For Leonard Aragon, a senior at DSST: College View High School, the path from middle school to graduation has been full of growth, discovery and purpose.
“I've been going to DSST since sixth grade, and it flew by,” he said. “Honestly, I can remember like it was yesterday, walking through the middle school doors. And now, the next thing you know, you're getting ready to graduate."
In the early years, Aragon’s passion was acting. “For the first years of my life, I was really into acting. I even went as far as doing an NBC commercial,” he recalled. But over time, his interests shifted. “In the past year, my focus has shifted to business.”
That shift became more meaningful after he began working with the Urban Land Conservancy, a nonprofit focused on affordable real estate. “Working for the Urban Land Conservancy has taught me how impactful it is to work for my community. It's had a major impact on both me and those around me, especially in affordable housing, particularly here in Colorado, where it's so expensive to live. That experience really sparked my interest.”
Aragon’s internship with the organization began in July and quickly became a defining chapter of his high school career. It didn’t just give him professional experience—it helped him connect his classroom learning to real-world impact. “It all started here,” he said.
That sense of preparation and purpose is something he credits in part to the college support system at DSST. “Our college team here does a great job providing the help you need to get to college,” he said. “They give you a step-by-step guide on how to apply, how to find scholarships and especially how to navigate the FAFSA. They make sure you get all the financial aid you can, because college is expensive. That kind of support makes a big difference in the long run, especially when you're about to step into an uncertain future.”
Outside the classroom, Aragon found connection through DSST’s close-knit school community. “Some students want to be in a smaller environment where they can actually connect with others, rather than a school with 3,000 kids where you see someone’s face once and forget it the next day.”
At College View, with about 500 students, the bonds were real. “They put on so many events that help build strong relationships,” he said. “As for who encouraged me along the way, definitely both my parents. They always pushed me to strive for excellence. And the teachers here have been incredibly supportive, always helping and encouraging you to grow. It's really heartwarming to go from feeling lost to having a teacher say, ‘Here, I’ll help you.’ That support has helped me grow as a person, whether through office hours or just having a one-on-one conversation."
Now on the verge of graduation, Aragon is reflective—and honest—about what he’s learned. “To describe how I got to where I am now, I’d use the expression, ‘Don’t burn the candle at both ends,’” he said. “You don’t want to overwork yourself. It’s OK to want to get everything done, but if you push too hard, you’ll get stressed and stop enjoying the journey. Take time to build a solid foundation during high school—you’ll have college to continue discovering who you are.”
His one regret? “I also wish I’d joined more clubs. I kept saying, ‘I'll do it this year,’ and then the next year would come, and I’d say the same thing. Time goes by quickly, so take advantage of opportunities when they come.”
Looking forward, Aragon hopes his story can be part of a bigger conversation about the value of schools like DSST. “I think it’s really important that more kids have the opportunity to attend charter schools. Leaders need to see how valuable these schools are—they shouldn't be overlooked,” he said. “Charter schools play a huge role here in southwest Denver—and really, everywhere. We should continue supporting them and look for ways to expand the opportunities they offer to more people. That’s something I believe is really important.”
Aragon plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder this fall and carry the lessons of DSST with him every step of the way.
