HELIX FEED

A Year of Purpose, Progress, and Possibility

By Nella Garcia Urban, CEO of DSST Public Schools

A Championship Year: Celebrating DSST Athletics 2024–2025

From record-breaking participation to historic championship wins, the 2024–2025 school year was a landmark season for DSST Athletics. Across our campuses, student-athletes, coaches, and communities came together to build something truly special—one game, one practice, and one moment at a time.

More Than a Path: A Journey of Dreams, Drive, and Determination

The college journey can feel overwhelming at first—but it’s also an opportunity to discover your passions, your purpose, and your potential. For Javier Martinez, a member of DSST: Elevate's founding Class of 2025, it’s been a chance to reflect, grow, and dream big.

"The college process is really about exploring your options. There are so many different colleges and universities out there, and you have to consider the academic factors you're looking for, financial aid opportunities, and the kind of college community you want to be part of.”

Javier saw the impact firsthand when he applied to Colorado Mesa University. "With financial aid through the FAFSA, it made a huge difference in the overall cost," he said. "It just makes things more manageable and helps you feel more comfortable and secure about the money you’ll be spending."

Celebrating our front‑office all‑stars on Administrative Professionals Day

April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day, and we want to take a moment to celebrate and express our gratitude for the incredible front office admins at DSST. These unsung heroes are the heart of our schools, always ready to help, support, and keep things running smoothly. We love and appreciate everything they do to make our community thrive. To show our appreciation, we’re excited to share some of the wonderful things people have said about them!

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.”

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.