Summer Scholars

Denver Deputy Mayor Cary Kennedy, Cyndi Kahn, Jonatan Villaneuva and his mom.

Thirty-four students from 21 Denver elementary schools were honored for outstanding scholarship and academic achievement when the Cyndi Kahn and Jessica Pearson awards were presented by Cary Kennedy, Denver’s deputy mayor and chief financial officer.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held at the Wellington Webb Municipal Building in downtown Denver. Nearly 150 people attended the event, which was followed by a celebratory dinner.

The Cynthia C. Kahn Award for Outstanding Participation in Summer Scholars is presented to one outstanding student from each DPS school that hosted Summer Scholars’ signature summer learning program. Winners have demonstrated a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn, a willingness to help others, and have consistently put forth strong efforts to become better readers.

The Jessica Pearson Award for Outstanding Achievement is presented to the student from each host DPS school who made the greatest gains in reading during Scholars After School, Summer Scholars’ after-school program.

The awards are named after the co-founders of Summer Scholars.

Following is a complete list of award winners, accompanied by notes from their teachers.

The Cynthia C. Kahn Award for Outstanding Participation in
Summer Scholars’ Signature Summer Program

Samantha Atayde, Amesse Elementary School
“Samantha is a student any teacher would love to have! She comes to Summer Scholars every day with a smile for her classmates and teachers, and has made great growth.”

Jonatan Villaneuva, Ashley Elementary School
“Jonatan is a hard-working student who takes risks and is constantly improving his spoken and written English skills.”

Ananda Elizabeth Joyce, Columbine Elementary School
“Ananda had perfect attendance, jumped a whole grade level in reading, and improved her writing skills, too.”

Aracely Reyes, Dora Moore Elementary School
“Aracely stands out! She consistently works hard and has a positive attitude. She perseveres when challenged and strives to become a better reader and writer.”

Julio Angel Cuevas-Rodriguez, Ford Elementary School
“Julio demonstrates tenacity. He is a natural leader with a pleasant demeanor.”

Norberto Cabanas-Saucedo, Garden Place Elementary School
“Norberto has shown great improvement and is motivated to do good work in the classroom. He has shown excellent growth in reading.”

Sa’Daiveon Edward Blanton-Newell, Hallett Elementary School
“Sa’Daiveon shows a lot of pride in his work and is excited to make connections with his reading. He would like to finish college to be an engineer.”

Daniel DeJesus Araujo, Harrington Elementary School
“Daniel has a positive attitude and a zest for learning! He participates, is compassionate, and had perfect attendance this summer.”

Mariana Isabel Morales, Knapp Elementary School
“Mariana is an outstanding participant! She is passionate about her school work , and her positive attitude puts a smile on everyone’s faces.”

Ashley Flores, McGlone Elementary School
“Ashley works hard, is respectful of others, participates in class, and motivates others to do the same.”

Jacqueline Castro-Zavala, Oakland Elementary School
“Jackie goes above and beyond in effort and keeps a positive attitude. She has acquired English quickly and enjoys reading.”

Jamya Lanelle Brooks, Park Hill Elementary School
“Jamya always stays on task and tries her best. She is very respectful of teachers and peers.”

Yubia Guadalupe Covarrubias-Delgado, Smith Elementary School
“Yubia has an amazing work ethic. She is always ready to learn!”

Larae Annett Kelley, Swansea Elementary School
“Larae is an outstanding student and classroom citizen. She is friendly and warm.”

Alaya Angel Martinez, Valdez Elementary School
"Alaya is a self-motivated student and works hard to achieve her goals.”

Rae’Keese Quay’Jion Willis, Whittier Elementary School
“Rae’Keese shows respect, stays positive, and asks questions to gain understanding.”

Zaien Reagor, Wyatt-Edison Charter School
“Zaien came to school every day with a positive attitude, improved his reading and writing, and was a model student!”

The Jessica Pearson Award for Outstanding Achievement in
Scholars After School

Zaira Rodriguez-Armendariz, Amesse Elementary School
“Zaira puts great effort into improving her academic skills. Her increase in reading scores is a testament to her diligence and perseverance”

Vanessa Alvarado, Castro Elementary School
“Vanessa is a self-motivated student who works hard and always puts forth her best effort..She is kind and helpful to all, and inspires other students.”

Jonathan Javier Cervantes, Charles M. Schenck Elementary School
“Jonathan is an excellent student who enthusiastically participates, is cooperative, and demonstrates academic skills in reading and writing.”

Elijah Lavalle Trezvon McWee, Columbine Elementary School
“Elijah’s hard work to improve his reading has really paid off! Elijah is funny and creative, too!”

Luke Thomas Wenskoski, Dora Moore Elementary School
“Every day, Luke brings great energy and enthusiasm for learning. A pleasure to have in class!”

Maria DeJesus Carrillo-Garcia, Ford Elementary School
“Maria has worked hard to improve her reading skills — and her efforts have really paid off!.”

Jeremy Frank James Jr., Garden Place Elementary School
“Jeremy is a delightful student! He continually displays great effort. He is a wonderful academic and character leader.”

Dafne Hernandez-Rivera, Harrington Elementary School
“Dafne is a dedicated student who has worked hard to improve her literacy skills.”

Melanie Padilla-Jaramillo, Knapp Elementary School
“Melanie is always ready with a smile and a determination to learn — she pushed herself every day.”

Alexander Nabil Bellemlih, Lowry Elementary School
“Alexander strives to learn and succeed in class.”

Aaliyah Shamarii Claitt, McGlone Elementary School
“It is a pleasure to have Aaliyah as a student! She is an active learner who is engaged in her education.”

Katia Carolina Aguirre, Munroe Elementary School
“Katia is very focused and takes learning seriously. I credit her amazing growth to how hard she worked last year.”

Julio Cesar Vallejo-Martinez, Oakland Elementary School
“Julio has a very outgoing personality and is very helpful. He has made great progress in reading and I’m very proud of him!”

Raul Luevano, Smith Elementary School
“Raul is a conscientious worker and respectful class participant.”

Mariana Elisa Naranjo, Swansea Elementary School
“A very responsible student with excellent attendance.”

Antonio Joseph Granado-Escarcega, Valdez Elementary School
”A pleasure to have in Summer Scholars! Always a bright smile on his face, and a great listener.”

Justin Randall Brown, Whittier Elementary School
“Justin works great independently, as well as with his peers. Very social and outgoing.”