Gateway High School will be hosting a College Fair for all APS students on September 21 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Colleges and Universities from the state of Colorado and neighboring states will be in attendance at this fair. This is a great opportunity for students and families to meet with college representatives and to receive information about academic programs, campus life, scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and much more.

This college fair is open to all students in Aurora Public Schools.

• Download the Day/Night College Fair flier.

Exciting improvements will take place at APS this school year as design and construction begins on more bond-funded projects.

Security vestibules will be constructed at 11 schools throughout the district this year. These will provide an added measure of safety at each building’s entrance. Security vestibules will be added at 10 additional schools in future phases of this project.

Rangeview High School will receive a six-classroom addition and a two-classroom remodel, which will add capacity and provide space for new programs. In addition, construction on the Vista PEAK Preparatory additions and Mrachek building replacement is underway and will continue throughout the school year. Both projects are expected to be complete in summer 2018.

Other upcoming bond-funded projects include:

• Multiple sites -
  • Solatube skylights to improve classroom lighting
  • PA system and camera updates
  • Technology and wireless access updates
• Montview Elementary - design work for a whole building remodel
• Aurora Central High School - mechanical repairs
• Side Creek Elementary - parking lot improvements

Thank you to Aurora voters for approving the $300 million bond measure in 2016. Bond funds will make improvements at every school and benefit every student. To learn more about APS bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org

Our talented students have been fully engaged in fine-tuning their acting skills to bring exciting performances to the community this fall. While some students plan to pursue a career in the performing arts, others may simply embrace the stage as a creative outlet. In both cases, students are gaining a wide variety of skills that will help them implement their plans for the future.

Please join us at upcoming high school theater performances.

Romeo and Juliet
Oct. 25-28 at 7p.m.
Gateway High School
1300 S Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO 80012
Ticket information: TBA

The Importance of Being Earnest
Oct. 26-28 at 7p.m.
Vista PEAK Preparatory
24500 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80018
Students & Seniors $5, Adults $10

The Laramie Project
Oct. 26-28 at 7p.m.
Rangeview High School
17599 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80013
Students $6, Seniors $7, Adults $8

Ragtime
Nov. 16-18 at 7p.m.
Hinkley High School
1250 Chambers Rd, Aurora, CO 80011
Students, Adults & Seniors $10

Shrek
Nov. 16-18 at 7p.m.
Aurora Central High School
11700 E 11th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
Students & Seniors $6, Adults $8

Original One Act Festival
Dec. 1 at 7p.m.
Vista PEAK Preparatory
24500 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80018
Students & Seniors $5, Adults $10

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Dec. 14-16 at 7p.m.
Rangeview High School
17599 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80013
Students $6, Seniors $7, Adults $8

Showcase Night
Dec. 20 at 5p.m.
William Smith High School
400 N Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011
Free Admission

To purchase tickets, please contact the school.

Students from across the state recently met with nearly 50 colleges and universities at an AVID College Fair hosted by Aurora Public Schools.  The AVID program focuses on closing the achievement gap by targeting students who come from challenging economic backgrounds.  The program provides students the support and preparation they need to succeed after high school, such as applying for college and financial aid.

Gateway students Babita Gautam and Xavier Delk were among the APS students who attended the fair.

“I plan on attending University of Colorado Denver, which will make me the first of my family to attend college,” said Gautam.

Delk, on the other hand, is still considering his options. “I haven’t settled on a college yet,” said Delk.  “I’m still trying to decide which college will be the best fit for me.” 

One of the APS Core Beliefs is: community partnerships provide vital resources and opportunities for students and families.  We are grateful for partnerships like AVID that help our students shape successful futures.

The Denver Film Society recently screened four Aurora Public Schools students’ films at their 40th Denver Film Festival! A group of industry professionals carefully selected each film for inclusion in Project NEXT, the films screened during DFF’s High School Day.

Students gathered at the McNichols Building to enjoy 12 short-subject films created by students from across the state. The young filmmakers also engaged in workshops, a panel discussion with directors, equipment demonstrations and more to gain skills for college and career success.

