Announcements

The Denver Public Schools proudly announces the following students as Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the Class of 2010. A heartfelt congratulations to all of these outstanding students! A reception is being held in their honor at 900 Grant St. on June 17. Teachers, principals, counselors and family are all welcome to attend. Click here to view the invitation.

The following write-ups were provided by school principals and counselors (schools listed in alphabetical order):

Abraham Lincoln

Valedictorian Julie Ngo -- Julie has been very active at Lincoln. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She was a Link Crew mentor and participated in the Asian Club, which each year presents an assembly to the entire school on Asian culture in recognition of the Lunar New Year. Talented in many areas, Julie is a serious art student who was a founding member of the Manga-Jin Club, a club which promotes computer animation. In sports, Julie played softball. Julie also was a Balarat counselor in her sophomore year. In her junior and senior years, Julie has been recognized with the Rotary Club Scholarship.

Julie plans to enter the University of Denver where she has been awarded the Ellison Work Study Scholarship. She also has been honored with the Blackhawk Scholarship, the Pinnacle Scholarship, and the College Invest Early Achievers Scholarship. She will receive the Denver Scholarship  Foundation award. She will pursue studies in pre med.

Salutatorian Han Tran -- Han has achieved academic excellence at Lincoln. He is vice president of the Asian Club which produces an assembly each year honoring Asian culture.
In this capacity, Han has been key in organizing many fundraisers. He is very active in the Robotics Club. He is a member of the National Honor Society as well as a participant in tennis. For his achievement, Han was awarded the Rotary Club Scholarship in his junior and senior years. He received the Colorado School of Mines Medal for achievement in math and science during his junior year.

Han is a very serious student. As an example, Han did independent study to prepare for the level two of the AP Physics exam.

Han plans to enter Colorado School of Mines to pursue studies in engineering.
He has been awarded a Colorado School of Mines Scholarship, the Wal Mart Scholarship and the Denver Scholarship Foundation scholarship.

Bruce Randolph
Valedictorian Esmeralda Garcia (pictured left, credit the Denver Post)– During her time at Bruce Randolph, Esmeralda maintained a 4.01 GPA. She is planning to attend college. While she has not decided on which college to attend, Esmeralda has been accepted to CSU, CCD and CU Boulder.

Salutatorian Erika Mora – Erika has maintained a 3.9 GPA at Bruce Randolph and has also been accepted to CU Boulder and CCD. Erika is currently deciding which college she would like to attend in the fall.


CEC Middle College
Valedictorian Amanda Mascarenas -- Amanda has the highest math GPA of any student CEC’s math teachers have had over the years. She is graduating with a full year of college requirements along with her high school diploma. She will be attending Colorado School of Mines next year on scholarship and is planning to major in civil engineering with a minor in math. Amanda is a natural leader at CEC and is widely recognized by her peers as such. She has participated in our National Honor Society, IGNITE: A Leader’s Challenge Program and the Middle College National Consortium Student Conference 2 years in a row. She has lettered in tennis and worked at Swingin’ Snacks. Amanda completed her senior internship with Studio Completiva as AutoCAD operator, model maker, and home addition designer.

Salutatorian Stephani Reynoso – Stephani has several college classes completed along as she receives her high school diploma. She has been a member of the Denver Student Board of Education, participated in the Providence Academy at University of Denver during summer, and has acted as an attorney in several state Mock Trial Competitions. She has been an active member of the CEC community social scene, planning many of our school dances. Stephani tutors ELA adults on the weekends. She is planning to attend Community College of Denver, transferring to Metropolitan State College to major in Criminal Justice.


Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS)
Valedictorian Lydia Hoff -- Lydia is gifted in many ways. She is ranked No. 1 at DCIS in a very competitive class. She was DCIS’s top math, science, Chinese and social studies student. She is also a very gifted author, having completed numerous remarkable essays and a full length novel. Lydia will be attending Colorado College in the fall, which is paid in full by the scholarships and grants she has earned.

