The Arapahoe County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Awards

Logo for Arapahoe County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Awards

2021 Award Recipients

This year, the awards ceremony was held virtually on June 3. Fourteen-area high school students were honored who have overcome a variety of challenges and adversities to achieve significant academic success. Meet these impressive scholarship winners, learn more about the challenges they’ve faced, and get to know more about the annual Youth Awards program.


Congratulations to the 2021 Recipients!

Danielle Duran: SOAR Academy

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Destiny Pullara: SOAR Academy

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Emmet Banker: Grandview High School

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Jacqueline Pinedo: SOAR Academy

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Josue Deras: Englewood High School

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Julia Petree: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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Julie Castaneda Gurrola: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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Kaden Devault: Gateway High School

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Kiera Toney: Heritage High School

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Lilya Arustamyan: Heritage High School

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Morgan Vincent: Heritage High School

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Ryleigh LaMar: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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Senna Aldoubosh: Eaglecrest High School

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Tiffany Li: Eaglecrest High School

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About the Program

The Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA) recognizes teenagers who have overcome obstacles and risen to challenges life has presented. This award is unique because it encompasses youth who live and attend school in Arapahoe County within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, and emancipated youth.

Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome adversity and wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools.

Note: The nomination deadline for 2021 has passed.

Eligibility

  • Seniors (grade 12) who live and attend school in Arapahoe County within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, and emancipated youth.
  • 12th grade youth are eligible to receive a scholarship for educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools for the first year of post-secondary costs.
  • Youth related to Arapahoe County employees are not eligible for this program.

Process

Teachers, counselors, and other educators, not related to the youth, may nominate an eligible youth for consideration.
Each nominee must write a 3-paragraph essay that highlights what they have learned after overcoming the challenge(s) they faced, what they hope to accomplish in the years ahead, and any future plans or ambitions.

A committee comprised of county elected officials (commissioners, mayors, etc.) review applications and make recommendations for awards and scholarships based on the student’s desire to rise above adversity, determination to create positive change within their environment, and the positive contributions and service to their communities and families.

Applications must be submitted electronically to jbayard@arapahoegov.com by the deadline below, no exceptions.

Scholarship

Scholarship recipients must use the award within the 2021-2022 academic years.

Questions

Questions about the process or program should be directed to Jacquelyn Bayard, Administrative Specialist, jbayard@arapahoegov.com.