AMY
Graduated: Custer County High School, Westcliffe
College: University of Arkansas
Career Goal: Agricultural Business / Political Science
Passionate about agriculture, Amy plans on a career lobbying for the agriculture industry. Throughout high school, she competed in 4-H and FFA and earned Grand Champion awards and other significant recognition on the national, state and county level. But what stands out about Amy is that she is equally gracious through disappointments as she is through achievement. During one competition where she could not control her animal, a School Board Director wrote, "Amy wins most of the time, but not that day; it did not faze her, she just smiled and said she had a lot to learn." In addition to graduating from high school as Class Valedictorian, Amy is dedicated to service. After attending a leadership conference in Washington DC, Amy realized that there were few mentorship programs for young girls in her county. She worked hard to establish 4 Girl Scout troops and leads day camps for the troops, as well as providing one-on-one mentoring. A high school teacher emphasized that no Girl Scout troops would exist in Custer County without Amy's will to serve.
Graduated: Custer County High School, Westcliffe
College: University of Arkansas
Career Goal: Agricultural Business / Political Science
Passionate about agriculture, Amy plans on a career lobbying for the agriculture industry. Throughout high school, she competed in 4-H and FFA and earned Grand Champion awards and other significant recognition on the national, state and county level. But what stands out about Amy is that she is equally gracious through disappointments as she is through achievement. During one competition where she could not control her animal, a School Board Director wrote, "Amy wins most of the time, but not that day; it did not faze her, she just smiled and said she had a lot to learn." In addition to graduating from high school as Class Valedictorian, Amy is dedicated to service. After attending a leadership conference in Washington DC, Amy realized that there were few mentorship programs for young girls in her county. She worked hard to establish 4 Girl Scout troops and leads day camps for the troops, as well as providing one-on-one mentoring. A high school teacher emphasized that no Girl Scout troops would exist in Custer County without Amy's will to serve.
BRAD
Graduated: Elizabeth High School, Elizabeth
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Career Goal: Bioengineering
Brad had a storied high school career but defines himself by what it took to gain those successes. He graduated Class Valedictorian, was President of the National Honor Society and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. As his high school football team's captain, Brad led his team to the 3A State Championship and earned 1st Team All-State honors. But he humbly believes "Actions truly speak louder than words. I'm not a natural athlete but I think I showed my team the correlation between hard work and success." He also inspired his team to give back to their community by founding a reading program pairing football players with elementary school students. Brad continues to play football for MIT as the team's dual focus on academics and athletics mirrors his own. Brad explains his drive through two people: his father whose severe medical problems, bills and care have helped Brad set priorities, and an elementary school boy with cancer Brad mentored throughout high school who Brad describes as one of the strongest people he's met.
Graduated: Elizabeth High School, Elizabeth
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Career Goal: Bioengineering
Brad had a storied high school career but defines himself by what it took to gain those successes. He graduated Class Valedictorian, was President of the National Honor Society and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. As his high school football team's captain, Brad led his team to the 3A State Championship and earned 1st Team All-State honors. But he humbly believes "Actions truly speak louder than words. I'm not a natural athlete but I think I showed my team the correlation between hard work and success." He also inspired his team to give back to their community by founding a reading program pairing football players with elementary school students. Brad continues to play football for MIT as the team's dual focus on academics and athletics mirrors his own. Brad explains his drive through two people: his father whose severe medical problems, bills and care have helped Brad set priorities, and an elementary school boy with cancer Brad mentored throughout high school who Brad describes as one of the strongest people he's met.
