Photo by Rebecca Holt

Senior Ben Makovsky is an AP scholar, Computer Magnet student, member of National Honor Society, an accomplished athlete, and has been named an Outstanding Senior in TJ’s Aristocrat Yearbook, so it is no surprise that he has been nominated for Student of the Week by TJ faculty.

Currently, Makovsky is working on an NHS project, wherein he visits with a senior citizen to help her out with tasks she has trouble with, and also to simply spend some time with her. At the end of this project he will write a biography on her and present it to her as a gift. “I’ve been in NHS since sophomore year. At first, I joined NHS because I wanted to be able to put it on a college application, but over the past couple years I discovered that I actually really liked to volunteer. And with this current project, I feel like I am making a real impact in this woman’s life,” said Makovsky.

Makovsky was also a participant in the school’s annual Mr. TJ competition and earned second runner up, so he is clearly well–liked throughout TJ. According to Ben, his athleticism from TJ sports throughout the year aided him in his talent performance at the show, which won the crowd over. “Flipping over five people is not something anyone can do, which is why, I think, I got as far as I did in Mr. TJ. I would say the fact that I am an athlete that practices jumping high and far all the time is what made me able to do my talent,” said Makovsky.

Makovsky runs cross-country and pole-vaults for the track team. “Even though I practice with the TJ track team, TJ doesn’t have pole vaulting equipment, so I have to go to Boulder to practice that. They have really good coaches up there that help push me really hard,” said Makovsky.

Ben’s teammate from the track team, Jared Lewis, said, “It has been an honor to have Ben as a teammate. He is a multifaceted athlete and has done great things for the team.”

Not only does Ben participate in sports here at TJ, but he has also has competed in various snowboarding competitions. He is a talented park rider and hopes to keep snowboarding as a hobby long in the future.

Ben has an older brother, Sam who goes to college at CU Boulder. “We get along really well; he challenges me a lot with athletics because we’re just really competitive like that,” said Makovsky.

Although Makovsky has a passion for his sports, his true interest that he wants to carry with him in the future are the skills he has learned from being in the Computer Magnet program. He plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins next year and wants to go into either video production or TV broadcasting. Ben feels that his training from his Radio and TV Broadcasting and Video Intern classes really boosted his confidence for when he goes on to college. He stated,  “Spamp [Teacher, Matt Spampinato] has really taught me a lot about video production and I feel like because of everything I have learned, I will be ahead of the game at CSU. Being in Computer Magnet is a really good way to learn computer skills when it comes to any kind of media.”

“Ben is one of those rare talents. He sits down in front of the computer and can instantly make magic happen. He understands the way video works: he is ready to take it to the next level,” said Video Intern Teacher, Matt Spampinato. Clearly Ben has an enormous amount of support from his peers, teachers, and families to do great things with his life.

Photo by Mia Nogueira

Ajani Brown, a sophomore at TJ who is a part of the Multi-Intensive Special Education Program, is well known for his compassion and kindness to others through the volunteer work he does outside of school, as well as for being on honor roll every semester.

“Being a part of the Multi-Intensive Special Education Program is great and very helpful to me.  My teachers, Kerry Black and Michelle Lockhart, help me pass my classes and complete my school work,” said Brown.

“Ajani is a great student who is friendly, outgoing, polite, and easy to get along with.  He is very helpful in the classroom and he always completes his work with a hundred percent effort.  Ajani is the type of student who is always wiling to learn, is open, and is cooperative with everything in class,” said Black.  “I am most proud of Ajani’s dedication to his school work.  He is currently taking a Spanish class, and I know it is a rigorous course, but he is sticking through it.  Every Wednesday during Excel time he is always getting the extra help so that he can complete his assignments.  I am proud of Ajani for his hard work and dedication to what he does.”

Brown has been on the honor roll every semester since elementary school.  “It’s a great feeling to me because it makes me feel like I am achieving something important.  I am thankful for my teachers, because without their support I don’t think I would be as successful as I am,” said Brown.

Brown says his favorite activities to do at TJ are recycling through the Multi-Intensive Special Education Program during first period, and attending his vocation class.   “I like to recycle because I like to stay organized and put things in the right places.  Doing this also teaches me what things I can and cannot recycle.  With vocations, I like that because it teaches me how to get a job, along with living on my own, writing checks, and many other important life activities as well,” said Brown.

