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DSST: Elevate seniors explore Colorado College, get a glimpse into the future

On Nov. 5, seniors from DSST: Elevate took a memorable trip to Colorado College in Colorado Springs. For many, this was more than just a campus tour—it was a chance to envision their next chapter.

DSST students get head start on Engineering career through Campos Scholars program

This summer, 22 DSST 10th graders got the opportunity of becoming Campos Scholars. They participated in a four-week summer program through the Campos Foundation, where they were able to take a deep dive into the realms of chemistry, physics and calculus.

Guided by DSST and CU Boulder faculty, these scholars didn't just attend classes—they tackled rigorous lab projects, engaged in stimulating discussions and solved complex problems. As part of the program, each student also received a free Chromebooks and a $500 stipend. Students who complete the program after three summers will be automatically admitted to CU Boulder and will be eligible for a full-ride, last-dollar scholarship.

Graduation recap: Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

We were so excited to celebrate our graduating classes from DSST: Cedar, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, DSST: Montview, DSST: Conservatory Green, DSST: College View, and DSST: Cole in the month of May.

At the DSST: Green Valley Ranch graduation, Caroline Gaudiani (School Director at DSST: Green Valley Ranch MS) addressed the 2024 graduates with these beautiful words: 

You will fight forward in science and medicine, revolutionizing how we cure illness while preserving patients’ rights.

You will fight forward through our legal and political systems - changing laws to make us better while inviting true discourse back into our world. 

You will fight forward in business - starting companies that celebrate innovation and offer new opportunities to your staffs and customers alike. 

You will fight forward in engineering and technology - ensuring the brilliant discoveries happening are coupled with an anchored moral compass.

You will fight forward in the fine arts - writing music and creating art that captures people’s hearts and shapes their minds.

You will fight forward for your families - partnering and parenting with influence that leaves more incredible people like you in our world for generations to come. 

May our DSST Class of 2024 fight forward as they embark on new journeys and become the leaders of our tomorrow.

Check out highlights and photos from all six of our graduating classes below. 

Self-expression and healing through art: A young artist thrives at DSST: College View

When Cesia Tomita (DSST: College View ‘24) walked into middle school for the first time, she could immediately feel the close-knit community at DSST: College View. 

“I had a lot of support from my teachers in middle school,” said Tomita.

Blossoming at DSST: Green Valley Ranch

Eyeruse Kifle, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 24 has always excelled academically, her 4.5 GPA speaks for itself, but she was a shy middle schooler. Well, in her words, “really shy.” Talking to someone new was barely possible. But then, DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School presented the opportunity to join the theater club and drum line.

Eyeruse Kifle's 8th grade photo

From shy student to college-bound: Mario's journey at DSST: Cedar

Mario Garcia’s journey to his senior year looked very different than he expected. He has always been a shy student, but his middle and high school experiences at DSST: Cedar, and his teachers helped him break out of his shell and get him to where he is now.

An Animal Lover's Path to Veterinary Medicine: Conservatory Green Senior prepares to attend the No. 2 vet school in the nation

Valeria Ochoa (DSST: Conservatory Green ‘24) is headed to Colorado State University this fall with plans to earn an undergraduate degree from the College of Natural Sciences before continuing to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from CSU, the No. 2 Vet school in the nation.

Seizing Opportunities: First-gen DSST: Cole student shares her journey to Pepperdine University

Emely Rodriguez-Rodriguez (DSST: Cole ‘24) is headed to Pepperdine University this fall with plans to major in Nursing and minor in Political Science. But this accomplishment was not an easy path for her.

As a first-generation college student, Emely attributes her success to the support of her family and the DSST: Cole community.

Rayan's journey from academics to advocacy

Rayan Elhanan (DSST: Montview ‘24) has an impressive academic record. She has a 4.5 GPA, is taking five AP classes this semester alone, has been admitted to six excellent universities* including Stanford and USC and was selected for the highly regarded LEDA Scholars Program.

But Elhanan truly shines when she shares her passion for diversity and equity in the medical field. 

Party like it's 2004: A look at highlights from the 23-24 holiday party

Before the Winter Break, DSST staff had a great time celebrating the holiday season at the Infinity Park Event Center.