Graduation is an important milestone in each student's life journey.

2015 Graduation Pictures
Amber Griego, New Hope Academy
Amber Griego

New Hope Academy

Motivation and determination have driven Amber Griego to graduation day. She has been a HOPE at New Hope Academy student since the 6th grade and is proud to be setting an example for her two younger sisters, 12 and 16, who too are determined to earn a high school diploma.

Amber is also proud to be starting a new family tradition by being the first one in her family to attend college. She has earned a full Federal Pell Grant to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins this fall where she plans to major in Psychology and live on campus. Her goal one day is to be a Clinical Psychologist as she finds it fascinating how everyone thinks differently and enjoys helping others work through their life challenges.

“My family is really proud I am going to college,” said Amber. “My mom has always inspired me with her independence and how she helps as much as she can.”   

The HOPE academic team at New Hope Academy says Amber has been a bright spot in their Learning Center.

“She is a thoughtful, kind person and everyone likes her,” said Ms. Ashleigh Singh, Amber’s New Hope Academy Mentor. “Amber is very intelligent, and I feel she is already writing at a college level. I have always been impressed with her independence. She’s always had a plan for her life and is focused on meeting her goals.”

Amber has appreciated the smaller, one-on-one environment at HOPE’s NewHope Academy. She likes the fact that she was just not another student in class. Her instructors have taken the time to get to know her and this has made the environment welcoming.

Outside of the classroom, Amber enjoys reading. She particularly likes a fantasy writer, Patrick Rothfuss, for the way he organizes his ideas in his writing. In fact, her favorite school subject is English, particularly literacy. Her love of the written word is also why she says she liked the online HOPE curriculum. 

“It made it easier to understand and take notes,” said Amber.

Amber and her classmates competed in the HOPE Science Expo this year and placed 2nd in the high school division.



“My best advice to others working towards graduation is work hard throughout high school so you don’t leave all the work until your senior year. Also apply for scholarships to college,” said Amber. 
Justin Chavez, Brighton Leadership Academy
Justin Chavez

Brighton Leadership Academy

You can’t wipe the big smile off of Justin Chavez’s face. That’s because Justin is meeting a life goal by graduating from high school.

“I am the first one in my family to graduate. I know I need this for my future. It will make me a better person and help me build my life,” said Justin.

Justin hasn’t had the typical path to graduation. He spent much of his early years in foster care and even battled drug addiction and lived on the streets. Justin was eventually adopted by a family who served as great role models for him. And he had finally found a place where he could finish his high school education, HOPEat Brighton Leadership High Academy. However, just before the start of this school year, Justin was diagnosed with Ewing’s Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cancer.

In August, Justin had three tumors removed from his leg. He started visiting Children’s Hospital Colorado every week in September to receive chemotherapy or complete blood work. Justin will finish his treatments, and hopefully be cancer-free, for graduation day.

“All the odds have been against me, but I am overcoming it,” said Justin, who said he will have a large cheering section at graduation. “HOPE is giving me a chance at life, and I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

Justin is particularly thankful for the support the students and staff at HOPEOnline Learning Academy Co-Op have given to him this last year to get him to graduation. They work school assignments in and around his chemotherapy schedule. Additionally the families in his HOPE Learning Center have raised funds to help offset the costs of his treatments.

“It feels like family. I’ve never had support like this before,” commented Justin. “The name of this school, HOPE, really speaks for itself. They have truly given that to me, always encouraging me and telling me I can do it. I feel like I am living in a dream. This is amazing, and my heart will be forever endlessly thankful.”

Ms. Kim Vega, Manager, HOPE at Brighton Leadership Academy, is proud of Justin and the students her Learning Center serves.

“I’m honored to work with HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op. We are giving youth, no matter their struggles, a path to contribute to society in a positive way,” Ms. Vega said.

Justin’s favorite school subjects are science and history. He plans to become an x-ray technician after high school, and later, possibly, a pastor and/or a barber.

