WEEK OF MAY 29, 2025
VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 14
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Oxford bridge construction expected to begin in June Englewood mayor, organization share thoughts about project BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
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
With the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Oxford Pedestrian Bridge expected in June, Mayor Othoniel Sierra and members of Vibrant Englewood share their feelings on the project. “I’m really glad to see this project moving forward. That intersection has been a challenge, especially during rush hour,” Sierra said. “This bridge will create a safer, more predictable route for people walking or biking through the area. It’s going to make a real difference in safety and accessibility. Right now, crossing Oxford can be tricky, especially for kids, families or anyone trying to connect to the light rail.” Englewood City Council approved the purchase of a small parcel of land and temporary easements for the Oxford Pedestrian Bridge during a May 5 council meeting. Construction for the project, which the city had said would start in May, is now set to begin in June.The new pedestrian bridge is part of the city’s 2015 Walk and Wheel Master Plan. It will go over Oxford Avenue and will be located just east of Santa Fe Drive. Construction is expected to run through January 2026. Noah Kaplan, the founder of Vibrant Englewood, which is a community organization that launched last year to advocate for a vibrant and inclusive city, said overall the organization is happy to see the city investing in infrastructure that helps the community move toward a connected network of safe and convenient transportation routes for all types of people. SEE CONSTRUCTION, P14
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