Hello DSST! I’m Joven Lusa and I started my journey here at DSST: College View Middle School as a gym teacher, yes I said “gym” teacher, back in 2018. I have since transitioned to a dean of students.

If you were on the call the night I was recognized, I’m sure you saw I was overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the 2021 Integrity Core Value Award. I am so blessed to have my work recognized in this way by my colleagues across the network! That being said I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the people that helped make this possible. I would like to thank my seventh-grade team, my mentors, as well as those who provided emotional support and education along the way. The commitment, dedication, and attention to detail we poured in during a generational event directly translated to student outcomes that we haven’t seen at CVMS since I’ve been here. It means a lot to me that the work I am so passionate about also resonates with others.

Some additional qualities that I believe tie into integrity are being respectful, honest, hardworking, and responsible. I also think integrity means paying it forward. Therefore the charity I’m choosing to donate to is Denver Kids, Inc. Denver Kids “supports children in Denver Public Schools who are in higher-risk environments to exceed in high school, pursue the best post-secondary options and become the most successful members they can in their communities.” Denver is now my home and I want to give back to a place that means a lot to me. Education is also very important to me because it has afforded me multiple opportunities and experiences that a young man from the Bahamas doesn’t usually get. My hope for this donation is that it helps someone in the next generation who's in a hard place find the motivation, inspiration, and perseverance to realize their full potential in spite of their circumstances.