Ajok
Graduated: Gateway High School, Aurora
College: Lake Erie College
Career Goal: Psychology or Medicine
Ajok left his home village of Pagook in Southern Sudan at the age of 4 and spent 14 years living as a refugee in Kenya. Though he faced incredible hardship, he still took the initiative to change the world around him, pushing the environmental club to plant trees around the school and working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to start a child's rights club. Though he has only been in the United States since July of 2007, he made a tremendous impact on Gateway High School as a star athlete and student. He attends Lake Erie College in Ohio and plays forward for their Varsity soccer team. Ajok is incredibly proud that South Sudan became a democratic republic on July 9, 2011, and hopes to give back to his communities in Colorado and South Sudan.
Graduated: Gateway High School, Aurora
College: Lake Erie College
Career Goal: Psychology or Medicine
Ajok left his home village of Pagook in Southern Sudan at the age of 4 and spent 14 years living as a refugee in Kenya. Though he faced incredible hardship, he still took the initiative to change the world around him, pushing the environmental club to plant trees around the school and working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to start a child's rights club. Though he has only been in the United States since July of 2007, he made a tremendous impact on Gateway High School as a star athlete and student. He attends Lake Erie College in Ohio and plays forward for their Varsity soccer team. Ajok is incredibly proud that South Sudan became a democratic republic on July 9, 2011, and hopes to give back to his communities in Colorado and South Sudan.
Corey
Graduated: Denver South High School, Denver
College: Pomona College
Career Goal: Public Policy / International Relations
Corey is a standout student athlete from Denver South High School who is deeply committed to building and bridging communities. His struggle with his own identity as both Hispanic and African American shaped his perspective and led him to realize the importance of bringing together individuals of all different backgrounds. As his high school's President of the Black Student Alliance, Corey observed the sharp division between the African students and the African American students. By seeking out the influential members of both groups, Corey successfully brought everyone together and reinvigorated the Black Student Alliance at South. Corey has faced stark obstacles in his life, including the death of his mother, but he is determined to not let anything get in the way of fulfilling his full potential. A natural leader, Corey was elected President of his class at Pomona, serves as treasurer of his fraternity, and volunteers as a mentor and role model to young minority males with Building Leaders on Campus, Claremont Long Beach Math Collaborative, Uncommon Good and Black Men's Forum.
Graduated: Denver South High School, Denver
College: Pomona College
Career Goal: Public Policy / International Relations
Corey is a standout student athlete from Denver South High School who is deeply committed to building and bridging communities. His struggle with his own identity as both Hispanic and African American shaped his perspective and led him to realize the importance of bringing together individuals of all different backgrounds. As his high school's President of the Black Student Alliance, Corey observed the sharp division between the African students and the African American students. By seeking out the influential members of both groups, Corey successfully brought everyone together and reinvigorated the Black Student Alliance at South. Corey has faced stark obstacles in his life, including the death of his mother, but he is determined to not let anything get in the way of fulfilling his full potential. A natural leader, Corey was elected President of his class at Pomona, serves as treasurer of his fraternity, and volunteers as a mentor and role model to young minority males with Building Leaders on Campus, Claremont Long Beach Math Collaborative, Uncommon Good and Black Men's Forum.
Destiny
Graduated: Adams City High School, Adams County
College: Spelman College
Career Goal: Health / Sociology
When her school's band teacher left the school, Destiny stepped up to gain the trust of her peers and led them through practices and a successful end-of-year show. The strengths that have made Destiny successful in this and other leadership roles include confidence, a positive attitude, a passion for her work, a great ability to connect with others, and accountability. Destiny graduated valedictorian of her class of 317 students before matriculating to Spelman College. A friend of Destiny's says, "Wherever her path may take her I am sure she will use her strengths to better the weaknesses of others."
