Rotary Club of Denver Presents Denver Kids Senior with 2023 Donna Hultin Excellence Award

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Congratulations to Denver Kids senior, Diana, who was recognized as the 2023 Donna Hultin Excellence Award recipient. Every year, the Rotary Club of Denver selects a high-achieving graduating Denver Kids high school senior to receive this $1,000 cash award. Qualifications include demonstrated academic achievement, excellence in attendance, community service, leadership ability, and a positive attitude. This scholarship was created by former Denver Kids CEO, Donna Hultin, and has continued in her memory in honor of her 28 years of dedicated service to Denver Kids and Denver Rotary. The award will help Diana with college costs, such as tuition, books, and school supplies.

Diana has been in Denver Kids for four years and is a shining example of a hardworking, community-driven leader who, with the support of her Educational SEL Counselor, Nathalie, has set clear goals and worked hard to make them a reality. She is an impressive student who is graduating with a 4.2 GPA from the rigorous KIPP Denver Collegiate High School. Diana plans to double major in business entrepreneurship and law at the University of Colorado Denver.

"I have always loved to argue for something that I think is right based on my view, wanting to convince others of what I think could be right," said Diana about her dreams of becoming a lawyer. She specifically wants to focus on immigrant rights and disabilities, an interest stemming from her family background as the daughter of immigrants who helped care for her older brother with cerebral palsy.

"Diana is one of the most dedicated and positive students I have had the honor to work with over the last eight years," said Nathalie. "She is consistently taking the initiative to challenge herself by setting new goals. Diana actively works towards goals with a genuine desire to grow and a charming sense of humor.”

In addition to honoring Diana, the selection committee awarded each of the runner-up students, Rashad, Vanessa, and Zuhely, a cash prize of $250 for their hard work and dedication to their education. Denver Kids is honored to have walked alongside these students and commend them for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to their education and community. We can't wait to cheer them on as they achieve their dreams