“The Denver Film Society’s vision is to cultivate community and transform lives through film, and there’s no better place to begin than with its young minds,” said DFS Education Director Neil Truglio. “Opening an avenue for students to showcase their vision, while also creating the opportunity for current, working filmmakers to share their knowledge is an obvious win-win. Our goal through Project NEXT is to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers, festival audiences and cinema lovers right here in Denver.”

The evening concluded with a ceremony honoring two award winners for “Best Film” and “Viewer’s Choice.”

We are proud to announce that Rangeview High School sophomore and advanced journalism student Irl Paulalengan's short film "Dear People" won the Viewer's Choice Award! Paulalengan, who emigrated with her family from Indonesia to the U.S. just 10 months ago, summarizes the film as the letter every person in the world needs to read.

Click here to view the acclaimed production!

Exciting changes are happening at Rangeview High School over winter break. Work will begin on a six-classroom addition, interior remodeling and updates to several classrooms and corridors throughout the building.

These bond-funded improvements will allow Rangeview to increase its building capacity and provide benefits for many academic programs including:

• STEM - new classrooms and technology
• Special Education - new classrooms designed to better support learning
• Journalism and Broadcast Media - remodeled classroom and studio for cutting-edge broadcasting
• Physical Education and Athletics - renovations to weight and speed training rooms
• Visual and Performing Arts - updates to classrooms

Construction will be ongoing throughout the spring semester with work expected to be complete in summer 2018.

We are grateful to the citizens of Aurora who approved our $300 million bond measure in November 2016, which will make improvements at every school in APS and benefit every student. To follow Rangeview’s construction progress and learn more about bond-funded projects at APS, visit bond.aurorak12.org.

Story excerpt:

"The power of film is why Irl Paulalengan made the 9,000 miles journey to Aurora from her home in Indonesia. The 15 year-old sophomore at Rangeview High School left her parents and her family back across the Pacific Ocean last year to come here on her own to learn how to make films.

In that short amount of time, Paulalengan has already proven that she belongs behind the camera. Paulalengan was awarded the Project NEXT Viewers Choice Award at the Denver Film Festival in November for her short film, 'Dear People.'"

• Read the full Aurora Sentinel article

In Aurora Public Schools, students are hard at work mapping out their futures. Those maps – or plans – serve as blueprints for success once they graduate from high school. Whether they take advantage of the state’s Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) Program or the APS Concurrent Enrollment Program, students are following their plans and gaining valuable credentials that will open doors to college and careers.

For two students in particular, the doors to postsecondary education have swung wide open.

ASCENT student Logan Medina has met all of the requirements for a high school diploma, but he chose to remain in school for a fifth year to take college courses for free.

“It’s great having a program that helps guide you and support you through the first year of college. It would have been a struggle going through the process by myself. And one year of free college never hurts.” -Logan Medina

Students like Medina are eligible for the ASCENT program when they complete at least 12 credit hours of postsecondary courses prior to their senior year of high school. ASCENT students are then able to take college courses for an additional year without paying tuition. APS consistently has the largest number of students enrolled in the ASCENT program in Colorado.

Vista PEAK Preparatory senior Simonia Kotilo is taking college classes while still in high school through the APS Concurrent Enrollment Program.  The program is an exciting partnership between the Community College of Aurora and APS that allows high school students to take approved classes at CCA for free.

“I am very grateful to APS for providing this program to students. It gives me the opportunity to save money and get ahead in my education." -Simonia Kotilo

With a concurrent enrollment program unmatched by other school districts, APS maintains its strong higher education partnerships and creates effective opportunities for students to shape successful futures.

To learn more about college credit options in APS, visit aurorak12.org/schools/concurrent-enrollment.

APS is celebrating a quadruple victory as four APS seniors earned acceptance into the University of Colorado Denver. Three students will attend the university’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine program. One student will participate in the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery program. These prestigious programs, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, aim to promote the diversity of medical and dental professionals in Colorado.

