Arapahoe County Mayor & Commissioners Youth Awards

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, including those in traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, emancipated youth, and individuals with disabilities. The ACMCYA celebrates the resilience, achievements, and diverse experiences of all youth, including those with disabilities. Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome adversity and wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational schools, two- or four-year colleges, or trade and certification programs.

Eligibility

• Seniors (grade 12) who live and attend school in Arapahoe County are eligible to receive a post-secondary educational scholarship to be used in 2026. 
• Youth related to Arapahoe County employees are not eligible for this program. 

Process

The application should be submitted by a teacher, counselor, school administrator, or other professionals working with youth (such as case managers, providers, coaches, mentors, etc.), who are not related to the youth. The nominator must provide details on why the student should be considered for the award including, ways in which the student has helped their community and how they have overcome challenges. Nominators will need to attach a student-written 3-paragraph essay describing what they have learned from overcoming challenges, plans for their future and what they hope to accomplish in the years ahead. 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. Scholarship amounts and the number of scholarships awarded are determined on a year-by-year basis.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations for the 2026 awards cycle are currently being accepted and will close on  March 2, 2026 through the Grant Nomination Platform.

Program or Sponsorship Questions

Questions about the process or program should be directed to Sarah Overby SOverby@arapahoegov.com.  

2025 Award Recipients

The 2025 award recipients were recognized at a ceremony held on May 15, 2025.

• Dylan Smith, Heritage High School, Littleton Public Schools
• Emeline Kennedy, Smoky Hill High School, Cherry Creek Schools
• Esmeralda Flores Rosas, Central/Gateway High School, Aurora Public Schools
• Gabriel Hankins, Vista PEAK Preparatory School
• Ghazal Obaid, Eaglecrest High School, Cherry Creek Schools
• Henry Menges, EPIC Campus, Littleton Public Schools
• Jalyn Cabs, Cherry Creek Elevation, Cherry Creek Schools
• Teagan Collins, Littleton Public Schools
• Jeiner Olivares, Aurora Central High School, Aurora Public Schools
• Joaquin Medina, Options Secondary Program, Littleton Public Schools
• Jocelyn Hernandez Martinez, Cherry Creek High School, Cherry Creek Schools
• Josiah (Jojo) Hernandez, Regis Jesuit High School: Boys Division
• Landon Mendoza, Eaglecrest High School, Cherry Creek Schools
• Lexi Panalis, Eaglecrest High School, Cherry Creek Schools
• Monica Torres Gaytan, Options Secondary Program, Littleton Public Schools
• Nayeli Chiquival Mendez, Gateway High School, Aurora Public Schools
• Rafael Alvarenga, EPIC Campus, Littleton Public Schools
• Rider Abell, Littleton Public Schools
• Yoel Kaleb, Heritage High School, Littleton Public Schools