FIRE Denver Wall of Flame

Each year, FIRE Denver awards local champions of inclusive Catholic education with our Torch Awards and Langston Leadership Award, as a token of our appreciation for the dedication and tenacity to ensure Catholic school students with disabilities are welcomed, supported, and valued.

Three Torch Awards, previously known as the FIREstarter Awards, are presented to an educator, donor, and volunteer at our BonFIRE Gala & Auction. An individual 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)

Our inaugural recipient and the award’s namesake is Dr. Eve Langston, FIRE Denver co-founder and Board President from 2021-2024. Upon the birth of her youngest child, Anna, who has Down syndrome, Dr. Langston began researching ways to include children with disabilities in Catholic schools. Through this research, she came across the FIRE Foundation, based in Kansas City, and learned more about their model, approach, and affiliate program. Through grit and determination, Dr. Langston founded the FIRE Affiliate and then led the team through its critical early years, ensuring the vision of children with disabilities attending Catholic schools with their typically developing peers could become a reality in our Archdiocese. It was through meetings, events planning, phone calls, fundraising, and countless hours that Dr. Langston led the FIRE Foundation of Denver to where it is today.

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 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 the development committee, and serves on the Board of Directors.

Anonymous
FIRE Denver Supporter (2022 – Present)

The Anonymous Torch Award recipients are local to the 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 that evening, being inspired by the fervor and passion of the 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)

Andrea Berry serves as the Learning Center Coordinator at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Boulder, CO. Mrs. Berry’s decade-long service to the Sacred Heart community is evidenced by the profound impact of the available resources and interventions for students with disabilities. Through the Bl. Solanus Casey Center, Mrs. Berry manages a dynamic team of educators and support specialists to ensure Sacred Heart is prepared to welcome students of all abilities. We thank Mrs. Berry for her service and commend her for her work by presenting her with the 2023 Torch Award.

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

Dr. Kemmery Hill is FIRE Denver’s inaugural recipient of the Torch 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 Torch Award at FIRE Denver’s inaugural BonFIRE Gala.