TCA Titan of the Year

TCA Titan of the Year for 2024-2025 - Sean Collins

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and TCA’s Board of Directors, the 2024-2025 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mr. Sean Collins, TCA soccer and wrestling coach, at our Teacher In-Service on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Sean Collins has coached wrestling and soccer at TCA for 18 years and has been a substitute teacher for the past six years. He is known for building character and inspiring each of his athletes while being a mentor, counselor and a confidant.

One nominator shared this story, which has been echoed by many: "Coach Collins has represented TCA’s values in his interactions with athletes and other schools but has taught the wrestlers how to go through life and how to be good students who have been taught respect.”

Coach Collins stays late after practices, duals, and tournaments to engage with any of his athletes in meaningful conversation to challenge and encourage them in their journey. The impact can be seen in the example this past year, The Colorado Wrestling Officials Association awarded TCA the sportsmanship award. Coach Collins creates a family and community not just a team.

We have posted Coach Collins' Titan of the Year video below, so you can learn more about him. We encourage you to take a few minutes to see what this special award is all about and how it celebrates the qualities our amazing TCA staff strive to embody. If you see Coach Collins, please congratulate him on this honor!

With Titan Pride,

The Titan of the Year Committee

TCA Titan of the Year for 2023-2024 - Sean Frawley

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and TCA’s Board of Directors, the 2023-2024 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mr. Sean Frawley, 6th grade teacher at Central Elementary, at our Teacher In-Service on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

Sean Frawley has ​served as a teacher at TCA for 20 years. He is known for instilling a passion for reading and writing in his students.

One nominator shared this story, which has been echoed by many: "Mr. Frawley's genuine care for students and his passion for reading, writing, and learning has ignited a new fire in our 6th grader. For the past 5 years, our son has been a reluctant reader. While he has dutifully read his required reading and completed his assignments, he has never done so with any passion. Everything changed with Mr. Frawley. From the very first week, our son came home excited, humored, challenged, ready to learn, and ready to read more books than his teacher! After 7 months in Mr. Frawley's class, he has read more books this year than he has the past 5 years combined!"

We have posted Mr. Frawley's Titan of the Year video below, so you can learn more about him. We encourage you to take a few minutes to see what this special award is all about ​and how it celebrates the qualities our amazing TCA staff strives to embody. If you see Mr. Frawley, please congratulate him on this honor!

With Titan Pride,

The Titan of the Year Committee

TCA Titan of the Year for 2022-2023 - Erin Yeadon

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and TCA’s Board of Directors, the 2022-2023 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Erin Yeadon at our Teacher In-Service on Thursday, August 10, 2023.

Erin Yeadon has ​served as a 1st grade teacher at TCA North Elementary for 6 years. She is known for creating a classroom of positivity and for her love of teaching, which allows her students to shine.

As one nominee wrote, "Mrs. Yeadon radiates light and goodness. Every day, every moment she is so very passionate about life and teaching. She is an excellent role model for our teachers, our students, and anyone who has had the honor of meeting her. My child grew leaps and bounds with confidence because of her and the phenomenal way in which she unites the classroom".

We have posted Mrs. Yeadon's Titan of the Year video below, so you can learn more about her. We encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day to see what this special award is all about ​and how it celebrates our amazing TCA staff. If you see Mrs. Yeadon, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA Titan of the Year for 2021-22 - Hugh DiPretore

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2021-22 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mr. Hugh DiPretore at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 11, 2022.

Hugh DiPretore has ​served as a principal at TCA for 14 years. Mr. D, as he is affectionately known, first started at TCA as Assistant High School Principal and shortly thereafter became principal of the high school. The last 10 years he has been the Junior High Principal. Mr. D ​creates a caring and welcoming atmosphere for students and parents.

Mr. D goes above and beyond in getting to know the students.  He lets them know he cares while taking the time to know their names, stories, strengths, and weaknesses. ​His students' personal development is very important to him. 

Mr. D ​displays selfless​ness by putting the needs of others in front of his own. ​Not only with his students, but his teachers as well. He supports and collaborates with them, advocating for the good of each student. He is the biggest cheerleader, supporter, and encourager ​with everyone ​his life touches.

We have posted Mr. D's Titan of the Year video below so you can learn more about him. 

TCA Titan of the Year for 2020-21 - Linda Durck

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2020-21 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Linda Durck at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Linda Durck has worked at TCA for 18y years as an East Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher. Mrs. Durck is know for creating a caring and welcoming atmosphere for students and parents alike. She finds ways to bring personality and life into her classroom, which is affectionately know as the "cabin", and pushed the students towards honor and integrity.

Sometimes you need someone to believe in you and Linda Durck is that special teacher who does just that. She has a gift where she recognizes strengths and weaknesses in different students and then pairs them together. Linda teaches students to persevere in the learning. She does not give up on students, and she does not let them up on themselves.

We have posted Linda Durck's Titan of the Year video below. We encourage you to take a few minutes out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all the amazing TCA staff. If you see Mrs. Durck, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA Titan of the Year for 2019-20 - Lisa Kuyper

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2019-2020 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Lisa Kuyper at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Lisa Kuyper has worked at TCA for 13 years as Central Elementary's PE teacher.  Among staff members, she is known as a spirited and active individual who is incredibly thoughtful, adventurous, and caring member of the Central family.  She is always up to try something new, and she challenges her students to be their best.  Lisa and her husband have raised three children - all TCA graduates!  Two of their children are now following in Lisa's footsteps as fellow TCA teachers.

