Student / Staff / Alumni Spotlights
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Student Spotlights
Wyn Parney, 11th Grade, Band
Wyn is a hardworking, intelligent person with so much potential. He may seem quiet at first, but he has a lot of interesting things to say. His observations about the world can be both comedic and profound. Additionally despite the…
Izzy Buhler, 11th Grade, Video Cinema Arts
Izzy has really helped me out of my depression recently. She has been there for me and been a huge help in my life and many other people’s lives. She also has started to film her junior project before everyone…
Maddie Flory, 12th Grade, Dance
Maddie is the most amazing person. She always gives 100% and deserves all the success in the future. She’s always making people laugh with her hilarious humor. Maddie is definitely a great person to talk to, no matter how you’re…
Emerson Barnes, 8th Grade, Creative Writing
Emerson is just an overall great student and wonderful person – she works so hard in and out of class and I’m always impressed with the effort she puts in to the work she produces.
Simon Byrom, 9th Grade, Dance
No matter how much Simon has going on, they always bring energy to school and do whatever they can to make people laugh. He truly is a really meaningful friend to me and am so grateful of how he can…
Esme Watkins, 12th Grade, Orchestra
I have had Esme as an orchestra student for seven years. The amount of progress she has made on the viola is incredible. I had the pleasure of hearing her senior recital recently. I was amazed by the musicality and…
Oliver Hasselkus, 8th Grade, Video Cinema Arts
Oliver is a great friend, and his singing skills are spectacular. I feel he deserves more credit than what he gets for the amount of talent he possesses. In addition, he always puts a big smile on my face, as…
Sade Houston, 6th Grade, Theatre
Sade consistently exemplifies responsible and dedicated actions as a new student at DSA. She works incredibly hard to be well-prepared for anything, whether it is related to her major or in her general education classes. She is thoughtful and considerate…
Jade Bowry, 6th Grade, Theatre
Jade works so hard, studies as hard as she can, and is actively engaged in academics as well as her major. She loves acting in her free time for a movie, using her major as a pathway to an eventual…
PiperLee Buck, 6th Grade, Piano
Piper is always kind to everyone even if she doesn’t know them, she helps me when I need it, and she always helps me to feel happy when I need it. She always tells me about how hard she works…
Micah Sacks, 7th Grade, Theatre
Micah deserves a spotlight for the grit and tenacity he showed as part of the cast of Opera Colorado’s production of The Shining. Rehearsals and show schedules were very intense over 5 weeks — some days going from 4 pm…
Sydelle Buyungo, 11th Grade, Orchestra
Sydelle was the principal cellist in the DSA Orchestra this past semester and also played solos for the beautiful full orchestra piece Scheherazade. She truly loves playing the cello because it gives her the ability to connect with those around…
Charley Gordon, 6th Grade, Creative Writing
I haven’t known Charley long, but I’ve been impressed with her individuality, kindness, sense of humor, and style. In CW, she is both hardworking and hilarious, always lighting up the room and spreading positivity.
Rush Bogin, 11th Grade, Theatre
Rush is a talented actor, a great student, and, above all else, committed to giving back to the DSA community: Rush is presently working with the DSA Friends Foundation to start a $5000 scholarship for students in need. Well done,…
Loris Velasquez-Padilla, 12th Grade, Vocal
Loris is not only extremely bright and a marvelous classroom participant with a lot of great things to contribute to discussions, but also a sincere joy to be around — her contributions of memes and the way she utilizes her…
Piper Tribelhorn, 9th Grade, Visual Arts
Piper is so hardworking and a bright light in times of need. She is loyal, kind, and a talented artist and writer. She always pushes herself and others to be the best versions of themselves and everyone appreciates her humor!…
Noelle Diaz, 9th Grade, Visual Arts
Noelle always puts her best foot forward into her work. She is always seen trying her best in any topic she endeavors. She is always a source of positivity in any class you are in with her, and is really…
Sadie Broha-Bahm, 9th Grade, Creative Writing
Sadie is always so kind to everyone and she is so talented with words! She makes everyone’s day with her aura! Sadie is always there to support you and she deserves some credit for being an amazing writer, friend, sister,…
Raegan Avery, 7th Grade, Theatre