Graduated: Adams City High School, Adams County
College: Spelman College
Career Goal: Health / Sociology
When her school's band teacher left the school, Destiny stepped up to gain the trust of her peers and led them through practices and a successful end-of-year show. The strengths that have made Destiny successful in this and other leadership roles include confidence, a positive attitude, a passion for her work, a great ability to connect with others, and accountability. Destiny graduated valedictorian of her class of 317 students before matriculating to Spelman College. A friend of Destiny's says, "Wherever her path may take her I am sure she will use her strengths to better the weaknesses of others."
Isaac
Graduated: North High School, Denver
College: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Career Goal: Politics
Isaac has an ambitious plan for creating positive changes in his community: he first wants to teach kids in elementary school, then develop new fundraising processes for Denver Public Schools and finally, in time, become Mayor of Denver. Isaac believes that, through politics, he will have the greatest ability to create more opportunities for people from his community. Isaac is well on his way to achieving this plan: he created a College Boot Camp for students at Scott Carpenter Middle School and received funding from the Greenhouse Scholars Independent Grant program for this initiative. The Boot Camp motivates high-need students to apply to college through exposing them to college students from similar backgrounds and scholarship foundations, and through teaching them fundamentals of the admissions process, Financial Aid, etc. Isaac also interned for the Denver Public Schools Foundation and serves as a University of Wisconsin Admissions Volunteer. At North High School, he was in the 98th percentile of his class and was the captain of his swim team, and has won several awards for youth leadership.
Graduated: North High School, Denver
College: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Career Goal: Politics
Isaac has an ambitious plan for creating positive changes in his community: he first wants to teach kids in elementary school, then develop new fundraising processes for Denver Public Schools and finally, in time, become Mayor of Denver. Isaac believes that, through politics, he will have the greatest ability to create more opportunities for people from his community. Isaac is well on his way to achieving this plan: he created a College Boot Camp for students at Scott Carpenter Middle School and received funding from the Greenhouse Scholars Independent Grant program for this initiative. The Boot Camp motivates high-need students to apply to college through exposing them to college students from similar backgrounds and scholarship foundations, and through teaching them fundamentals of the admissions process, Financial Aid, etc. Isaac also interned for the Denver Public Schools Foundation and serves as a University of Wisconsin Admissions Volunteer. At North High School, he was in the 98th percentile of his class and was the captain of his swim team, and has won several awards for youth leadership.
Phu
Graduated: Legacy High School, Broomfield
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Software and Social Entrepreneur
Phu moved to the United States from Vietnam with his family during the 11th grade. After a few months of learning his way around and practicing English, Phu jumped head first into leadership and new challenges. He signed up for three AP classes his senior year and, after learning about student government, ran for and was elected treasurer. Since high school, Phu works 20 hours per week in a job to support himself. Phu's high school counselor described him as the top, most promising student with the greatest work ethic [she has] ever encountered. In college, Phu serves on the Computer Science Undergraduate Advisory Committee and interns for a successful Boulder-based startup. Phu is an ambitious visionary, aspiring to start a successful IT business to create jobs for people in the United States and in Vietnam. He also wants to start a scholarship program to help students like him fulfill their dreams of college.
Graduated: Legacy High School, Broomfield
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Software and Social Entrepreneur
Phu moved to the United States from Vietnam with his family during the 11th grade. After a few months of learning his way around and practicing English, Phu jumped head first into leadership and new challenges. He signed up for three AP classes his senior year and, after learning about student government, ran for and was elected treasurer. Since high school, Phu works 20 hours per week in a job to support himself. Phu's high school counselor described him as the top, most promising student with the greatest work ethic [she has] ever encountered. In college, Phu serves on the Computer Science Undergraduate Advisory Committee and interns for a successful Boulder-based startup. Phu is an ambitious visionary, aspiring to start a successful IT business to create jobs for people in the United States and in Vietnam. He also wants to start a scholarship program to help students like him fulfill their dreams of college.
qua
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: Colorado College
Career Goal: Healthcare
Qua was number one in her class of 359 at Abraham Lincoln High School and yet her academic success was only the beginning. Qua was very involved in her community, including a program called Smart-Girl, in which she mentored 7th and 8th grade girls and guided them to make good decisions, healthy choices, and to feel empowered. Qua's success has not been without challenges. When Qua's brother died, she took on the responsibility of helping her sister-in-law transition to her new life in America and care for her children. Qua says that she's been able to accomplish what she has by setting goals and focusing on the moment. In college, she volunteers with Memorial Hospital, the Minority Association of Pre-Health students, and Aspire, and serves as treasurer of the Asian American Student Alliance. Through Greenhouse Scholars, she was selected for an internship in the Research and Development department at WhiteWave Foods. When she works on something, whether it is chemistry homework or taking care of her nephews or serving the community, she dedicates 110% of herself.
