Celebrating accomplishments of the Class of 2023

As we near the end of another school year, we are reminded that reaching graduation is a true testament of not only students’ hard work, but that of the families, teachers and community members who helped them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a future of their choosing.

We can see the success of this educational teamwork as we celebrate our more than 2,400 graduates this spring. The Class of 2023 has a bright future ahead of them, with more than 82 percent of graduates from the district’s traditional high schools saying they’ve decided on their post-secondary plans - some off to college, and others starting their careers or joining one of the U.S. Military branches. 

Below represents only a few of the honors from the Class of 2023 – congratulations to each and every graduate for their accomplishments during their time at Five Star Schools!

College Pathway

The class of 2023 received more than $21.5 million in scholarships as a recognition of their dedication and hard work. These scholarship dollars represent both full and partial academic or athletic scholarships for a large number of graduates. Below are a few of the many scholarship honors:

Two Five Star Students named 2023 Daniels Scholars
Daniels Scholars are selected from the four-state region of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming for demonstrating exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to serving their community. Congratulations to our 2023 Daniels Scholars:

• Jack Bonneau, Legacy High School

• John Serna, Horizon High School

Military Pathway

A number of graduates shared an interest in pursuing military service and plan to enlist in one of the six U.S. military branches - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force - after high school. Congratulations to our four students who received prestigious U.S Military Academy appointments:

• Sam Bocis, Legacy High School | U.S. Military Academy at West Point

• Kendall Ripley, Legacy High School | U.S. Air Force Academy

• Jordan Sale, Legacy High School | U.S. Coast Guard Academy

• Jordan Swearingen, Legacy High School | U.S. Naval Academy

Career Pathway

The class of 2023 has 207 students that will enter directly into the workforce, and 87 students are going into an apprenticeship or on-the-job training opportunity.  These include jobs in the fields of diesel, construction, welding, medical services, firefighting, business/marketing, engineering and more.

Other notable accomplishments:

• 1435 industry certifications earned by 286 students through FutureForward, the district’s career and technical education program. Industry certifications measure competency in an occupation, and they validate the knowledge base and skills that show mastery in a particular industry. 

• 162 graduates received a Seal of Biliteracy. This is an award granted to students in recognition of those who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by graduation.

• 24 Vantage Point High School graduates were named Path4Ward Grant recipients. The Path4Ward program allows students from low-income households who graduate early to receive funding for postsecondary education or training programs during what would have been their fourth year of high school. 

• 12 graduates were accepted into the Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) program. ASCENT is a fifth-year high school program that allows students to participate in concurrent enrollment the year after 12th grade, to enroll in postsecondary courses and earn college credit at no tuition cost to them or their families. 

• 9 graduates accepted into Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation Program (TREP), the state's educator career pathway for future educators.The TREP program creates the opportunity for qualified students in an educator career pathway to concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses and earn college credit at no tuition costs to them or their families, for up to two years after the 12th grade year.

• 4 FutureForward graduates won first place at SkillsUSA Colorado and received an invitation to the National SkillsUSA competition. SkillsUSA is a nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that prepares students for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations. 

  • Alivia Hatcher, 1st place State Extemporaneous Speaker
    Horizon High School and FutureForward at Washington Square

  • Alissa Kunter, 1st place State First Aid & CPR
    Stargate School and FutureForward at Washington Square

  • Maritza Ornelas Rodriguez, 1st place State Plumbing Competition
    Northglenn High School and FutureForward at Washington Square

  • Chloe Williams, 1st place State Law Enforcement Competition
    Mountain Range High School and FutureForward at Washington Square

• 2 Legacy High School graduates were named 2023 candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

• 1 Thornton High School graduate received a QuestBridge Scholar match from Princeton University. The QuestBridge National College Match helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.

• 1 Thornton High School unaccompanied newcomer student who moved to the U.S. without his parents and with limited knowledge of the English language, received a $100,000 scholarship to University of Colorado-Boulder’s College of Music.