Title
Recognition of Commerce City's Adams County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Award Nominees
Body
Summary and Background Information:
The Adams County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Award is an annual award program that provides businesses, community and civic leaders the opportunity to recognize youth ages 13 to 19 who have overcome personal diversity and created positive changes in their lives. Last year, Commerce City had seven nominees, one of which was recognized countywide. This year's 14 local nominees include:
Eduardo Alvarez-Reyes
Eddy has made a conscious effort to turn his life around despite his past choices and behavior. This year in school he joined AVID, has raised his GPA to a 3.1, and is setting his sights on college and his future career. Eddy works hard each day to be a role model for his peers and community.
Tasia Burrell
Tasia had a rough start to her school year, but has made significant positive changes despite hardships in her life. She has become a positive leader for her peers and has increased her GPA to a 3.0. Tasia cares about her future and is working hard to use her strengths for good.
Paola Chavez-Arroyo
Paola moved to the United States in 2nd grade and has worked hard ever since to learn English and do well in school. With the help of teachers, friends and the patience of her parents, she is now in the 8th grade with a 4.2 GPA! She is involved in many school programs and continually pushes herself to be her best. Her nominator writes that Paola "Has a huge heart and is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her."
Simoukda Lounnivongsa
Simoukda faces several different challenges on a daily basis but he has learned to work hard and reach his goals. He is involved in sports, a member of the positive behavior interventions team, and is a leader in his school community. He is easy going and has a positive relationship with everyone. He is always willing to help someone in need and in the words of his nominator "he just makes you want to be better by being around him."
David Luna
Working through a lot of personal adversity, David has turned his attitude and life around and is not only benefitting himself, but others around him. He now has an attitude of respect and positivity towards himself and those around him. He is a leader in and out of the classroom and has worked hard to have all A's and B's. David uses the resources around him and has worked hard to become a thriving student and teen.
Jesse Mascarenas
Jesse has overcome so much in his life including family tragedy. Despite this, he always has a smile and is respectful to everyone around him. He has a strong sense of empathy for others and an infectious personality. According to his nominator Jesse "is truly a role model and inspiration to us all on resiliency and moving forward on a positive path."
Cayley Olsen
Cayley has overcome a disease that causes her physical limitations. It adds difficulty to her daily life, but Cayley is always positive and never uses her limitations as an excuse to give up. She is involved in drama club, art club, band, choir, NJHS, and her schools community leadership group. She always looks for opportunities to help and mentor others and has a positive impact on everyone around her.
Lilia Oviedo-Acosta
Lilia has had struggles in her home and family life, but is a very motivated individual and makes a conscious effort everyday to be better. She sees the importance of education and is involved in programs at school like Gear Up and advanced math and English classes. She is an amazing example to her little sister and makes an effort everyday to be the best she can be.
Jennifer Perez
Jenny has faced many difficulties in her young life, but has handled these situations with maturity beyond her years. She is a responsible student, sets an example for her peers, and is always there to help a friend. Jenny has a supportive network around her and is a confident role model for everyone around her.
Alexandra Ramos
Alexandra has overcome many adversities in her young life, but has come out stronger for it. Taking advantage of her support system, she pushes herself to be better and is flourishing. She cares about her education and is maintaining a 3.2 GPA as well as being involved in activities in school like basketball. Her nominator says that "her resiliency is truly amazing and determination for her future is inspiring."
Audrieanna Torres
Audri has overcome a lot the past year, but regardless she is involved in school with the Interact Club, going to college and working at night, and being a great mom to her daughter. She volunteers and gives back to the community and her peers look up to her for strength. She works hard and is determined to make her life the best it can be for her and her family. Her nominator says that she "is proud to be her friend and Audri inspires her every day."
Ezequiel Torres
Ezequiel has seen how negative choices around him affect others and has made a conscious decision to be different and work hard to go in a positive direction. He wants to have a positive impact on others and currently mentors his nephew as well as joining programs like Teen Court. He desires to be a peace officer one day and continue to be a role model for others.
Alexis Vallejos
Despite hardships, Alexis has worked hard to become a successful student, currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is also a member of the WEB mentoring program and continually making positive changes in her life. She uses the support of her family to motivate her and always works hard to do the right thing. Her nominator says "she is a bright young lady with a huge heart whose potential is endless!"
Miguel has taken his adversity and turned it into advantage through a hard work ethic and positive attitude. He has a serving spirit and is involved in the schools WEB mentoring program as well as other school events. He has become a leader in the school and reaches out to others kids who need encouragement. He is a strong student and teen and has worked hard to get to where he is today.
The top 20 students in Adams County are recognized at a banquet Friday, April 12 at Riverdale Golf Course. The city is honored to have four of our nominees represented:
- Simoukda Lounnivongsa
- Jesse Mascarenas
- Alexandra Ramos
- Audrieanna Torres
Staff Responsible (Department Head): M. Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: Jenna Johnson, youth and teen services coordinator
Financial Impact: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation:
Recognize the teens in attendance, presenting them with award certificates and posing for photos.
Suggested Motion:
N/A