Natalie Fitches awarded Niwot Rotary "Student of the Year"

It would be an understatement to say that Natalie Fitches is an outstanding student. Fitches, a 2024 Niwot High School graduate, has been recognized for several accomplishments during her tenure at NHS. She was recognized as Arts Student of the Week by the Left Hand Valley Courier in September 2023 and she has been named as the Student of the Year by the NHS marching and symphonic band programs.

This August, Fitches received recognition for all that she does, not just at NHS, but in her everyday life, as the Rotary Club of Niwot's "Student of the Year." Fitches is a dedicated individual who has committed years, not only to excellence in her education, but esteemed prowess in helping others.

At Niwot High School, Fitches participated in the "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band for all four years on the drumline and served as Drum Captain for two of those years. She was also involved in the Hip-Hop Dance Club, traveled to the Baltics with the NHS orchestra program, performed in the 2024 Spring musical "Shrek: The Musical," and served as a teacher's aide for the high school's special education teacher.

"The community of these activities kept me coming back," said Fitches, "even when things got very difficult." The musical communities always helped push her to new heights and become a better version of herself.

Additionally, Fitches was a member of the Best Buddies Club at NHS - an organization that pairs students with disabilities with peers without disabilities for friendship and fellowship. Being a part of this organization was, and continues to be, a huge passion for Fitches that she plans to continue while attending the University of Colorado Boulder.

"In Best Buddies, I was paired with one of my best friends, Taylor," Fitches said. "Not only would we hang out in class and the Best Buddies Club, we would also hang out outside of school doing things like tie-dyeing shirts, baking cookies, and going to coffee shops." Her passion for supporting and befriending people with disabilities is "not because of their disability, but because I have found some of the most genuine love, acceptance, and light within these communities."

NHS Principal Eric Rauschkolb said, "Natalie is the type of student who cares deeply for others, puts her ideas into action, and makes our world a better place.... Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious," he added. "She inspires others to make a positive difference, too... I can't wait to see Natalie's continued amazing trajectory in what she does with her life."

One positive difference Fitches has made is her work with donations to the homeless population around the holidays. She feels great empathy for those experiencing homelessness and has dedicated several years raising money to put together and hand out care packages during the holidays. "[This] is my favorite part of the year," Fitches said, because helping the people in her community brings her joy.

Doing this has become a tradition for her, which she hopes to continue doing for as long as she can. She says the best part of that tradition is when she hand delivers the bags and gets to know the people she is helping. "I always make a point to connect with each person," which sometimes means only getting their name, other times having a ten-minute conversation with them."

All of Fitches' commitment and dedication which demonstrates her core values were recognized by the Niwot Rotary Club as its Student of the Year. "The Rotary Club lives by so many great core values," Fitches said, "so to be awarded their Student of the Year is a huge honor (and) reminds me that I am making a difference and fulfills a part of who I am."