Matthew Coen Receives Mile High's 2012 Dave Sanders Columbine IT Scholarship

Mr. Matthew Coen, a graduating senior from Columbine High School, is honored by the Mile High Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) as the 2012 recipient of the Dave Sanders Columbine Information Technology Scholarship at the chapter's monthly dinner meeting which was held on May 17th, 2012. Matthew will use the $1000 scholarship for tuition to attend the Colorado School of Mines in the fall where he intends to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Matthew Coen (left) receives the Dave Sanders Columbine IT Scholarship from Larry Krupicka-Chair

In his classes at Columbine Matthew has earned a 4.1 GPA and has been recognized as a National Honor Society member.

Matthew's other honors include reaching the Rank of Eagle Scout, Stretch for Excellence, Orchestra Letter and Academic Letter.

As a community volunteer Matthew has been active in service projects for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, has served as an Outdoor Lab Counselor and participated in Key Club, Trivia Bowl, and VOTES Club.

Scholarship Committee Chair, Larry Krupicka says that Matthew was highly recommended by his guidance counselor Ms. Lee Paternoster and assistant scout master Don Tidwell who noted: "In the time I've spent with Matthew in Scout meetings and service projects, camping, hiking and backpacking I can say with conviction he is an intelligent and responsible young man. His willingness to work hard and commit himself to completing a task is exemplary.”

Outside the classroom Matthew has enjoyed performing with the Orchestra, participating in outdoor activities such as ultimate Frisbee and going on hiking and camping trips.

This scholarship was funded to honor the memory of Dave Sanders, who was a computer lab and business instructor at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado until April 20, 1999 when he lost his life while helping students to safety during the Columbine shootings.

AITP is a national organization that provides quality IT related education, information on relevant IT issues and forums for networking with experienced peers and students preparing to enter the IT profession. The Mile High Chapter has been providing leadership opportunities, professional development and personal growth in Denver for 60 years.

To learn more about the Mile High Chapter of AITP and this scholarship (including previous 11 scholarship winners) go to http://www.aitpmilehigh.com/mile-high-aitp/scholarships/.

Larry A. Krupicka, CCP, CSP
Mile High Chapter of AITP 
Mile High Membership VP
Chairman - Dave Sanders Columbine IT Scholarship Fund
Web: www.aitpmilehigh.org and www.aitp.org/group/13
Email: membership@aitpmilehigh.org
Randy Storm Chapter President - ceo@aitpmilehigh.org