Rangeview High School student Quiana Hughes

“I will read. I will study. I will learn. If you try to stop me, I will just try harder.” This is an excerpt from the powerful film "Girl Rising," which highlights the struggles of females around the world who are fighting for the right to an education.

Recently, Rangeview High School’s female freshman class went on a field trip to enjoy the film and examine how societies across the globe benefit from educating its female citizens. Rangeview staff organized the event to empower the young women to take control of their education, provide them with a greater sense of a global community and encourage them to take action in their own communities.

“I will be more serious about my education after watching this movie,” said Rangeview student Quiana Hughes. “Watching the girls push through was really inspiring.” Her classmate Alexandra Katschke agreed, adding, “I am more appreciative of education now!”

Renowned Pakistani female education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai’s compelling story inspired the film as she leads a life of sacrifice, survival and persistence in the name of equality. Although a man attempted to take her life after she boarded a school bus one day, she fought to live and continues her fight to learn.

“If you stop me, there will be other girls who will rise up and take my place," the film narrated.  That statement resonated with Rangeview student Jahniyah Cozine Bijou. “What also impacted me was learning that some girls have to pay for school while I sometimes complain about going to school and I get an education for free!” Bijou said.

The film highlights the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. “I used to see education as simply getting me from here to there,” voiced Rangeview High School Junior DeAnna Duncan. “But now, I see that it can make a change for me, my family and others.”

Staff at Rangeview are excited to host a similar event for its male students in April.

Story by Alaysha Powell
APS Communication Team Intern

On December 9, the Executive Internship Program (EIP) held its largest Sponsor Appreciation Banquet ever. High school seniors Mikeala Cook (Rangeview), Mary Royston (Hinkley), Brandon Swearengin (Vista PEAK), and William Witt (Rangeview) served as hosts for the event.The EIP Advisory Committee presented Mikeala Cook and Luke Robinson (Rangeview) with a $300 scholarship.

More than 270 family, friends and APS administrators attended the event. During the program, interns gave short speeches and presented their sponsors with small awards.

A majority of the students earned the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award by completing 100 or more community service hours.

A special shout out goes to the following students:

• Maria Recendes (Aurora West) and Luke Robinson (Rangeview) who received the Silver Award for completing more than 175 hours of community service.
• Brandon Swearengin (Vista PEAK)  and Yadap Adhikari (Aurora Central) who received the Gold Award for completing over 250 hours of community service.

The EIP is offered through Pickens Technical College. The program gives students an opportunity to work at various businesses and organizations to learn important job skills.

Intern Luke Robinson receives his scholarship

Guests enjoy their meal before the ceremony.

Students from various APS high schools participated in the Crossroads Transitional Center Winter Exit Ceremony, which was held at the Professional Learning and Conference Center. Not pictured is Aurora Central High School's Louis Ward.

Pomp and circumstance. That's all that was on the mind of 10 Crossroads Transitional Center students recently as they proudly accepted diplomas during the center's 2014 Winter Exit Ceremony. During the ceremony, a host of supporters -- APS Deputy Superintendent William Stuart, Board of Education members  Mary Lewis, Dr. Eric Nelson, Cathy Wildman and Barbara Yamrick, family and friends -- cheered on the students, who will officially graduate from their home high schools in May 2015.

Through the APS Department of Exceptional Student Services, the Crossroads Transition Center program provides critical services to students who need help in gaining independence in the community and work settings as they transition into the adult world.  The ten students honored at this year's exit ceremony show that they achieved their goals and are ready to succeed as independent adults.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Brayan Alvarado - Hinkley High School
• Ruben Farmer - Hinkley High School
• Kevin Henn - Aurora Central High School
• Jared Hughes - Rangeview High School
• Sharayna Johnson - Gateway High School
• Shawn Lovette - Gateway High School
• Julian Nanguata - Hinkley High School
• Javier Sanchez Rojas - Aurora Central High School
• Brittnee Shaw - Gateway High School
• Louis Ward - Aurora Central High School

The conclusion of the 2014-15 winter semester marks the beginning of a new chapter in life for Aurora Public Schools’ mid-year graduates.

