WEEK OF MAY 30, 2024
VOLUME 36 | ISSUE 22
Engaging with the community Alondra Gonzalez Carrillo’s journey as Commerce City’s bilingual communication specialist
• Vestas to lay off 200 employees •27J Schools moves online-only Dec. 1
With graduation season upon us, the Class of 2024 is walking across the stage to receive their diplomas and celebrate their high school careers. Many graduating students began preparing for their next academic step months ago by applying to colleges and for financial aid and scholarships. Three students from Commerce City spoke to La Ciudad about their experiences and what it’s like to now be a role model for those who are in similar situations. The students will graduate May 24. Isaac Esquivel
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BUSINESS LOCAL
BY JACKIE RAMIREZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
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LOCAL OBITUARIES LEGALS CLASSIFIED
SEE COMMUNITY, P5
Perspectives on educaton in Commerce City Three college-bound seniors talk about what it took to get them there
BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER ROSSANA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Alondra Gonzalez Carrillo is the dedicated Bilingual Communication Specialist of Commerce City and editor of the monthly newsletter Commerce City Connected. The Colorado native who went to Overland High School in Aurora now lives in Commerce City. Her passion for community engagement and her unique role bridged the gap between the city government and its diverse residents, ensuring that everyone has a voice and access to vital resources. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Colorado Community Media: Did you know that your name Alondra, which means “skylark” in English, is a bird that flies high while singing? Alondra Gonzalez Carrillo: Yes, actually, my mom has told me the story only once. Alondra is the name of a bird. She once heard the name in a telenovela, but then she did some research and decided that when she had a daughter, she would name me Alondra. She knew that Alondra was the name of a bird and she wanted me to fly as high as my little wings could take me. So it’s always been a very sweet message, and I feel that my mom has always seen the potential I have as a Latina and has always given me that support. CCM: What is the percentage of Latinos in the city? How did you, at such a young age, come to hold the position of bilingual communications specialist in Commerce City?
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Alondra Gonzalez Carrillo, left, poses with her colleagues at the Hispanic Heritage Month COURTESY PHOTO Celebration Event in 2023, which she helped organize.
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Isaac Esquivel, who was born and raised in Commerce City, received the Daniels Fund Scholarship which covers recipients’ full tuition at partner schools in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming, or up to $100,000 for four years if they attend a school outside of the four states. “It’s a crazy feeling knowing that I’m going to be able to go to college,” Esquivel said. “This scholarship gives an example to my younger brothers and sisters that we can do it. It’s hard to do, but it’s attainable.” Esquivel stood out from other Daniels Fund Scholarship applicants by writing about the differences between public and private schools, a frequent topic among Commerce City SEE PERSPECTIVE, P6
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COUNTY CONSIDERS TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS P8