We are grateful that there are so many great companies in our community that we’ve had the opportunity to share with you.
But, today, we’re veering away from companies, and are so excited to introduce to a very special human being in our community — Shelli Fullhart!
Shelli is the PE teacher at Brush Creek Elementary School, where our kids attend school. We really cannot express the massive, positive impact Shelli has had on our kids and so many others through her hard work, encouragement and pushing them to believe in things that might seem out of reach.
Here’s a bit more about what makes this woman so extraordinary!
Shelli was one of the first hires at Brush Creek Elementary School over 17 years ago, and to-date, is PE teacher for the entire school – over 450 kiddos.
Fun side note: Shelli not only knows each and every child’s name, their parents names and personalities, but also comes up with fun and unique nicknames for them!
Shelli doesn’t stop at being an amazing role model to our kids during the PE period. She has gone above and beyond to create some extraordinary traditions as well, including the Brush Creek Biathlon.
This legendary events takes place every year in May, and is a huge community tradition!
Shelli saw that there were some challenges for fifth graders transitioning from elementary to middle school, and came up with this excellent solution.
“It’s sometimes hard for kids to move into middle school. The transition involves new routines, new classmates and being in an entirely new environment. To give the kids a self-esteem boost, I created the Biathlon. It really helps them realize how awesome they are and that middle school is not anything to be scared of, but rather an exciting new journey,” shared Shelli.
All fifth graders participate in this event, which entails a ½ mile run, a 3-mile bike ride and another ½ mile run. This year there will be 88 kids participating, and to ensure everyone can participate, Shelli buys bikes for kids who don’t have one!
The positive impact that this event has had, along with Shelli’s innate caring, nurturing and encouraging nature, is evident in the fact that kids have come back to her years later to thank her for her inspiration and to let her know the positive impact she’s had on their lives.
This includes Olympian athlete Jake Pates!
In a recent article in the Denver Post, Jake personally thanked Shelli for believing in him and encouraging him. Here’s a snippet from the article:
So here’s to Shelli Fullhart, a teacher at Brush Creek Elementary in Eagle, for nurturing what snowboarder Jake Pates called this “insane idea I had as kid about going to the Olympics.”
Shelli is currently working on finding a time for Jake to come to the school to share his story with the students. Talk about inspiring!
The Denver Broncos + Brush Creek
Prior to the Broncos winning the Super Bowl, Shelli lead the charge in creating support for them. She and the kids at Brush Creek created and sent cheers for the team each and every week.
The Broncos saw just how fantastic Shelli was! After winning the Super Bowl, the team came to the school – cheerleaders, players and the mascot – to lead a football clinic for the entire school.
“We are so blessed that our kids have such a spectacular role model in their lives. Shelli has such a huge impact on these kids and our community, and we’re beyond grateful for her. I really wish that I could go back to elementary school and have a teacher like her!” shared Todd.
It’s no surprise that Shelli was awarded the Teacher of the Year award in 2017!
When Shelli isn’t inspiring children at Brush Creek, you can find her taking advantage of a variety of outdoor activities, including backcountry skiing and mountain biking with Indy – her Goldendoodle.
Shelli, on behalf of the community, students and parents at Brush Creek, we wanted to sincerely thank you for everything you do on a daily basis! You really are one of a kind.