iInspire awards were presented on April 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum. See below to learn about this year's winners.

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Carlos Valenzuela 

Carlos entered probation with a gang background and low motivation, but he gradually began taking his requirements seriously. Unbreakable Ministries provided Carlos both treatment and boxing training, where he discovered a natural talent that helped him leave gang involvement behind. He now channels his energy into the ring, where he recently won his first match by knockout, and is focused on completing JISP. Carlos has become a positive influence on his family, peers, coaches, and his probation officer. 

 

Cody Spradlin 

Cody is an active member of the National Honor Society and participates in both football and baseball at Woodland Park High School. He also serves in the Civil Air Patrol, demonstrating not only strong teamwork and school spirit, but also a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Despite the sudden loss of his father, Cody has continued to excel in all of his pursuits, showing resilience, dedication, and exceptional character. 

 

Alexa Boring 

Over the past year, Alexa and her family have gone through a significant loss, followed by the arrival of a new baby in the family. Alexa has been helping her sister navigate these major life changes while staying dedicated to her school responsibilities. She consistently does her best, volunteers with significant support needs students, and enjoys supporting others. Alexa is an inspiration to her friends, classmates, and staff. 

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Adrian Kee

Adrian has been in out‑of‑home placement for several years and has successfully completed probation and required treatment. He has remained in the same foster home and has had limited contact with his biological parents. Despite these challenges, he has shown resilience and is on track to graduate from Sand Creek. He is active in theater, 3D art, photography, and Mock Trial, has been accepted to Adams State College to study art, and hopes to advocate for others based on his own experiences. 

 

Jayden Shaw 

 Jayden is a dedicated student at Odyssey Early College, earning college credits while actively participating in Student Council and other school activities. Despite significant vision impairment, Jayden maintains strong academic performance, uses assistive technology effectively, and contributes positively to the school community—especially through daily announcements. Outside of school, Jayden is a committed athlete and has earned multiple medals at a Paralympic swim event. He plans to continue his education and pursue a career advocating for others. 

 

Olivia Baughman 

Olivia has made tremendous progress, successfully completing treatment, becoming a leader in group care, and transitioning to kinship care while staying on track to graduate high school. Despite significant challenges, she has shown resilience and continued to move forward with determination. Olivia is motivated, goal‑oriented, and excited about pursuing a future career in phlebotomy. 

 

Abrianna Helberg 

Abrianna is an exceptional individual who demonstrates resilience, determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her future. 
Over the past year, she has endured profound hardship, including the tragic loss of her father and significant instability while navigating life as her own guardian. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her academic goals—completing extensive credit recovery, securing reliable transportation through her own efforts, and earning admission to MSU Denver for the fall of 2026 on a full scholarship. 

 

Liliana Stanley 

Liliana has worked hard to build positive coping skills and has shown strong resilience, using her strengths to support those around her. She is a valued leader in the school community and Sources of Strength program and is a caring and reliable friend to her peers.  

 

Jase Stull 

Jase has shown remarkable growth, overcoming early substance use and distancing from negative influences. Jase achieved sobriety, stepped away from past gang involvement, and has remained committed to positive change. His progress and determination have made him a strong example for peers and staff, demonstrating that lasting change is possible. 

 

Jazmin Toribio-Lara 

Jazmin is an intelligent, capable, and determined individual who consistently demonstrates resilience and dedication to her academic and extracurricular goals. She advocates for herself effectively and ensures her voice is heard. Her positive presence and strong character make her an exceptional person. 

 

Marquel Edwards 

Marquel discovered a passion for cooking early in life and continues developing this skill while working toward greater independence with his grandfather. He is pursuing options for a cooking internship over the summer and hopes to own a food truck in the future. He is close to graduating high school, a goal he set for himself. Throughout personal challenges, he has built a strong, supportive friend group and is consistently a positive influence among his peers. 

 

Jaclyn Wagoner 

Jaclyn  has demonstrated exceptional resilience, responsibility, and maturity while remaining focused on academic and personal goals. From a young age, Jaclyn played a significant caregiving role within the family and continues to contribute meaningfully at home. Despite these responsibilities, she maintains strong grades, including college‑level coursework, and approaches each goal with determination. Jaclyn aspires to a career in law enforcement and is highly deserving of recognition for hard work, commitment, and strength of character. 

 

Santiago Garcia 

Santiago has demonstrated significant personal growth, overcoming early challenges and building strong relationships at home, school, and in the community. He has made substantial progress on probation and remainsactively engaged in positive activities, including school and boxing at Unbreakable Ministries. He is known for encouraging both peers and staff, consistently serving as a supportive and motivating presence. Santiago deserves recognition for his continued progress and commitment to creating a better future for himself. 

 

Angela Collier 

Angela is an intelligent, kind, and responsible young person. This student began the school year facing several obstacles, yet adapted quickly to being in a new home, school, and district. Through dedication and a positive attitude, this student fostered relationships and earned a place on the cheerleading squad. This student is recognized for demonstrating resilience and fortitude. 

 

 

Bruce Knight 

Bruce had a history of significant health challenges prior to placement. Since that time, Bruce has demonstrated strong adherence to personal wellness responsibilities and has maintained stable health for the past six months. This student is recognized for turning challenges into triumphs with courage and determination.   

 

Benjamin Hernandez 

Benjamin has shown exceptional resilience and kindness despite significant challenges within the family. Throughout periods of uncertainty, Benjamin remained connected to loved ones and demonstrated maturity beyond typical expectations. At home, school, and in therapeutic settings, Benjamin consistently works hard, supports others, and continues to grow in meaningful ways. His journey reflects strength, determination, and a hopeful commitment to his family’s future. 

 

LaeLonnii Brown 

LaeLonnii has a history of adverse childhood experiences and demonstrated strong motivation when self‑referring to the Dale House Project in September 2025. Since joining the program, she has made substantial progress, including six months of successful participation in the supportive employment program and building positive peer relationships. LaeLonnii is also pursuing educational goals at Wasson Academic Campus, having completed three GED exams and remaining on track to finish her fourth by May of this year. LaeLonnii consistently demonstrates dedication, compassion, and a clear commitment to building a stable and successful future. 

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Davarien Porter 

At 17, Davarien completed high school through Mount Evans Qualifying House and later joined the Dale House Supportive Housing Program in July 2025. Since then, he has progressed through the Supportive Employment Program, met all program requirements, and continues to maintain strong, positive relationships with peers and staff. Davarien was recently accepted into CU Denver and will be moving there to start summer classes in June where he plans to study Photography and Music. 

 

David Vann 

David has achieved remarkable stability and growth, thriving in a long‑term foster home and making strong academic and personal progress. Through dedication and consistent effort, David has benefited from supportive educational and therapeutic environments that have strengthened confidence and skills. David has taken on leadership roles in multiple camp programs and continues to be a positive, engaged presence at Kids Crossing.  

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