CASSIA
Graduated: Kit Carson High School, Kit Carson
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Career Goal: Biochemical
A scholar-athlete, Cassia graduated first in her high school class of six students but her talents also took her to recognition at the national and state level. She was selected as a Wendy's Heisman Colorado Female Award Winner for 2010 and earned All-State Honors in basketball and volleyball. Passionate about science, Cassia was selected as one of 30 Colorado students to be sponsored by the Adolph Coors Foundation to attend the Frontiers of Science Institute last summer where she researched a malaria-causing parasite. She is now enrolled in CSU's Honors Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which will allow her to begin research during her first year of school and jumpstart her career as a female engineer. Cassia was also selected as a Presidential Leadership Program Scholar at CSU, where she will be involved with community service and leadership projects. She has long been a supporter of breast cancer research through fundraising and awareness activities throughout the Front Range, and was moved by the support her community showed her mother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. But others have been moved by Cassia as well. Her high school guidance counselor noted, "As far as her character goes, she is an inspiration to all."
Graduated: Kit Carson High School, Kit Carson
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Career Goal: Biochemical
A scholar-athlete, Cassia graduated first in her high school class of six students but her talents also took her to recognition at the national and state level. She was selected as a Wendy's Heisman Colorado Female Award Winner for 2010 and earned All-State Honors in basketball and volleyball. Passionate about science, Cassia was selected as one of 30 Colorado students to be sponsored by the Adolph Coors Foundation to attend the Frontiers of Science Institute last summer where she researched a malaria-causing parasite. She is now enrolled in CSU's Honors Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which will allow her to begin research during her first year of school and jumpstart her career as a female engineer. Cassia was also selected as a Presidential Leadership Program Scholar at CSU, where she will be involved with community service and leadership projects. She has long been a supporter of breast cancer research through fundraising and awareness activities throughout the Front Range, and was moved by the support her community showed her mother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. But others have been moved by Cassia as well. Her high school guidance counselor noted, "As far as her character goes, she is an inspiration to all."
JENNA
Graduated: Durango High School, Durango
College: Gonzaga University
Career Goal: Journalism / International Affairs
Jenna's relentlessly upbeat attitude led her high school peers to vote her Class President from grades 9-11 and Student Body President in her senior year. It's her willingness to turn challenges into a positive experience that led her to pursue sponsorship for freestyle skiing knowing her family's difficult financial situation. She thrived with the pressure to "deserve the investments" others made in her and was a Junior Olympian and Rocky Mountain Junior Combined Champion. In addition to dedication to her sport, Jenna was an active member of her community as part of her Regional Championship high school Volleyball team, a regular volunteer for youth groups, and an organizer of fundraising and blood drives for health and environmental causes. Through an opportunity to serve as a "People to People Student Ambassador" in Western Europe, Jenna developed a passion for exploring and documenting the world. She is excited to continue exploring that passion at Gonzaga University by pursuing a dual Journalism and International Affairs major.
Graduated: Durango High School, Durango
College: Gonzaga University
Career Goal: Journalism / International Affairs
Jenna's relentlessly upbeat attitude led her high school peers to vote her Class President from grades 9-11 and Student Body President in her senior year. It's her willingness to turn challenges into a positive experience that led her to pursue sponsorship for freestyle skiing knowing her family's difficult financial situation. She thrived with the pressure to "deserve the investments" others made in her and was a Junior Olympian and Rocky Mountain Junior Combined Champion. In addition to dedication to her sport, Jenna was an active member of her community as part of her Regional Championship high school Volleyball team, a regular volunteer for youth groups, and an organizer of fundraising and blood drives for health and environmental causes. Through an opportunity to serve as a "People to People Student Ambassador" in Western Europe, Jenna developed a passion for exploring and documenting the world. She is excited to continue exploring that passion at Gonzaga University by pursuing a dual Journalism and International Affairs major.
JESUS
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Business Administration
Jesus's defining moment was in middle school when his mother had to return to Mexico for the rest of his middle school and high school career. Jesus's grandmother assumed legal guardianship and as the oldest sibling, Jesus took responsibility for earning money to help support his family. He contemplated dropping out of school, but decided to apply himself to make his mother proud of him. Despite working throughout high school and being responsible for a quarter of his family's income, Jesus graduated as high school Valedictorian and earned college credits by taking numerous Advanced Placement classes. He is an inspiration to those who know him—a colleague at MoneyGram wrote about how Jesus insisted that he return to school and pushed him to enroll in an Associates program. Jesus also volunteered as a translator between his high school's GEAR UP Advisor and Spanish-speaking parents, and mentored younger students through the YESS Institute. A first-generation college student, he wishes to give back to his community by becoming a successful investment banker and starting his own scholarship foundation.
