The Denver Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of the Achieve Gala 2026 awards. Taking place on April 16, the gala will bring together more than 1,000 community leaders, educators, and supporters to showcase student talents and hear inspiring stories of what possibility can bring for Denver Public Schools students. That night, we’ll also celebrate the individuals and organizations whose dedication ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive.
This year’s event is particularly significant as it introduces the first-ever Achieve Award and DPS Alumni Award honorees, expanding the Denver Public Schools Foundation’s tradition of recognizing the vast community of support that surrounds student success.
“Our 2026 gala honorees embody the true spirit of collaboration and visionary partnership,” said Sara Hazel, President and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation. “From innovative system-building to quiet, selfless acts of service in our schools, these recipients are reshaping what is possible for our students, educators, and families. We are deeply honored to highlight their profound impact at this year’s inspiring gala.”
Achieve Gala 2026 Award Recipients:
- Achieve Award: Denver Broncos Foundation – The Denver Broncos Foundation is being recognized for its extensive district-wide support, including hosting the 8th Grade Career Fair at Empower Field at Mile High, which connects thousands of students to future career pathways. Their commitment further extends with critical grant support, programming, events, and in-kind donations supporting more than 35 individual schools across Denver Public Schools during the 2025–26 school year.
- Community Partner Award: Gary Community Ventures – Gary Community Ventures will be honored for its role in co-designing and co-funding My Spark Denver. This groundbreaking initiative provides $1,000 restricted debit cards to eligible Denver Public Schools middle school students for afterschool and summer programs, significantly increasing student well-being and confidence. In 2025, Gary Community Ventures transitioned the program to the Denver Public Schools Foundation, ensuring a sustainable legacy of opportunity for families.
- DPS Alumni Award: Victoria Scott-Haynes – A graduate of Denver East High School, Victoria Scott-Haynes is a longtime community leader and political strategist. Throughout her career—which includes pivotal roles in local, state, and national campaigns—Victoria has remained a steadfast advocate for education. Her recent retirement from Denver Families marks the latest chapter in a lifetime dedicated to raising awareness for public education and nonprofits that serve our diverse communities.
- DPS Educator Award: Dre Calloway, John F. Kennedy High School – A 2008 alum of Abraham Lincoln High School and a longtime Denver Public Schools educator, Dre Calloway serves as the Family & Community Engagement Liaison at John F. Kennedy High School. Dre is being recognized for his extraordinary “above and beyond” service, including securing bi-weekly food pantry replenishments on his own time and personally cooking meals for families living in shelters.
The Achieve Gala is the Denver Public Schools Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, bringing the community together to invest in crucial resources that have the greatest impact on student success. For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit dpsfoundation.org/achieve.
About Denver Public Schools Foundation:
Committed to realizing every student’s potential, Denver Public Schools Foundation removes barriers, provides support, and unlocks opportunities in the classroom and beyond. DPS Foundation helps ensure that investments in our public schools are directed in the most effective, impactful and lasting way. Denver Public Schools Foundation believes when all students have the opportunity to develop their talents and become engaged and contributing members of our community, our society thrives. Learn more at dpsfoundation.org.