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: Colorado College
Career Goal: Healthcare
Qua was number one in her class of 359 at Abraham Lincoln High School and yet her academic success was only the beginning. Qua was very involved in her community, including a program called Smart-Girl, in which she mentored 7th and 8th grade girls and guided them to make good decisions, healthy choices, and to feel empowered. Qua's success has not been without challenges. When Qua's brother died, she took on the responsibility of helping her sister-in-law transition to her new life in America and care for her children. Qua says that she's been able to accomplish what she has by setting goals and focusing on the moment. In college, she volunteers with Memorial Hospital, the Minority Association of Pre-Health students, and Aspire, and serves as treasurer of the Asian American Student Alliance. Through Greenhouse Scholars, she was selected for an internship in the Research and Development department at WhiteWave Foods. When she works on something, whether it is chemistry homework or taking care of her nephews or serving the community, she dedicates 110% of herself.
ruby
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Teacher
Ruby brings a profound commitment and positive outlook to everything she does. As the captain of her high school basketball team, she came to realize the critical importance of teamwork, discipline, and communication. Ruby's remarkable drive was only magnified when she became pregnant. Ruby refused to give up on her dreams and her experience as a new mom has only enhanced her college and professional aspirations. She is extremely focused on working towards not only bettering her own life, but also the lives of her child and family. With newfound confidence and maturity, Ruby is studying English at the University of Denver. In addition to her full-time student load, Ruby's passion for education led her to intern with the Denver Teaching Fellows and volunteer as a mentor and tutor for struggling students through YESS Institute.
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Teacher
Ruby brings a profound commitment and positive outlook to everything she does. As the captain of her high school basketball team, she came to realize the critical importance of teamwork, discipline, and communication. Ruby's remarkable drive was only magnified when she became pregnant. Ruby refused to give up on her dreams and her experience as a new mom has only enhanced her college and professional aspirations. She is extremely focused on working towards not only bettering her own life, but also the lives of her child and family. With newfound confidence and maturity, Ruby is studying English at the University of Denver. In addition to her full-time student load, Ruby's passion for education led her to intern with the Denver Teaching Fellows and volunteer as a mentor and tutor for struggling students through YESS Institute.
Sarah
Graduated: Thornton High School, Thornton
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Medicine
With an upbeat personality, passion for helping others, and strong communication skills, Sarah is a community leader who is certain to achieve amazing things. In addition to her studies in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience Sarah is preparing for a career in medicine through her extracurricular activities. She serves as the Director of Finance for GlobeMed, a student-run nonprofit that partners with grassroot organizations to deliver primary health care and community education in Nepal. Through a Greenhouse Scholars Independent Grant Sarah conducted skin cancer research in a Molecular Biology Lab at CU-Boulder. Sarah also spends her time volunteering with children affected by cancer at Presbyterian/St. Lukes Hospital in Denver and Camp Wapiyapi.
Graduated: Thornton High School, Thornton
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Medicine
With an upbeat personality, passion for helping others, and strong communication skills, Sarah is a community leader who is certain to achieve amazing things. In addition to her studies in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience Sarah is preparing for a career in medicine through her extracurricular activities. She serves as the Director of Finance for GlobeMed, a student-run nonprofit that partners with grassroot organizations to deliver primary health care and community education in Nepal. Through a Greenhouse Scholars Independent Grant Sarah conducted skin cancer research in a Molecular Biology Lab at CU-Boulder. Sarah also spends her time volunteering with children affected by cancer at Presbyterian/St. Lukes Hospital in Denver and Camp Wapiyapi.
