Student of the Month
The AAYLC acknowledges students committed to academics, extracurriculars, and community engagement. We are seeking outstanding students in grades 6th through 12th who merit recognition. If you are a student aspiring to be our Student of the Month, kindly complete the student application provided below. For those wishing to nominate a student, please utilize the gray button provided.
Introducing Our Monthly Recipients
April 2024
Tierra Olivares
“As long as I know I am making a positive impact, I’m satisfied,” stated this Air Academy High school senior. Tierra shows her passion for giving back to those around her by participating in numerous clubs, and while maintaining her academic status in the National Honor Society and Principal’s List with a 3.96 GPA. Her favorite subject is English. Tierra truly enjoys books that give a different perspective, and she is often drawn to non-fictional. She also enjoys writing as a way to express herself and was rewarded for her writing during her 8th grade graduation.
March 2024
Ja'Kobi Cockerham
“He is just as amazing as a son as he is a student and an athlete,” quoted the mother of this Doherty High School junior. Ja’Kobi is a highly intelligent student, a decorated athlete, and still makes time to have fun and give back to his community. He was recognized early by being selected as student of the month for 2 of his 3 years at Jenkins Middle School. In high school, he has shown promising athletic ability while still possessing a 4.5 GPA. Ja’Kobi has lettered twice in football and academics, but his greatest athletic skill has been shown through shotput. Just last summer, he became a junior Olympian and finished 5th in his region! He strives to excel in shotput at a D1 college and wants to ensure he goes to a university that is “intellectually stimulating” as well.
February 2024
Arman Ardoin
Arman is a 6th grader at James Irwin Charter Middle School, and he is excited to finally be old enough to join his big brother at AAYLC! Arman and his brother do everything together. They play sports, listen to music, and even follow in their dad’s footsteps by taking DJ lessons together! Arman may only be 11 years old, but he is already proving to be a great athlete with a sharp mind. Consequently, he already holds a 3.86 GPA. His favorite subject is history, learning both in the classroom and at home in his free time. He started learning about Greek mythology this year and completed a project on his favorite Greek God-Poseidon.
January 2024
Briona Robinson
“I’ve always thought that trying new things is its own sport.” states this Fountain Valley School of Colorado Junior. Holding a 3.96 GPA, Briona has never felt the need to be one specific person. She has always wanted to be a doctor and understands the importance of seeing women and people of color in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.) She has been in numerous STEM camps and loves that doctors can help to save lives. However, Briona is a plethora of talents outside of the sciences! She started modeling in commercials and photo shots at just the age of 10- including runway. Just this past summer, she competed in her first pageant and won Miss Teen Colorado Springs. She went on to compete in Teen Miss Rocky Mountain and won that regional title as well! She will soon head to Orlando to compete for the National title.
December 2023
Olivia Agbo
Olivia Agbo, a vibrant junior at Cheyenne Mountain High School, shines not only academically with a GPA of 3.75, but is also a compassionate force for change within her community. Olivia dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Her post-high school plans include heading to college, majoring in biology and commencing her pre-med track. Her love for understanding the complexities of the human mind is evident in her favorite school subject, psychology, where she delves into the intricacies of human functions.
November 2023
Jordan Pruitt
Jordan Pruitt is a remarkable 7th-grade student from Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School, whose passion for academics, compassion for others, and love for animals define his character. Gifted in mathematics, Jordan excels two grade levels ahead, maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA for the past three years. His teachers and principals commend his joyful presence in their classrooms, emphasizing his kindness and empathy towards his peers. Jordan is not just an academic achiever; he actively participates in extracurricular activities and community service. He dedicates his time to volunteering as a Peer Leader in the Sources of Strength student program, contributing to suicide prevention efforts within his school community. In addition, Jordan is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Greater Pikes Peak Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where he selflessly devotes his time to various volunteer initiatives, showcasing his innate leadership qualities and commitment to helping others.
October 2023
Aicha Sy
Aicha is in her junior year at Spring Mills High School, but she is on track to graduate in May at the age of 16. We’re thrilled to honor this student who has shown nothing less than excellence! She fell in love with English at a young age and quickly outpaced her peers in reading. Aicha skipped the second grade and found her passion in the third grade! Once she was introduced to the Children’s Bill of Rights and how government works, she knew that she wanted to become a lawyer. Specifically, immigration law! As a child of immigrant parents, she understands the challenges with our immigration laws, and she is dedicated to improving them.
September 2023
Levi Turman
Levi is just starting his sophomore year at Odyssey Early College and Career Options, but he has big dreams and the work ethic to achieve them! Between his 4.7 GPA and straight A’s, even in his college-level courses, we’re confident that this student can do anything he initiates. Levi’s sharp intellect and curiosity started at a very young age. Being born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he was raised to speak both Portuguese and English fluently, and he recently started learning Spanish to become tri-lingual.
August 2023
Nariah Jiminez
Nariah is heading into her senior year at Harrison High School with a 4.7 GPA, and she is ready to do her part to make our world a better place for all! She has shown an unimaginable amount of resilience in her 3 years in high school. Nariah lost her mother during her freshmen year, but she tells us that “I am still able to strive in school and live every day to the fullest. “While still being a year-round athlete in volleyball and tennis, Nariah has kept exceptional grades. She is also a student ambassador! She continues to search for ways to give back to her community while helping with community clean-up efforts, assisting with childcare, and being an active member of her church.
July 2023
Jayla Higgs
Jayla Higgs is a perfect representation of our theme this month: healthy habits! This James Irwin Charter High School student (and published author) is heading into her senior year and preparing to make an incredible impact on this world. She understands that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Her healthy habits include praying daily, journaling, listening to music, and practicing 10 minutes of stillness. Jayla prioritizes her self-care to give her the energy to keep up with her very busy schedule!
June 2023
Micah Lumpkins
Micah Lumpkins is graduating from Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs with a 4.8 GPA at only 16 years old! This incredible student showed her academic gifts and passion for animals at a very early age, and after skipping two grades, she is on well on her way to continue making a lasting and positive impact on the world around her. She has committed to Cornell University this fall and intends on pursing education through her PhD to conserve animal species with dwindling populations.
May 2023
DeShaun Ellison
This Widefield high school sophomore may be new to Colorado, but he has quickly settled in and wants to serve his incredible new community! DeShaun moved to Colorado from Louisiana about a year ago and has already fallen in love with this community, new activities, more diversity, and the amazing mountain views. He has consistently shown academic excellence by being on the honor roll since elementary school. He now amazingly holding a 3.92 GPA in high school.