Thirty graduates participated in a ceremony on Dec. 17 to commemorate the completion of their academic requirements before the end of the school year.

The graduating class included students from APS Online, Aurora Central, Gateway, Hinkley, Rangeview and Vista PEAK Preparatory high schools and the Rebound Ombudsman Program.

The commencement began with a performance by City of Aurora Poet Laureate Jovan Mays, who delivered a piece titled “500,000 Lights.” In this moving poem, Mays encouraged students to be the lights that paint any dark horizons. “Let your radiance run rapid. Let your brilliance touch everything,” said Mays.

Following the ceremony, graduates held their diplomas with pride as they greeted their family and friends with smiles bigger than life.

Congratulations, Class of 2014!

Check out the slideshow below to get a glimpse into the night these graduates turned over a new leaf!

Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

Rangeview High School is proud to announce that senior Lauren Arnold is a finalist and potential award recipient in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. She has been selected to be one of 800 finalists out of more than 160,000 students who entered the 2015 National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Her diligence and commitment to education has pushed her to exceed beyond the threshold of semifinalist, which was announced in September 2014. She will now enter into the prestigious scholarship's final round of decisions. Through this program, her achievements have been brought to the attention of nearly 1,500 four-year colleges and universities across the United States.

Rangeview High School and Aurora Public Schools would like to commend Lauren Arnold on her great academic success. Congratulations Lauren!

Rangeview High School students Alexis Wall, left, and Mikias Negussie will head to Washington, D.C. this spring to participate in the National Marshall-Brennan Moot Court Competition.

Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School 

Congratulations to Rangeview High School juniors Mikias Negussie and Alexis Wall, who recently achieved high ranks in the Colorado Moot Court competitions.

Moot Court is a competition for high school students hosted at University of Colorado Law each year. This event allows students to compete against their peers from other Colorado high schools in oral argument rounds judged by local lawyers and judges. These two promising scholars were in the top six finalists out of nearly 100 students in the competition.

The contest fulfills the application component of the Mock Trial student experience. Each year, Mock Trial students spend the better part of the school year researching, studying and preparing a hypothetical courtroom trial involving issues that are important and thought provoking to young people. Negussie and Wall's success can be attributed, in part, to strong coaching and support from Rangeview teacher and Mock Trial sponsor Mike Hamilton and students from University of Colorado Law.

From March 27-29, Negussie and Wall will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Marshall-Brennan Moot Court Competition, which features the top high school students from across the country. In addition to competing, students tour the nation's capital and interact with public officials.

Well done Alexis and Mikias, we are cheering for you. Go Raiders Go!

Gateway High School students prepare to perform Seussical the Musical.

Aurora Public Schools’ theater students are gearing up to showcase their many talents in upcoming high school musicals and plays. Gather up your family and friends and come support today’s future stars.

Leading Ladies
Rangeview High School
Feb. 19-21 at 7 p.m.

Seussical the Musical
Gateway High School
Feb. 26-28 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.

Once Upon a Mattress
Vista PEAK Preparatory
March 5-7 at 7 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m.

Urinetown the Musical
Aurora Central High School
March 5-7 at 7 p.m.

The Diviners
Hinkley High School
March 5-7 at 7 p.m.

Cinderella's Glass Slipper
Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
April 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.

Up the Down Staircase
Vista PEAK Preparatory
April 30 and May 1 at 7 p.m.

Aurora Central students Danny Nguyen, left, and Tyeler Fields perform their Humor/Drama routine during the CenturyLink Classic.

Winning and losing isn't everything. Sometimes, it’s the journey that matters most.

APS high school students are learning this now more than ever thanks to their participation in the Denver Urban Debate League. Students demonstrated their skills recently at the DUDL’s CenturyLink Classic at Aurora Central High School, where they showcased their talents against each other as well as other students from across the metro area.

Through DUDL’s debate, drama and impromptu activities, students gain skills that will lead to powerful credentials down the road.