Meet the extraordinary young men who aspire to gain the skills they need to improve and save lives in their communities.

Josue Estrada: The Selfless Overachiever
Hinkley High School senior Josue Estrada made history as the first T-Bird to earn acceptance into the BA/BS-MD program. At a young age, Estrada fell in love with the idea of helping people physically thrive, a career he deems unlike any other. When Estrada emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. with his family, he didn’t know the most basic of words in English. Now, he will join his brother as a first-generation college student, soon to become a doctor knowledgeable of medical terminologies many articulate English speakers don’t understand.

At what point did you know that this would be your career path?
In late middle school/early high school, I knew that a medical career was for me. The question in my house was not if I would be working in a hospital or not, but what I would be doing in the hospital. At a young age, I experienced the aftermath of poor medical treatment and decided that I could grow to change the type of service we received.

Are you the first generation in your family to go to college?
Yes. My father did not complete elementary school due to financial circumstances at home, which interfered with his education and forced him to enter the workforce at a young age. On the other hand, my mother, the youngest of seven children, was encouraged to pursue an education and completed high school in Mexico. However, the nearest college was more than two hours from her home by car and her family didn’t own a vehicle at that time, so she did not go to college. Fortunately, my brother is a third-year student at UCD and I will continue this new trend as a first generation college student in hopes to make my parents proud and thank them for what they sacrificed for us.

What has (have) been the biggest challenge(s) you’ve had to overcome in this journey?
The path that I’m walking, in and of itself, is the biggest challenge I am still overcoming. I came to the U.S. in 2007 near the end of second grade, leaving everything I grew up with, including friendships, family and school. I arrived in a country whose language I couldn’t speak and an environment where I couldn’t voice my opinion. I encountered disappointment after disappointment, but yet I continue my journey because I know what the future holds store for me.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your acceptance into the program?
My acceptance into this program is one of my greatest accomplishments. Not only have I made my parents proud, but my school as well. I am the first from my high school to get accepted and leave a legacy behind. I couldn’t have accomplished this without my friends and peers, the abundant support from my mother and of course my main motivation, God.

Abel Negussie: The Inquisitive Visionary
Rangeview High School senior Abel Negussie developed a passion for medicine while visiting Ethiopia, his homeland. Astounded by the country’s inadequate healthcare system, Negussie felt moved to learn medicine and combat healthcare disparities in underserved communities. The future physician will join his older brother in the BA/BS-MD program to be the change he wishes to see in the world. As he continues to reach new heights, Negussie credits his single mother who sacrificed everything she had to raise her sons in America to ensure they receive a quality education.

What makes you passionate about the medical field?
Every day, 15,000 children die from preventable diseases. There is a lack of healthcare accessibility in the world, which has inspired me to use medicine in order to combat health care disparities.

At what point did you know that this would be your career path?
In seventh grade, my brothers and I visited Ethiopia. I was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty by seeing the sheer amount of homeless families. The healthcare system in Ethiopia is not even adequate for the wealthy, so I could only imagine the suffering that less fortunate families or orphans have to endure through illness. Instead of simply feeling bad for those in need, I decided that making medicine my career path would empower me to make the change that I want to see.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to accomplish what you’ve done thus far?
I would advise anyone with similar ambitions to start taking steps towards their goals as soon as possible. There are hundreds of shadowing/internship opportunities in the city as well as summer programs that allow you to explore career options to help you decide what you want (or do not want) to do in the future. Don't wait until you are certain about your career choice before you begin immersing yourself in the field because you could gain valuable experience or may decide that there are better options for you along the way.

What has (have) been the biggest challenge(s) you’ve had to overcome in this journey?
Growing up with a single mom has been a significant hurdle in my childhood. She was the only parent that I could look to for everyday life advice. Thankfully, I have a mother who would do anything for my brothers and me. If she overcame the hardship of leaving all of her loved ones and her hometown in order to give her children the opportunity to pursue an education, I can overcome any hurdle on my path to becoming a physician.

