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PCHS Alumni Foundation
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
D. Adam Daurio - Class of 1997
Adam Daurio, 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee of the Pueblo County High Alumni Foundation. He is an accomplished attorney, executive, and leader in Colorado’s equine, agricultural, and higher education sectors.
Raised on the St. Charles Mesa in Pueblo County amid generations of his Daurio, Taravella, and Cordo families, Adam drew lifelong values of community, hard work, and service from his close-knit upbringing. A 1997 graduate of Pueblo County High School, he earned dual degrees in agricultural extension/event management, with a minor in economics, from Colorado State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude as CSU’s Outstanding Graduate and recipient of the President’s Award. He then received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2005, with Dean’s Honors and as Student President of the Wyoming Bar Board of Advocates. He remains a licensed attorney in Colorado and the U.S. District Court for Colorado.
From 2005–2010, Adam’s legal practice specialized in agricultural, real estate, business law, and western lifestyle consultation. In 2010, he became president and executive director of the SaddleUp! Foundation, delivering recreational therapies to children with special needs. Since 2015, as founder and director of Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin Equine Center, the world’s premier research, education, and outreach program in equine-assisted services, he has secured over $75 million to build facilities at CSU’s campuses throughout the front range. The Center’s programs have served more than 100,000 individuals with disabilities.
A dedicated philanthropist, Adam launched Exceptional Rodeo in 2017, which is an adaptive, mock-rodeo event that partners with elite rodeo athletes, reaching over 12,000 children nationwide. He serves on the boards of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, the American Quarter Horse Association advisory task force, and as a national director for the National Snaffle Bit Association and Equestrians with Disabilities. In Colorado, he is a trustee for the National Western Stock Show, a Douglas County 4-H volunteer, and a member of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies. As a founding member and two-term chairman/president of the Colorado State Fair Foundation, he has helped raise more than $3.5 million to support youth experiences at the Colorado State Fair.
Above all, Adam cherishes fatherhood to his 10-year-old twins, Caprice and Branton. Between his son’s sports and his daughter’s horse shows, he stays active as a CrossFit and boot camp enthusiast, skier, and avid horseback rider.
John D. Musso - Class of 1972
Pueblo County High School proudly announces the posthumous induction of John Musso into the 2026 Pueblo County High School Alumni Foundation Hall of Fame, honoring a career defined by exceptional leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to public education.
John Musso devoted his professional life to serving students, educators, and school communities. Beginning his career as a classroom teacher, he steadily advanced through educational leadership roles including principal, Associate Superintendent of Support Services for Pueblo School District 70, and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Pueblo School District 60. His progression through the ranks reflected both his deep understanding of educational systems and his dedication to excellence at every level.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to school business leadership, John was awarded the ASBO International Eagle Award in 2001, one of the most prestigious honors in the profession. The award recognized his overall achievements and lifelong commitment to integrity, innovation, and effective stewardship of public education resources.
John’s impact extended far beyond Pueblo. As Executive Director of ASBO International, he became a respected national and international voice for equitable school funding and efficient resource management. His advocacy helped ensure that schools across the country had the tools and funding necessary to serve students effectively.
Colleagues remember John not only for his strategic insight and financial expertise, but for his compassion and steadfast focus on students. In moments of challenge, he was known to remind others, “Remember, it’s for the kids,” a phrase that perfectly captured his values and leadership philosophy.
John Musso’s legacy is one of service, advocacy, and lasting impact. His contributions continue to influence educational leaders and institutions nationwide. Pueblo County High School is honored to recognize his remarkable life and career with induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
“To our family, he was simply Dad — steady, kind, and guided by a deep belief that doing the right thing mattered. To the world of education, he was a leader who never lost sight of why the work mattered most. He taught us all that every decision should be made with students at the center, and his legacy continues to live on through the countless lives he touched. We are deeply honored to see him recognized in this way.”
Della Tafoya - Class of 1988
Della Tafoya is a 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee of the Pueblo County High Alumni Foundation. She is a proud Pueblo County High School graduate from the Class of 1988, Della began building her foundation in teamwork, discipline, and school spirit as a member of both the gymnastics team and the Stepperette team at PCHS. These early life experiences helped to shape her commitment to teamwork, communication, and work ethic in all areas of her life.
In 1998 Della began her banking career with Vectra Bank Colorado, starting as a teller and progressing through every role within the retail bank. Today she oversees the Pueblo market as the Retail Market Leader. Over her 28-year career, Della has become a trusted and respected leader not only within the financial services industry but also throughout the community. She is passionate about service, connection and has a deep commitment to giving back.
That passion for community grew even stronger in 2010, when she began her coaching journey with the Pueblo County High School Cheer Team. A project to help local youth soon became a mission. Through coaching, Della discovered her true purpose: helping young people build respect, confidence, character, and the life skills they need to succeed far beyond the mat. From the moment an athlete joins her team she coaches them to “have a smile for everyone” because it can truly make a difference in someone’s day.
Whether it be with her banking team or her cheer team, coaching has taught her to show up with consistency, to believe in people before they believe in themselves and build confidence through every challenge. Today, Della continues to blend her professional expertise with her heart for coaching and mentorship of her cheer team by uplifting the next generation, strengthening community ties, and carrying forward the Hornet pride that has shaped who she is today.