Quote Me On That:

On experience with debate and DUDL:

“This has helped me become more confident in myself. I believe in myself. I can speak publicly without being shy around people.”
– Hinkley High School senior Zakira Seidu-Aroza

“I feel like it’s really good and efficient. It teaches you a lot of stuff. I really like the improv pairs. It lets you connect with your partner.”
– Aurora Central High School freshman Wendy Camacho

Story Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

Rangeview’s student leadership goes on an annual retreat to cultivate team building and engage students in an intensive leadership training. This year, the student body leadership officers selected Honolulu, Hawaii as their retreat destination. Though their location was exotic, this retreat was no vacation for the 45 person group that attended this year. The retreat began on Monday Feb. 2 at Rangeview High School and the second-leg, which included travel, began on Feb. 4 until their return home on Feb. 9.

This customized experience was created by Rangeview’s student leaders to address leadership needs. The theme was “Mea Ola” which means survivor in the Hawaiian language. Each day on the retreat a Hawaiian word was used that exemplified a quality important to this group’s leadership.  Students then spent time going through leadership training and mentorship from their advisors and Rangeview Alumni, as well as team building exercises and learning the island's history. The students had the opportunity to shine every evening when senior members of the leadership class prepared and taught a lesson on leadership to the group that followed that day’s theme.

Student Body President, senior, Juwan Harris said, “I feel like we are going to leave the remaining student leaders with a lasting legacy for them to carry on and improve.” The legacy Harris is referring to is the excellent work that student leadership has been able to execute this school year as well as the lessons and words of wisdom that the senior officers delivered to the group during the retreat.

“This is a time for students to have new experiences, learn, find themselves as individuals, as well as develop their leadership skills and abilities," said  Tammy Strouse, instructor of the Student Leadership class. "Because we are not at the school, students really get our undivided attention and are able to learn things that they wouldn't be able to if we were just in the classroom.”

Strouse who has spent the last 11 years pouring into the student leaders of Rangeview High School, knows just how important building strong student leaders is. With her advisement, the trip is entirely planned by the students giving them the opportunity to have experience working with each other and professionals on a major project that requires an extensive amount of attention to detail and coordination.

The Student Leadership class at Rangeview uses students to establish and uphold collaborative relationships between the student body and the surrounding community, parents, faculty, and administration. It is through student leadership at Rangeview that students are being equipped with training in leadership and citizenship. 

The commitment to excellence that Rangeview stands for is made evident by the devotion it has to producing great leaders.

Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

Rangeview High School staff members understand the importance of living its purpose and core values every day. School administrators recently hosted a Core Ideology Workshop to readdress, refocus and rejuvenate staff. 

Led by Principal Ron Fay and Media Specialist Jacque Yuknas, the workshop included staff from every department. Staff members studied the school's core values and brainstormed how to incorporate them into students’ educational experience.

The high school's core values, Accountability, Fun, Relevance and Passion, are more than just inspiring words that are posted on the walls. These values are elevating and differentiating Rangeview High School. At this workshop, staff spent the day discussing, exercising and learning about the importance of these values, as well as ways to improve lessons and interactions with students.

Those who attended the workshop said it reminded them of the many reasons why they love working in education, and more specifically at Rangeview. This workshop has been taking place over the past several years to support staff as they continue to play a monumental role in maintaining the excellence of Rangeview High School.

It was a day of glory for many APS students who competed in a recent Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Leadership Conference. Between Vista PEAK Preparatory and Rangeview High School, nearly 50 students qualified to compete in FBLA’s State Leadership Conference. The event will take place April 23-25 in Vail, Colo.

“We are very proud of the efforts from the FBLA students at Vista PEAK and Rangeview,” said Career and Technical Education Coordinator Valerie Dodrill-Killen. “Vista PEAK’s FBLA club sponsor Michael Dougherty and Rangeview’s FBLA club sponsor Lawson Miller put their hearts and souls into these students, which gives students a ‘leg up’ to reach their future goals and increases postsecondary and workforce readiness skills.”

