Vista Ridge High School
Here at Vista Ridge our community is built just a little bit different from others. We JOIN together to lock in, support our fellow wolves, relentlessly identify and pursue our goals… and then… we HUNT … we hunt for success, not just for ourselves but for the pack… and although there are many wolves, there is only ONE PACK.
![2024 VRHS-Spirit logos [Recovered]_VRHS-JTH2 copy.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a6280f_6f97165ef3884d779d4578c5dba6223e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_266,h_134,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/a6280f_6f97165ef3884d779d4578c5dba6223e~mv2.png)
People First
We are a school community focused on Capturing Kids' Hearts and ensuring every student is seen, encouraged, and inspired to do more and be more than they ever thought possible.
Jostens Renaissance framework to build a culture where achievements are recognized and teachers.
Clubs, Activities and Sports
Activities and clubs at Vista Ridge provide a place beyond the classroom for students to “Join the Hunt” by connecting them with staff members and peers who share a common interest. Here a Vista we want all students to be involved in something, our clubs and activities foster this pack sprit by providing our students with the tremendous opportunities to explore their passion, but most importantly building meaningful relationships with other members of the Pack.
Club Name:
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Art & Design Club, Climbing Club
Knowledge Bowl, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Tabletop games club
Speech and Debate (CHSAA activity), Air Force JROTC, Cyber Patriot
eSports, Yearbook & Quill and Scroll, HOSA - Future Health Professionals
Anime Club, Tech Tools, Chess Club, SC2, Joi Club, Fashion Club, Foreign Language Club
Auto-Mechanics, Kindness Club
Sports and Activities:
Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Football, Softball
Cheerleading, Boys Golf, eSports, Theater, Choir/Show Choir
Marching Band/Guard, Girls Flag Football, Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball, Boys Wrestling, Girls Wrestling, Percussion
Winter Guard, Track, Girls Soccer, Baseball, Girls Golf, Student Council
Athletics
We offer an extraordinarily competitive full spectrum of athletic opportunities at VRHS. From an annually competitive playoff-bound football team to a state championship Cheer team. We offer a well-rounded list of sports for all students to excel and grow.
We offer:
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Girls Volleyball
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Girls Softball
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Football
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Boys Football
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Girls Flag Football
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Men's Soccer
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Cheer
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Boys/Girls Basketball
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Boys/Girls Wrestling
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Womens Soccer
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Baseball
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Track and Field
Vista Ridge is proud of our award-winning Athletes!
P.P.A.C. Champions Boys Track 2013
Vista Ridge State Champions Boys Track and Field 2013
P.P.A.C. Champion Softball 2014
Foothills Conference Champions Football 2015
4A State Final 4 Boys Basketball 2016
P.P.A.C. Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2016
P.P.A.C. Champions Boys Basketball 2017
Vista Ridge State Champions for Boys Track and Field 2017
P.P.A.C. Champions Boys Track 2018
P.P.A.C. Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2018
P.P.A.C. Champion Softball 2018
P.P.A.C. Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2019
P.P.A.C. Champions Softball 2019
P.P.A.C. Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2020
P.P.A.C. Champions CO-ED Cheer Cheerleading 2021
Division Winner Championship Series, UCA 2021
Division Winner Championship Series UCA 2021
Vista Ridge State Runner-Up CO-ED Cheerleading 2020 through 2021
CHSAA Regional Champions Girls Wrestling 2022
P.P.A.C. Champions Baseball 2022
League Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2022
UCA Regional Qualifier Division Winner 2022
Vista Ridge State Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2022
Vista Ridge State Runner-Up CO-ED Cheerleading 2021 through 2022
League Champions Softball 2023
League Champions CO-ED Cheerleading 2023
Vista Ridge State Runner-Up CO-ED Cheerleading 2023 through 2024
(NHSSCA) National High School Strength Coaches Association 2022- 2025 Program of Excellence
Theatre Arts
Vista Ridge High School's Wolf Pack Theatre Co. founded in 2010 under the direction of Andy Mello, is dedicated to excellence in high school theatre. Since its inception, Wolf Pack Theatre Co. has strived to bring challenging, engaging, and thoughtful theatre to the Vista Ridge and Colorado Springs communities.
