Colorado FIRST Mourns the Loss of Visionary Leader Tony English

The Colorado FIRST community is mourning the loss of Tony English, a Board Director and Executive Director whose dedication to STEM education left an indelible mark on students and educators alike. English passed away on June 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and leadership that has profoundly influenced the trajectory of STEM learning in Colorado.

English’s journey with Colorado FIRST began in 2006 when he founded a FIRST® LEGO® League team for his children, a modest start that evolved into the creation of Team 4499 ‘The Highlanders’. This team has since impacted over 150 students, many of whom have pursued STEM degrees and careers, a testament to English’s vision and commitment. His contributions were nationally recognized in 2015 when he received the Woody Flowers Finalist Award, highlighting his exceptional ability to inspire and mentor young minds.

In May 2022, English joined the Colorado FIRST Board of Directors with a clear mission to broaden access to FIRST programs across the state, ensuring more students could benefit from the transformative power of STEM education. His sudden passing has left a void in the organization, but his vision will continue to guide its future. The Board has appointed Debbie English, Tony’s wife and a longtime advocate for STEM education, as the new Executive Director and Board Member. Her leadership is expected to carry forward the couple’s shared commitment to empowering Colorado’s youth through science and technology.

The Colorado FIRST Board expressed their profound grief over English’s passing, praising his ‘unmatched energy, wisdom, and kindness’. They also voiced confidence in Debbie English’s ability to lead the organization with the same passion and dedication that her husband exemplified. Tony English’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, inspiring current and future generations to explore the vast possibilities within STEM fields.

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