On Thursday evening, May 26th, at Metropolitan State University of Denver, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op will be holding its graduation ceremony. This year, nearly 70 will receive their high school diplomas. The HOPE Class of 2016 joins the 1,000+ alumni who have graduated from HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op since their founding in 2005.
One of HOPE’s 2016 graduates is Damaris of Maranatha Learning Center in Denver. Damaris has been a part of the audience at several HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op graduation ceremonies.
“I didn’t think I would ever make it to graduation,” said Damaris. “I underestimated what I was capable of achieving.”
She is excited that this year the stands at Graduation will be filled with her family and friends celebrating this huge milestone in her life. The road to graduation wasn’t easy for Damaris. Family and friend struggles had her moving around schools and even had her thinking about dropping out.
“Despite it all, she persevered and was persistent,” said Maranatha Learning Center Director Ms. Victoria Aguilar, who has known Damaris since she was young and a student of hers in Denver Public Schools. “Her classmates look up to her and realize if she can do it, so can they.”
Damaris currently lives with her boyfriend, Francisco, who also is a HOPE graduate. She credits Francisco with helping her find self-confidence. Damaris’ was kicked out of her home by her mother, and her father passed away when she was a child. Even though she has had a rocky relationship with her mother, they’ve worked to make amends, and Damaris has found inspiration in her accomplishments.
“She took care of two kids by herself and still managed to earn her CNA (nurse),” said Damaris. “Now she is a mechanic and is an awesome friend.”
After high school, Damaris will attend Emily Griffith Technical College to earn her CNA. She plans to go on for her LPN once she has a job as a CNA.
“I want to help those going through a bad time feel good,” said Damaris on why she wants to be a nurse.
Damaris has an infectious personality. She prides herself in rising above negativity by keeping a smile on her face and staying positive.
“I’m truly overjoyed about everything,” said Damaris.
Damaris says she’s grown up a lot during her time at HOPE’s Maranatha Learning Center. She had previously struggled in school with staying focused.
“I learned about myself through all the obstacles I faced,” said Damaris. “I found the person I didn’t know I was. I had a better time here understanding what I was learning. There were less distractions, and I got one-on-one attention. I don’t think I would have made it if it wasn’t for Maranatha and the staff. They are miracle workers and have big hearts.”
HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is proud of the thousands of lives that have been changed during their 10 year history. There are nearly 30 HOPE Learning Centers throughout the state. Students attend Learning Centers five days a week and rotate between online lessons and face-to-face classroom instruction. HOPE offers an alternative education pathway to students who may be struggling in a traditional school setting. A recent research report prepared by Dr. Carolyn Haug with the University of Colorado Denver found students who stay with HOPE for more than two years improve their academic performance. In addition to academics, HOPE runs an extensive student activities and athletics program, which grows each year and positively contributes to the academic success of students. HOPE is a charter school of the Douglas County School District and serves 2,000 students in K-12th grade. Applications for the 2016/2017 school year are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.hopeco-op.org or call 720-402-3000.