The Arapahoe County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Awards

Logo for Arapahoe County Mayors & Commissioners Youth AwardsAbout the Program

The Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA) recognizes teenagers who have overcome obstacles and risen to challenges life has presented. This
award is unique because it encompasses youth who live and attend school in Arapahoe County within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, and emancipated youth.

Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome adversity and wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools.

Eligibility

  • Seniors (grade 12) who live and attend school in Arapahoe County within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, and emancipated youth.
  • 12th grade youth are eligible to receive a scholarship for educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools for the first year of post-secondary costs.
  • Youth related to Arapahoe County employees are not eligible for this program.

Process

Teachers, counselors, and other educators, not related to the youth, may nominate an eligible youth for consideration.
Each nominee must write a 3-paragraph essay that highlights what they have learned after overcoming the challenge(s) they faced, what they hope to accomplish in the years ahead, and any future plans or ambitions.

A committee comprised of county elected officials (commissioners, mayors, etc.) review applications and make recommendations for awards and scholarships based on the student’s desire to rise above adversity, determination to create positive change within their environment, and the positive contributions and service to their communities and families.

Applications must be submitted electronically to jbayard@arapahoegov.com by the deadline below, no exceptions.

2021 Nomination Deadline

Scholarship

Scholarship recipients must use the award within the 2021-2022 academic years.

Questions

Questions about the process or program should be directed to Jacquelyn Bayard, Administrative Specialist, jbayard@arapahoegov.com.

Meet the 2020 Award Recipients 

COREY ALLEN: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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DECLAN ATWELL: Cherry Creek High School

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BAILEY CALDWELL: Englewood High School

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MAYGEN DAUGHERTY: Smoky Hill High School

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CHEROKEE DAVIS: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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DULCE FLANDERS: Englewood High School

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AVERY GREENWOOD: Arapahoe High

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D’MIA HUFF: Smoky Hill High School

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SAMANTHA KLEIN: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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JACQUELYN LEIBOWITZ: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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ZAMIAH PRATT: Rangeview High School

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MADELINE RIVERA: Heritage High School

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ZARIA ROUSE: Cherry Creek High School

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ERIKA SALAZAR: Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice

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MADIBONU SALIMJONOVA: Overland High School

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APSHARA SIWAKOTI: Grandview High School

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DILAFRUZ SOBIROVA: Overland High School

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CORTNEY UMOELIN: Eaglecrest High School

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AMYAH WILLIAMS: Aurora Central High School

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RAELEE WYNNE: Heritage High School

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About the Program
The Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA) recognize local seniors who have overcome personal adversity and have created positive change in their lives. The program is unique because it encompasses youth in both traditional and non-traditional classroom settings.

During a special event in April, nominated students are recognized for their accomplishments and one-time scholarships are awarded to exceptional youth for pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools.

Eligibility

  • Seniors (grade 12) who live and attend school in Arapahoe County
  • Students within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools and/or are emancipated youth
  • Youth related to Arapahoe County employees are not eligible for this program

Process
Teachers, counselors and other educators, not related to the youth, may nominate an eligible youth for consideration.

Each nominee must write a three-paragraph essay (no more than 400 words) that highlights what they have learned after overcoming the challenge(s) they faced, what they hope to accomplish in the year ahead and any future plans or ambitions.

A committee comprised of elected officials (commissioners, mayors, etc.) review applications and make recommendations for awards and scholarships based on the student’s desire to rise above adversity, determination to create positive change within their environment, and the positive contributions and service to their communities and families.

2021 Nomination Deadline: TBD

Scholarships
Scholarships are made possible through the Arapahoe County Foundation and program sponsors. Scholarship awards must be used within the 2020-2021 academic years to help defray first-year costs.

Questions
Questions about the process or program should be directed to 303-795-4215 or lcannon@arapahoegov.com.