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/Cultural Awareness
• Character
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Risk-Taking
• Resiliency
• Collaboration
• Self Advocacy
• All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills

LPS strives to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education and recognize students of all ages. At their regularly scheduled meeting on February 8, 2024, the Board recognized groups of students from the Nova Program and Arapahoe High School during the Student Spotlight.

Nova Program

EZ Norcross has demonstrated significant growth in his Portrait of a Graduate Self-Advocacy skills this year. EZ has grown in his application of coping skills, grown in his communication with his team, and ensures that he supports the safety of others as well as himself. EZ has taken a leadership role in his classroom by welcoming new students, supporting his peers, and creating an environment at Nova that supports all students being their "best self" through safety, engagement, learning, and friendship.

Skylar Livingston is one of the kindest students you will meet at Nova. He has blossomed this year and demonstrates the Portrait of a Graduate traits of Risk Taking, Resiliency, and Character. Skylar takes risks academically when things are hard and puts in his best effort to succeed. Skylar models how to have exceptional character and is true to himself every single day. Younger peers look up to Skylar to lead them, and he exemplifies positive character and resiliency in every part of his day.

Joey Hallam exemplifies the Portrait of a Graduate trait of Adaptability in the ever-changing world of high school. While change is often hard for students, Joey has worked through these challenges and shown great success. Joey is engaged in instruction, takes time to critically think about the work in front of him, which is another Portrait of a Graduate trait. Also, when presented with a challenge outside of academics, he models creative Problem Solving. Joey excels in bringing his peers together to accomplish a common goal and supports all students in their desire to improve.

Arapahoe High School

Kayla Romero is an authentic and unique individual. She exemplifies the Portrait of a Graduate traits of Creativity, Adaptability, and has the Character of a true warrior. Her music teacher, Mr. Schjodt, shared the following: ”Kayla is one-of-a-kind. She is supremely talented but exceptionally humble. She is reliable, responsible, and resilient. Kayla is a student who has grown tremendously over her high school career, and is someone who has worked tirelessly to grow as a singer. Kayla volunteers her 7th block to provide invaluable leadership to the students in Arapahoe's Soprano/Alto choir, and she can frequently be seen providing ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation for choir concerts. Kayla embodies EXACTLY what the Arapahoe Vocal Music Program seeks to find in its students.”

Ryan Chain embodies the heart of the warrior both on and off the field. He demonstrates the Portrait of a Graduate trait of Character. His coach, Mr. Dollaghan had this to share about Ryan: “Ryan is one of the top 1% when it comes to relationships with his teammates, peers, teachers and really anyone who comes in contact with him.  He is always smiling and willing to engage in genuine conversation. I have and will always cherish the special bond I have with him as a coach and teacher. The greatest compliment I can give students is when I tell them I want my son to be like them…this is the case with Ryan. Truly a young man who will accomplish great things in his life.”

Cole Domingo is a great academic student and an active member of the AHS community. He embodies the Portrait of a Graduate through his Creativity and Risk-Taking as an integral part of our Toms Dance Team. He is a natural leader and is always willing to put in the extra time to make sure others around him shine. He is kind, courteous and compassionate, all the while knowing his authentic self. Cole just returned from the UDA National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, FL. His Tom Coach, Kim Amen, had this to say: "Cole cares deeply for those around him and is a constant source of encouragement to his teammates both on and off the practice floor. He has a huge heart for everything and everyone in his life - a heart for his sport, his family, his coaches, teammates, and friends. He is gracious and kind, and constantly exemplifies what it means to be a good person.”

Mia McKeown is a leader within the marching band. One of Mia’s trusted adults, Mrs. Williams, wrote this about her: ”Mia embodies the Portrait of a Graduate. She has overcome various personal and academic difficulties by working hard and showing Resiliency through challenging times. She has made tremendous growth in her confidence and Problem-Solving capabilities, especially when facing difficult emotional adversity. In class and through the performing arts, she is an advocate for her needs and the needs of others. She is confident in her Character and who she is, and teachers say she is an integral part of their classes.”

Allison Hatak is reliable, dedicated and lives our motto of “Warriors Always take care of one another.” Her cross country coach had this to share: “When looking at LPS Portrait of a Graduate, Allie Hatak aligns with so much of what we want our graduates to be: Well-Adjusted, Thriving and Balanced. Allie excels academically, prioritizing her quest for further education. She doesn't take the easy road in her educational journey. She challenges herself continually with AP and Honors courses. When she was captain of the Arapahoe Cross Country team, she met regularly with the head coaches to advocate for her teammates and help organize various activities to create an inclusive program. She helps counsel and model for others what it means to be a Warrior.”

Clayton Wern is always willing to help out with his peers and highlights AHS through the shadow program. Mr. Weyhrich had this to share: “As Clayton’s tennis coach and government teacher, I have witnessed firsthand Clayton's Character and investment into the AHS community. On the tennis court, he was a leader amongst leaders. He demonstrated this through organizing team functions, connecting with the underclassmen on the team, and leading the team on the tennis court through effort and competitiveness in practice and matches. In class, he would bring the same qualities and energy. Clayton would demonstrate Critical Thinking and Collaboration in class discussions and group projects. All of this demonstrates the kind of character Clayton has. He invests in the AHS community and others because he truly cares.”