Three outstanding Cherry Creek School District student-athletes and one teacher were honored by Denver Broncos Safety John Lynch during the John Lynch Foundation 'Salute the Stars' Luncheon held May 7 at Invesco Field at Mile High.

The John Lynch Foundation sponsors the John Lynch Star of the Month and Star of the Year program to recognize middle and high school student-athletes for exceptional achievement in academics, athletics and community service. The John Lynch Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year program recognize teachers for their support of student-athletes and their positive impact on young people.

Congratulations to the following John Lynch Foundation award winners!

Katie Chelf, 2008 Middle School Star of the Year

Chelf, an eighth-grader at Laredo Middle School was honored as the female Middle School 'Star of the Year.' She is a 4.0 student and multi-sport athlete who excels in basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and softball. Chelf has volunteered with Special Olympics, served meals to the homeless, and participated in a Penny Drive for the Ronald McDonald House.

Bo Bolen, 2008 High School Star of the Year

Bolen, a senior at Grandview High School, received the male High School Star of the Year Award. He has been on the honor roll for four years, received two Academic Varsity Letters and was named to the Academic All State First Team two years in a row. The 2007 State 5A Leading Rusher, Bolen helped the Grandview Wolves capture the State 5A Football Championship last fall. He is the 2007 All-Colorado and Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year. Bolen volunteers at the Broncos Youth Camp, for Meals on Wheels, and is also a youth leader at his church.

Stephanie Pepper, 2008 Lynch Family Legacy Scholarship Winner

Pepper, a senior at Cherry Creek High School, received a $10,000 Lynch Family Legacy Scholarship, which she will use this fall at Boston University. She has a weighted GPA above 4.0, has been on the honor roll for four years and served as treasurer of the junior and senior class. Pepper has won numerous athletic awards including the Denver Post Player of the Year in Field Hockey and All State in Tennis. Pepper is also the Colorado liaison for the Olevolos Project, a non-profit organization raising funds and awareness for AIDS orphans in Tanzania.

Dan Goto - 2008 Teacher of the Year

Goto has been a Physical Education teacher at Campus Middle School for 13 years and was an Adapted PE teacher prior to that, working with special needs students. He has coached youth wrestling, working with kids from 4 to 14, and coached football, wrestling and track at the middle and high school level. As both a coach and a teacher, he goes out of his way to support student-athletes.