SSHS Students Zoe Anfang and Shea Speer Selected as Boettcher Scholarship Semifinalists

Two Steamboat Springs High School students have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship, one of Colorado’s most competitive and respected scholarship programs. Zoe Anfang, a current SSHS senior, and Shea Speer, a recent SSHS graduate, were both recognized for their exceptional academic achievement, leadership, service, and character.

The Boettcher Foundation is a Colorado-based family foundation with a long-standing commitment to recognizing outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service. Since the scholarship program began in 1952, the foundation has invested more than $110 million in undergraduate scholarships for Colorado students.

“Zoe and Shea exemplify the very best of Steamboat Springs High School,” said Jay Hamric, principal of Steamboat Springs High School. “They are intellectually curious, deeply engaged in their communities, and driven by a desire to use their learning to make a positive difference in the world.”

The Boettcher Scholarship supports high-achieving Colorado students at partner colleges and universities across the state. Scholars receive $20,000 per year for up to four years, along with additional institutional support from partner institutions to help cover the cost of attendance. The Boettcher Scholars Program is highly selective, with students chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and character.

Zoe Anfang is known at Steamboat Springs High School for her extraordinary level of involvement and leadership. She serves as National Honor Society President and Class Secretary and is a member of Sailor Senate, Hope Squad, Spirit Club, Mock Trial, Eco Club, Baking Club, and Advocates of Routt County. She is also a Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation Community Advisory member and intern and is currently spearheading a Peer Mentor program at SSHS in partnership with Partners for Youth.

In addition to her leadership roles, Zoe is a standout athlete and student leader. She is the captain of the swim team, a lifeguard and swim instructor, and participates in cross-country and track and field. She holds numerous certifications, including BACE (Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam), emergency oxygen, CPR, Stop the Bleed, Water Safety Instructor, and Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention training.

Zoe is deeply committed to academics and is currently enrolled in a Biotechnology Capstone course, where she is completing a college-level research project. She plans to pursue a double major in Biotechnology and Law, combining her passion for science with a desire to advocate for others.

“Zoe exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding student and an even better human being,” said Anna Allsberry, Zoe’s school counselor. “Her thoughtfulness, leadership, and commitment to others make her a true joy to work with and a very deserving Boettcher Semifinalist.”

Shea Speer is equally distinguished for her passion for learning and environmental advocacy. A recent graduate of Steamboat Springs High School, Shea completed her high school coursework by the end of the fall semester after an exceptional academic career. While at SSHS, she was a leader in the school’s Eco Club and regularly competed in Science Olympiad events.

Shea has also made a significant impact beyond the classroom as an intern and board member with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, where she has championed sustainability and environmental awareness in the broader community. She completed her Associate’s Degree in Science through Colorado Mountain College while still in high school.

This spring, Shea plans to attend the Sea Education Association’s coral reef conservation program, where she will further explore coastal ecology and environmental stewardship before beginning college in fall 2026. Educators describe Shea as an intellectually curious, experiential learner who consistently seeks to deepen her understanding of the world and apply her knowledge toward meaningful environmental action.

While Zoe and Shea have each built impressive records of achievement, educators say their Boettcher semifinalist recognition reflects more than academic success. Both students are known for their integrity, curiosity, and genuine commitment to making a meaningful impact in their school and community.

All applicants are notified of semifinalist status in mid-December. Finalists are notified in February and participate in interviews in March and April. Scholarship recipients are announced publicly in early May.

For more information about the Boettcher Foundation and its scholarship programs, visit boettcherfoundation.org.