FIRE Denver Wall of Flame

Each year, FIRE Denver awards local champions of inclusive Catholic education with our FIREstarter and Langston Leadership Awards as a token of our appreciation for the dedication and tenacity to ensure Catholic school students with disabilities are welcomed, supported, and valued. Three FIREstarter Awards are presented to an educator, donor, and volunteer at our BonFIRE Gala, while someone who has contributed to the leadership of the inclusive Catholic education movement in Denver is presented with the Langston Leadership Award at our annual Hearts on FIRE Fundraiser & Fashion Show.

Dr. Eve Langston
FIRE Denver Co-Founder and Board President (2021 – 2024)

BIO COMING SOON!

Abriana Chilelli
Former Associate Superintendent of Academic Renewal, Archdiocese of Denver Office of Catholic Schools

A committed educator with over 15 years of experience, Abriana Chilelli is a champion for inclusion. Chilelli served the Archdiocese of Denver for nearly eight years in various roles in the Office of Catholic Schools. Chilelli, in her role as Associate Superintendent of Academic Renewal, oversaw the newly established Department of Student Support Services, and helped coach leaders through the introduction of children with significant disabilities into their schools.

Darilyn Bixenman
FIRE Denver Committee Member (2021 – Present) and Board Member (2024 – Present)

Darilyn Bixenman’s work with FIRE Foundation of Denver began during our first year, in 2021. Through countless hours, Bixenman has become a FIRE Denver agent and advocate, spreading the word to anyone who will listen. She has served on several event committees, is an integral member of our development committee, and most recently agreed to join our Board of Directors.

Anonymous
FIRE Denver Supporter (2022 – Present)

Our Anonymous FIREstarter Award recipients are local to our Archdiocese and are third-generation Catholic school students. Though their child with Down syndrome did not attend Catholic schools, they did experience inclusion in the public schools and had the opportunity to experience inclusive higher education as well, seeing firsthand the positive and transformative effects of inclusive education. The first time they attended a FIRE Denver event, the Holy Spirit moved them to give more than they had planned to give that evening, being inspired by the fervor and passion of our organization and speakers. Though their child does not directly benefit from this work, these donors feel strongly about supporting the next generation who can experience the joys of inclusion in a Catholic environment.

Andrea Berry
Learning Center Coordinator, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School (Boulder)

BIO COMING SOON!

Dr. Kemmery Hill
Principal, St. John the Baptist Catholic School (Longmont)

Dr. Kemmery Hill was FIRE Denver’s inaugural recipient of the FIREstarter Award. Dr. Hill’s work as Principal of St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Longmont ushered in inclusive education practices before FIRE Denver was even founded. The leadership and dedication of Dr. Hill to ensure successful service to students with disabilities and learning differences ensured an inclusive approach became a part of the fabric of St. John School.

Dr. Hill was presented with the 2022 FIREstarter Award at FIRE Denver’s inaugural BonFIRE Gala in August of 2022 at the Columbine Country Club.