Volunteering has been an important part of Brown’s life as he has volunteered at homeless shelters and other places, one of which includes Elderly at Rainbow Bridge (which is for people with terminal diseases), Habitat of Humanity, a homeless shelter, and the Women’s Bean Project, which is a place for women with cancer.  “I volunteer at these places because I love to help people, and I want to make sure that people are okay and satisfied.  While volunteering, I do a variety of things from serving food to cooking spaghetti, selling beans to raise money for a cure, or making art with sick people,” said Brown, who gets involved with the help from his mother, who makes a living by taking care of patients with disabilities.  Brown has been inspired with helping those in need.  “These have been great experiences for me, and it has made me decide that I want to help people for a living,” stated Brown.

When Brown is finished with high school, he wants to become a victim’s advocate.  “I really enjoy helping people and I want to ensure the safety of others.  I want to be a friend to everybody and let him or her know that I will be a true friend in his or her life.  I want to see people happy and enjoying their lives,” said Brown, who demonstrated his determination of helping people when he went over to a classmate’s house who was struggling with making friends.  Brown accompanied the student and let him know that he does have a friend at TJ, and that he is welcomed.  “I wanted him to know that I care about him and that people are here for him,” said Brown.

For the upcoming summer, Brown will be working his first job at the South Flower Market, where his duties will consist of bagging groceries, and returning carts to the store.  “I am very excited for this because I will have the opportunity to earn money and this will be a new experience for me.  I know that this experience is going to make my summer full of great memories that I will never forget,” said Brown.

The person who inspires Brown the most in his life is his mother.  “My mother is an organized person that does a great job at anything she does.  She works hard at everything, and has taught me almost everything that I know.  We have a very close mother-son relationship and she is my best friend.  I can tell her anything and she gives me great advice when I need it.  My mom has helped make me the person that I am today, and for that I am grateful,” stated Brown.

Spartan Jordan Hall poses with Denver Bronco André Davis for a billboard promo. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics.

The ball was served, and the return was an ace. Not even a national tennis competition was a too big of a match for TJ Junior, Jordan Hall, who traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for the Special Olympic Games this year.

“I’ve been playing sports with Special Olympics since I was eight years old. Basketball was the first sport I played and my favorite sport. It keeps me energized, and I like the adrenaline,” said Hall. “I play four sports a year with Special Olympics and Denver Parks and Recreation: Basketball, Tennis, Track and Bowling,” he said.

Jordan suffers from PDD NOS, a disorder that qualifies him to be a Special Olympic Athlete. PDD NOS, also know as an atypical autism, conflicts with Jordan’s ability to comprehend and respond to others’ emotions. “Jordan’s a true inspiration to us all. He never lets anyone get to him, and only does what makes him happy,” said proud mom, Charlotte Hall. “He’s a great young man; he’s motivated, and he never gives us any problems,” she said.

Living with PDD OS doesn’t discourage Jordan from taking part in different activities.  Along with participating in Special Olympic sports, Jordan also devotes personal time to his community. “Jordan volunteers with the Youth Fellowship at his church. He also volunteers with Denver Parks and Recreation, and once a month he cleans an elderly person’s yard,” said Charlotte. Jordan even enjoys picking up litter at parks, such as plastics and papers that are thrown on the ground. On top of all the volunteering, Jordan also helps pack boxes, which include personal needs like food and water, to be sent to Haiti. “I think we all need to help the people of Haiti who were affected by the earthquake,” said Jordan.

Jordan’s hard work with the community and his devotion to Special Olympics earned him a spot on the Special Olympics Billboards posted across Denver (pictured above), which featured local Special Olympic athletes posing with several Broncos players. “We were looking for local athletes that played different sports with the Special Olympic program. Jordan and his brother, Julian Hall’s, names were the first to be brought up. Jordan and Julian are well thought of in the organization and it was a unanimous decision by our staff,” said Kathy Muffenbier, Director of Marketing and Communications of Special Olympics Denver. “It was a huge honor for them. There are about 10,000 athletes with Special Olympics in Colorado, and for them to represent the program was very special,” she said.

