On a bright afternoon filled with pride, gratitude and a whole lot of joy, the DSST: Elevate Northeast community gathered to celebrate something truly extraordinary - the official opening of the Elevate Library, a space imagined, shaped and championed by students.
What now stands as a vibrant hub for reading, creativity and discovery began as a simple classroom bookshelf. But like so many powerful stories in education, it grew because students believed in something bigger.
During the ceremony, guest speaker and longtime DSST partner Noah Stout reflected on the significance of this moment. He spoke to the heart of the project: a story of advocacy, grit, and the belief that students deserve access to the tools and opportunities that fuel their dreams.
“This space,” he shared, “represents what can happen when students, educators, and supporters come together with a shared vision.”
That shared vision began with ELA teacher Michelle Rawls, who noticed something missing - a school library. She saw students hungry for stories, for knowledge, for a place to explore ideas. And she knew they deserved more.
Ms. Rawls recounted how the idea took shape: a plan drafted with Facility Manager Kirk Hoffman, countless hours of organizing, and a group of students who stepped forward to lead. These students didn’t just help, they became the founding librarians of Elevate.
They designed the space. They organized the books. They advocated for resources. They built the foundation of a library that will serve generations of Bulldogs.
When Ms. Rawls invited the founding librarians to stand, the room erupted in applause. Their courage and leadership were the heartbeat of the celebration.
The event also welcomed leaders from across Denver Public Schools and DSST, including DPS Board Directors John Youngquist and Dr. DJ Torres, and DSST Board Member Andrew Goldin. Their presence underscored the importance of this milestone, not just for Elevate, but for the broader community committed to educational equity.
In her remarks, DSST CEO Nella García Urban captured the spirit of the day beautifully: “We are not simply opening a room filled with books. We are opening a space built through belief, collaboration, and the unwavering conviction that our students deserve the very best.”
She honored the students whose leadership made the library possible, reminding everyone that this space is more than shelves and seating. It is a testament to what young people can accomplish when they are empowered to lead.
While the library is now open, the work continues. Ms. Rawls shared her ongoing efforts to secure book donations from publishers and organizations, ensuring the collection grows into the rich, diverse resource students deserve. She also secured donated 3D printers, expanding the library’s role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and hands‑on learning.
Her commitment is unwavering: “I never want a student here to feel that they lacked access to the tools, opportunities, or support they needed to grow and thrive.”
The ceremony concluded with a plaque presentation honoring the team behind the project, including students, staff, and supporters alike. Then, in a moment filled with excitement, two students held the ribbon as Ms. Rawls and a student librarian cut it, officially opening the DSST: Elevate library.
As the ribbon fell, the message was clear: This is just the beginning.
The DSST: Elevate library stands as a living reminder of what students can achieve when they are trusted, supported, and encouraged to lead. It is a space built by them, for them and for every Bulldog who will walk through its doors in the years to come.
A new chapter has begun at DSST: Elevate Northeast. And it was written by students.