News Release from the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs, CO 

Safety Around Water Swim Lessons 

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region hosts Safety Around Water swim lessons on Friday, April 17th, at the Briargate YMCA. The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s Safety Around Water program is a vital first step in equipping children with essential water safety skills. Safety Around Water is truly life-saving, and the Y is offering one (1) FREE swim lesson at the Briargate YMCA (4025 Family Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80920) for registered families. Those who register and attend will also be eligible to receive a discount on an upcoming swim lesson. Lessons are offered to those ages 6 months to 12 years. Lesson times will be at 4 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 

5:30 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. For more information and to register, please visit https://ppymca.org/event/safety-around-water/

“It’s never too early to start preparing for summer. The majority of youth drownings occur even when an adult is present, which highlights the importance of water safety education. Swim lessons are not only beneficial for children, they also serve as a valuable educational tool for parents, helping families build confidence, awareness, and safer habits around water. We encourage all families to attend this event regardless of need.”  

Drew Olvey - Executive Director of Aquatics/Operations YMCA at First & Main
dolvey@ppymca.org

Healthy Kids Day   

Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA’s kick-off to a healthy, active, and enjoyable summer. This event provides hands-on games, activities, and tips to keep kids healthy and engaged all summer long! Join the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region for a fun-filled morning of FREE activities that promote creativity, movement, and well-being. We hope to connect with you and your families on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at either our Briargate YMCA (4025 Family Pl, Colorado Springs, CO 80920) or the Southeast Armed Services YMCA (2190 Jet Wing Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80916). For more information, please visit https://ppymca.org/event/healthy-kids-day-2026/

“Healthy Kids Day is one of my favorite ways we bring our community together, by hosting at both our Briargate and Southeast YMCA locations, we welcome families through our doors for a day of fun while helping kids build confidence and lifelong healthy habits. It’s a day full of energy and connection, so come on out and be part of it.” - Kate Noonan - VP of Events & Mission Advancement - YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region knoonan@ppymca.org

Colorado Springs students earn global stage opportunity after standout season

Colorado Springs, CO: 

Three students from Sabin Middle School are taking their talents to the world stage.

The Sabin VEX V5 Robotics team, Da Vincis 2.0, has qualified for the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, one of the largest and most prestigious robotics competitions in the world. The event, hosted by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, will take place April 25–27, 2026, at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri.

Out of hundreds of teams, Da Vincis 2.0 earned their spot by competing at the Colorado State Robotics Tournament in late February. They will join 588 middle school teams from 55 countries, representing the best young engineers and innovators from around the globe.

The team is made up of three Sabin eighth graders: Declan Martin, Riley Snyder, and Jaxon Wright.

Since the season began in August, the team has competed in multiple tournaments, earning an impressive 15 awards along the way. Their success reflects months of dedication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

“This isn’t just about building a robot,” said Head Coach, Susan Forget. “These students are learning how to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team—skills that will carry them far beyond the competition.”

Through the VEX V5 Robotics program, students take on the full engineering design process. They design and build their robot, write code, maintain a detailed engineering notebook, present their work to judges, and compete in a fast-paced, strategic game challenge. This year’s challenge, Push Back, requires teams to think creatively and adapt quickly under pressure.

As they prepare for the world stage, the Sabin team is not only representing their school, but also the innovation and talent found across Colorado Springs.

https://youtu.be/bn-5cwbFI98?si=N-MDpZaCbwywQHJ- 

https://www.tiktok.com/@weared11/video/7597118956872142092 

Media Opportunity

Members of Da Vincis 2.0 and their coach are available for interviews, demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes looks at their robot and preparation for the world championship.

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning has been named a 2025–2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase School, recognizing the campus for its intentional focus on relationships, student engagement, and a positive learning environment.  This is the second year in a row that AcademyACL has been recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase School.

This designation is awarded to schools that are creating meaningful connections on campus, where students feel a strong sense of belonging and staff are committed to supporting both the academic and emotional needs of every child. At AcademyACL, that commitment is reflected in daily interactions, shared expectations, and a culture built on trust and respect.

The recognition highlights the work happening inside classrooms and throughout the school, where educators prioritize connection as a driver of student success and well-being.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts recognizes schools nationwide that are making a lasting impact by strengthening connections and cultivating environments where students are supported, challenged, and inspired.

AcademyACL will continue to build on this momentum, focusing on practices that support a strong campus culture and meaningful student experiences.

