AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (AAYLC)
A 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Student of the Month
The AAYLC wants to celebrate students who are committed to academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. We are seeking 6th - 12th grade students who are excelling and deserve recognition. If you are a student and interested in becoming our Student of the Month, please complete the yellow student application below. If you would like to nominate a student, please click on the gray button below.
Introducing Our Monthly Recipients
SEPTEMBER 2022
Reny Deabatee
Civic leaders of the Pikes Peak region and beyond, please make room at your tables for Reny Deabatee. This Doherty High School senior, who is enthusiastically described as a change agent, overcomer, and “molder of dreams” by school counselor, Timothy Garland, aspires to obtain a doctorate degree in political science…and become the mayor of Colorado Springs. His favorite school subjects are Government, Sociology, and History because they are topics “that determine our social constructs.” He believes it is important to understand those concepts “in order to live in a community of trust, honesty, and depth in understanding.”
AUGUST 2022
Julia Anzaldua
“She’s just a girl, and she’s on fire.” The lyrics famously sung by singer/songwriter, Alicia Keys, are fitting for AAYLC’s August student of the month—Julia Anzaldua. Her list of accomplishments is long, and her collection of awards is large; but they have not come easily. As someone who struggles with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the Fountain Fort-Carson High School student has had to demonstrate incredible strength and true grit to overcome the challenges presented thus far in her high school career.
JULY 2022
Tyra Saldana
“Ability to self-advocate, determined, responsible, and persistent...” These are the words Achieve Online school counselor, Sally Jergensen, used to describe Tyra Saldana. Focused, driven, and leader can also be rightfully added to that list. Tyra maintained a commendable 3.9 GPA while enrolled in three different schools on her campus and taking a full load of classes—including college-level English and Psychology. She gladly accepted the opportunity to attend quarterly board meetings with the superintendent of her school district and serve as a voice for her student body.
June 2022
Tyson Culver
If there is an Avid Reader Hall of Fame, Tyson Culver should definitely be inducted. This ambitious 7th grader from Mountain Ridge Middle School set a lofty goal of reading 100 books during the 2021-2022 school year. He met and exceeded his goal by reading a whopping 130 books! Consequently, Tyson intends to read even more books during the summer to keep his mind sharp and skills alive.
May 2022
Aileen Torres
Aileen Torres has a perfect plan to be a healthcare worker, but she is keeping it secret until she has accomplished her goals. Given her current list of accomplishments, there is no doubt that Aileen will successfully carry out that plan. This Sierra High School junior is a sharp student who boasts a 3.95 GPA. She stays busy throughout the school year by participating in volleyball, basketball, the National Honor Society, Peak Education, and as a student ambassador at the Children of Color Leadership Academy. As if that is not enough, Aileen has also volunteered at the Care and Share food bank, the Ronald McDonald House, and at the Mountain Vista Community School VIP Program.
APRIL 2022
Sanaa Jones
Sweet melodies, smooth grooves, fresh tunes, and more is what this super songstress is bringing to the stage. Though the music notes guide her passion, Sanaa Jones is way more than one note. A current Junior at Doherty High School, Sanaa not only is enjoying her time on stage, but also in the military ranks as a ROTC team commander. This 3.4 GPA scholar was able to help lead her ROTC team to a treasured 1st place ranking in the widely known Navy JROTC meet held in Colorado.
MARCH 2022
Mateen Saeed-Briggs
As a professional photographer in the making, Mateen Saeed-Briggs has played an instrumental role both in front of and behind the camera. With a 3.65 GPA, this freshman at Harrison High School recognizes the impact of storytelling through pictures. Mateen’s love of history helps him to understand the significance of photos communicating past events. He strives to convey his narrative for the future. Mateen aspires to attend a HBCU studying photojournalism.
Learn More about this Exceptional Student
FEBRUARY 2022
Cydnee Taylor
When it is said that a person must be focused in order to achieve, Cydnee Taylor is that individual. This 10th grade honor student at Rampart High School shines bright with a 3.56 GPA. A lover of science, Cydnee understands that having insight into what guides various processes plays an important role in our everyday lives. As mental health continues to be a rising issue for youth, Cydnee is committed to making a positive impact. She currently serves as an inaugural member of the Youth Committee for Mental Health (YCMH), and contributes to the Youth Advisory Board with Partners for Children's Mental Health. After high school Cydnee plans to attend college, and then aspires to move on to medical school with a specialty in psychiatry. Her ultimate career goal is to join the Air Force and become a military psychiatrist.
JANUARY 2022
Dane Roberson
Dane Roberson is ready to start the new year with a bang! As a seventh grader at Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School, he recognizes the value of his knowledge. This exceptional young man was reading at a fifth-grade level when he was in kindergarten. With a current 4.0 GPA, Dane is in the top 1% of his class of 300. When asked “Why is a good education important to you?” he said, “A good education will help me through life. I will have more brain power, and I will have more opportunities.” He was recently nominated and selected to represent the seventh grade on the International Baccalaureate (IB) school evaluation committee. Dane hopes to attend a Division 1 college to study Zoology and play football.
DECEMBER 2021
Moira Newman
Watch out world! Here comes Moira Newman! This senior at Regis Jesuit High School understands the importance of education and the doors it can open. With a 4.3 GPA, this future agronomist looks forward to achieving greatness in her desired field. She intends to attend graduate school, and hopefully complete her studies abroad. Moira also plans to attain her doctorate so that she may inspire other college students. Moira has received numerous accolades, including a Thespian award, four-time Dean’s List recipient, College Board recognition, and an African American Scholar.
NOVEMBER 2021
Antonio Martinez
As a junior at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, Antonio is an athlete superstar on the rise. Maintaining a current 3.85 GPA, this dually talented young man is ready to set the world of professional basketball and baseball ablaze. With his eye on obtaining an athletic or academic scholarship, Antonio remains laser-focused in the classroom and on the court. Through the late hours studying and practicing, Antonio remains a stellar student. Being a recent National Honor Society inductee, Antonio knows what it means to establish meaningful and productive goals. While inspiring and motivating school pride, Antonio was honored to receive two letters. He lettered not only in basketball and baseball, but also in academics.
OCTOBER 2021
Ashley Paul
Ashley Paul has big dreams of becoming an agent of change and an advocate for people around the world. This St. Mary’s High School junior is well on her way to doing great things with a 3.8 GPA. As president, she established and leads the diversity and inclusion club at her school. She has met with school leadership to make her school a healthy and welcoming environment for children of color. During her freshman year, she received a four-year opportunity with Colorado College, through the Stroud Scholar program. In addition, she is a participant in the Sachs Foundation's Elevated program. After college and graduate school, she plans to travel the world and help those who are less fortunate. Learn More about this Exceptional Student