2012 Event Sponsors and Donors

The 2012 My Student My Hero Honorees

Nominated by their principal and/or counselor, and selected to represent all high school seniors in Jefferson County.

Nominations and bios will be posted soon!  Photo portraits courtesy: Jacqueline’s Photography.

 

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Joseph Tiner (Arvada HS)

Nominated by Principal, Kathy Norton

I am fascinated by Joe Tiner’s passion, dedication and commitment to self growth. He is highly committed to success within his classes and towards developing himself into a person of character. His intelligence, diligence and magnetic personality have served him well at Arvada High School and will ensure his continued success beyond the high school level. During his time here, Mr. Tiner has maintained a 3.68 grade point average utilizing strong moral values and integrity. He works well collaboratively and guides peers in important tasks. He does this in a non-judgmental demeanor that has gained respect from peers and teachers alike.

Not only is Joe a valuable member of the school newspaper, yearbook and Bulldog News Crew, he began his own photography business; Unseen Photography. There are students at Arvada High School that cannot afford senior pictures and Joe volunteers his services, pro bono. He charged a small fee for yearbook pictures and donates any money to the yearbook.

His persevering nature and complete devotion to education, family and community are endearing traits and qualities not found in just anyone. He is confident and goal driven. He knows what he wants and nothing will impede his progress. Joe is the type of student who would give you the shirt off his back if you need it, the type of student every teacher wants and the kind of friend that everyone needs. You would never know that Joe is blind.

Katie Tiernan, executive director of The Jefferson Foundation, presents a surprised Joseph Timer with a $1,000 "Positive Choice" scholarship from an anonymous Foundation donor.

 

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Connor Bottke (Arvada West HS)

Nominated by Principal, Robert C. Bishop

 

 

 

Luis Zuniga (Brady High School)

Nominated by Principal, Troy Braley

Luis Zuniga had a rocky start in Jeffco schools. The people he chose to be around influenced him negatively and he realized he would need to leave that situation to find success and positive support. When he arrived at Brady High School in August, 2010, he was determined to make a change. When we sat down to make a graduation plan, I explained that he could graduate in May of 2011. He said to me that the time wasn’t important, and that he pretty much didn’t go to school for two years so he was determined to do it right this time. 

Before coming to Brady, Luis’s grades were Cs, Ds and Fs. At Brady he earned As, Bs and only a few Cs. He felt at home here, made many connections with teachers and staff and greatly impressed us all. Luis told me he felt that Brady teachers, counselors and others truly cared about him -- something he had not experienced before in school. That support enabled Luis to succeed.

Luis finished classes last fall and was so proud of himself he was ready to burst! Currently, he is deciding between working towards the personal trainer profession and business school, perhaps at Colorado Heights. I am certain he will succeed in any path he chooses.

 His life skills teacher said: What a great kid! He took a leadership role in the class and was honest and genuine. I could ask any teacher at Brady and receive the same enthusiastic response. Luis continues to come to Brady even now, often helping out an English teacher. I have suggested that he would make a great teacher but I don’t have him convinced yet!

I am proud to nominate Luis Zuniga for this award, I can think of no one who deserves it more.

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Tori Kelly (Columbine HS)                                                                                        

Nominated by Counselor, Renate Shafter

 

Tori Kelly stands out among her peers not only for her exceptional academics, but also for her generous and reflective spirit, her personal strength, and her integrity. 

Tori is an excellent and capable student, who has chosen to push herself with an academically rigorous course-load throughout her high school career.  Tori has worked hard to immerse herself in her studies and personally own what she is learning. 

There are monthly opportunities for service commitments in our Peer Mentorship program, which Tori has belonged to junior and senior years. She has presented six study skills information sessions to our freshmen study hall classes, participated in new-student outreach activities, and volunteered for various fundraisers and elementary school functions. And of course, most days of the week she is tutoring students in our peer mentor office. Outside of school, Tori volunteers once a month with Kids Alive, a support group for kids who’s loved ones are battling cancer. She also helps organize an annual fundraiser called Soup for the Soul, which raises money for hospice care. 

Tori’s personal life has presented some unusual challenges. Her family has struggled with personal issues, which she has reflected in her writings, and she has had the courage to speak publicly about them. The resulting personal strength that her experiences have made her a more empathetic and compassionate young woman who is determined to make strong, positive, and productive choices in her own life.

Tori is a young woman of integrity, opening herself up to many different kinds of people and experiences. She is loyal, honest, and reliable. In her communication with others she offers connection and authenticity, and always makes those around her feel cared about and at ease. Tori has a depth of character and an ability to look beyond herself that extends well beyond her years. I give her my highest recommendation for the My Student, My Hero award.

 

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Melba Njenga (Dakota Ridge HS)

Nominated by Principal, Jim Jelinek

Melba Njenga’s family immigrated to the United States in 2006 when she was only 12.  What many people don’t realize about Melba is that she is younger than her grade level peers. With that said, she is as socially mature as her classmates, yet intellectually more so. She carries this curiosity with her to all of her classes, where she works hard, not for a grade, but for intellectual satiation. It is in her AP and Honors classes, on the track and swim teams, and in her personal interactions that Melba brings her unique perspective.  Against multiple odds (language, age, cultural differences, etc.), Melba has proven that her determination to succeed in school and in life is priority for her. 

Melba had some adjustments to American culture and education, having come from a strict educational system that gave 3 hours of homework per night and inflicted corporal punishment for infractions.