Special it was, since Jordan was thrilled to be a part of the campaign. “It was really fun. I liked seeing the billboards all over the city, and I liked that the billboards had different ethnicites,” said Jordan. “I also really enjoyed meeting the Broncos players; they were really nice to all of the athletes.”

Aside from athletics, Jordan enjoys coming to class at TJ. “My favorite teachers are Ms. Loretta Gonzalez and Mrs. Kimberly Holtman. They are always very nice to me,” said Jordan.

“Jordan is a very friendly student. He works hard and he loves to socialize with his friends,” said Gonzalez, Special Education teacher.

“Jordan is a sweetheart, he’s very kind-hearted, and he always stays positive. It was a pleasure having him as a student,” said teacher Kim Holtman.

Friendships are one of Jordan’s favorite aspects about going to school at TJ. “My closest friends would have to be my cousins,” said Jordan. “They are family so they are nice to me all the time,” he said. Jordan is also fond of surfing the web during his free time. “I watch TV and get on the computer on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s fun! I like Facebook, because I can talk to my friends on the chat,” said Jordan.

In the future, Jordan aspires to become a ghost tourist guide, like the ones seen in the Travel Channel show, Ghost Adventures. “If I could say something to everyone I would say, ‘Hi I’m Jordan Hall. I’m a two-time bronze medalist in South Carolina Special Olympic Competition, and I just want to get to know you better,’” said Jordan.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Born in Torrance, California, Jordan Shelton will soon be returning to his home state, this time to attend Stanford University, one of the most prestigious higher education institutes in the nation.

Shelton found himself at Thomas Jefferson because of the Computer Magnet Program. ”I thought the program had a good academic structure as opposed to the IB program and all their homework at schools like George Washington,” said Shelton. By coming to TJ, Shelton found himself in many of the 3-D design classes and enjoys working on many of the projects as a hobby.

A busy student, Shelton is involved with a multitude activities. He runs track and cross-country during the school year and spends many of his summers tutoring elementary and middle school children from the Denver-Metro area. “I began to do this through CABPES, the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists. It is basically a summer program that students sign up for and receive help with math,” said Shelton. CABPES concentrates on helping students who want to pursue careers in engineering and science by helping represent minority students in these fields of work, something Shelton might see himself doing in the future. “Jordan is an incredibly bright guy. I’m sure the work he will do will change the world someday,” said Nelson Vore, Shelton’s physics teacher for the past two years.

When it came time to apply for college, Jordan knew exactly were he wanted to go. “I’ve wanted to go to Stanford since I was ten. It’s just a great school and I love California as well,” said Shelton. Glad to finally be done with high school, Jordan is looking forward to the freedoms of a college student. “Sleeping in, the great campus, the open space and location of the school are all things I am excited about,” he said. Being only forty-five minutes from San Francisco, the upcoming years look to be some of the most exciting for Jordan.

Shelton is in no hurry to decide what he wants to study. “I am thinking of either engineering or physics, but I don’t have to decide until the end of my sophomore year,” he said. Challenging himself in math and science during the past three years, Shelton now feels ready to move on to more challenging classes. For this school year two of his favorite and most challenging classes are AP calculus and AP physics. “The best thing I will remember Jordan for was his awesome scrambler in honors physics,” said Vore. The scrambler project consisted of getting a cart and an egg to move more than ten meters and reach a certain marked spot using only momentum and energy created by the vehicle.

“One of my favorite memories here is the cardboard boat races in AP physics. We got to work on something out of the ordinary and play in the pool until all the cardboard boats had sunk,” said Jordan. On top of enjoying being in his physics and calculus classes, Shelton mostly enjoys spending time with his friends and listening to music. “I listen to everything, but mostly R&B and hip hop,” said Shelton.

With a cumulative GPA of 4.3 and recognition in both Track and Cross Country, Shelton has been able to accomplish his dream of going to Stanford for the 2010-2011 school year.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Sarahi Flores is a freshman at TJ who achieves good grades, remains in good standing with her teachers, is president of her youth group, and still manages to get her homework done.  This Spartan always strives to do her best, and is proud of who she is and what she does.

