The Marshall and E.J. Sprague Scholarship was established in honor of the Spragues, who for generations served the people of the Pikes Peak Region and delighted in documenting and preserving the area’s rich heritage. The scholarship is intended to recognize students who show dedication toward and appreciation of the study of history. Marshall and E.J. Sprague were committed to family, community, and learning. Their work has exposed generations of people to the fascinating history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region, and has encouraged people to explore and protect the world around us. Their commitment to education is carried on through this scholarship.
We would like to thank our scholarship committee, José Antonio Arellano, Michael Caramia, and Susan Conde.
Our committee received many excellent applications. They loved the variety of topics and enjoyed learning something new from everyone! Needless to say, selecting a scholarship winner a very difficult decision to make. Not only did the 2025 Sprague Scholarship Recipient make an excellent historical argument using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, but she also demonstrated, through her writing and analysis, a great passion for her topic. The CSPM hopes to ignite the curiosity of our visitors, leading them to dig deeper into regional stories. This student’s curiosity led her to visiting Denver Public Library Special Collections and Archive, reading a variety of historic news articles, letters, memos and meeting notes, and even to conducting an oral history with a source close to her chosen topic. Her favorite reference material was a series of audio recordings that provided a firsthand account of the life and experiences of a Colorado Civil Rights leader. The committee enjoyed reading this paper and learning about the work of this “pioneer in education.”
After much consideration we selected Sydney Gollihare, an 11th grader from The Village High School who entered the contest with a paper titled: Rachel Noel: A Legacy of Courage and Conviction
We asked Sydney to share more about her, her passion for history, and her History Day topic:
I am a Junior at the Village High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I have always loved studying both local and international history, when I am not reading books, going on hikes, or playing with my hedgehog, Luna. Outside of the classroom and my rare moments of free time, I have the privilege of participating in ballet classes at the International Ballet School in Littleton, Colorado, leading initiatives in the chapter of the National Honor Society at my school, and fundraising for childhood cancer research through my efforts in the St. Jude Leadership Society.
Why did you choose to participate in History Day?
I chose to participate in National History Day, because my Civics teacher Mr. Matt Stewart, encouraged me to utilize the research I already applied to an essay discussing how Rachel Noel’s character aligned with the traits displayed in John F. Kennedy’s novel, “Profiles in Courage.” Looking at the theme of Rights and Responsibilities for this year’s contest, I knew that I had the perfect subject for my paper and wanted to give Mrs. Noel the credit she deserved, as a local pioneer for education, during the Civil Rights Movement. Going into this project, I wanted to give a voice to the unsung heroes of our past, who have since proved that you do not need to be great or rich to enact change in your community, but have simply the courage of rightful conviction in your heart.
What are some of your educational goals for the future?
In my educational goals for the future, I hope to attend a notable four-year university where I can pursue my passions by double majoring in Ballet and Pre-Medicine sciences. From there, I would like to go on to Medical School to research cures for childhood cancer and blood disorders, graduating with a license in Pediatric Oncology. It is a dream of mine to one day work at a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, both providing for patients and examining alternatives to chemotherapy.
What would you say to other young people to explore the past who may not find history interesting?
I would say, that exploring the past is the greatest honor the young people of our country can hold, because we have the opportunity and freedom to shape the future, but progress cannot be made unless we learn where we came from and who we are as individuals, as a nation, and as a whole first. It is therefore the right of all Americans to participate in the history making of our country (finding what we love and doing it), as it redefines the boundaries by which we look and care for one another, not according to race, color, or gender, but as humans. We cannot ignore the people who stood up for the truth, if someday we all hope to shatter the deafening silence surrounding us and act in light of what is good.
Meg Yevara, Program Coordinator
719.385.5631 | Meg.Yevara@coloradosprings.gov