Graduated: Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Business Administration
Jesus's defining moment was in middle school when his mother had to return to Mexico for the rest of his middle school and high school career. Jesus's grandmother assumed legal guardianship and as the oldest sibling, Jesus took responsibility for earning money to help support his family. He contemplated dropping out of school, but decided to apply himself to make his mother proud of him. Despite working throughout high school and being responsible for a quarter of his family's income, Jesus graduated as high school Valedictorian and earned college credits by taking numerous Advanced Placement classes. He is an inspiration to those who know him—a colleague at MoneyGram wrote about how Jesus insisted that he return to school and pushed him to enroll in an Associates program. Jesus also volunteered as a translator between his high school's GEAR UP Advisor and Spanish-speaking parents, and mentored younger students through the YESS Institute. A first-generation college student, he wishes to give back to his community by becoming a successful investment banker and starting his own scholarship foundation.
Jose Juan
Graduated: Bruce Randolph School, Denver
College: Santa Clara University
Career Goal: Education
When highlighting a remarkable school transformation in his 2011 State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama chose Denver's Bruce Randolph School. When it came to selecting a student to represent this school and meet the President, Bruce Randolph chose Jose Juan. Jose Juan and his infectious smile were an integral part of Bruce Randolph's transformation, both by his example as Valedictorian of his class, and by his drive to motivate his peers. Jose Juan started a tutoring program for his peers who were in danger of not graduating, and his work led to a 75% decrease in the number of failing grades received by his classmates. A member of the Mayor's Youth Commission, volunteer at YouthBiz where he mentored teens and taught computer and business literacy classes, and intern at ArtLab where he exposed his peers to the arts, Jose Juan's dream is to continue inspiring his community as an educator.
Graduated: Bruce Randolph School, Denver
College: Santa Clara University
Career Goal: Education
When highlighting a remarkable school transformation in his 2011 State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama chose Denver's Bruce Randolph School. When it came to selecting a student to represent this school and meet the President, Bruce Randolph chose Jose Juan. Jose Juan and his infectious smile were an integral part of Bruce Randolph's transformation, both by his example as Valedictorian of his class, and by his drive to motivate his peers. Jose Juan started a tutoring program for his peers who were in danger of not graduating, and his work led to a 75% decrease in the number of failing grades received by his classmates. A member of the Mayor's Youth Commission, volunteer at YouthBiz where he mentored teens and taught computer and business literacy classes, and intern at ArtLab where he exposed his peers to the arts, Jose Juan's dream is to continue inspiring his community as an educator.
KALISTA
Graduated: Union Colony Preparatory School, Greeley
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Peace and Justice, Sociology, Social Work
The first word a high school teacher used to describe Kalista was "integrity" and went on to emphasize that Kalista is "deeply thoughtful about global issues as well as local and personal issues." Kalista volunteered almost 800 hours in high school and was especially touched by a video she saw about child sex-trafficking. She struggled over how to contribute but decided to put her passion for theater and the arts to use, and organized a community talent show to donate proceeds to Rapha House, an organization that provides safe houses for sexually-exploited girls. Even her incredible academic achievements have been put to service as she led study groups for Algebra students at Aims Community College, even as she was only in high school. Kalista is studying to become a Social Worker at CSU and plans to conduct service work in Africa.