As a freshman, Flores had to deal the transition from middle school to high school.  “High school is different from middle school.  The work is harder and there’s more homework.  But what I do like is the freedom and how there’s less restrictions as to what students can and cannot do,” said Flores, who recalled her first day of high school.  “I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know what to expect as a freshman in a new environment.  What got me through that day was seeing my friends at the same school as me.  I didn’t expect to see any of them at TJ, and it was a little shocking to me,” said Flores.

Like many freshmen, Flores isn’t sure of what college she wants to go to, but she is certain that she wants to major in either cosmetology or psychiatry.  “I want to major in cosmetology because I am good with hair and make up, and it’s something that I love.  I would like to do psychiatry because I like to help the needy.  Whenever I help somebody who is in need, to see that person happy just brings a joy to my heart,” said Flores.

At TJ, Flores’ favorite class is Geography with Jon Poole.  “I like the class because Mr. Poole makes it fun and easy.  He is very knowledgeable with the subject, so he knows how to explain things well to us.  He is funny and nice by letting us work together with friends, which makes the class easy,” said Flores, who also said that Poole is her favorite teacher at TJ.

Coming from Poole, Flores is a good student with a lot of potential.  “She is a bright girl.  She is funny and mostly quiet, but is still sociable. When she puts her mind to it, she can do anything she wants to.  What makes her a good student is her patience, independence, and her ability to pick up on things quicker than most students.  I believe that she will be successful at whatever she decides to do with her life, but it’s all up to her,” said Poole.

Flores has never participated in any sport, but plans to play on the girls’ soccer team next year.  “I’m going to play soccer next year, and I’m nervous because it’s my first time and I don’t know what to expect,” said Flores, who said she was inspired to play soccer by watching the World Cup.

Outside of school, Flores is the president of her youth group at her church, Seventh Day Adventist of Aurora.  She was elected president because she’s reliable, hard working, and is committed to what she does.  As president, Flores’ job is to lead the group every Saturday morning, keep the group members on track by helping coordinate and plan activities, such as bible readings, singing in the church choir, fundraising, and camping trips.  “I am proud of myself for being the president because it shows that people trust me, and that they are willing to rely on me for important tasks,” said Flores, who also helps out at home by baby sitting her younger siblings, and helping to keep her house clean by vacuuming, washing dishes, and dusting.

Flores says her biggest inspirations in her life are her parents.  “My parents are always telling me to do my best, and I live by that and it has been great for me.  I’m doing well in school and staying out of trouble through that saying.  My parents are always supporting me whether it’s my homework or a personal issue that I’m dealing with.  My parents aren’t  people who are rich, but they keep our family together, and I respect them for that,” said Flores.

With Flores being a freshman, there are a lot of different things she’ll be looking forward to as she continues her high school career.  But the thing Flores is looking forward to the most is graduation.  “I just can’t wait to get out of high school and start my life.  Academics and finishing school is what my parents have instilled into my head, so it is very important to me that I do,” said Flores.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Senior Stephanie Warren is getting ready to receive her diploma this spring – an achievement many treasure – but graduating will be just one of the many things she has accomplished so far in her life. Stephanie has lived in exotic places, participated in sports, mastered musical instruments, and she performs community service and still manages to excel in school.

Living in another country is an aspiration many Americans have, but one that few fulfill in their lifetime. Stephanie has been lucky enough to live in another country and become fluent in that language. Her mother is from Spain and her parents decided to move from Westminster, Colorado to Spain in order for Staphanie and her twin brother, Keith Warren, to meet their mother’s family and experience life in Spain. The Warren’s lived in Alcala De Henares, Spain from 2000 to 2003.

“Going to school in Spain was a lot different than in the United States,” said Stephanie. “Elementary school was six grades instead of five like it is here, but in Spain kindergarten is counted as first grade.” Stephanie went to school at Aripreste De Hita for fourth grade and Francisco De Quevedo for fifth and sixth grade. “In Spain, we had a small lunch at noon and had a bigger lunch that was mandatory after school. We were served out of silver trays and ate things like delicious soup everyday, not like our school lunches here,” said Stephanie.

Not only were there differences in schooling, but Stephanie says there was a different kind of lifestyle in Spain. “In Spain, kids were allowed to stay out as late as they wanted in the summer, and we were more active after school, more social. Everyone, kids and parents and grandparents alike, would meet in the Plaza de Barro, playing soccer, eating or just talking. Everything was so close together; you didn’t need a car. Here in America, we are more work-oriented. I guess Spain was the best place to spend my childhood,” Stephanie reflected.