2014 Graduation Pictures

HOPE Online Learning Academy 2014 Graduation
Sarah Ann Armstrong, New Hope Academy, Greeley
   Sarah Armstrong isn’t a typical teenager—she is a musician, a writer and a cancer survivor. It is often challenging for kids with critical illnesses to stay on track with their learning; undergoing treatment can mean long absences from the classroom. But Armstrong refused to let cancer stop her from graduating, working hard to complete her assignments whenever she had downtime in the hospital or at home. This level of dedication did not go unnoticed by her classmates at HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op’s New Hope Academy.
“The other students saw her hard work,” noted Ashleigh Singh, a mentor at New Hope Academy. “Their slogan became, ‘If Sarah can do it, then we can do it.’ It was really a testament to the positivity and perseverance that she brings to everything she does.”
   While spending so much time in the hospital, Armstrong developed close relationships with the nursing staff. Now, she plans on joining the profession.
“I really like the idea of knowing that I will be able to help people,” she said. “Knowing someone was watching out for me meant so much to me when I was a patient.”
   Compassion is one of Armstrong’s greatest qualities, according to Singh.
“She has a very caring and accepting personality,” Singh said. “She is completely unbiased and never judges. So many students look up to her and are happy to call her a friend. Her first thought is always, ‘how can I help?’”
Armstrong will begin the nursing program at Aims Community College in Fort Collins this fall. Staying close to home will allow Sarah to continue to play piano with her band, The Rhapsodistic, producing an eclectic mix of rock, rap and R&B. They are currently in the process of recording their third single.
Though she has accomplished so much on her own, Armstrong credits HOPE with her academic achievement.
   “I used to struggle with learning,” she said. “Once I came to HOPE and started with the online curriculum, I noticed a change immediately. I was finally able to connect to my learning.”
   The support Armstrong received from New Hope Academy also meant a great deal to her.
   “I couldn’t say ‘thank you’ enough to my mentors and teachers—for supporting me, always caring and never giving up,” she said.
Tanya Isabelle-Louise Rael, Ambassador’s Academy, Colorado Springs
   As soon as Tanya Rael enrolled at HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op, she knew that the smaller and more supportive environment was going to be a good fit. She had previously tried a remote online high school, and then a larger more traditional school. Neither worked well for her.
   “When I was at my last school, there were so many students that I didn’t stand out,” Rael said. “I noticed an immediate change in myself when I came to HOPE. My friends and family have even commented that I seem more open and happy.”
   It is that outgoing attitude that has won her so many friends at HOPE’s Ambassador’s Academy; of course her ability to make and decorate cakes doesn’t hurt either.
   “Tanya made a beautiful cake for our end of year party last year,” recalled Shannel Shephard, a staff member at Ambassador’s Academy. “It was delicious.”
   When Rael isn’t honing her baking skills, she is busy singing in front of the mirror, dreaming of the bright lights of Broadway. She plans to attend college to pursue a career in the Performing Arts.
   Rael understands that it will take a lot of practice and dedication to make her goals a reality. Fortunately, she doesn’t shy away from hard work. In addition to attending school full-time, she holds two jobs. Showing maturity well beyond her years, she explained, “I am the oldest of six kids, so I like to help out as much as I can.”
   Rael brings that “big sister” attitude with her to the classroom, making it a point to look out for the younger HOPE students at Ambassador’s. “She is always encouraging her classmates,” noted Shephard. “In spite of personal challenges, she always has a good attitude. She is very determined.”
   Family is incredibly important to Rael, but that term isn’t reserved just for relatives.“I love every single teacher and mentor at Ambassador’s Academy,” she said. “They were all very helpful in getting me back on track academically and we consider each other family.”
Angel Manuel Castaneda, Maranatha Learning Center, Denver
   When Angel Castaneda first came to HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op’s Maranatha Learning Center two years ago, he only spoke Spanish. While he had always been a good student at his previous schools in Mexico, the language barrier initially came across as reluctance.
   “At first, I didn’t think he wanted to be here,” said Victoria Aguilar, the director of Maranatha Learning Center. “Once he became more acclimated, he began to get involved in everything. He really began to blossom, especially his interest in boxing.”
   At Maranatha, students have the option to take a boxing class for a PE credit. For five hours every week, local professionals donate their time, not only to help get students in shape, but also to provide additional mentorship.
   Castaneda thrived under the direction of the mentors, participating in his first Golden Gloves competition earlier this year. While he didn’t win his match, he said he still values the experience. And boxing is just one of Castaneda’s hobbies—he is also a talented musician. He showcased his skills at this year’s HOPE’s Got Talent competition, taking home an award for the “Most Promising” act of the show.
   “The girls in the audience were swooning,” joked Michael Udlock, who served as emcee for the event. “He was just so comfortable in the spotlight. I think we will definitely be hearing about him in the future.”
Aguilar agreed, noting, “He can take any avenue he chooses, but I think he has the talent to do music professionally.”
   While Castaneda has a passion for music and plans to continue playing, he is currently exploring other career fields. Now that he is bilingual, there are many more doors open to him. “There are a lot of opportunities to pursue translation in Mexico, so that is definitely a possibility,” he said.
   Castaneda has already secured a scholarship from the Bridge Project, in large part because of his work helping neighborhood kids with their homework. The experience has also led Angel to consider a career in education. He is interested in teaching other English Language Learners, the ultimate homage to the staff who supported him during his time at HOPE.
   “I am respectful and thankful to the staff at HOPE and Maranatha because they taught me the language and supported me as I transitioned,” he said.
2013 Featured Graduates