Jung Park: The Determined Humanitarian
Rangeview High School senior Jung Park learned about the joys of serving others when he volunteered at University Hospital. After visiting the Philippines, he also developed a passion for breaking down social and economic barriers. Born in South Korea, Park is thankful for his opportunity to pursue higher education in the states. His focus on becoming a dentist is bringing him one step closer to helping others. The biggest smiles he hopes to see will come from his family, especially from his older brother who is in the BA/BS-MD program.

What makes you passionate about the dental field?
I learned a lot about myself by volunteering at University Hospital. I was able to understand the value of helping others. I have gained so much knowledge and inspiration from the people I’ve met. The experience helped me determine that serving others is my ultimate goal. I was always fascinated with the concept of one human helping another. That is beautiful in my eyes.

What characteristics/skills do you have that would make you a great physician?
One characteristic/skill that stands out about me is my determination. I set my mind on something I want to accomplish and have tunnel vision to execute my plans. A great physician cannot quit on their patients; they must endure and be determined in what they do.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to accomplish what you’ve done thus far?
Surround yourself with individuals that have the same motivation and drive as you. Stray away from people who hold you back and connect with people who are willing to help you on your path to success.

What has (have) been the biggest challenge(s) you’ve had to overcome in this journey?
Part of my journey involves a period of time that I lived in the Philippines where I was introduced to what it means to be rich or poor. There is no in between, you are either rich or poor. The stigma behind those simple words isolates people. This idea was inhumane and dehumanizing as a little kid. I hoped that in the U.S., a person’s ideas would matter more than their economic status, but my journey hasn’t been as easy. However, I'm excited to continue to grow with my BA/BS-DDS cohort and take advantage of the great opportunities this program has to offer!

Armonium Tsegaye: The Hardworking People Person
Aurora Central High School senior Armonium Tsegaye grew up in Ethiopia where he witnessed his father suffer a life-long illness in a country with inadequate healthcare. Tsegaye was always fascinated by science, but this devastating circumstance ignited his passion to become a physician. In the U.S., Tsegaye realized immigrants have little access to healthcare due to cultural and economic barriers, and he hopes to bridge that gap. This first-generation college student overcame the challenges of not knowing English or American culture and strives to continue making his supporters proud.

How did you learn about the program?
I originally learned about the program through my friend Yishak Bedaso who earned acceptance into the program last year. In addition, ACHS' Aurora LIGHTS health pathway invited representatives from the program to speak to my Biomedical Innovations class.

What makes you passionate about the medical field?
When I was 10 and living in Ethiopia, I was devastated to hear that my father was diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc and told he wouldn’t live long without treatment. I can still recall the countless times I watched him suffer because he was unable to receive the treatment he needed. That dreadful event was the first thing that sparked my interest in medical care and in bringing change to under-served communities that lack medical access. When I was 11, my family was lucky enough to get VISAs for the U.S. through the diversity lottery. Even after coming to America, I realized that immigrants have little access to health care. Due to the cultural and financial barriers, most people in my community avoid healthcare providers. So, the thought of one day being able to help bring positive change to under-served communities keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to accomplish what you’ve done thus far?
One of the main things that helped me come this far was having people that support me and whom I could reach out to. My friends, parents, coaches, soccer teammates and everyone else I am close to are very helpful and driven. I learned from them and they would check in with me when I seemed to fall of track even the smallest bit. So I advise others to surround themselves with people they can learn from and always be open to education and new experiences.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your acceptance into the program?
I am thankful for this opportunity. I thank God, my parents, teachers, mentors and friends for helping me accomplish this goal. I also thank the BA/BS-MD staff for accepting me into the program. I won't let any of them down!

Students and staff at Rangeview High School are noticing some new additions to their building as contractors start to make progress on bond-funded construction inside and outside the school. The project began over winter break and includes a six-classroom addition and two-classroom remodel.

On the east wing of the building’s exterior, contractors are completing demolition of the existing stairwell in preparation of the school’s six-classroom addition. In a few weeks, workers will begin pouring the foundation for the addition and begin steel work.

