the Upper School student government. His application materials were equally strong, with standout recommendations and compelling personal and supplemental essays.
“It is the whole package,” Mr. Playe said. “If there’s anyone who has listened to everything I’ve said, it’s Coltin. He takes my advice and runs with it. This is so much more Coltin's doing than my doing.”
Coltin, who is considering a career in aerospace engineering or teaching, approached the college application process as an opportunity to carefully select his next step, rather than simply a task to complete.
“I’m excited about surrounding myself with like-minded people that have can-do attitudes and are positive and love to bounce ideas off each other,” he said. “College is a place where you get to learn, and for me, it feels like that next step where I can take that big leap.”
That sense of anticipation comes up in conversations at home. Coltin and his family play a card game that poses reflective questions, including one that asks, What is the biggest change you see next year?
“I’m going to get to go off to college and take risks,” Coltin said. “Right now, the best thing I have is the freedom to do that while still having the stability of home. I really lean a lot on my parents—my mom, dad, stepdad, and stepmom—and they trust and believe in me completely. I feel like that sense of security played a big role in earning these scholarships, because we can talk about this stuff and create plans, and I hear so many different points of view.”
For Coltin’s mother, Krista Bridgmon, what stands out most isn’t the number of scholarships he’s earned, but the growth, independence, perseverance, and character he has shown. She said seeing that dedication translate into more than $1 million in offers is both humbling and deeply emotional for their family, as well as a powerful affirmation of her son’s character and work ethic.
"During challenging times, we saw confidence that developed as he realized what he could achieve. Watching him advocate for himself, pursue opportunities with courage, come from a place of yes, and remain grounded in humility has been incredibly powerful," she said. "Each acceptance letter and scholarship award felt like a living room happy dance celebration of his character, but even more meaningful was seeing him express pure joy."
That growth and confidence were reinforced by Mr. Playe's guidance, whose college counseling benefited the whole family. One moment that stood out was during one of Coltin’s junior-year basketball games, when he took time to talk with the family about colleges he thought would be a good fit. For Coltin's mom, it demonstrated how Mr. Playe's support went beyond the application process, offering guidance and encouragement that empowered Coltin to set ambitious goals and believe in his abilities.
“As a parent, his involvement provided a tremendous sense of reassurance and clarity, knowing Coltin had an advocate deeply invested in his success, which made the process far less overwhelming and far more meaningful,” she said. “He offered not only exceptional knowledge and strategic direction, but also genuine care and respect for Coltin as an individual.”
Coltin’s top tip for CSS students preparing for the college application process: “Listen to Mr. Playe.” He also suggests putting yourself out there, whether in applying to colleges or getting involved at school. "Especially at CSS, you have the opportunity to join any club and any sport,” he said. “Be fully immersed.”
Coltin has felt that pull since Kindergarten, when he was encouraged to pursue what interests him and challenged to explore what he wasn’t sure about. “I get to do these things on the daily—like try out intense math,” he said. “CSS has provided me with everything I could have asked for when it comes to academic rigor and experiences outside of the classroom. It has grown me into the person I am.”
That sense of curiosity and willingness to stretch himself carried into the Upper School. During his freshman year, Coltin shared concerns about his math skills with Math Teacher John Paul Takacs, who became his mentor. Since then, Coltin has not only excelled in math but also volunteers to tutor other students and is considered a natural teacher and coach. He’s currently taking two advanced math classes and scored 100 on each final.
"He is, without a question, the top math student in the school," Mr. Takacs said. "He's so gifted in math, and it's not a natural gift. I have students who are naturally gifted and just get it. Coltin works really hard to get it. It's definitely not easy, but he knows how to push through and study. He's just a hard worker."
It’s teachers like Mr. Takacs who have helped Coltin flourish, along with the friends at CSS, some of whom he’s known since Kindergarten. "The people that I've gotten to share 13 years with are my friends. We've always been together and encouraged one another," he said, adding he wishes his graduating class could have annual reunions. "The people have shaped me."
Those connections extend beyond the classroom. Senior Hudson Shepherd joined CSS in 2nd grade and quickly bonded with Coltin over an unexpected shared interest: mustard. The two have since become close friends and teammates, most recently racing together on the mountain biking team.
Coltin and Hudson have deepened their friendship through shared adventures in the same Experience-Centered Seminars, CSS’s signature program that immerses Upper School students for three weeks each March in a local, regional, national, or international topic of study. As sophomores, they joined The Great Iron Pour, exploring molten metal to create art. As juniors, they sailed a 137-foot, two-masted schooner in the U.S. Virgin Islands during Tall Ships. This March, they will embark on Patagonia: Past, Present, and Future, reflecting on environmental challenges and conservation efforts in the region.
Over the years, Coltin has motivated Hudson with simple but steady encouragement: You’ll get it next time, Good try, and Don’t give up. “He’s consistently happy and upbeat the way Coltin is,” Hudson said. “He’s always helping out others and never bringing anyone down.”
As Coltin prepares for college, his mother reflects on how far he has come, from the child who arrived at CSS in Kindergarten to the confident young adult he is today. She points to the educators who guided him along the way.
"Coltin’s 13-year journey at The Colorado Springs School has been shaped by extraordinary educators who saw his potential and challenged him to grow, both academically and personally," Mrs. Bridgmon said. "We are profoundly grateful to CSS for fostering a community that not only educates but truly invests in the whole student and for providing Coltin with a strong foundation for this exciting next chapter."
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