ALAMOSA — Learning is something that never stops, says Aaron Miltenberger, one of the “do-gooders” working in education in the San Luis Valley.

For his work at Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, where he serves as executive director, Miltenberger was honored this week with the Educator Highlight Award presented by the Adams State University School of Education.

He is the third recipient of the monthly award and the first non-teacher to be recognized. Through the award the Adams State School of Education recognizes alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley.

Working outside the classroom

In the case of Miltenberger, the award signifies that it takes educators like him who work outside the classroom to ensure the full learning and safety of students. He was nominated for the award by Melissa Freeman, who leads Adams State’s Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) program.

“Aaron was my student in HEAL, the very first cohort. His passion for students at all levels was always apparent and our conversations always reminded me of why I became an educator myself,” she said.

Miltenberg left Adams State to join Boys & Girls Clubs SLV in 2018 and has helped grow the program and lead it into a new phase of development. In 2019 he was recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as its Rookie of the Year for the Southwest Region and serves on a cohort of 20 CEOs from Boys & Girls Clubs redefining the Club Experience in Movement 2050.

“Learning is something that never stops,” Miltenberger said in accepting the award. “It doesn’t start at 7 a.m., it doesn’t end at 2 p.m., it doesn’t start when we're six and it doesn’t end when we’re 18. We’re really lucky to be part of the continuum of learning for young people and families in the San Luis Valley.”