Inside the school, students and staff are already utilizing one newly remodeled classroom. The new space was once part of the school commons area and now has been converted to a classroom.

These improvements will allow the school to not only increase its capacity, but will also benefit many academic programs including journalism and broadcast media, visual and performing arts, special education, STEM and physical education and athletics.

Work will be ongoing throughout the spring semester and will be complete in summer 2018.

To follow Rangeview’s construction progress and learn more about bond-funded projects at APS, visit bond.aurorak12.org.

Rangeview Commons Before Classroom Remodel

Rangeview Commons After Classroom Remodel

Senior year is full of memories that last a lifetime. From prom to graduation and more, it’s a period in most teenagers’ lives that’s quite sentimental. Yet, Dartmouth Elementary School Principal Jeanne Ulrich found a way to make it even more special for several APS students.

During Ulrich’s first year at Dartmouth, she conjured up the awesome idea of having the fifth grade class write letters to their future selves. Fast forward to 2018, those children are now high school seniors preparing for graduation, so what better time than now to have them revisit their younger selves?

Ulrich invited her former students, who are now scattered across Aurora, to visit their old stomping grounds for an amusing walk down memory lane. She also invited the mother of one student who passed away. When the mother read her son’s letter, she was tearfully thankful.

Ulrich and her colleagues greeted the students who were able to make it with a slideshow that flashed old photos of them and their classmates. The presentation was accompanied by classic songs like Alphaville’s “Forever Young.” Students were then handed their letters and old yearbooks.

“I honestly don’t even remember doing this!” Rangeview High School senior Rita Burgos exclaimed. But lo and behold, there was a letter with her name on it. In her younger years, Burgos believed she would become a successful veterinarian. Was she right? Well, not quite. Burgos now aspires to become a sign language teacher!

When her classmate Estevan Monreal Zamarripa opened his letter, he was most surprised that his penmanship was so magnificent in his younger days. He also found it hilarious that he expressed excitement about life as a soccer player when he was young, given the fact that he doesn’t play soccer. Monreal Zamarripa studies at Pickens Technical College and looks forward to obtaining a motorcycle mechanic degree.

Rangeview’s Rupjot Nagra enjoyed her letter, as well. In it, she mentioned becoming a fashion designer. Now, instead of making people look good, Nagra wants to help people feel safe. She volunteers with the Aurora Police Department and hopes to serve her community as a police officer.

“It’s so great to bring students back to such an innocent time in their lives,” said Ulrich. “It’s truly priceless.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Fifteen graduating APS seniors have earned the Daniels Fund Scholarship for demonstrating outstanding character, leadership and service. The Daniels Fund Scholarship covers all required tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and other miscellaneous college expenses.

Armonium Tsegaye, Aurora Central HS Daniels Fund Scholar

Congratulations to the following Daniels Fund Scholars:

Aurora Central High School
- Steven Asher
- Akolda Redgebol
- Armonium Tsegaye

Hinkley High School
- Pamela Arzate
- Angel Aleman
- Calvin Pope, Jr.
- Josue Estrada Murillo

Rangeview High School
- DeJuan Chapa
- Nathan Jones
- Andres Marquez
- Brayan Rodriguez
- Abel Negussie
- Nadya Nfaoui
- Danyion Reagan

William Smith High School
- Salma Fakiri

Rangeview High School senior Nadya Nfaoui has been accepted into seven Ivy League schools.

Rangeview High School senior Nadya Nfaoui was ecstatic when she received acceptance into an Ivy League school. Then, another Ivy League acceptance came. And another. And another. In all, Nadya went a perfect seven for seven.

Nadya applied to every Ivy League school except Cornell University. She has been accepted into all of them. Her biggest decision now is which one to attend. Her choices are Brown University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University or Yale University.

As the daughter of Moroccan immigrants, Nadya will be the first in her family to earn a college degree. She credits her parents with instilling the motivation to make her education plan successful. "I have always been extremely dedicated to my education and seeing my parents' struggles in this country and how hard they have had to work for everything that has come their way, that has pushed me to do the same," she said.