While living in Spain, Stephanie’s Spanish became second nature; she says she spoke Spanish, thought in Spanish, and even began to dream in Spanish. “Since I spoke Spanish fluently for a few years, my dreams gradually changed from English to Spanish, naturally,” recalls Stephanie

When the Warren family moved back to the United States, Stephanie said it was hard for her to adjust to the American lifestyle again. “I already knew English, since I was born in Denver, but after hearing nothing but Castilian for three years, English sounded strange and a little dorky to me,” said Stephanie, who had to adjust to going to a new school and meeting new people, but she said she overcame her shyness and made many new friends. “Coming to Hamilton was tough the first weeks because I had no one but Keith, and everyone else seemed to be best friends from elementary school; but by the end of middle school I had a great group or friends that I still have today,” said Stephanie.

In her spare time, Stephanie volunteers to bring together her community, which is something she learned from the tight knit society in Spain. She attends church every other Sunday at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church and participates in its youth group program occasionally. She is also a member of TJ’s National Honor Society (NHS) and is required to do 34 hours of service every year. This year NHS is doing a Senior Connections Project in which members meet senior citizens, get to know them, and write a small biography about their lives. Stephanie is participating in this project with her partner Freddi Gidan and enjoys learning about her senior citizen, Phen, by visiting him at his retirement home or going out to lunch with him.

“Phen is just about the greatest old guy I know. The more he spoke, the more I realized how much they experience in a single lifetime, and how he wouldn’t change his life for the world,” said Stephanie.

“After a couple of visits, Freddi and I are going to write a little scrap book about his life and present it to him at a potluck dinner. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see someone took the time to commemorate his life like that,” said Stephanie. The Senior Connections program allows Stephanie to connect with her community and do something special for a person who will appreciate it.

Warren and Gidan meet with their senior citizen once every two weeks. They have been doing it since the beginning of February and hope to write a biography on Phen soon.

When Stephanie is not doing community service or schoolwork, she is playing the violin, a hobby she has enjoyed since seventh grade. She first played under the direction of Glenn Nitta in the Hamilton Middle School Orchestra and has loved it ever since.  She has been a part of the Citywide Orchestra since seventh grade and has performed for the audiences at the U.S. Census Bureau and the Colorado Department of Education. She enjoys playing the violin for the TJ Orchestra, which is directed by Robin Johnson. “It’s fun to play for crowds, whatever size, and the kids in the class are fun to be with everyday. Plus, Mrs. Johnson really cares for us and wants us to succeed,” said Stephanie, who hopes to continue her playing in the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Orchestra.

Stephanie is a very active person and keeps herself busy by playing soccer and softball at TJ. She has played soccer since the first grade and has been on the varsity soccer team at TJ for three years. “Soccer is the thing I most look forward to all year long. Not only is my team fun and talented, but I, myself, love the feeling of running outside in spring, and pushing the other teams around a bit,” said Stephanie.

Although soccer is her favorite sport at TJ, Stephanie has also played as an outfielder for the softball team since her sophomore year and has great memories from her experiences with it. “My most memorable moment for sports is going to Florida for softball spring break last year. It was great because no other coach besides Coach Jackson would take the time and money to fly us all out to Disney World and be willing to spend a week with us. It was fun because not only did we go to every theme park, but it was cool seeing all the teams from the different states and playing in the tournament,” reflects Stephanie.

Kyler Jackson, the softball coach at TJ comments on Warren’s funny personality that he has learned to love: “Stephanie is the one person I can say that has made me laugh more than anyone else on the team. She’s a character,” he said.

Not many students can juggle schoolwork, sports, community service, and a busy life, but Warren has managed to do it all. She has a GPA of 4.2 and takes AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP U.S. History, and AP Literature. Out of them all Stephanie says her favorite class is AP Physics taught by Nelson Vore. “Everyday in class is like a new discovery. The class is small and Mr. Vore really knows his stuff and we all like to make funny physics puns,” laughs Stephanie.  AP Physics has sparked Stephanie’s interest in majoring in environmental engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder next year. “Mr. Vore is the one that made me want to go into engineering,” said Stephanie.