Over 14 years of excellence in high school theatre. Vista Ridge High School's Wolfpack Theatre are members of the International Thespian Society. Students earn points by participating in theatre and are inducted as members of the thespian society. Each year, our group of thespians participate in the Colorado State Thespian Conference in Denver. Since 2014, we have had numerous students participate in individual events and scholarship auditions receiving superior and excellent ratings as well as college scholarships. In 2023 Our production of Mean Girls was selected to perform at the main stage by the Colorado State Thespians.
The difference between our theatre department is that we have had continuity since 2010. With that continuity, I have been able to grow the program. By having that continuity and stability we have been able to produce a wide range of programming to entertain and challenge our theatre students and community. Whether it be performers onstage or our tech students backstage, Vista Ridge Theatre has talent and passion for the theatre arts and have gained a reputation in Colorado for excellence in theatre.
Choir
About Vista Ridge Rhythm
Vista Ridge Rhythm is a standout show choir program that fosters inclusion, passion, and excellence. Winners of 1st Place Overall at the 2024 CHSAA State Show Choir Competition, the group welcomes participants of all ages, specialties, and interests. Each year, over 100 students audition, showcasing the program's impact and popularity.
At Vista Ridge, show choir is more than a performance—it's part of the school’s culture. This inclusive spirit is embodied by leaders like the football captain, who also serves as the show choir captain, reinforcing the group’s belief that "show choir is for everyone."
Renowned for high-profile performances at Disney, Red Rocks, and upcoming travels to New York City, Vista Ridge Rhythm’s 2024 set, On the Edge, delves into the raw and vulnerable facets of human emotion with an edgy flair.
What sets this program apart is its relentless drive to thrive and be undeniable. Students are taught to pursue excellence, avoid settling for the status quo, and embrace life with passion and grit. Show choir isn’t just an activity—it’s a transformative experience that teaches students to go above and beyond in all areas of life.
Please enjoy the show!
About Our Show Choir
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Prestigious Performances:
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Performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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Featured performances at Disneyland
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Regular travel to Nebraska and New York City for competitions and showcases
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Awards and Achievements:
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3x Grand Champions at Old West Choir Fest
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5x Best Choreography winners at Old West Choir Fest
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4x Best Costumes winners at Old West Choir Fest
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7x Gold Rating recipients
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CHSAA Overall Winner (2024)
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Recognition:
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Designated a Restorative Practices Featured Group
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Community Leadership:
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Hosts the Best of the Rockies Show Choir Competition, showcasing talent from across the region
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About the Director
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Award-Winning Educator:
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Recipient of the 2019 Colorado Springs Chorale Peak Performance Award, recognizing excellence in choral education
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District 49 Coin Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year (2015)
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Teacher of the Year (2019)
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National Recognition:
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Grammy Award Quarterfinalist for two consecutive years
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Leadership and Impact:
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Founder and Director of the Vista Ridge Rhythm Show Choir
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Served on the All-State Choir Board of Directors for 8 years
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Band
We offer a variety of band classes to accommodate any level of student including 2 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, and a percussion class. After school opportunities for the Summer/Fall season include Marching Band & Color Guard. For the Winter/Spring season we offer Winter Percussion & Winter Color Guard. Winter Percussion placed 3rd in the state last year. Winter Guard placed 5th out of 25 guards in their division. We have had a record number of students selected to honor band events this year with 12 in the CSU Pueblo Festival of Winds (all auditioning into the top bands), 4 in Colorado Mesa University Best of the West Festival, 1 in Colorado State University Honor Band, 2 in the University of Colorado Honor Band, 5 in the Colorado Springs All City Honor Band, 6 in the Pikes Peak Honor Orchestra, and 5 in the Colorado All State Symphonic Band. The band recently performed at DisneyLand where they played on the Hollywood Stage as well as participated in a live recording session at Disney Studios. This year we are going to New York for a cultural experience tour to see 2 Broadway Shows and a performance by the New York Philharmonic. The VRHS Jazz Bands have received high ratings at the Pikes Peak Jazz Festival and the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival over the years. The Wind Ensemble and Concert Band have also received high ratings at various concert festivals around the region.