Salutatorian Pauline Lee -- Pauline is an extraordinary student at DCIS. Her hard work and dedication has paid off, earning her place as salutatorian of her class. Not only has she taken the most rigorous courses offered during her four years at DCIS, she has been involved in various outside activities. Pauline has taken advantage of what the school has to offer and has been very involved in both school and community activities. From the start of freshman year, Pauline has been on the ROTC and Rifle Team. She has attended leadership camps and has benefited from the skills that were taught. Pauline has also been a valued member of the Interact Club. This high school branch of the Rotary Club has inspired her to help others, both within the community and others around the world. Pauline is looking forward to attending Eckerd College in Florida and will major in International Business.


Denver School of the Arts (DSA)
Valedictorian Anna Elizabeth Lee – Anna has been an Orchestra major since coming to DSA in the seventh grade. She has taken a very rigorous course load opting for AP, CU Succeeds, accelerated and honors courses. She has a weighted GPA of 5.098 (un-weighted 3.979). She will be staying in-state to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder next year.

Salutatorian Eric Seelenfreund -- Eric has been a Band major since coming to DSA in the sixth grade. He is being honored as a 7-year senior and has not only taken a rigorous class load but has also completed 19 college credits in his last 2 years while attending DSA full-time. He has a weighted GPA of 5.056 (un-weighted 3.986). Next year he, too, will remain in-state and attend the University of Colorado in Boulder.

East
Valedictorian Nathan Garcia – Nathan graduates as the valedictorian of East High School with a weighted GPA of 5.105. He will attend Stanford University in the fall.

Salutatorian Samuel Smith – Samuel graduates as the salutatorian of East High School with a weighted GPS of 5.034. He will attend Rhodes College in the fall.

Emily Griffith Opportunity School
Valedictorian Beza Jobira -- Beza will be graduating with a 3.822 GPA, which includes completion of the Home Health Aide class at Emily Griffith Opportunity School and 50 college credits earned from the Community College of Denver. Beza acquired employment skills learned through her Emily Griffith career and technical college class. She is currently working as a Certified Nurse Aide in order to supplement her income while attending college.

Beza will attend the University of Colorado at Denver in the fall of 2010, majoring in pre-medicine. She would eventually like to become either a primary care or family physician. Beza’s vision is: “To open an orphanage to help children with no families so they may grow up to be better citizens, who would in turn help the community to make the world a better place.”

Salutatorian Devan Leazer -- Devan will be graduating from Emily Griffith High School as a graduate from high school and Emily Griffith Opportunity School. While attending high school, he completed a certification as a Residential Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning technician (HVAC), maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in these Emily Griffith career and technical college classes and a 3.987 GPA in his high school courses. Realizing the need for heating and air conditioning repairmen in this economy, Devan had made preparations for working his way through college by learning a marketable skill.

Devan is a recipient of the Daniels scholarship and will be attending Colorado State University for the 2010-2011 school year, majoring in either engineering or business. Devon’s vision is: “I want to change the skyline”.


George Washington High School
Write-ups provided by Counselor Lindsey Vesceri
Valedictorian IB (International Baccalaureate) Chase Kernan -- Chase took four higher level IB subjects and would have taken six if it were allowed. He is a remarkable scholar among GW’s group of competitive academic champions. Not only is he considered a math whiz, but his other teachers would confirm that they consider him the top scholar in their subjects as well. Chase is most distinguished in math, but seems driven by a curiosity that helps him connect how knowledge works in each of his IB subjects. Chase considers physics a class for “fun”, but a course that has pushed his interests in engineering even closer to his passion.

Chase has identified several activities to fulfill his CAS requirements that tell what kind of young man he is. His work with the Urban Debate League has been insightful because it was new to the school.

Chase finds himself at the No. 1 rank in his class and is somewhat surprised. He is humble in thinking that there are many other “geniuses” in his class, but he has stumbled inadvertently to the top. He is underestimating not only the power of his intellect, but the depth that his faculty sees him as capable of reaching. Chase will undoubtedly soar at university. He is just testing his wings here.

