As a high school math tutor, Kathryn Kummel taught students to appreciate the beauty and practicality of mathematics in all facets of life.
“Math skills are often used as a cutoff point for academic, career and economic opportunities. Students can be denied because the math education system failed to serve them well,” Kathryn said. “I often work with students on two practical fronts: I help them catch up on assignments, and find and fill in gaps in their foundational math knowledge.”
Because of her dedication to community services excellence, the William J. Palmer High School senior is a 2020 Colorado Springs’ Best and Brightest Students recipient. Kathryn believes tutors are mentors that serve to remind others that success in math is attainable.
The 20 graduating high school seniors who win the Best & Brightest scholarship are different each year, but their accomplishments have been consistently stellar for three decades.
Since the annual community recognition program began 30 years ago, The Gazette’s Best & Brightest award has drawn the best of the best.
More than 100 students applied for this year’s award, sponsored by The Gazette Charities Foundation and the ARDI Foundation, which, in support of academic excellence, provides endowed academic chairs at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the community are among the criteria 20 prominently community leaders looked for in judging the 2021 applicants.