Nadya plans to double major in philosophy and psychology and pursue a Ph.D. Nadya is one of 15 Daniels Scholars in Aurora Public Schools for the 2017-18 school year. That’s more than 10% of the 146 Daniels Scholars in Colorado!

Congratulations to Rangeview High School teacher Stephanie Walsh for earning the Colorado Council for Social Studies “Colorado Civic Educator of the Year” award!

Walsh, nominated by her Raiders colleagues, is hailed for going above and beyond to teach her 10-12th grade students civics, politics and American government. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Aurora. This allows Walsh to teach college level courses at Rangeview, providing students a unique opportunity to earn both high school and college credits in Social Studies.

Walsh accepted the prestigious award at the CCSS “Bridging the Divides” conference held at the History Colorado Center. Governor Hickenlooper proudly presented Walsh the well-deserved honor, a moment that her family and team in attendance won’t soon forget.

In APS, we believe student achievement and growth are driven by a highly-effective and respected staff working as a team. Walsh adds to our synergy in ways a district could only hope for. We are thankful for her dedication to education and her undying passion to help students understand such important topics.

Way to go, Walsh!

Art comes in many forms, including painting, drawing, music and theater. Art is all encompassing and has the power to inspire teenagers to follow their dreams. Students at Gateway and Rangeview high schools recently celebrated this wide range of artistic inspiration, courtesy of High School Nation.

HSN, a national organization that travels across the nation to support high school art programs, recently organized school-wide events at Rangeview and Gateway high schools. As a host campus, Gateway and Rangeview will each receive $30,000 to create an on-campus music recording studio of their own.

Thank you HSN for your generous donation and providing this wonderful experience to our students. 

Aurora Public Schools will have a student non-contact day on April 27 due to a teacher shortage. This means that all classes will be cancelled. However, extracurricular activities will take place as scheduled unless parents and guardians hear differently from school staff.

As a district, we strongly value instructional time and act in every possible way to protect it. However, due to the number of APS teachers who have reported absences on Friday, we will not be able to maintain productive learning environments for our students.

A large number of APS teachers are taking leave time this Friday to rally with colleagues from across the state at the capitol to call for increased K-12 education funding. The Colorado Education Association organized the rally because despite a booming economy, our state ranks near the bottom in per pupil spending.

While instructional time is incredibly important, we also know that we need appropriate resources to make sure our students shape successful futures. At present, our limited resources constrain our ability to pay competitive wages, provide appropriate instructional and behavioral supports and maintain a well-rounded educational environment.

Although we are cancelling classes on Friday, it will remain a work day for APS staff members. Any staff member who is not planning to come to work will need to use the appropriate leave time.

We apologize for any inconvenience that our student non-contact day may have on our families and we thank them for their patience and understanding.

The City of Aurora recently held a ceremony to recognize hundreds of Aurora Public Schools students as "Aurora Scholars” for the positive contributions they have made in their communities and schools. The annual event, now in its ninth year, was created to bring city officials, school district staff and families together to honor the achievements of Aurora’s future leaders.

One teacher-nominated student from each grade level (first through 12th) at every school in Aurora was recognized. Students received certificates and gifts donated by the community.

In APS, we believe every student has unique abilities that we must recognize and engage. Congratulations to the 2018 APS Aurora Scholars listed below for being incredible students!

Rangeview High School logo

Story excerpt:

"'We give true and honest feedback,' said Tomeka Speller, a group member and mother of two Rangeview students. 'If they looked or appeared comfortable; how they interacted with the environment; the temperature of the room; if the teacher had control of their classroom.'

Although [Rangeview Assistant Principal Christy] Hartford considers it an experiment, she said it’s already generating good ideas and some uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations.

'It’s been really positive,' Hartford said. 'Parents are picking up on things maybe I didn’t pick up on.'

The ultimate goal, she said, is to help close large gaps in the achievement of black students and white students at Rangeview, by getting more ideas as to how to help students."