Valedictorian Emily Kolanbrander -- My initial impression of Emily was that of a sweet girl who always seemed happy and carefree. After numerous conversations and interactions, I have come to know her as an empathetic and critically thinking student. Emily does not take anything at face value; she continuously questions and researches various topics that focus around engineering, science, and society. She has the ideal combination of positive energy, curiosity, and intense work ethic. This has created an outstanding socially conscious student.

Emily has an outstanding academic record. Her work ethic and outgoing personality is often a topic of conversation amongst her teachers. Emily has embraced her senior year as another chance to challenge herself and is taking five AP classes. She has excellent time management skills and superior coping skills for dealing with stress and adversity. Emily has had the goal of becoming an Engineer since the start of her junior year and to reach this goal she has invested in three AP science classes and has participated in our MESA club that focuses on math, science, and technology. Emily also volunteers at school and in her community.

IB Salutatorian Hannah McGehee  -- Hannah is a surprise. Underneath that sunny, blond and athletic exterior lies an intense and fierce academic force. Hannah could easily be seen as valedictorian of our competitive IB program; a hardworking scholar with superb skills, exemplary time management, and an insightful thinker with the will to do more, do better, do it all. Her academic record speaks loudly and for itself.

What makes Hannah unique is the combination of extracurricular activities that she has chosen to fill her non-school hours. As a nationally ranked climber, she teaches, travels to compete, and practices more hours than most of us sleep. She obviously loves the sport and seems to have none of the reservations that terrify the rest of us non-boulderers. She looks like a sweet and petite high school girl; but she is immensely strong and confident, capable of loosing herself during the climb to that buzz that professional athletes achieve.

That same focus dominates her pursuit of music. She plays the piano and cello. She plays with a musical quartet and taught herself the cello because there were too many excellent pianists already involved.

Math is one of her favorite subjects and her math teacher marvels at her quiet intensity in class. She rarely speaks, she simply thinks. Hannah admits that she loves the puzzles in math; she literally plays with numbers as a game in her head. With this talent she is considering majoring in architecture or engineering. She is also fascinated with psychology and may consider teaching. Wherever she lands she will be at the top.

Salutatorian Hannah Brunner -- As Hannah and I sat down to talk about her resume, the length of it struck me. We tried to narrow down her activities, but everything Hannah has been involved in has shaped her and is vitally important to her. This speaks to who Hannah is, not only is she No. 2 of her George Washington Traditional Senior class but she is a thespian and a humanitarian. Hannah has been an actress, director, and producer for our plays and uses her performance skills to volunteer in her community to entertain elderly.

As Hannah moves through our hallways, every student and teacher says hi to her. She progresses through the day, moving from several Advanced Placement and Honors classes into her primarily Caucasian drama class and ending her day in a dance class populated almost entirely by African American students. Her seamless transition speaks to Hannah’s openness, understanding of diversity, and social awareness. She has won numerous school recognitions for her academic accomplishments and outstanding character.

Hannah is a global thinker who is passionate about the arts and her academics. She is able to self reflect upon herself as a learner and a leader that far succeeds most adults. Hannah is realistic, humble, and will contribute greatly to whatever community she finds herself in after high school.


John F. Kennedy
Valedictorian Matthew Gomer – Matt is named JFK’s valedictorian in a tightly competitive class. Matt’s weighted GPA is 4.754, and he is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. He is graduating with honors and is a letterman in tennis. He plans to attend CU Boulder to major in Biological/Chemical Engineering.

Salutatorian Averie Floyd -- Averie’s weighted GPA is 4.747, and she is also a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. She is graduating with honors. She received the Scholar Athlete award for Excellence in Cross Country, Basketball and Track. She is a 12 season Athletic Award winner. She received the Sam Waldman Award named after Sam Waldman, the first principal at JFK. This award is given to one female and one male who are outstanding while participating in multiple sports and demonstrate true sportsmanship. She is also the Renaissance Award recipient who exemplifies high moral character, artistic talent, academic achievement and community service. Averie plans to attend CSU to study Fashion Design.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College

Valedictorian Betzabe Belem Rubio -- Betzabe Rubio has attended Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College for 7 consecutive years. She will be attending the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley this fall and has received the UNC Bear Tracks scholarship, UNC Provost Freshman Scholarship, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship.  Betzabe graduations from MLK with a 3.954 GPA.