Vera
Graduated: Overland High School, Aurora
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Pharmacist
Vera has high hopes of entering the medical field and working in developing countries around the world. Her passion is driven by the lack of medical resources she experienced as a child in Ghana. Facing an extreme lack of resources and deep poverty, Vera took care of her family when her mother worked, and worked when her mother could no longer. Vera came to the U.S. in 2006, and graduated from high school in the top 5% of her class three years later. As a student at CSU she has continued to serve her community, through Africans United, CSU Key for Haiti, and as a Key Student Ambassador. Her passion is to make a difference in many lives and she will endlessly pursue this goal.
Graduated: Overland High School, Aurora
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Pharmacist
Vera has high hopes of entering the medical field and working in developing countries around the world. Her passion is driven by the lack of medical resources she experienced as a child in Ghana. Facing an extreme lack of resources and deep poverty, Vera took care of her family when her mother worked, and worked when her mother could no longer. Vera came to the U.S. in 2006, and graduated from high school in the top 5% of her class three years later. As a student at CSU she has continued to serve her community, through Africans United, CSU Key for Haiti, and as a Key Student Ambassador. Her passion is to make a difference in many lives and she will endlessly pursue this goal.
Wendy
Graduated: Broomfield High School, Broomfield
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: International Relations and Astrophysics
Wendy herself says it best: "I have not let the low expectations of others deter me from my goals. Everyone falls, but only those strong enough will choose to stand back up again. Ultimately, I am the one who holds my life choices and no one else's perception will dictate who I can be." Wendy was born in the U.S. but raised in Mexico. Through her focus on education, strong self-respect, and a willingness to take risks, Wendy has already overcome significant obstacles. She works to help others overcome their obstacles through tutoring minority students at Boulder High School and volunteering for Community Cycles. Wendy also works as a Learning Assistant for introductory Astronomy classes at her college. She hopes to work for an international organization to help people around the world with educational, political, and health issues. In addition, she would like to use her astrophysics background to promote math and science education globally.
Graduated: Broomfield High School, Broomfield
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: International Relations and Astrophysics
Wendy herself says it best: "I have not let the low expectations of others deter me from my goals. Everyone falls, but only those strong enough will choose to stand back up again. Ultimately, I am the one who holds my life choices and no one else's perception will dictate who I can be." Wendy was born in the U.S. but raised in Mexico. Through her focus on education, strong self-respect, and a willingness to take risks, Wendy has already overcome significant obstacles. She works to help others overcome their obstacles through tutoring minority students at Boulder High School and volunteering for Community Cycles. Wendy also works as a Learning Assistant for introductory Astronomy classes at her college. She hopes to work for an international organization to help people around the world with educational, political, and health issues. In addition, she would like to use her astrophysics background to promote math and science education globally.
Zeke
Graduated: Denver School of Science and Technology, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Public Policy
Zeke's love for Denver is undeniable; he frequently considers running for Mayor of Denver some day. A recent class at DU led by former Governor of Colorado Richard Lamm further spurred his political interests and led to a position as a volunteer aide in the Colorado State Senate and an internship with Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium Speaker, State Senator Mike Johnston. Zeke has been successful in a wide variety of fields, including working for ABC during the Democratic National Convention and attending a hands-on summer research program at the University of Wyoming. Among many other activities, he is an avid runner and enjoys participating in DU's grilling society prior to hockey games.
Graduated: Denver School of Science and Technology, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Public Policy
Zeke's love for Denver is undeniable; he frequently considers running for Mayor of Denver some day. A recent class at DU led by former Governor of Colorado Richard Lamm further spurred his political interests and led to a position as a volunteer aide in the Colorado State Senate and an internship with Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium Speaker, State Senator Mike Johnston. Zeke has been successful in a wide variety of fields, including working for ABC during the Democratic National Convention and attending a hands-on summer research program at the University of Wyoming. Among many other activities, he is an avid runner and enjoys participating in DU's grilling society prior to hockey games.