Graduated: Union Colony Preparatory School, Greeley
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Peace and Justice, Sociology, Social Work
The first word a high school teacher used to describe Kalista was "integrity" and went on to emphasize that Kalista is "deeply thoughtful about global issues as well as local and personal issues." Kalista volunteered almost 800 hours in high school and was especially touched by a video she saw about child sex-trafficking. She struggled over how to contribute but decided to put her passion for theater and the arts to use, and organized a community talent show to donate proceeds to Rapha House, an organization that provides safe houses for sexually-exploited girls. Even her incredible academic achievements have been put to service as she led study groups for Algebra students at Aims Community College, even as she was only in high school. Kalista is studying to become a Social Worker at CSU and plans to conduct service work in Africa.
KIERYN
Graduated: Rifle High School, Rifle
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Pre-Law
Kieryn is dynamic—a natural leader, she is intellectually curious, well-read, thoughtful, passionate, a self-described "nerd." It is rare to hear the same person described as both graceful and fierce by her teacher, and a "class clown" and "master at philosophical debate" by her best friend, but it is the combination of these traits that led her peers to elect her Student Body President, and to her roles as a Youth Zone peer mentor, Yearbook Copy Editor, Varsity Golf Captain (and CHSAA Girls Golf Academic All-State First Team) and morning announcer at her school. Kieryn looks forward to applying her love of philosophy to a career in law.
Graduated: Rifle High School, Rifle
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Pre-Law
Kieryn is dynamic—a natural leader, she is intellectually curious, well-read, thoughtful, passionate, a self-described "nerd." It is rare to hear the same person described as both graceful and fierce by her teacher, and a "class clown" and "master at philosophical debate" by her best friend, but it is the combination of these traits that led her peers to elect her Student Body President, and to her roles as a Youth Zone peer mentor, Yearbook Copy Editor, Varsity Golf Captain (and CHSAA Girls Golf Academic All-State First Team) and morning announcer at her school. Kieryn looks forward to applying her love of philosophy to a career in law.
MICHELLE
Graduated: Thompson Valley High School, Loveland
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Clinical Psychology / Social Work
Michelle strives to impact her community through social justice projects that she is passionate about including AIDS, genocide, human trafficking, malaria, mental illness, and poverty. Her compassionate nature is evident as she devoted over 1,000 volunteer hours in high school to serving as a voice for youth on Loveland's Youth Advisory Commission, helped Loveland allocate funds to nonprofit agencies through the Human Services Commission, tutored, and volunteered at a medical center, amongst other activities. As a mentor puts it, Michelle "has a heart for others that gives without expecting anything in return."
Graduated: Thompson Valley High School, Loveland
College: Colorado State University
Career Goal: Clinical Psychology / Social Work
Michelle strives to impact her community through social justice projects that she is passionate about including AIDS, genocide, human trafficking, malaria, mental illness, and poverty. Her compassionate nature is evident as she devoted over 1,000 volunteer hours in high school to serving as a voice for youth on Loveland's Youth Advisory Commission, helped Loveland allocate funds to nonprofit agencies through the Human Services Commission, tutored, and volunteered at a medical center, amongst other activities. As a mentor puts it, Michelle "has a heart for others that gives without expecting anything in return."
RICHARD
Graduated: John F. Kennedy High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Journalism
Although Richard's parents did not go to college, he never felt disadvantaged as he grew up in a stable and loving household. It was when his father nearly died from a blood clot in his freshmen year and his stay-at-home mother struggled to find a job, that Richard realized the precariousness of his family's situation. His community helped his family keep their house, and Richard's maturity and thoughtfulness made him realize that the only way he could ever pay them back was through service. A shy person, Richard pushed himself to step out of his comfort zone and sought out community service to the extent that his high school teachers turned to Richard when they wanted to motivate other students to become involved with service or academics. He became the President of his school's volunteer club and made such an impact on mentoring and environmental stewardship at several Denver public schools that he was awarded the 9 News Kids Who Care Award. His dedication extended to academics. Richard enrolled in his school's rigorous IB program and graduated Valedictorian of his class and is making his family proud as a first-generation college student.