Student Leadership
At Vista Ridge we empower students to lead, inspire, and make a difference—our high school leadership opportunities foster growth, responsibility, and collaboration, preparing tomorrow's leaders today.
We currently offer various Leadership Clubs & Classes:
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FBLA - Club
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Student Council - Club / Class
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FCCLA - Club
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HOSA - Club
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Pack Peers / Link Crew - Class
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Leadership / Advanced Leadership - Classes
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NHS - Club
Vista Nations
Vista Nations offers a distinctive platform for students to take on leadership roles and ensure their voices are heard, fostering a culture of active participation and collaboration within a leadership role. We have one leader from each club/activities/athletics they get together and talk about what is important and what kind of outreach. Voice of the students. (Tom) - Yes, Vista Nations is a highly representative student leadership organization. A representative from every organization (clubs, athletics, activities) meets monthly to discuss the direction of the school. They use parliamentary procedures (Robert's Rules) to run the meeting, which is led by the Student Council executive leadership team. Student Council is the operational piece to Vista Nations and is able to bring Vista Nation's decisions to life. This provides a voice to all students and a feedback loop to every student that is part of any organization.
Wolf Time
Wolf time is where the students have one period each day, Monday through Thursday, dedicated to personalized support or opportunities for students to challenge themselves with extended learning.
This shortened intervention period will focus on student success by providing support or extension activities. Teachers will check student grades and allow time to do homework or get caught up in classes. Teachers and peer tutors are available to help students who request additional help or are REQUESTED by teachers to receive additional help on assignments. This allows all students access to additional time to succeed. All freshmen will also belong to student lead PLCs during this time and will meet with their senior Pack Peer leaders on a regular basis (twice a month) to learn the ropes of high school and discuss concerns or excitement in these small communities. These classes will stay with the same teacher for the duration of high school to create a family approach to every day.
CTE and Student Pathways
We opened a new CTE wing! .....CTE course offerings, as well as our student pathways toward job credentials, certifications, and real-world internships.
ACE/WBL Alternative Cooperative Education/Work Based Learning
Engineering / Drone Pathways
Computer Science
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Coding Pathway
Computer Science
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Network Systems and Security Pathway
VRHS Career and Technical Education: Family & Consumer Sciences
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Education Pathway
Health Science Pathways
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BioMedical Pathway
Health Science Pathways
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Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Pathway
Digital Media/Design Pathways
Business Administration Pathway
VRHS Career and Technical Education: Family & Consumer Sciences
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Design Pathway
Programs at Vista Ridge
Success Center Staff
Nick Burkey , Choice & Success Advisor, nicholas.burkey@d49.org
Mike Brandt, Dean of Pathway Learning, michael.brandt@d49.org
Devin Allen, A–CN Academic Advisor, devin.allen@d49.org
Abby Domier-Bonnin, CO–GN Counselor, abby.domierbonnin@d49.org
Stephen Anderson, GO–K Counselor, stephen.anderson@d49.org
Alexis Corral, L–O Counselor, alexis.corral@d49.org
Nichole Navarro, P–SM Counselor, nichole.navarro@d49.org
Itziar Iriberri, SN–Z Counselor, itziar.iriberri@d49.org
Myrna Rascon-Caro
Registrar
Phone: 719-494-8805
DeDe Bolke
Counseling Secretary
Phone: 719-494-8817