I think Reagan Avery deserves a spotlight because they have been so hard-working! They received great grades on their finals, while they had Tech Week at the same time for Legally Blonde: The Musical. They have worked so hard day…
Trinity Scales, 11th Grade, Orchestra
Trinity is not only a committed and talented orchestra student at DSA, but she also plays basketball at East, which at which she ALSO excels. What’s more, she also is a fantastic vocalist and sang the National Anthem at a…
Grayson Allensworth, Stellan Merrell, Alice Britton, & Liam VanDijk, 6-8th Grade, Theatre
Theatre-goers in December enjoying the abundance of holiday productions should take special note of the number of DSA students who are performing professionally in theatres all over town. Grayson Allensworth and Stellan Merrell are sharing the role of Michael (Buddy the…
Lily Lemme, 12th Grade, Creative Writing
Lily is a wonderful student who shows up to class every day ready to engage with the material and push her own thinking, which helps create a better classroom environment for everyone. In addition, her creativity and compassion are off-the-charts!…
Lauree Meiners, 10th Grade, Dance
Lauree is really something special. She’s kind, social, energetic, and honest, which really motivates others around her to rise to her level. Since she is new this year (when we were all returning from the craziness of last year), it…
Vivienne Khong-Shields, 7th Grade, Theatre
I met Vivienne during lunch the first week of December, when she greeted a friend with a very elegant arabesque, prompting me to ask if she was a dance major. Vivienne is surprisingly not, choosing instead to major in Theatre…
Cata Ochoa-Zamora, 10th Grade, Stagecraft & Design
Cata is extremely fun to be around and is totally brilliant in terms of their thinking and creativity.
Hannah Berhane, 12th Grade, Creative Writing
Hannah was gone for the first half of the first quarter of the year, but when she came back, it was as though she never left. She is a total rockstar, and her positive energy is contagious.
Millie Hoffman, 11th Grade, Theatre
Millie excels at all that they do; they are a truly caring and committed person and student, and I consider myself lucky to know them!
Tommy Grzych, 9th Grade, Dance
Tommy is a hard worker in school and dance. He is also a very kind person. Tommy is also a very helpful student to me and to others around him. He’s an amazing dancer.
Amalia Viveiros-Silberer, 11th Grade, Orchestra
Amalia always has a positive attitude, while also enjoying class and social conversations with friends. She is, overall, a glowing person to be around, as well as profoundly dedicated to her school work and her music.
Anya Sharma, 7th Grade, Creative Writing
Anya is new to DSA, but you’d never be able to tell — Anya immediately jumped right in and became a powerful voice in our department, entirely unafraid of sharing her ideas (even at the Block Party, where she performed…
Ella Bush, 10th Grade, Dance
Ella truly listens to people and cares about how they’re feeling. One day in Spanish class, she asked me how I was doing, and I said I was busy with a lot of work. Because she’s a very empathetic and…
Jack Bucher, 10th Grade, Theatre
Jack is a motivated and ambitious student. He is a thoughtful and kind individual, putting his friends first. His hard work allows him to continue growing and achieving his goals. His lack of selfishness is evident to his peers and…
Sebastian VanDyke, 9th Grade, Creative Writing
Seb is one of the most easygoing humans, I’m certain, on the face of this planet. This only becomes more impressive when considering all he overcame throughout the pandemic; most people, including myself, would languish in the stressors he’s faced,…
Trinity Roberts, 10th Grade, Video Cinema Arts
When thinking of students committed to fighting for what is right, Trinity often comes to mind. Her art and academic work is thoughtful, relevant, and insightful, and moreover, she approaches life with a sense of humor that is admirable. What’s…
Sam Charney, 10th Grade, Theatre
Sam has been so generous with their time when it comes to helping others. They have been tutoring other students in class to help them learn concepts they are having a hard time grasping. They would make a fine teacher….
Lazlo Torok, 12th Grade, Band
Lazlo is a 7-year senior percussionist who has become an amazing artist. Lazlo is one of a long line of talented jazz vibes players who is performing at at such a high level of musicality that he is un-categorizable as…
Miguel Crandell, 12th Grade, Dance
Miguel is amazing – he is an amazing student and artist, but an even more amazing human!
Trinity Andrews, 11th Grade, Visual Arts
Trinity has a great sense of humor, enjoys good anime, is an amazing artist/animator, and wears a cool hat! In addition, and more seriously, they are an advocate for the voices of queer & disabled individuals, as well as BIPOC….
