An edition of the Littleton Independent
WEEK OF MAY 29, 2025
VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 26
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Littleton OKs paving Mineral Avenue Trail Many residents are opposed to plan BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG
Nineteen students who are graduating from high school this year received the 2025 Youth Awards from Arapahoe County and were recognized for overPHOTO BY ISABEL GUZMAN coming struggles and succeeding in academics.
County names recipients of Youth Awards
Graduating seniors honored for overcoming adversity and taking positive steps toward their futures BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG
During a May 15 ceremony, the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners, joined by local mayors, honored the 2025 Youth Award recipients — a group of graduating seniors recognized for overcoming adversity and demonstrating commitment to their futures. The annual Youth Awards program provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education at vocational, two- or four-year institutions. Recipients are nominated by teachers, counselors and school administrators, with scholarship amounts and the number of awards varying each year. “It is an honor to recognize these incredible young people who have overcome so much to become strong, inspiring and
successful members of our community,” said Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners Chair Leslie Summey. “We are delighted to be able to contribute to their ongoing success through our youth awards program.” The 2025 recipients are: Dylan Smith, Heritage High School of Littleton Public Schools: Once struggling in a traditional classroom, Smith found his stride in Heritage’s hands-on aerospace manufacturing program. He plans to continue his education at Community College of Denver, and to keep spreading positivity. Emeline Kennedy, Smoky Hill High School of Cherry Creek Schools: A dedicated studentathlete and compassionate leader, Kennedy has overcome personal challenges to become a driving force in student government and community fundrais-
VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19
ing. She’s been accepted to multiple universities, including the University of Northern Colorado and Regis University. Esmeralda Flores Rosas, Central/Gateway High School of Aurora Public Schools: Balancing family responsibilities and academics, Flores Rosas led an environmental initiative at her school and inspires kindness among peers. She has been accepted to Colorado Mesa University. Gabriel Hankins, Vista PEAK Preparatory: Overcoming early life challenges, Hankins became National Treasurer for Future Business Leaders of America and earned an associate degree while still in high school. As an early entrepreneur, Hankins supports a vending machine business and freelances in graphic design. Ghazal Obaid, Eaglecrest
High School of Cherry Creek Schools: After relocating from Syria, Obaid thrived academically and is committed to a future in medicine, hoping to give back to her community as others did for her family. Henry Menges, EPIC Campus of Littleton Public Schools: After a serious injury, Menges’ determination and hard work enabled a remarkable recovery where he relearned basic skills and rebuilt his strength. Now back to full-time learning, he serves as a model of resilience. Jalyn Cabs, Cherry Creek Elevation of Cherry Creek Schools: Cabs’ early challenges inspired her to support others. Recognized for her compassion and kindness, she aims to study developmental psychology to help children facing trauma. SEE RECIPIENTS, P6
During the May 20 Littleton City Council meeting, the city discussed the Mineral Mobility East Project Overview, and ultimately approved the construction contract for Phase 1 of the project, despite vocal opposition from residents concerned about the planned paving of the Mineral Avenue Trail. In 2021, the City of Littleton sought to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists along Mineral Avenue, between Santa Fe Drive and Windermere Street, which is a key east-west corridor connecting the Mineral Light Rail Station with residential and commercial areas. The Mineral Mobility East Project, which began design in 2020, was introduced by the city’s public works department and has since secured funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Arapahoe County, the City of Littleton, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Improvements Program. The project, which has been delayed due to the COVID pandemic and resident pushback, will be split into two phases. Phase 1 includes upgrading existing bike lanes to buffered lanes, paving the Mineral Avenue Trail with a 16-foot-wide concrete surface featuring separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, and improving trail crossings over the High Line Canal. Phase 2 is currently being designed and will include intersection protection at Jackass Hill Road and Long Avenue and Mineral Avenue and Mineral Avenue sidewalk widening. SEE TRAIL, P14
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