Creativity is a trait that has allowed Lisa to develop new ideas and games beyond PE for our students, to include annual service runs and the 6th grade EPIC program to name a few.  Lisa does her best to find joy in every moment throughout the day.  Her joy and ownership of her curriculum is contagious.  When you think of what it means to be a Titan, Lisa is a perfect example.  She is a constant model of respect, passion, humility, and imagination.

We have posted Lisa Kuyper's Titan of the Year video below or click here to learn more about her.  We encourage you to take a few minutes out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all of the amazing TCA staff.  If you see Mrs. Kuyper, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA “Titan of the Year” for 2018-19 - Jessica Adair

On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2018-2019 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Jessica Adair at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Jessica Adair has worked at TCA for 16 years in many roles at Central Elementary.  She has been a 1^st grade teacher since 2014, but has also been in 2^nd grade, 5^th grade, and Physical Education and now is an Elementary Mentor.  Among staff members she is seen as an amazing resource, a dependable fixture who “gets the job done” well, and someone who isn’t afraid to step up to a challenge. Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys travel, cooking, and curling up with a good book.  She and her husband enjoy outdoor activities especially hiking and camping.

When it comes to her students, Jessica has high expectations, and she stretches each child to his or her full learning potential while meeting their unique needs.  She takes the time to know each student individually with special one-on-one time during snack time.  As a fellow teacher put it “she pursues truth as she grows as a teacher, beauty as she helps inspire each child, and goodness as she models to the next generation what it looks like to live with integrity and joy!”

We have posted Jessica Adair’s Titan of the Year video on the TCA website or click here, so you can learn more about her.  We encourage you to take a few minutes out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all of the amazing TCA staff.  If you see Mrs. Adair, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA “Titan of the Year” for 2017-18 - Nikki Upchurch

 On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2017-2018 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Nikki Upchurch at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 9, 2018.

Mrs. Upchurch has been a teacher at TCA for 11 years at College Pathways and High School.  She currently serves as College Pathways' Health and Wellness Teacher and Educational Philosophy Specialist.  She has also taught Biology, Aerobics, and Weights and Conditioning.  Mrs. Upchurch is known for having a gentle spirit, contagious enthusiasm, and relentless positivity among students and staff.

One of her students wrote, "Mrs. Upchurch is one of my top role models and if I could grow up to be just like someone, I would choose her without a doubt.  She always manages to make time for me, and I am constantly astounded by how well she knows EVERYONE, how she remembers EVERY name, EVERY student's personal needs, and EVERY student's favorite things.  She always knows exactly what to do to make us smile.  I hope that I can one day be at least half the compassionate, wonderful woman that she is.  I could never express to you how much she has influenced me."

We have posted Nikki's Titan of the Year video below, and we encourage you to take a few moments out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all of the amazing TCA staff!  If you see Nikki, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA “Titan of the Year” for 2016-17 - Christina Schwartz-Soper

 On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2016-2017 Titan of the Year award was presented to Ms. Christina Schwartz-Soper at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 10, 2017.

Christina has loyally and fervently served our community as band director at TCA for 14 years.  With staff, she is known for her passion for her craft.  With students, she is kind, accepting, and supportive serving as an important influence and role model for the young people at TCA.  Additionally, she was able to rally the band community, and the TCA community as a whole, to raise enough funds to purchase new band uniforms.  This was a tremendous undertaking, which she attacked head on.

Christina is a strong example of what it looks like to love, respect, and protect one another.  Her band program is like a family, offering a safe place where students feel loved.  She has created a culture of relationship that is tighter than most groups at TCA.  Students feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, and dedicate themselves to the success of the group.

Christina Schwartz-Soper’s Titan of the Year video is below and we encourage you to take a few moments out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all of the amazing TCA staff!  If you see Christina, please congratulate her on this great honor!

TCA “Titan of the Year” for 2015-16 - Lora Hendricks

 On behalf of the TCA Titan of the Year Committee, the parents of TCA, and the TCA Board of Directors, the 2015-2016 Titan of the Year award was presented to Mrs. Lora Hendricks at our Teacher In-Service Thursday, August 11, 2016.

 Lora Hendricks has served 8 years at TCA as a tutor at the North campus elementary. She is described as someone with a servant’s heart, a true encourager and someone who will do anything for you.  “Ms. Lora” is also the queen of carpool.  No matter the weather, she is there to greet all who drive through with a wave and a sincere smile, making the start of every day lovely and positive.  One mom wrote: “Have you ever been encouraged by a bright smile, a warm hug or a kind word?  Have you ever had a friend bear your burden, ease your frustration, celebrate a success or share in your joy?  Then you may have met Lora Hendricks!”

Lora Hendrick’s Titan of the Year video is below and we encourage you to take a few moments out of your busy day to see what this special award is all about and celebrate all of the amazing TCA staff!  If you see Mrs. Hendricks, please congratulate her on this great honor!