Pikes Peak State College

Shannon K. Schumm is rounding out her inaugural year with Pikes Peak State College. She is passionately pursuing her associate’s degree in English with aspirations of becoming a secondary education teacher. Her dedication to academia is evident not only in her coursework (President’s List), but also in her contributions to campus life.  

As a guest writer for The Paper, Pikes Peak State College’s newspaper, Shannon shares her insights and experiences in her column titled, “Irons in the Fire.” Through this platform, she delves into the intricacies of balancing the demands of full-time student life with the joys and challenges of motherhood and beyond, offering a relatable perspective to her readers. Additionally, Shannon’s literary prowess is highlighted by her November 2023 publication in “Parley.” Her nonfiction academic work, “You Should Have Asked” showcases her powerful voice and depth as she argues the complexity of a woman’s role in society with clarity and precision.  

Beyond her academic pursuits, Shannon’s diverse interests and talents enrich her life in myriad ways. As a former yoga instructor, she finds solace and community in the studio, where she shares her passion for mindfulness and wellness with fellow practitioners. Shannon thrives in outdoor adventures like hiking or fishing, and loves attending outdoor concerts and baseball games. The warmth of sunny days provides the perfect backdrop for connecting with nature and making cherished memories with friends and family.  

In her personal life, Shannon finds fulfillment in her roles as a loving wife and mother. With a daughter and son of her own, a stepson and daughter-in-law, and two spirited granddaughters, her family is the cornerstone of her happiness. Additionally, her two Belgian Malinois bring comic pandemonium to her everyday adventures. 

In all aspects of her life, Shannon K. Schumm embodies resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication, inspiring those around her to pursue their dreams and embrace the beauty of life’s journey. 

Sheer is a unique student who does not conform to the traditional mold. They have taken the initiative to (re)start a school club for fellow LGBTQIA+ students, which is called Queer Empowerment. The club provides an inclusive environment for socialization, community activism, guest speakers, workshops, and more. 

Sheer has been recognized with the prestigious COSI award and has consistently earned a place on the Dean’s and President’s list, thanks to their exceptional GPA. They are also a member of the Alpha Gamma Alpha chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Sheer is currently enrolled in a dual major program at PPSC with a Medical Assistant AAS and an Associate of General Studies AGS. They are planning to transfer online to Northern Arizona in 2025 to complete a BS in Health Sciences – Allied Health, with an emphasis in Medical Assisting. 

In their free time, Sheer enjoys exploring their creative side with hobbies such as glassblowing, kayaking, and even spinning cotton candy. They have been a volunteer for 13+ years with Girl Scouts. More recently they have given their time to Inside Out Youth Services and Evergreen Heritage. Sheer has four daughters and two grandsons. 

Leslie Valeska, B.A. Ed, FLCW  is a mother of four and grandmother of six. She has a lifelong passion for helping others and is the former co-founder and CEO of A Child’s Place CASA which recruits, screens, and trains volunteers to provide a voice for abused and neglected children involved in the court system. Youth education is also a high priority for Leslie. She has written and published a curriculum to aid parents who are uncomfortable with academically helping their children at home and student curriculum, is an educational speaker, and tutor, and can often be found volunteering her time to help others. 

Upon graduating her youngest, Leslie chose to further her education to help the Deaf community. Her goal is to work with Deaf + students and as an interpreter. Currently, she is enrolled as a first-year IPP student at Pikes Peak State College. She volunteers in the Deaf community and can often be found alongside classmates working through the demands of the program with a smile on her face. 

Free time consists of family, outdoor activities, volunteering, wandering, creating art, going to the theater, or with her nose in a book. She looks forward to graduating in Spring 2025. 

Douglas Freeman, or Doug as he is known by most, started life in the state of Illinois. Eventually he was married and had two children who live with him and his wife in the town of Limon on the eastern plains of Colorado. In the past he was a medic in the Illinois National Guard, having served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and stateside near his hometown. In 2014 he and his family moved from Illinois to Limon where they reside now. There Doug found an interest in Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) and continued to work as a Paramedic until he no longer could. Facing physical limitations as a disabled veteran, he decided to change career fields. Attending Pikes Peak State College was a new experience that he has found quite enjoyable. He also became an Emergency Coordinator for ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services), and began teaching emergency preparedness classes at his local church. These cover a variety of topics such as first aid, psychology of emergencies, and other related topics. As the emergency preparedness officer in his local American Legion post, he oversees response to emergency situation as they arise. Through all of this, nothing pleases him more than to be able to spend time with his family at home, either playing games or just watching a show together.