Senate President Coleman Hosts Award Ceremony for Top Performing Black High School Students

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DENVER, CO – Last week, Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, hosted an award ceremony to recognize Black high school students across the Denver Metro Area who have achieved academic excellence.

“Our students are overcoming more obstacles and challenges than ever before – particularly our Black students,” Coleman said. “We know that Black students need more support. While there is much work to be done to close the academic achievement gap, there are so many students who are thriving and excelling in and outside of the classroom. It occurred to me that there is an opportunity to celebrate these students at the state level and let them know we see them and applaud their dedication.”

This is the second annual Black Student Excellence Award hosted by Coleman. Cohosted by the Montbello Organizing Committee and local businesses, the ceremony honored high school students with a weighted, cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrated civic or leadership service.

“These are some incredible young people,” Coleman continued. “Our 85 award recipients are leading community groups and school clubs, gaining work experience, concurrently enrolled at college institutions, delving into their passions, and so much more. I am excited to meet these scholars, and for our community to get to know them as well.”

Senate President Coleman is a champion for Colorado students and schools. He is especially committed to creating opportunities for students of color, low-income students, and first-generation students to succeed. He has passed legislation to fund Colorado’s K-12 schools, increase graduation rates by supporting the Ninth-Grade Success Grant program, and ensure access to education for youth in the juvenile justice system. Senator Coleman has also passed legislation to boost student success beyond elementary and high school by supporting first-generation college students, keeping athletic programs competitive at Colorado universities, and expanding apprenticeship programs.