2018 REACHING AT-PROMISE STUDENT AWARD WINNERS

​​The Reaching At-Promise Students Awards celebrate the success of at-promise students across the United States and recognize the commitment of the adults who support them. This year’s At-Promise awards were expanded to provide five Courage Awards for students. Each Courage Award includes a $1,000 scholarship. 

​THE COURAGE AWARDS 
These awards recognize at-promise students who demonstrate courage in overcoming obstacles and pursuing academic excellence. There were many nominations from students across the country that were considered. After careful discussion, the Advisory and Awards Committee selected the following five Courage Awards recipients:

Destiny Talia Acosta
HOPE Online Learning Academy
Colorado
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Karla Ascencio-Brizuela
Cardozo Education Campus
Washington D.C.  
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Juan Bustos
John J. Cairns High School
Lindsay California
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Ricardo Crescencio
Cane Ridge High School
Nashville Tennessee
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Clarke Foerstner
Englewood High School
Colorado
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THE HEART AWARDS
This award recognizes education leaders who show a heart for supporting at-promise students in their academic endeavors and the capacity to see beyond the trauma faced by students.  This year RAPSA is presenting two Heart Awards in recognition of the range of services that the Heart Award represents.  Mike Ilic is Administrative Director of Student Services for the Corona-Norco USD. A former continuation school principal, past president of the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA), and current president of the ACSA Ed Options Council, he is a tireless defender of the at-promise population.  Priestley Parker is a school counselor who teaches students to break down the walls that prevent students from being successful and models how to manage anger, resolve conflict, problem solve, and communicate effectively when the world around them seems  in chaos.  On behalf of the student, schools, and staff who believe that reengaging young people in education transforms them to being at promise of success rather than at risk of failure, we wish the Heart Award winners continued success in the work that they do.

Priestley Parker, Heart Award Recipient

Mike Ilic, Heart Award Recipient

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THE VISION AWARD
The Vision Award is in recognition of policymakers who demonstrate exceptional vision for understanding the challenges faced by at-promise youth and the development of creative policies to attract and retain students who would otherwise be left out of traditional school programs.  This year the Vision Award recipient is Assembly Member Shirley Weber, PhD, a California Legislator from San Diego County who serves on the Assembly’s Education Committee and Budget Committee as well as the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color and the Black Caucus.  She is a tireless advocate for at-promise youth and has authored legislation supporting dropout recovery, expanding funds for the lowest performing student subgroups and closing the achievement gap.

Shirley Weber, Vision Award Recipient