She speaks several languages fluently, and she must work harder than her peers to express herself in English, and push herself to do her best and get the most out of her education. Her interests include: psychiatry, anthropology, history, science and language.

Comments from Teachers

 

“It is not the grade that Melba earns on tests or assignments - but the grade that she earns as a person. In my book, straight A's. She always has a positive attitude even when she is under stress. She challenges me to be on my toes and be ready answer all sorts of questions.”  Mrs. Lewis

“Melba is filled with grace.  She is unassuming, calm, and self-assured.  Melba teaches us, as adults, we sometimes look up to our students.  Melba is a hero to her peers, her teachers, and her family.”  Mrs. Muenchow

“Melba has an incredible work ethic. She continually takes it upon herself to ask questions to better understand concepts and ideas. She challenges herself and her peers to be the best and to perform to the best of their abilities.  She is the student you want every year!”   Mrs. Letourneau:

“I appreciate Melba's willingness to express herself during class discussions, especially when she does not agree with the accepted position.  Melba will fully defend herself, often persuading her peers to agree with her. Melba is a rare jewel among teenagers and is deserving of this award.”  Mrs. Buchanan-Lind

 

 

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Rebecca " Becca" Lidvall (D'Evelyn Junior/Senior HS)

Nominated by Principal, Terry Elliott

Becca Lidvall  embodies the character we would like all our students to possess.  She is kind, caring, responsible, respectful, honest, civic minded, and hard working. 

Volunteer services to the school or the wider community
From her Spanish Teacher: 

"Last summer she went to Costa Rica with a school group. There she volunteered constructing a school, practicing her Spanish all the while. She also is the treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society and actively helping to organize fundraisers for Charity Water. Additionally, Becca volunteers for the Rush Soccer Program which is designed to provide soccer opportunities for players with special abilities."

 

Exceptional character and/or leadership

Comments shared by her counselor and teachers:

“Although she believes that she has received ‘the gift of an intelligent mind, she only exudes quiet confidence. She is humble, friendly, compassionate and nonjudgmental.”

“She was elected president of our chapter of the National Honor Society because of her overt clear modeling of scholarship, character, service, and leadership around the school on a daily basis.”

 

Scholastic achievement:

Becca has earned a perfect 4.0 (unweighted) as a student at D’Evelyn.  She earned a 33 ACT Composite with a perfect 36 on the Reading Sub Score and a 35 on the Science Sub Score.  Her physics teacher noted:

"Rebecca is one of the very strongest physics students I have ever taught. She is an incredibly creative, persevering, and analytical young physicist. She was the type of student that would consistently think - outside the box."

Student has overcome extraordinary personal circumstances in order to succeed

Her teachers shared the following:

"Despite ongoing and recent family health issues and illnesses, I have been very impressed by Rebecca’s overcoming nature; though understandably very concerned and distracted at times, she maintained the highest academic and behavioral standards as well as a positive attitude, all year long."

“It is rare to have the opportunity to work in support of such a truly amazing individual and I know that this honor would be greatly valued and appreciated by her and her family.”

 

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Adrienne Prueitt (Golden HS)

Nominated by Principal, Brian Conroy

 

Adrienne Prueitt is the personification of hard work.  Her experiences on her family farm and produce operation - getting up early, going to bed late and persevering through difficult situations make her an excellent candidate for this recognition.

Her experiences helped Adrienne develop a strong work ethic and enable her to work with all types of people. Customer service became her greatest skill.  She was also able to adapt these attributes to her school environment.  She is active at school, tutoring under classmen and helping them understand that a little bit of hard work and dedication goes along way. 

 Her science teacher said:

“Adrienne always has a great attitude works hard and is a positive influence in the classroom. Her academic ability is supported by the long list of Honors and AP classes she has taken, her outstanding GPA and her numerous academic awards. Adrienne is a candidate for the Boettcher scholarship.

 

“She enjoys helping others and is currently volunteering as a tutor with our science departments’ RTI intervention program. She is a counselor at Jeffco’s Outdoor Education Lab Schools and had the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp. She is on a path toward a lifelong goal of a doctorate in veterinary medicine.”

Adrienne’s chemistry teacher stated:

“Adrienne is an extremely hard worker, always focused on her tasks and serious about producing quality work. She is not afraid to ask as many questions as needed to clarify a topic and extend it to other applications. She is a leader and positive role model at GHS. She told me that after attending the Rotary Youth Camp, she discovered that leaders don’t always lead from the front, more than likely they are bringing up the back with the last. Adrienne Prueitt is a dynamic individual with a bright future.”

 

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Clare Livingston (Lakewood HS)

Nominated by Counselor, Geoffrey R. LaPlant

 

Clare Livingston stands out at Lakewood High School because of her exceptional extracurricular involvement, her commitment to her academic studies, and her maturity level.  Clare is very clear about her career path in the medical field and is well prepared to begin undergraduate studies toward this goal. Her IB chemistry teacher had these observations:

Given the scores that she has earned in this course, it is my belief that Clare ranks in the top one percent of Lakewood’s enrollment. In my association with her I have found Clare to be dependable and a tireless worker who always produces creative, high quality work.

Through some difficult personal experiences, Clare has remained a rock at Lakewood High School. She is a section leader in our Marching band, a top student in our IB program and a kind, conscientious young women who we are all very proud of.  I can honestly say she is one of the top students I have worked with in my 10 year career as a counselor. She truly is a hero!

 

 

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