WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20, 2025
VOLUME 104 | ISSUE 52
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Neighbors of homeless ministry are frustrated City, nonprofit say they are committed to collaboration BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Englewood Schools students, from left, Lillian Orblon, Luzmia Hernandez, Leila Cole and Tyler Alvarez receive special recognition from the Englewood Board of Education and Superintendent Joanna Polzin during the board’s Feb. 4 meeting. PHOTO BY NINA JOSS
Englewood students receive honors
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Four Englewood Schools students were recognized February 4 for their dedication, leadership, community involvement, integrity and more. Students are often recognized during monthly Englewood Board of Education meetings. Faculty and staff at each school submit students’ names to be recognized by the board. This month, eighth-grader Tyler Alvarez, sixth-grader Lillian Orblom, 11th-grader Leila Cole and 12th-grader Luzmia Hernandez were the students recognized during the school board’s regular meeting on Feb. 4. Lillian Orblom
Orblom attends Englewood Leadership Academy and was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of high expectations. Orblom was surprised when she found out about her recognition, but also happy and excited, she said. For Orblom, the best thing about Englewood Leadership Academy is the acceptance she sees in the community.
“I feel like no one’s ever left out. I’ve never really seen any bullying, and all the teachers just are really nice. Not any of them are mean,” Orblom said. Orblom is described by Englewood Middle School Principal Annessa Hart as a “kind, caring and fiercely driven student.” “She demonstrates patience, kindness and tenacity, and is an excellent role model in our school,” Hart said. “Her positivity is contagious. She is helpful and generous with her time and has a delightful sense of humor.” Orblom is a gymnast and leader at ELA with good grades and attendance. Leila Cole
Cole attends Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice and she was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of community. “I’m grateful, mostly for my parents being able to see, because I struggled at school before. So to get recognized for something is definitely (great) … I want to make my parents proud,” Cole said. Cole said her favorite aspect about Colorado’s Finest is the way it “values each individual student.”
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 12 | CALENDAR: 17
“I think school is not cookie cutter, and it shouldn’t be, and everybody deserves a shot at a (high school diploma),” Cole said. “I’m really grateful that (Colorado’s Finest) values a lot of arts and stuff and different ways of learning, because I think a lot of schools don’t give a fair shot at it.” Colorado’s Finest Principal Cindy Chick said Cole is “insightful, self-reflective and a talented musician.” “Leila cares deeply for others and wants our community to be a safe place for all. She has led complex discussions in our family about teens and drugs,” Chick said. “Also, she supports and elevates numerous musical ensembles by jumping in on drums, guitar or violin so that students can experience the impact of music on their learning.”
Neighbors of The Hub at Movement 5280 — a homeless ministry facility at Grant Street and Eastman Avenue in north Englewood — have expressed continued frustration and concern regarding activity around the organization. Recent frustration stems from what the neighbors say is a violation of the Good Neighbor Agreement formed between the Hub and its neighbors in early 2024. The agreement is regularly updated and part of the mediation process that was initially facilitated by the city last year. The mediation process also includes monthly meetings with the Good Neighbor Committee which consists of representatives from the neighborhood, Movement 5280 and the city. All parties discuss and work to address any concerns or issues. “I live next door to Movement 5280 and serve on the Good Neighbor Committee,” neighbor Alyson BeDan said during public comment at a Jan. 21 city council meeting. “I have worked hard to improve communication and maintain a positive relationship with their staff. Despite my efforts, however, I have significant concerns about 5280 and safety. Primarily due to being misled, huge delays in action SEE THE HUB, P2
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Luzmia Hernandez
Hernandez attends Englewood High School and she was also recognized for meeting the district’s core value of community. “I was shocked. I’m not gonna lie,” SEE HONORS, P14
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