Branson School Online
2013 Graduate Profiles
Colton Jon “C.J.” Royer,
Front Range Academy
 
Colton’s dream of becoming a professional baseball player began when, as a young boy, he attended his first major league baseball game with his father. Vivid details about that afternoon remain fresh in his memory. Today, graduating first in his class with several colleges interested in his athletic skills, Colton continues to inch closer and closer to that boyhood dream.

 Colton’s methodical approach to baseball mirrors his approach to everything – a heartfelt decision, a committed strategy and a lot of pure and consistent effort, no matter what or how long it takes. The leaders, mentors and teachers at HOPE and Front Range Academy all agree that Colton, HOPE’s Class of 2013 valedictorian, maintains a level of enthusiasm and determination that makes him unstoppable. By his own description, Colton simply refuses to give up, and he does everything he can to prevent others from giving up too. 

Though it sounds simple, the journey was more difficult than his cheerful countenance conveys. Raised by his father and grandparents, Colton became keenly aware of his mother’s absence as he approached middle school, about the time he enrolled in HOPE. His loving grandparents provided ever-present support, along with his hard-working father, but Colton faced many battles alone. 

Now, on the threshold of potentially great things, Colton is well aware that none of it was a given. Colton truly knows that all he has accomplished is a result of his hard work and perseverance. “It’s been a heck of a life,” Colton says. 

The multi-talented graduate persists in developing his natural gifts, practicing many hours to capture first place in the “HOPE’s Got Talent!” competition this year. He applied the same resolve to his most recent achievement – becoming HOPE’s valedictorian. While the HOPE and Front Range Academy staffs have supported his efforts for years, they all believe Colton merits the praise. 

Referring to “CJ,” as Colton was nicknamed at Front Range Academy, mentor Scott Dare describes him as “that rare individual who can be counted on to keep at it, no matter how difficult things get, until the goal is met and the job is done.”

Eric Taylor, 
Action Learning Center


Eric’s first Learning Center Director, Laurie Griffith, describes Eric as a “gentle giant,” remembering his consistent courtesy to anyone who needed a helping hand. Reflecting further, Ms. Griffith adds the words “persevering” and “determined” to the list of her former student’s attributes.

HOPE Teacher Ben Davidson, who worked with Eric at Action Learning Center, affirms the graduate’s kind and easygoing demeanor while also pointing out his remarkable resolve. “What struck me most was Eric’s determination to finish,” Mr. Davidson says. “He had a lot of math assignments left to complete as well as the college-readiness exams required for all HOPE graduates.” Slowly, but surely, Eric progressed toward what was once a daunting academic goal.