Vista PEAK Preparatory's FBLA chapter

Congratulations to the following Vista PEAK students headed to state:
- Emily Acuff
- Noah Butler
- Aimee Leyva Cardenas
- Kyree Conaway
- Faith Crowder
- Grisel Zuniga Cruz
- Harkiran Deol
- Manjoyt Deol
- Trejon Hamilton
- Alex Herrera
- Sydney Herrera
- Matthew Heimlich
- Jharen Johnson-Knoblock
- Eliseo Dominguez Mier
- Cassy Miller
- Haylee Ortiz
- Elijah Reed
- Breauna Reeves
- Iomar Rodriguez
- Jacob Rothrock
- Joel Rowe
- Sade Scott

Rangeview High School's FBLA chapter

Congratulations to the following Rangeview students headed to state:
- Elvis Ahn
- Edwin Chiang
- Cynthia Corral
- Melissa Estudillo
- Maria Flores
- Ray Green
- Anthongy Gustin
- Heaven Irwin
- Eric Khat
- Ryneika Knight
- Cassie Kochman
- Jorion Marshall
- Tzigane Martin
- Brayan Melendez
- Kevin Melendez
- Sierra Miller
- Abel Negussie
- Mikias Negussie
- Miriam Nsubuga
- Esther Nyugen
- Teresa Pomrening
- Zach Powell
- Alex Seguro
- Jason Serrano
- Raymond Simanjuntak
- Hailey Sorensen
- Alex Tizon

Tizon will also campaign to be elected as an FBLA Colorado State Officer.

“Working with students who put countless hours into preparing for an academic competition is the best part of my job,” said Miller. “FBLA truly prepares students for post-secondary readiness and exposes them to real-world scenarios that prepare them to be successful in all facets of their life.”

APS wishes each student the best of luck!

Story submitted by APS Art Educators

Students from across Colorado, including many in Aurora Public Schools, submitted over 5,000 original works to be considered for the state's Scholastic Art Awards.  All work honored at the state level will be on display through March 6 at The History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver.   Honorees will be recognized in an awards ceremony on Feb. 21.

Pieces receiving the honor of a "Gold Key" at the state level will be juried at the national level. 

Congratulations to the APS art students and their teachers for all of their hard work!

Gateway High School

• Christian Padilla – University of Colorado, Denver scholarship winner

Silver Key Winners:

• Marisol Meza
• Elinor Netherly
• Christian Padilla
• Rachel Rodriguez

Honorable Mention:

• Alec Himes
• Margarsa Mohamed
• Jennifer Morales Figueroa

Vista Peak Preparatory 9-12

Gold Key Winner:

• AJ Carire

Silver Key Winner:

• Miles Cannon

Aurora Frontier P-8

Gold Key Winner:

• Taylor West

Aurora Central High School 

Honorable Mention:

• Moo Dah 
• Getsemani Diaz Rivera
• Jazmine Sotelo 
• Francisco Villareal 

Silver Key Winner:

• Itzel Solis 

Hinkley High School 

Honorable Mention:

• Reece Hubbard

Rangeview High School

Silver Key Winners:

• Coree Morgan

Story submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

Congratulations to Rangeview’s Futue Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team.  Thirty-three students went to Johnson & Wales University on Jan. 30 to compete in a variety of business competitions. Twenty-six out of 33 students placed in the top three of their event and are now qualifiers for the state competition in Vail.

Nice work, FBLA!

The following individuals/teams will progress to the next round:

Business Ethics

• Heaven Irwin
• Sierra Miller
• Alex Tizon

Business Plan

• Melissa Estudillo
• Hailey Sorensen

Business Presentation

• Ray Green
• Alex Seguro

Cyber Security

• Edwin Chiang

Digital Video Production

• Eric Khat
• Kevin Melendez
• Jason Serrano

Entrepreneurship

• Ryneika Knight
• Zach Powell

Intro to Parliamentary Procedure

• Cynthia Corral

Job Interview

• Teresa Pomrening

Marketing

• Elvis Ahn
• Mikias Negussie
• Raymond Simanjuntak

Parliamentary Procedure

• Cassie Kochman
• Anthongy Gustin
• Esther Nyugen
• Miriam Nsubuga
• Tzigane Martin

Social Media Campaign

•  Abel Negussie
• Jorion Marshall
• Brayan Melendez

Story Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

Rangeview High School DECA students shined at the DECA State Leadership Conference and Competition. It was recently held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. 