For more information about Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning, please visit www.academyacl.org or contact enrollment@academyacl.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Key Opens New Tri-Lakes Thrift Store Location, Keeping Donations Local

MONUMENT, Colorado — Silver Key Senior Services will celebrate the opening of its relocated Tri-Lakes Thrift Store with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 17 from 9am – 10:30am, welcoming the community to its new location at 586 W. Hwy 105, Monument, CO 80132.

Community members are invited to stop by for the celebration, which will include coffee and light snacks, an opportunity to explore the new space, shop for treasures, and a chance to learn how thrift store donations help support older adults in the Tri-Lakes area.

The Tri-Lakes Thrift Store has long served as both a shopping destination and a way for residents to give back locally. All donations and purchases made at the store directly support programs serving older adults in the Tri-Lakes community, ensuring that generosity from local residents stays within the community.

Proceeds from the store help fund services provided by Silver Key, including transportation, food access, and opportunities for social connection that help older adults remain independent and engaged.

“The Tri-Lakes Thrift Store is truly powered by the community,” said Brieana Weaver, Retail Sales Director for Silver Key. “When someone donates, shops, or volunteers here, they are directly supporting older adults in the Tri-Lakes area and helping ensure these vital services remain available for our neighbors.”

The new Monument location offers expanded space for donated goods and a welcoming environment for shoppers and volunteers alike. Community members interested in giving back are encouraged to volunteer at the store, helping sort donations, assist shoppers, and support the day-to-day operations that make the thrift store possible.

Silver Key encourages residents to attend the ribbon cutting, explore the new store, and discover how their everyday donations, purchases, and volunteer time make a meaningful local impact.

Event Details
Tri-Lakes Thrift Store Ribbon Cutting
Friday, April 17^th - 9am - 10:30am
586 W. Hwy 105
Monument, CO 80132
Join us for coffee and light snacks

About Silver Key Senior Services
Silver Key Senior Services has served the Pikes Peak region since 1970, helping older adults age safely and independently through programs that provide transportation, food access, and connection to community resources.

Press Day scheduled for April 11 as Palmer prepares for community-wide open house on April 25

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Palmer High School, the city’s original high school and one of Colorado Springs’ most historic institutions, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community open house on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Palmer High School, 301 N. Nevada Ave.

Ahead of the celebration, local media are invited to attend a Press Day on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m., during the Palmer High School Alumni Association’s volunteer work day preparing the building and exhibits for the event.

Reporters and photographers are asked to meet organizers at the Nevada & Platte entrance (the “Front Nine”).

Available for interviews will be:

• Krista Burke, Principal of Palmer High School
• Susan Fletcher, Palmer High School teacher and President of the Palmer High School Alumni Association
• Darnell Robinson, Senior Class President and student lead for the Palmer 150 Committee

Media will also have the opportunity to capture behind-the-scenes preparation, historical artifacts, and footage inside the school as alumni volunteers prepare exhibits and displays ahead of the anniversary celebration.

A Community Open House Celebrating 150 Years of Palmer

The Palmer High School 150th Celebration & Community Open House will invite alumni, students, and the broader Colorado Springs community to explore the school’s long history through a series of exhibit “pods” highlighting different eras, activities, and traditions from across Palmer’s legacy.

Guests can expect:

• Alumni Museum tours showcasing historic Palmer artifacts and archives
• A guestbook photo station where alumni and community members can document their connection to Palmer

• Displays created by alumni, student groups, and school organizations
• Yearbooks available for purchase for those looking to replace a lost copy
• Link Crew students stationed throughout the building to guide visitors and answer questions about the current student experience

Event organizers have also invited the architects involved in Palmer’s ongoing renovation project to attend and speak with community members about the future of the historic campus.

Visitors should plan to enter through the foyer on the Nevada Avenue side of the school, with accessible parking and entry available on the Weber Street side.

Community Participation Still Needed

Organizers say the event is designed to be built by the Palmer community itself and are encouraging alumni, teachers, and organizations to get involved.

The Palmer Alumni Association is currently seeking:

Volunteers to assist with event setup, logistics, and welcoming guests.

Clubs, teams, and activities — past and present — to host exhibit pods representing their part of Palmer’s history.

Community members interested in volunteering or hosting an exhibit can learn more and sign up online.

Event Details

Palmer High School 150th Celebration & Community Open House
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Palmer High School
301 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO

Entrance: Foyer (Nevada Avenue side)
Accessible entry and parking are available on Weber Street.

Media Contact

Kaleigh O'Donnell, Class of 2010
 CSHS–PHS Alumni Association Board Member
 Event Coordinator

 Direct: 719-271-4620
 Office: 719-635-8803 ext. 4