Pleased that his teachers and mentors speak well of his academic effort, Eric also wants to be remembered as a good friend who influenced others in a positive way. He was often pleasantly surprised at the level of trust others placed in him; he is considered a great listener. Like his friends, Eric enjoys video games and a good pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. He also likes the auto shows held at the Pepsi Center.

Acknowledging the encouragement he received along his journey, Eric thanks the teachers and mentors who patiently explained math processes step-by-step. He is also grateful that he grew up with abundant support from his parents and extended family members. Their belief in his potential made Eric feel destined to finish strong, with an eye toward the future. His advice to future HOPE graduates, including his two brothers, is to work at a consistent pace and to avoid procrastination at all costs. However, regardless of the time it takes to reach the end goal, Eric concludes, “Just persevere and finish it.”

Eric hopes to apply this strategy himself as his plans after high school graduation take shape. The interest he shares with his father in airplanes and flying may lead him to the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic controller program at a local university or to flight training through the military. Either way, those who have worked alongside Eric expect him to “fly high” into a bright future.

Alyssa Costigan, 
Trinity Learning Center

Alyssa is referred to as a “rock star” by her HOPE teacher because of her proficiency in advanced studies, consistently high grades and tireless efforts on behalf of Trinity Learning Center’s younger students. Rather than focus on her own strengths, Alyssa emphasizes her appreciation of the family atmosphere at Trinity and how the culture of honor, service and wisdom positively influenced her school experience.

 Alyssa was happy when HOPE’s Trinity Learning Center was founded. Throughout several family moves, home schooling, public schools and charter schools, she had worked hard to maintain focus in her studies.
Adapting readily to HOPE’s blended learning curriculum, Alyssa’s work reflected her dedication to excellence. “The online work at HOPE can be hard because different students take in information differently,” she says.

 HOPE Teacher Don Westman recognized that Alyssa’s strong work ethic allowed her to overcome any obstacles she encountered. “Alyssa always pursued the harder subjects and earned excellent grades, no matter what she took on as a challenge,” he observes. 

Alyssa believes that academics are only a part of the value she gleaned as a HOPE student. “Studying at Trinity includes a ‘workout of the heart’ because families who are dedicated to resolving conflicts positively bring their kids here,” Alyssa says. She was impressed that HOPE supported high standards of communication and conduct at Trinity Learning Center.

 Despite her quick smile, Alyssa is serious about ensuring that future HOPE students have the same positive learning experience she did. Her one-on-one work with young students is a regular part of her day, but
Alyssa would like to “participate at a deeper level here,” she explains. “Though I can’t wait to get married and be a mom, I may pursue a degree so I can teach here.”

 Alyssa is also a gifted singer and a trained hip hop dancer. Earning a nod for her vocal talent, Alyssa was honored last summer when she sang the national anthem at a Rockies game. “I would like to pursue those interests more,” she says, but confirms that her faith takes top priority.

 Though she is reluctant to commit to a formal career choice, Alyssa embraces her natural leadership abilities. “People look up to me,” she says matter-of-factly. “I am an example no matter what I do.”
Charles Garland, 
Ambassador’s Academy


 Charles is commonly described as uncommonly intelligent. An active thinker since childhood, Charles’ favorite memories are about how it was “okay” then to have a vivid imagination, along with a few “visions of grandeur,” as he describes them.

 Charles’ younger years were deeply influenced by his experiences as a child actor. His father accompanied him to California, where the rest of his family later joined them, to pursue acting. Young Charles entered modeling and acting competitions, several of which he won, and he eventually “got to work for
Disney,” he says.

 Most of Charles’ early education was home-based to accommodate an unpredictable schedule of auditions, rehearsals and performances. Capable of absorbing a lot of information, Charles navigated his academic progress rather independently. His father, who worked for Zenith at the time, “taught me about binary code and engineering,” Charles says, which helped develop his aptitude in the science and logic disciplines.

An early graduate, Charles will take time to pursue his hobbies before making specific future plans. “I like to build things,” he notes, meaning custom computers. He also enjoys reading, preferably two books a week. His favorite books are from the science genre, particularly the writings of the famous physicist, Leonard Suskin. 

