The City of Brighton Employee Charities (BEC) has selected four recipients for scholarships this year. The scholarships are awarded based on a high emphasis of community service and academics. This year’s recipients are Diana Hernandez, Dylan Leonard, Jaden Atencio, and Jessina Amaya.
Diana Hernandez, a senior from Eagle Ridge Academy, plans to attend the University of Colorado - Boulder this fall, where she will pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering Services and pursue a career as an astronaut. Diana has been active on the Brighton Youth Commission and grew up in a Mexican immigrant household. She has been a part of advisory groups and helps mentor younger students.
In her essay application, Diana stated, “I strongly believe compassion is the number one thing leaders, in a positive community service, must have to make a change in the world because it helps society to connect and build strong relationships with one another. Throughout my years of high school, I have dedicated time to family, school, sports, extracurriculars, work, friends, and myself.” Diana is on her way to “shoot for the stars.”
Dylan Leonard, a senior from Brighton High School, has been accepted to the Colorado School of Mines. Dylan has participated in pep band and volunteers at St. Augustine’s Food Bank. In his essay, Dylan stated, “Community service represents helping others and making the world a better place in a real way. Community service can take many forms and can help people in many different ways, but all of them are enjoyable. Everyone can find some way to improve their community, and I believe that helping others is the best thing anyone can do, and community service is the easiest way to do just that.”
Jaden Atencio, a senior at Riverdale Ridge High School, has plans to attend Colorado State University this fall, where she will pursue a degree in Psychology. Jaden has taken several Advanced Placement courses. She belongs to several clubs and youth organizations including National Honor Society. In her essay, Jaden stated, “Community service is a platform for members to give back and act selflessly. Service can boost the entire community and it seems to cause a kind of ripple effect for compassion to spread and for others to receive any help or support that they may need.”
Jessina Amaya, a senior at Riverdale Ridge High School, will be attending Ohio State University in the fall studying Dental Hygiene. Jessina has volunteered with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Denver’s Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention. Jessina stated in her essay, “Being vocal is hard. Being vulnerable is difficult. But frankly, everyone has the power within them to make an impact through community service! Only if they choose to open their heart, mind, and voice.”
About Brighton Employee Charities
The City of Brighton Employee Charities (BEC) receives its funding from City employee contributions and community partner donations. Through this support, BEC has been providing scholarships, coats, food and gifts to Brighton families and children in need for several years.
Mission
We exist to enhance the lives of children and families in the Brighton Community by providing resources to make a positive impact throughout the year. We rely on contributions by both the City of Brighton Employees and Community Partnerships.
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