“The conference really helped the students recognize where they stand in the DECA community and how much they can actually achieve,” said Linda Count, Rangeview's DECA adviser. 

The students competed in a variety of events including Fashion Merchandising Promotion, Entrepreneurship Innovation and Sports Management. Rangeview students not only made it to the finals, but several students will represent the school and compete at the International Career and Development Conference this April in Orlando, Florida.

Also adding to the excitement is that two Rangeview students have been selected to serve on the Colorado DECA State Officer team. This is the first time any Rangeview student has been given the honor to be part of the prestigious state officer team. Junior Ryneika Knight will take her place during the 2015-2016 school year as the Colorado DECA District 4 Representative. Sophomore Beth Siyoum will assume the role of Colorado DECA State Secretary.

We congratulate and salute all Rangeview DECA members for their achievements and encourage them to continue their pursuit and commitment to excellence.

Submitted by Rondah Frierson
Rangeview High School

When trouble and despair surfaces within our community, Rangeview Raiders jump in to to help. After learning that the Comitis Crisis Center was in desperate need, the Rangeview High School Football team quickly spearheaded a plan of action. Over the weekend, they held a donation drive and asked friends and neighbors to donate what they could. The Comitis Center serves homeless veterans, runaways/homeless youth and homeless families in Aurora. 

Within about 24 hours, the coaching staff and team rallied fellow students, staff and surrounding community members. On a recent Saturday, the team collected monetary and of non-perishable food donations. The food-drive was well received and the Raiders delivered a truckload of goods to the Comitis Center.

“It truly is incredible how many people have stepped in with such a short notice to help out,” said Head Football Coach Justin Hoffman.

Comitis has been helping those in need for 44 years. The Center has room to house 100 people, but in recent days has been housing more than 160 people including 30 children.  Their goal is to keep as many people as possible out of the snow and cold. This continual overflow has strained both space at the shelter as well as resources.

Rangeview Football's coaching staff believes it is not only important to teach students how to play football, but also to help develop their character and giving spirit. It is this type of community service that helps students understand how truly important it is to help others and give back to our community.

Members of the Aurora Youth Commission

As summer break approaches, teenagers begin to anticipate having fun soaking up the sun with their friends and family. Additionally, many start to contemplate landing a summer gig. To ease the stress of circling around town in search of who's hiring, the Aurora Youth Commission (AYC) assembled businesses in one place to host a teen job fair.

AYC, which is part of the City of Aurora Boards and Commissions, is comprised of 16 ambitious teenagers, 10 of whom are APS students. They serve as the voice for Aurora's youth and provide the Aurora City  Council with a fresh, young perspective.

The fair was a success, bringing in 200 teen job seekers.  Representatives from 25 businesses, including city departments, food services, financial institutions and more were eager to recruit and many connections were made.

Congratulations to the following AYC students for organizing such a rewarding event!

- Sandra Appiah - Hinkley High School
- Chris Daneau - William Smith High School
- Sara Dessie - Rangeview High School
- Kevin Gray - Hinkley High School
- Betty Hailu - Rangeview High School
- Maren Kebede - Rangeview High School
- Adriana Montiel - Hinkley High School
- Angelina Rivera - Vista PEAK Preparatory High School
- Naelli Sanchez - Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
- Beth Siyoum - Rangeview High School

Rangeview High School senior Kennedy Bougher, center, holds a check she received from Iowa Elementary School students. Iowa raised the money to donate to a local organization who helps children and families deal with cancer and celebrate life.