River Quinn, 8th Grade, Creative Writing
River is an all-around wonderful human being. They consistently do the right thing, they handle everything with a remarkable sense of humor, and they are a positive role model to their peers.
Marni Attieh, 10th Grade, Visual Arts
Marni has always been a strong student and visual artist, but the work she created last year, and over the summer is truly wonderful. Marni is quick to help others and to offer positive feedback and constructive criticism. Marni’s attitude…
Summer Jones, 12th Grade, Theatre
After asking for a letter of recommendation for college, Summer offered to come have lunch with me so I could get to know her better. In my 10 years of teaching I’ve never had a student want to spend their…
McCall Phoenix, 12th Grade, Visual Arts
McCall is not only an outstanding artist, but a wonderful human being. After losing my little dog Frida, McCall painted this lovely portrait for me. I was so touched at the sympathy and kindness McCall has to offer to our…
Alun Anderman & Jacinta Lobato, 11th Grade, Stagecraft & Design
These students gave up free time to run the lights and sound for the NHS induction ceremony. In addition to the work they agreed to do, they stayed to help put away 148 chairs after the event when that was…
Samantha Reising, 12th grade, Band
Samantha has created and facilitated several sustaining student leadership initiatives related to bettering DSA’s student culture. Specifically, even before the pandemic began Samantha worked with her peers in Sources of Strength to create and implement a HS-MS Mentorship Campaign. Samantha’s…
Staff Spotlights
Dave Hammond, Band Director
Mr. Hammond delivers passion into the work that he puts in as a Band teacher. It’s crazy how quickly and efficiently he is able to get a band to sound while making his classes fun to be in. If there…
Mike Fink, Math Instructor
On some mornings, I catch Mr. Fink arriving to school on his bike, like he does everyday. Everyday he treks the 10 miles (!) on his bike to come here and share his passion and knowledge with students. Moreover, he…
Ari Umoji, School Psychologist
Ms. Ari has been invaluable to DSA since she arrived. She consistently goes out of her way to talk to everyone and make sure we all feel welcomed (from students to all staff), and her mental health support in the…
Whitney Ballantine, 6th Grade Science Teacher
Ms. Ballantine works tirelessly in and out of school to develop high-quality curriculum for her students, in addition to spreading positivity everywhere she goes. One of her students describes her as someone who “is always there for you and never…
Liz Lockley, Special Education
There is not often a person who hits that fine line of being both a great coworker and a wonderful friend. Liz (Ms. Lockley) is one of those people who I believe truly cares about the success of those around her, either coworker…
Kimberly Haubelt, Gifted & Talented
Kimberly has worked tirelessly on a number of initiatives to improve school culture and student community-building. Specifically, even in the midst of remote learning, Kimberly has supported the incredibly successful student leadership work in No Place for Hate and the…
Andrea Wiseman, Math & Instructional Leadership Team
Andrea feels that teaching is a calling for her, which is very inspiring. What motivates her to keep going when things are tough are the students and their understanding of math. When students have that “ah-ha” moment and understand a math…
Alumni Spotlights
Harry Plymell, Class of 2019
Harry has been an invaluable asset to DSA ever since he was a student here. After graduating from the CW department, he came back to work as a guest artist for CW. He presently oversees the Calliope Literary Journal, in…
Jon Shockness, Class of 2008
Jon Shockness is better known in the music scene as Kid Astronaut. Graduating from DSA in the aughts, he has taken his artistic prowess to empower the Denver arts scene. He has his own podcast and is involved in a…
Carley Carter, Class of 2008
Carley graduated DSA in 2008, as a Visual Arts major. She took some time away from Colorado but has returned to the Denver area. Carley took her eye for beautiful things and turned it into a successful real estate business….
Sydney Mayes, Class of 2019
Sydney was a constant voice for change throughout her time in DSA. She continues this work at the University of Iowa, where she became editor-in-chief for Lit Ink Mag as a freshman and works to share poetry with the community…
Justine Lupe (Schomp), Class of 2007
Justine Lupe (Schomp) has been working as a professional actress since graduating from Juilliard in 2011. Justine led the cast in three seasons in Mr Mercedes. She is also a series regular on HBO’s Succession. She is currently filming a…