HOPE teachers and Ambassador’s Academy leadership appreciated Charles’ academic gifts and abilities.
He enrolled in HOPE as a sophomore at the recommendation of his mother, who felt that the individualized learning model was a good fit for her son. Though not enthusiastic about tests or competitions, he consistently demonstrated understanding and proficiency in his studies. 

Proud of cutting his own path in school and in life, Charles is also known for a compassion that is less obvious than his independent spirit. “I saw Charles talking to a student with special needs in the lunch room one day,” says HOPE Teacher Dawn Coefer. “I appreciated how he intentionally communicated with clarity as well as with intuitive skill. As his teacher, I was already aware that he is verbose and has a great command of language. However, on that particular day, I noticed a special compassion in Charles that left a deep impression.”



Emily Carbiener, 
Belmar Academy
 
Emily’s art is a language all its own. By the stunning realism of her drawings, it is easy to imagine the talented senior as a full-time artist. Surprisingly, at least to those who do not know her well, Emily’s actual career goal is to “significantly influence a student’s road.” Inspired by Belmar Academy Director Charles
Wright, Emily hopes to emulate his example of investing in students to change their lives for the better.

 “Coach,” as Belmar Academy students call Mr. Wright, taught Emily the value of discipline, and in the process, he became the “most amazing” role model of her young life. With his guidance, Emily learned to stand up for herself and to interact more positively. As a result, she increasingly reached out to help others. Emily also learned to consider problems optimistically, which gave her the perspective she needed to find solutions. 

Growing up in the Midwest, Emily became a Coloradoan when her family moved to accommodate her grandparents’ health. She attended a local Christian school before discovering HOPE’s Belmar Academy her junior year. Emily recalls the excitement of being part of a new school with smaller class sizes and lively conversations over lunch that made it a memorable experience. 

Struggling with online lessons at first, Emily realized she was simply “the type who prefers to look at a textbook.” She did, however, find the online explanations very thorough, and she came to appreciate HOPE’s different point of view about learning. Emily eventually reached the high expectations of academic accountability and respectful communication that HOPE sets for all students. Before long, she developed her own plan to become more efficient and effective in her studies. 

Emily is proud of her achievements, yet she remembers the challenging path to getting comfortable in her own skin. Now, much more at ease, she values her strong friendships. Emily believes it was important to step out of her comfort zone and “stand on her own two feet” in a new environment. She learned lessons in academics and in life at HOPE, and she is excited to see where her journey of success leads from here.

Monique Jimenez, 
Maranatha Learning Center


When Monique enrolled in HOPE, she was confident that she had made the right decision. Her cousin, also a HOPE student, recommended that Monique would thrive with HOPE’s blended model. Monique was especially happy to be at Maranatha, where she reacquainted with Learning Center Director Victoria Aguilar, her former Spanish teacher. Ms. Aguilar welcomed Monique, helped her stay on track and provided the extra “push” needed that helped her achieve a strong finish. 

Ms. Aguilar affirms that Monique’s success was based on the way she set realistic goals, making slow and steady progress. “Monique’s consistency assured me that she would meet HOPE’s graduation requirements. She was dedicated and willing to work hard over the long haul.” 

Monique also benefited from her supportive HOPE teachers, classroom mentors and tutors. As a result,
Monique believes she “has the tools to tackle whatever comes next.” She will always remember HOPE as the school where she learned that she could do it—that she could accomplish what she set out to do. 

After taking a transition year after graduation, she plans to continue her education. Monique would like to become a mid-wife or an OB/GYN nurse and is interested in a Denver-based college or university. 

All HOPE graduates are escorted into the commencement ceremony by an individual who has provided strong support on their academic and life journey. For Monique, that person will be her mother. “She has been there for me,” says Monique. “I have counted on her support the whole way.” Through good times or seasons of challenge, this soft-spoken graduate has felt the strength of her loving and caring family. 