Graduated: John F. Kennedy High School, Denver
College: University of Denver
Career Goal: Journalism
Although Richard's parents did not go to college, he never felt disadvantaged as he grew up in a stable and loving household. It was when his father nearly died from a blood clot in his freshmen year and his stay-at-home mother struggled to find a job, that Richard realized the precariousness of his family's situation. His community helped his family keep their house, and Richard's maturity and thoughtfulness made him realize that the only way he could ever pay them back was through service. A shy person, Richard pushed himself to step out of his comfort zone and sought out community service to the extent that his high school teachers turned to Richard when they wanted to motivate other students to become involved with service or academics. He became the President of his school's volunteer club and made such an impact on mentoring and environmental stewardship at several Denver public schools that he was awarded the 9 News Kids Who Care Award. His dedication extended to academics. Richard enrolled in his school's rigorous IB program and graduated Valedictorian of his class and is making his family proud as a first-generation college student.
VALENCIA
Graduated: George Washington High School, Denver
College: Georgia Tech
Career Goal: Bioengineering / Transplant Surgery
Valencia describes herself as someone whose "nose is always in the books because I know I have to work ten times as hard as my peers because of my circumstances. It amazes me how much financial situations can make or break one's perseverance."The daughter of a teen mother, Valencia experienced homelessness and understood that dedication to academics would give her and her family financial stability. She enrolled in a rigorous IB program, became active in Varsity Basketball and Track and community service, and decided to stay behind in Denver when her family moved to Louisiana in order to complete the IB program. Mature, poised, engaging and unafraid of big goals, Valencia is committed to going to medical school after being inspired by a transplant surgeon she met through her high school.
Graduated: George Washington High School, Denver
College: Georgia Tech
Career Goal: Bioengineering / Transplant Surgery
Valencia describes herself as someone whose "nose is always in the books because I know I have to work ten times as hard as my peers because of my circumstances. It amazes me how much financial situations can make or break one's perseverance."The daughter of a teen mother, Valencia experienced homelessness and understood that dedication to academics would give her and her family financial stability. She enrolled in a rigorous IB program, became active in Varsity Basketball and Track and community service, and decided to stay behind in Denver when her family moved to Louisiana in order to complete the IB program. Mature, poised, engaging and unafraid of big goals, Valencia is committed to going to medical school after being inspired by a transplant surgeon she met through her high school.
VANESSA
Graduated: Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Journalism and Linguistics
Vanessa's Lebanese-American heritage influences her passion for sharing positive stories and voices from the Middle East and around the world with Americans. Equally engaged in journalism and international affairs, Vanessa's focus has already resulted in significant strides towards her career goals. After applying to and being accepted for a prestigious journalism summer camp led by Richard Lui and Cary Hernandez of CNN, Vanessa was selected to become a CNN Student Reporter and won the Colorado High School Press Association Journalism Excellence Award. Her strong voice extended to her Vice President role within her high school's Model UN where she was most excited representing countries that have little military or economic clout, and must gain influence through persuasion. More important to her than academic achievements, though, is her little brother who Vanessa helped raise as her single mother worked two jobs to provide for their family. Highly responsible, articulate and interested in global issues, Vanessa is excited to continue educating her peers through journalism.
Graduated: Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora
College: University of Colorado at Boulder
Career Goal: Journalism and Linguistics
Vanessa's Lebanese-American heritage influences her passion for sharing positive stories and voices from the Middle East and around the world with Americans. Equally engaged in journalism and international affairs, Vanessa's focus has already resulted in significant strides towards her career goals. After applying to and being accepted for a prestigious journalism summer camp led by Richard Lui and Cary Hernandez of CNN, Vanessa was selected to become a CNN Student Reporter and won the Colorado High School Press Association Journalism Excellence Award. Her strong voice extended to her Vice President role within her high school's Model UN where she was most excited representing countries that have little military or economic clout, and must gain influence through persuasion. More important to her than academic achievements, though, is her little brother who Vanessa helped raise as her single mother worked two jobs to provide for their family. Highly responsible, articulate and interested in global issues, Vanessa is excited to continue educating her peers through journalism.