Salutatorian Akricia Monet Joseph -- Akricia Monet Joseph was born on the island of St. Thomas.  She moved to Colorado because she needed to be challenged in school, and Colorado was one of the many states that could fulfill her dreams. Even though I am still not used to the cold, I love what Colorado and the school system have to offer me. I have been accepted to six colleges, and I chose to go to the University of Tampa. They have offered me a $32,000 merit scholarship ($8,000 per year, if I keep my grades up.) I am graduating as the Salutatorian of Martin Luther King, Jr Early College, which is the school I cherish the most, because it prepped me for college and gave me a lot of opportunities.

Montbello
Valedictorian Amanda Offen – Amanda has been actively involved in several student clubs, groups and sports during her time at Montbello. These groups and activities include Student Government, National Honor Society, Girls Basketball, Volleyball and Track and Field. Amanda intends to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Mesa State College.

Co-Salutatorians Cindy Gandara -- Cindy has participated and served the Montbello school community in various manners. She represented Student Government as a Class Representative and serves as a member for the Latino Club, College for Every Student (CFES) organization and the Montbello Pride Club. Cindy was also a team member of the Lady Warriors Soccer Team. Cindy has plans to attend the Metropolitan State College of Denver this Fall 2010 and study Teacher Education.

Co-Salutatorian Trudy Vo – Trudy has excelled in all aspects of her high school career. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Lady Warriors Tennis Club and as a cadet for JROTC she ranked as a Lieutenant Colonel. Trudy will attend the University of Colorado Boulder where she intends to pursue a degree in Engineering.


North
Valedictorian Eduardo Gutierrez – Eduardo is an extremely responsible and well-polished young man. He is a charter member of Goodwill’s Advisory Council, and the youngest member. Mr. Gutierrez was the only sophomore to enroll in Advanced Placement US History. Despite the instructor’s original hesitance, Eduardo excelled in the class. After successful completion, he enrolled in AP European History and AP Chemistry this year. He is regarded as one of the top few students in the class.
Mr. Gutierrez is the ideal high school student who always treats both his teachers and fellow students with respect. Never a stranger to anyone at school, rarely a day goes by where Eduardo does not stop by classrooms between classes to merely say “Hi.” Mr. Gutierrez participates in many activities outside of school. He is always the first student to come forward and offer help. During his senior year he has emerged as a leader within National Honor Society and peer mentoring club all the while maintaining his academic stature. Mr. Gutierrez is the North High School Class of 2010 Valedictorian.

Salutatorian Lan Nguyen -- Lan is one of the most extraordinary young people to ever grace the halls of North High School. She is most definitely a true scholar, but she is also an incredibly humble and hard working young lady. Lan has done an amazing job at mastering the English language while excelling academically. She is especially fond of math and just successfully completed Calculus III at CCD.

Ms. Nguyen began her high school career with the constant companion of an electronic translation machine. She never gave up and excelled through some very challenging times socially and academically. Ms. Nguyen is the North High School Class of 2010 Salutatorian.


South
Valedictorian Rachel Schmitzer – Rachel has been a Denver Public School student throughout her educational life, beginning in kindergarten at Asbury Elementary School. A member of the National Honor Society at South High School, Rachel Schmitzer has volunteered time with the Key Club, served as a Balarat counselor, and has been a participant in track and swimming. A gymnastic competitor, she is proud of her team's 2009 City Championship. One of South's student ambassadors, Rachel is a member of the Rebel Forensics Team and was a State Champion Speech Competitor. Rachel plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins majoring in Psychology and Anthropology.