Believing that prioritizing and meeting a goal is essential to confidence and self-esteem, she encourages students to surround themselves with supportive people who will help bolster their motivation to simply take the next step instead of quitting. Monique’s advice to future graduates mirrors the wise choices she made in pursuing her diploma.
A few proud GOAL Academy graduates...
2012 Featured Graduates
Valedictorian Armandell Dawkins, holds fast to his motto, “If you set your mind to being great, then you will be great.” Having turned toward hope to become both an academic leader and a skilled athlete, Armandell, in his formal address, articulated his belief in the power to succeed.
Marissa Covarrubias exemplifies excellence for teens everywhere. A champion in academic competitions and a thoughtful decision-maker, Marissa prioritized her personal values. “Others don’t influence what I do,” Marissa confirmed with outstanding grades after she chose the hope of academic triumph.
Davis Wheat experienced hope even amid disruptive moves and changes in family lifestyle. “I guess I just figured out what was good about the difficulties,” Davis explained. “I moved around so much; I figure it must have helped me become an adaptable person.” Not only did he adapt, he invested in others as a New Hope Academy volunteer after his early graduation.
Tonaisha Brown, raised by her grandparents, accepted the hope offered by encouraging and academic-minded friends. She found that HOPE’s learning environment at Revolution Global Academy helped her cope when things “just got hard.” She is ready to progress in her formal education with a well established circle of support.
Tianna Montoya embraced the hope modeled by caring adults. Raised by her strong single mother, Tianna nevertheless detoured until Scott, her mentor, helped her understand why school mattered. Her substantial language arts talents surfaced and sparked interest in an English degree. Tianna aspires to influence her younger sister toward academic excellence without detours!
A Perkins:

A is one of our early graduates for the 2011-2012 school year. A has worked hard to graduate a semester early to work this semester to save money for college. A will be attending a college in Cedarville Ohio, this is his first pick. A is also the 2011-2012 student body president elected by his peers. He is a wonderful student and will be successful at anything he does.

E. Kafer:

E. Kafer will be attending Creighton University and was awarded the Magis Award (a four year scholarship) as well as the Loyola Scholarship (also a four year scholarship). E. was also accepted at both DU and named the Chancellor Scholar as well as Colorado State University where she was awarded the Presidential Scholarship. In addition to achieving a 4.0 GPA, E. is the President of her Catholic Youth Group, leads a Bible study group and somehow finds the time to babysit as well. Her family has moved 10 times as her father has been stationed all over the country with the Air Force and E. has embraced each and every new community and has managed to continually demonstrate exemplary academic achievement. We are honored to have E. at COVA and wish her the best of luck!
Marco Ojeda Santillán managed teen fatherhood while studying at LARASA with “no excuses” commitment. As he did when he focused on the hope of his future and pledged to earn his high school diploma, Marco continues to rely on the traits of successful people – ambition, motivation to achieve, purpose, responsibility and hard work.
A Bardosass:

A will be attending the University of Denver in which she has been accepted into the Honors program there in the fall 2012. She plans to pursue a degree in hospitality, and hopes to study abroad. A is beyond a doubt an extraordinary student, who exuberates confidence and dedication to both personal and academic successes. In addition to carrying a full load of courses that include Advanced Placement courses and a GPA of 4.0, A is committed to her extracurricular activities such as piano, rock climbing, and Greek dancing. In her spare time, she works at Life Time Fitness, volunteering in Girl Scouts and developing community events and sponsorships for National Honor Society – in which she also serves as President. It is an honor to have worked with such a highly respectable and inspiring young lady.

H. Dougherty

H is one of 13 other students across the United States to be accepted into The Juilliard School of dance in New York. She is truly an inspiring young artist, who has been dancing since the age of 4. Over the years, H has participated in some spectacular summer dance programs that include the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Bolshoi Ballet, and Kirov Ballet. She has also used her dance to give back to the community, by offering dance workshops for youth groups, Girl Scouts and voluntary performances benefiting the Children’s Hospital. H strives for rigor and academic success. She has participated in both National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society throughout high school, worked as a lifeguard and stays involved with her church. H is very much a devoted, inspiring young lady with a great horizon in front of her.