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 2024. 
• 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 2025 awards cycle will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2024 through March 7, 2025 through the Grant Nomination Platform.

Program or Sponsorship Questions

Questions about the process or program should be directed to Daniela Villarreal at dvillarreal@arapahoegov.com. 

2024 Award Recipients

The 2024 award recipients were recognized at a ceremony held on May 16, 2024 at the Signature Aviation Hangar, Centennial Airport.

• Ademilayo Dosunmu (Ayo): Cherry Creek High School
• Afton Thompson: Arapahoe High School
• Alissa Daley: Options School
• Amelie Pue: Options School
• Demetrius Lucero: SOAR Academy
• Harlan Ulmer: Arapahoe High School
• Jehidy Ponce Mase: Options School
• Leah Clearwater: Options School
• Leona Ferguson: Gateway High School
• Luciana DiMatteo: Smoky Hill High School
• Mary Ling: Hinkley High School
• Mohammad Hussainkhail: Rangeview High School
• Nevaeh Muniz: Colorado's Finest High School of Choice
• Sadie Steele: Colorado's Finest High School of Choice
• Seiah Hayden: William Smith High School
• Tianshi (Alice) Hale: Options School