Salutatorian Linda Jimenez -- Linda is a self-made person. When you talk to her, she always has a very positive attitude and outlook on life. She has excelled because of her own work ethic, self-discipline and goals of what she is and what she wants to become. Linda is very modest. She does not openly seek recognition or reward for her efforts and accomplishments. Linda is always on the move has never stopped seeking new opportunities and responsibilities. She is a true “multiplier” in this school and her enthusiasm has been contagious. She has personified the absolute best we look for in all our students.


Southwest Early College
Valedictorian Lisa Holman -- Lisa has been on the honor roll every semester in high school and is also on the President’s List at the Community College of Denver. She will receive her Associate of Arts degree at the same time she receives her high school diploma.

Lisa was the yearbook photographer and editor her junior and senior years. She was also involved in the school wide tutoring program as a tutor and interviewer, and in the student council in grades 10, 11, and 12. In her senior year she joined the student government and was elected to be the student body treasurer.

Lisa is active in her community. She participated in the AIDs and breast cancer walk for the last four years. She has lead various bake sales, the Haiti fundraising, and the local canned food drive through the school. She has also donated each year personally to Coats for Colorado, and Toys for Tots.

Lisa was accepted into Regis University with a $48,000 scholarship and University of Denver with a $36,000 scholarship, and the University of Colorado at Denver. She will transfer to UC Denver, double-majoring in Accounting and Medieval Humanities.

Salutatorian Andre Whitehair -- has accomplished his high school goal of being on the honor roll every semester. Andre transferred to Southwest Early College during his junior year from Ranum High School where he lettered in academics, athletics, and orchestra. At Ranum he was nominated for the Ignite Leadership program, and in his junior year he was an active participant in the program where he performed many hours of community service and networking.

Also during his junior year, Andre was a member of the tutoring squad at Southwest Early College, and took great pride in being able to help his fellow students. In the summer he was accepted into The Bold Leaders program and traveled to Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary to learn about leadership.

In his senior year Andre participated in the Student Leadership Conference in North Carolina with the Middle College National Consortium where his team presented their South Platter River ecology project. Andre is also active in this year’s Student Council and Government, where he spearheaded the amelioration of the school lunch program.

Andre was accepted into Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has chosen to attend CU Boulder, majoring in Mechanical Engineering through CU’s Gold Shirts program.


Thomas Jefferson
Valedictorian Thomas Moehlman (pictured left) – Tommy was president of DECA this year. During his time at TJ, he also played soccer and won one of the DPSRE scholarships. Tommy will attend CU Boulder this fall.

Salutatorian Andrew Craig – Andrew is a Daniels Scholar recipient and will attend Yale University in the fall to study theatre. During his senior year, Andrew was school president and was involved in the Rent Project. In addition, Andrew participated in several other clubs during his high school career at TJ.


West
Write-ups provided by advisor Marta Mata
Valedictorian Hai Hong – Hai has worked very hard for this, and I know that his family is very proud of him. Hai came into West as a second language learner and never used as an excuse not to do well, Hai will be attending the University of Denver in the fall, and hopes to get a degree in Engineering. Hai attended the University of Colorado at Denver doing a concurrent session for both semesters and passed with flying colors. He will start college with 18 credits under his belt. Hai has a wonderfully dry sense of humor and will be greatly missed. He was voted most likely male student to succeed by his class and we are looking forward to all of the wonderful things that he will achieve. Hai’s ultimate goal is to finish college and give his family a better life. He is one in a million, and it has truly been an honor to have known and worked with Hai.

Joycie Ramirez – Joycie has a weighted GPA of 4.138 and has worked hard all four years to be number one, but she is content with being number two. She has been a great role model not only for those in her graduating class, but also with the younger students. She is a devoted daughter, sister and friend. Joycie is planning on attending the University of Colorado at Denver, where she hopes to complete her Pre-Med program and then transfer to CU-Boulder to finish up her Doctorate. Joycie was also voted as most likely female student to succeed by her fellow classmates. I would like to agree with that statement as Joycie is very dedicated to her school work and to her future plans of helping other. I am honored to have worked with her.