Daniela Saldana Gordillo – Senior Scholarship Winner –
This year’s inaugural senior scholarship recipient is an exceptional student who has demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership.
With over 100 hours of community service, participation in more than 20 extracurricular activities, and a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout all four years of high school, she is also a proud member of the National Honor Society. These achievements are remarkable on their own, but even more inspiring considering the significant personal challenges she has overcome along the way.
Her list of accomplishments extends far beyond academics. She has held leadership roles in Student Leadership, served as a DECA officer and FBLA state officer, and is a member of both the Spanish and French Honor Societies. She led a major fundraiser for Women for Women International through DECA, managed marketing for the school store, and organized a canned food drive benefiting the Food Bank of the Rockies. Additionally, she contributed marketing expertise to local businesses Zell’s and Cakeheads, played both club and high school volleyball, and launched her own business, Encompass Marketing.
Reflecting on the hardships she faced—particularly during the pandemic and through personal trials—she shared, “I chose the longer, harder road,” and added, “Optimism became my compass.” Her journey has taught her to lead with hope, to find strength in discomfort, and to always seek the light, even in the darkest times.
Her story is a testament to the power of choosing hope.
The Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation is proud to announce DANIELA SALDANA GORDILLO as the winner of the senior scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year.
