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Six years, one journey: DSST student’s story of transformation

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.”

DSST changed the trajectory of her life. Now she is on a mission to reshape dermatology.

Written by: Fortunate Madueke, DSST: Green Valley Ranch - Class of 2025

To my community, DSST is more than just a school—it is a safe place for survival. It is considered by many to be the “Harvard” of public schools, not because it is exclusive but because it sets the highest standards and provides pathways to the best colleges. My family thought that DSST would lead to a better future. Coming from a Nigerian household where education is a core value, my mom would always remind me in Igbo, “akwụkwọ na-emepe ọtụtụ ụzọ”—education opens many doors—and she was right.

Juniors go coast to coast with DSST’s DEEP college trips

Over Spring Break, a group of DSST juniors had the exciting opportunity to visit college campuses across the country through DSST’s Early Exposure Program (DEEP). Based on their college preferences, students traveled to Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Participants were selected for their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and fit for the schools they visited.

From Passion to Purpose: One Student’s Mission to Create Change

At DSST: Montview High School, opportunity meets purpose — and for senior Sarah Hourani, that intersection has sparked something extraordinary.

“I feel like I've been exposed to a lot of great opportunities, and it's been really awesome to just be a part of the community. I think that's really what makes DSST special,” Hourani said.

Now, she’s preparing to take that sense of belonging and possibility with her to her dream school: MIT.

Where words rise: GVR students find voice and victory through poetry

The room is quiet. A single voice rises—clear, unshaken, or maybe it’s trembling just slightly. And then, another. One by one, they speak their truths aloud. In a world that often asks students to keep their heads down, three students at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School are standing up, speaking out, and learning what it means to be heard.

RSVP Now for TOAST: A Night to Celebrate you, Our Incredible Team

TOAST is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate YOU! 🎉 On April 17, we’ll gather at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for an evening of connection, appreciation and joy as we honor our incredible staff and recognize this year’s 6 Core Value Award winners.

Threads of Tradition: DSST senior connects to her roots through art

At DSST, creativity comes in many forms. For Afomya Eshete (DSST: Green Valley Ranch ‘25), art is more than just a hobby—it’s a connection to her heritage, a way to stay rooted in her culture, and a source of pride.

Afomya has been part of the DSST: Green Valley Ranch community since seventh grade, and she describes her experience as “pretty positive with the teachers and the students.” One teacher, in particular, made a lasting impact: Mr. Sawyer, her digital art teacher.

STEM brilliance on display at DSST's third annual showcase

On Saturday, March 15, STEM genius was surely showcased! Our third annual DSST STEM and Creative Core Showcase at CSU Spur brought together students, industry partners, educators, and families to ignite curiosity and deep learning in STEM.

Empowering women in STEM through conservation internship

Internships provide more than just a resume boost—they shape futures, build confidence, and inspire change. For Jacqueline Choate, a student at DSST: Montview High School, her internship at Bluff Lake Nature Center was an opportunity to step into the world of wildlife conservation, take on real responsibilities, and connect with a mentor who has had a lasting impact on her career aspirations.

Eid al-Fitr (EID): A Celebration of spiritual growth, gratitude and unity

As a network dedicated to ensuring our experiences are valued and appreciated, we reached out to several of our students to gain some insight about Eid al-Fitr (EID). This year, EID takes place on March 29 and 30. Below is what was shared and ways to support students during EID.