“I’ve had Stephanie for two years in my class and she’s just fun; she makes people laugh a lot. I am confident she will make a wonderful environmental engineer one day,” commented Vore.

With her positive attitude and funny personality, Stephanie feels privileged to be chosen by Principal Sandra Just to present a speech at this year’s graduation. She is delivering her speech with her close friend Lauren Kelsch, who said, “It was a pain to write the speech, but we hope it will end our high school career with a bang.”

“We’re not trying to make it corny; were trying to stay away from that because corny makes people sad, and graduation is supposed to be a happy time,” said Stephanie, who is known for her humor. She was voted class clown by her peers and she hopes her humor will be shown in her speech.

Graduating from high school will be a highlight in Stephanie’s life, but she says she will move on to bigger and better things because she has learned to juggle her responsibilities with skill, and has achieved so much already. “I…uhh… don’t know what to say about high school ending, but hopefully college will be just as fun,” said Stephanie.

Photo by Mia Nogueira

It’s Brigade inspection day for all JROTC Cadets and there is a nervous buzz that fills the armory. Andrew Scherer, a senior at TJ and Cadet Captain, enters the room with a griddle, butter, eggs, and pancake batter. “I wanted to do something nice for everyone and try to calm all the nerves and make them as sharp as they could be before the inspections began,” said Scherer, who is also a Company Commander (a leader of the company who educates it about ranks, uniforms, and other required knowledge).

Scherer says that JROTC has molded him into a better person and has taught him to challenge himself to the fullest extent. “JROTC gave me the self motivation and self discipline I needed,” said Scherer, who will be joining the U.S. Army Reserve June of 2010, and will be enrolled in the basic and advanced training for the Reserve, spending eight months there. “After the Army Reserve I will be attending CSU in Fort Collins and will major in Mechanical Engineering,” said Scherer, who says he is captivated by how things operate and enjoys taking things apart and rebuilding them.

“I am sad to be leaving TJ, but I know I am leaving prepared with the knowledge I need to be all I can be,” said Scherer, who says one of his biggest motivators at TJ is head football coach and math teacher, Tim Owens. “Coach showed me that there is a bad side and a good side to everyone, and that once you saw the good side, the bad side didn’t seem too bad,” said Scherer, who has lettered in football all four years at TJ.

“My dad has always been a role model in my life. He taught me to always push to go the extra mile; he taught me everything I know,” said Scherer, who acquired his passion for engineering while putting together electronic kits with his dad as a child. “I want to create newer and better things for people to use, like classrooms and buildings,” said Scherer.

Scherer says that his favorite part of JROTC is drill team. “Drill builds a sense of teamwork and doing things orderly and properly,” said Scherer. He says he also enjoys seeing the cadets’ progression over time, and interacting with each other.

Brian Wyatt is the Master Sergeant for JROTC and has been able to witness Scherer’s leadership grow stronger throughout the year. “Andrew is someone who cares about his classmates. He takes the time to really explain things to them. He is very motivating and expects each cadet to be better than he is at a given task,” said Wyatt. One way Scherer motivates his peers is by competing against them in drills. “Andrew is a born leader who has many promising attributes. He is a friendly, responsible, and a tough guy,” said Wyatt.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Twelve years is a long time to do anything, let alone devote most of it to a musical instrument. But in twelve years, Spartan Senior Jessica Johnson has learned the violin, piano, clarinet, viola, and the cello.

“The violin is my favorite,” Jessica says with a shy smile. “I don’t have to breathe into it, and I just love the sound.” The violin is the highest, and arguably the sweetest sounding instrument out there, so it’s of little surprise that she was drawn to its subtle melodies. When Jessica was very young she was exposed to the violin. “I heard it and really wanted to play it,” she said. After some encouragement from her musical mother, Jessica picked up the violin at the age of three, as well as the piano at the age of four. “My Mom says I’ve always wanted to play, but there’s not really one reason why I love it or why it’s my favorite.”