• Read the Chalkbeat story

Congratulations to Rangeview High School math teacher Carmen Curtis Basham and East Middle School science teacher James Rothert for earning the Jared Polis Foundation’s 2018 Teacher Recognition Award!

The award recognizes Curtis Basham and Rothert for demonstrating highly-effective, results-oriented teaching and for going above and beyond their call of duty. Among the 100 K-12 teachers nominated from across the state, Curtis Basham and Rothert are two of only 10 recipients!

The Jared Polis Foundation rewards recipients with a $1,000 discretionary award, $500 technology award, $1,000 teacher-directed school grant and the iconic Jared Polis Foundation crystal apple.

Congratulations to our Class of 2018 top ten graduates! After years of hard work and dedication, these students reached their graduation milestone as leaders of the pack.

APS held a Bright Lights ceremony at the Aurora Municipal Center to honor the scholars for their academic success. Students got dressed up and arrived to the event in limousines to enjoy an evening of luxury with their family and friends.

Special thanks to the following sponsors for supporting our students in such a memorable way: Kaiser Permanente, Community-Campus Partnership, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Xcel Energy, City of Aurora, FirstBank, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, The Medical Center of Aurora and Colorado State University Global Campus.

Congratulations to the following students for earning this honor:

Aurora Central High School
1. Steven Asher - Valedictorian
2. Brayan Hernandez Rodriguez - Salutatorian
3. Aline Thongvanh
4. Ashley Navarro
5. Deepan Dahal
6. Jessica Martinez Verdoza
7. Madelyn Mercado Aleman
8. Ivonne Rodriguez Garcia
9. Daniel Banuelos
10. Armonium Tsegaye

Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
1. Alexis Cisneros Flores - Valedictorian
2. Gabriela Recinos - Salutatorian
3. Victor Zarate Solorio
4. Alondra Perez Macias
5. Esthefane Salcedo Pasillas
6. Edwin Flores Dominguez
7. Nimo Mahamud
8. Estefania Reyes
9. Uriel Castanada
10. Paige Roberts
11. Dalhia Garcia Garcia

Gateway High School
1. Hendrick Lopez Beltran - Valedictorian
2. Edlla-Beata Tetteh - Salutatorian
3. Alexandra Egli
4. Kiara Leslie
5. Sheridan Prince
6. Patricia Moreno Ortega
7. Kevin Morales
8. Salina Suta
9. Paul Sahertian
10. Andres Varela Robles

Hinkley High School
1. Seiloni Sanft - Valedictorian
2. Jennifer Lam - Salutatorian
3. Quan Le
4. Aimee Nguyen
5. Josue Estrada Murillo
6. Vanessa Maldonado
7. Mahexabel Garcia Nunez
8. Joy Emenyonu
9. Lauren Zugelder
10. Era Bislimi

Rangeview High School
1. Elizabeth Resendiz - Valedictorian
2. Abel Negussie - Salutatorian
3. Levi Robinson
4. Grace Kochman
5. Nadya Nfaoui
6. Tolamariam Nemomsa
7. Connor Rodenbeck
8. Tusany Chick
9. Izraea Honey
10. Keith Kutsuma

Vista PEAK Preparatory
1. Julia Rosales - Valedictorian
2. Olivia Lopez - Salutatorian
3. Lydia Jameson
4. Christopher Ediger
5. Kathy Vo
6. Wendy Devora
7. Cole Dorman
8. Simonia Kotilo
9. Justin Gardner

William Smith High School
William Smith High School selects Bright Lights students based on a high degree of self and community awareness,
mastery of academic content and skills, engagement in thinking and learning, responsibility and time management.
Congratulations to Simon Chavira, Susanne Fugita-Blas, Anthony Green Godoy, Aujanee’ Joyce, Hajrudin Karasalihovic, Georgina Lira-Garcia, Gilbert Maldonado Robles, Vanessa Montes, Cecia Reyes Nataren and Josue Rivera Hernandez for earning this honor.