BAZI KANANI
Bazi Kanani, a graduate of Wiggins High School, anchors 9NEWS' weekday newscasts at 9 p.m. and is also a
reporter. When Bazi joined KUSA in 2003, it was a happy homecoming. She's a Colorado native, born and
raised in Morgan County in the small town of Wiggins.
Bazi says she gained an appreciation for Colorado from her time spent elsewhere. She graduated from
Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and also studied literature and language in London and Paris. She
began her news career in Las Vegas, Nevada as a writer/producer and there got her start on-air.
She then spent time as an anchor/reporter in Lansing, Michigan and after that, in Buffalo, New York. Bazi
received the Michigan Associated Press Award for Best Individual Reporting. While in Buffalo, she was flown to
Washington D.C. to help cover the terrorizing sniper shootings in 2002. In Colorado, Bazi has been honored as
Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the Colorado Association of Black Journalists.
She has covered a wide range of news stories including crime, storms, soldier funerals, local politics and
heart-warming features. "I don't have a specific category of favorite stories to cover," says Bazi. "My favorite
ones are simply those that show me or teach me something new. They're the stories that make me see life in
a new way, from a different perspective."
The question most asked Bazi regards the origin of her name. "Bazi" is actually short for Baz'imana which
means "ask God." Bazi's father is from Tanzania in East Africa. Her name is a traditional tribal name.
Bazi has a wide variety of interests. She enjoys reading, learning foreign languages, travel and theater. She
and her husband live near family in Aurora.
BETTY LEE (TERRY) MULLIS
Betty Lee (Terry) Mullis, a graduate of Idalia High School in Yuma County joined the Air Force in 1972 and
recently retired as a Major General in 2005. She served with several Tactical Airlift Wings, Refueling Groups,
Refueling Squadrons and Air Mobility Wings. Betty advanced in rank steadily from Second Lieutenant in 1972
to Major General in 2002.
She participated in worldwide air refueling and airlift operations including Desert Storm, Provide Hope and
Joint Endeavor. She is qualified on several military aircraft.
Ms. Mullis has received the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and Air Force
Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and four Oak Leaf Clusters among many others. After September
11th she worked at the Pentagon as one of the Air Force Crisis Team Directors.
Betty is married and her husband is retired Air Force and currently a pilot for Federal Express. Ms. Mullis
civilization occupation is airline pilot
2006 AWARD RECIPIENTS
This year’s honorees were Steve Antonopulos, Head Athletic Trainer for the Denver Broncos, who grew up in
Hugo, and Tim White, Owner, White Construction Group of Castle Rock, who grew up in Brush. Mr.
Antonopulos was honored for his longevity with the NFL and as an example of the heights rural area students
can aspire. Mr. White was recognized for being a successful businessman and for his commitment to historic
preservation in his childhood community.
STEVE ANTONOPULOS
Steve Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colorado and played football there. A graduate of UNC with both a B.A.
and M.A. Steve is a great example of the success that can come to a small town high school graduate. Mr.
Antonopulos has been with the NFL for 28 years and has been active in professional groups associated with his
field, is married with 3 children and enjoys jogging, golf and wine collecting.
TIM WHITE
Tim White was born and raised on a farm outside Brush, Colorado. He has since purchased that farm to
maintain the rural heritage and culture of Colorado. As founder/owner of a general contracting company that
has completed more than $400 million in construction projects Mr. White also has been active in preserving
historic properties and also has an impressive history of volunteerism.