Story submitted by Desiree Jaramillo
Iowa Elementary School 

Iowa Elementary School recently held a coin drive to benefit the Miracle Party Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) that advocates for childhood cancer awareness. The school's student council chose to support the foundation in honor of Rangeview High School senior Kennedy Bougher, who was diagnosed with cancer just before entering fifth grade. When her chemotherapy treatments ended in 2007, Bougher's mother, Stacy Moriarty, threw her a party to celebrate, thus launching the foundation.

In honor of Bougher's last seven years of being cancer free, Iowa hosted a special assembly to celebrate her and others like her who have dealt with cancer. Bougher was on hand to receive the $600 check and personally thank the students for their fundraising efforts.

The Miracle Party Foundation hosts an annual “Miracle Party” for childhood cancer patients and their families. This party is a celebration of life for each child, family member and friend who has been affected by childhood cancer – no matter which road their journey takes them.  For more information regarding the Miracle Party Foundation, visit www.miraclepartyfoundation.org.

Rangeview High School senior Anna Phan is unapologetically ambitious, ending her high school career with a bang. In addition to earning a spot as one of Rangeview’s Class of 2015 top ten graduates, the first-generation graduate-to-be scored the official title of a 2015 Boettcher Scholar! The Boettcher Scholarship is lauded as the most prestigious merit-based scholarship available to Colorado seniors.

On behalf of the Boettcher Foundation, Phan will enjoy her undergraduate study of Neuroscience at Colorado State University for free. The scholarship honors Phan for her academic excellence, leadership skills, community service and noble character. She is one of only 40 students who endured an intense application and interview process and made the cut. More than 1,600 students applied.

“I was checking my mail every day and received the letter the day after my birthday! It was a great birthday present,” said Phan. “The first person I told was my mom. We hugged and cried.”

Phan credits some of her success to her theater teacher Tammy Strouse.

“Mrs. Strouse helped me not only as a student, but as a person in general,” Phan shared. “She pushes me to be someone who strives for the best. I also think theater helped me stay on top of a lot of things. It’s something I really love to do.”

Aside from her involvement in theater, Phan is a dedicated member of many student organizations, including Sisters in the Community. The young ladies gather to volunteer their time and talents in many ways.

“Join everything that interests you,” Phan advises other students looking to reach new heights. “It’s where you discover a lot about yourself and it’s great to do that in an environment where you’re free to learn from your mistakes and grow.”

APS is proud of Phan and wishes her success in all of her future endeavors.  

For more exciting news about APS scholarship recipients and opportunities, visit aurorak12.org/students/scholarships/.

Aurora Public Schools is pleased to announce that nine APS seniors were recently named Daniels Scholars. This prestigious scholarship program honors students who exemplify the character of distinguished business leader Bill Daniels—solid leadership skills, academic excellence and humanitarianism.

Becoming a Daniels Scholar involves a highly-competitive and rigorous application and interview process. Thousands of students across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming pursue acceptance into the Daniels Scholarship Program, which not only covers unmet financial needs, but also supports students throughout their undergraduate college careers in numerous ways.

Congratulations to the following 2015 Daniels Scholars!

Aurora Central High School
Marcos Aguilar (pictured at right)
Shirley Tun-Verde (pictured at right)

Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
Sarah Daniels

Gateway High School
Ontario Duley
Elshaddai Mulugeta

Hinkley High School
Victor Mendez
Oscar Briones Ruiz
Salina Tesfay

Rangeview High School
Juwan Harris

For more exciting news about APS scholarship recipients and opportunities, visit aurorak12.org/students/scholarships/.

Rangeview High School 13th Annual Golf Tournament on May 28, 2015

7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
at
Aurora Hills Golf Course
50 S. Peoria Street Aurora, Colorado 80012

Foursome: $90/Player

Cost includes:

• Green Fees & Golf Cart ·
• Lunch ·
• Starter Bag ·
• Chance to Win Door Prizes ·

There will be an Auction after Lunch

All proceeds benefit Rangeview Athletic Scholarships ***Registration begins April 20, 2015