The Student Spotlight segment of each Board meeting celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which highlights the life skills each LPS graduate should have. Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them, and today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills - where every student should be well-adjusted, thriving, and balanced.
Additionally, students will develop skills in:
Communication
Global and Cultural Awareness
Character and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Creativity and Risk Taking
Resiliency and Collaboration
Self Advocacy
All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills
In LPS, we strive to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education, and we recognize students of all ages. At the May 14 Board of Education meeting, students from The Village for Early Childhood Education, Centennial Academy of Fine Arts, and Transition Services were recognized.
The Village for Early Childhood Education
Students from the Buffalo Room at The Village were recognized for exemplifying the qualities in the Portrait of a Graduate through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving others. During the preschool unit of study focused on pets, students built background knowledge and developed a deeper understanding of how animals depend on people for care, safety, and kindness. Inspired by this learning, they participated in a schoolwide initiative to collect donations and raise funds for the South Platte Valley Humane Society. Through this experience, students demonstrated empathy, COLLABORATION, strong CHARACTER, and community responsibility while making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
Ava Aceves
Maeve MacKenzie
Mikayla Blanchard
Alice Hankins
Emersyn Miller
Garrix Le
Cardyn Anderson
Vaeda Barnett
Xavier Indergand-Westerman
Aaron Aparicio
Paizley Mondragon
Alyssa Pham
Levi Schumacher
Van Thang
Mackenzie Thomas
Centennial Academy of Fine Arts
Suruchi Khadka, Camryn Shropshire, and Yaretzi Avila are three outstanding fifth graders who shine both individually and as a team. They were recognized for their CHARACTER. These three girls are best friends, and their friendship is something special. They support each other, include others, and are always helpful to classmates and teachers alike. They bring kindness wherever they go, and they are respected and accepted by all their peers. What really sets them apart is their perseverance. No matter the challenge, they stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their goals. They show us that success isn’t just about being smart–it’s about effort, determination, and lifting each other up along the way. They are WELL-ADJUSTED, THRIVING, AND BALANCED–wonderful representations of LPS graduates in the making. We are proud of the powerful example they set for others.
Jordy Zink is a remarkable 5th grade student who shows courage, determination, and kindness every single day. While Jordy lives with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome—which means some things can be more challenging for her—she never lets those challenges define who she is or dictate what she can achieve. Jordy teaches us the importance of patience, strength, and celebrating every success, big or small. She handles difficult moments with RESILIENCY, ADAPTABILITY, and bravery, and she keeps trying no matter what. It is truly heartwarming to witness the incredible milestones Jordy has reached, and her journey highlights her immense personal resilience, especially in regards to her physical independence. She went from delivering coffee to teachers on Wednesdays with assistance to pushing the cart completely independently. She has also made great strides in her mobility, transitioning to walking multiple steps without being supported. Jordy’s confidence has also blossomed into her taking the lead and guiding her support team around instead of following them. This marks a beautiful shift in her agency, voice, and self esteem. Jordy shows the CHARACTER of a future LPS graduate through her hard work, positive attitude, and endurance. We are incredibly proud to have her in Centennial's school community, and Jordy’s perseverance and spirit continue to inspire us all.
Transition Services
Isabelle Dimmick was recognized for her remarkable ADAPTABILITY and intellectual curiosity. Isabelle is known for her extensive knowledge of music and trivia. She looks at the world with a critical and insightful eye, reflecting deeply on the "why" behind the "what." Her great sense of humor and quick wit make her a joy to be around. Isabelle’s natural curiosity ensures that she will be a lifelong learner constantly seeking a deeper understanding. Thanks for all you bring to the Transition community, Isabelle!
Jesse Humenansky was recognized for his CRITICAL THINKING and RISK TAKING. He has been a PROBLEM-SOLVER at all his volunteer worksites throughout his Transition Services career, while being a supportive model for new students trying those worksites. He has continued to improve his personal relationships with peers and coworkers in the workplace when faced with challenging situations. We are so pleased to have his presence at Transition Services!
Maxx Mueller, affectionately known as “Double X” at Transition Services, was recognized for his RESILIENCY and RISK TAKING. Maxx has overcome challenges, eagerly volunteered at several different worksites and his steady work has proven successful as he recently was hired for his first paid job. Maxx is kind and compassionate, and he has become a leader amongst his peers. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Maxx!
JP Ramsey displays remarkable ADAPTABILITY. He has shown significant growth in his flexibility and his ability to work with a variety of people. He maintains a positive attitude and strength of CHARACTER even when faced with challenging situations. JP has demonstrated strong work skills while volunteering at Transition Services, skills that he applies at his job at King Soopers, where he has worked for the past year. We are proud of you, JP!
Josiah Seibel stands out for his RESILIENCY. When faced with challenges, Josiah pushes forward. He has a wonderful sense of humor that brightens our school community. Josiah has shown incredible COMMUNICATION skills in learning to use his new communication device. Through hard work and patience, he is finding authentic ways to use his voice. Josiah uses technology for his own SELF-ADVOCACY, and he is an inspiration to others. Transition Services is a better place because Josiah is there!