Jessica comes from a very musical family, with her mother Robin Johnson teaching instrumental music here at TJ, her cello-playing brother Ben Johnson at GW, and her youngest sister Kimberly Johnson playing the piano at home. Jessica is very close to her family. “She’s very shy, but she really speaks through the violin,” says Robin. “Jessica actually thinks music. Before she talked, she hummed and sang,” says her mom.

Jessica has always been shy, but she is a different person when she has a violin in her hands. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t get stage fright like the rest of us, though. “She doesn’t exactly look forward to performing,” laughs Robin, “so it’s a bit of a conundrum.” Regardless of her nerves, Jessica does not need coaxing to practice, unlike many music students. “Even when she was young, Jess always wanted to play,” said Robin. “We even had to get her to put on the breaks when I was pregnant with my son and I couldn’t help her hold the tiny violin,” she laughs. “But never once have I had to ask her to practice. She’ll go somewhere private on her own and play for hours. It’s a very personal experience for her.” A Mozart at birth, Jessica may not have been, yet she loved the instrument so much that she kept at it, working long and hard until she reached the level of mastery she has now.

Music is not always what’s on Jessica’s mind, however. Jessica simply loves any creature from the animal kingdom. “My husband and I bought her a rabbit when she was in kindergarten, and she raised it and took care of it for nine years, which is a long life for a rabbit,” said Robin. Jessica also wants to travel the world, and see what life is like outside of the US of A. “She wants to go to Antarctica. Don’t ask me why, she just wants to go there, especially,” Johnson says with a chuckle and a small shake of her head.

Jessica undoubtedly has music in her future. “Surprisingly, she is very comfortable talking to younger music students, and enjoys helping them learn to play,” said Robin. “She also has ‘the touch’ for the piano. It’s something you can’t teach; it’s something you just fall into.”

With dreams of travel, teaching a middle school orchestra, and taking her students around the country to competitions, along with the fact she has been accepted to every college to which she’s applied, Jessica has a very bright as well as melodious future ahead of her.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Junior Leanna Ramirez has been presented with many challenges throughout her life, but with the help of her mentor Christa Lyons, and her faith in God, Ramirez has turned the power of her hardship into positive work for herself and her community.

Ramirez said she experienced some transition problems as a freshman at TJ, but has matured and embraced the high school experience.  “I no longer care about what others think of me, and I am focusing on the important things in my life: education, family, friends, and helping others to overcome their problems,” said Ramirez, who has committed to serving her school and community.  Ramirez takes part in community service activities with her youth group at the Church of the Risen Christ.  “I like participating with my youth group.  They feed the homeless and every summer they have a mission trip in a different place and do service acts around that community.”  Ramirez plans to go on her first mission trip to Mexico this summer with her youth group.   “I have met so many people and we all talk about faith in our lives and how it’s important to us.  We interact with each other; whether it’s going to the movies or bowling,  we all have the same things in common when it comes to faith and religion, so that makes it that much better and fun,” said Ramirez, who is also is involved with the Unified Sports class at TJ, where special ed and mainstream students come together in one physical education group.  “I play games and interact with the special education children.  It makes me feel good to help out because I am helping people who really need it, and making a difference in how people should interact with people who have disabilities,” said Ramirez.

Aside from helping out in her community, Ramirez plays basketball for the Spartan Girls’ JV Team.  This is Ramirez’s second year playing basketball for TJ.  “I played my freshman year, but not my sophomore year because I needed to focus on grades, along with other things outside of school, like church and horseback riding competitions,” said Ramirez, who added that she is glad to share the opportunity of playing basketball with her teammates.

Ramirez took horseback riding and equestrian lessons for six years, but unfortunately had to stop because of her busy schedule.   “It was an intense experience because of the adrenaline rush from the thrill of the rides, but most of all it was amazing to have the ability to control an animal that was much bigger and stronger than me.  I wish I could still compete today, but I can’t.  I’m just glad that I had the opportunity to do that,” said Ramirez.

Academically, Ramirez excels, carrying a 3.2 GPA.  She is currently taking Spanish 3 X with Mark Mallaney, and AP Language with Jeffery Almond.  “I really love my Spanish class because Mr. Mallaney makes class fun and he makes you want to be there and learn the language,” said Ramirez, who added that her favorite teacher is Jeffery Almond.  “I like his humor and the way he connects with his students.  He understands what it’s like to be a teenager in high school.”

Almond had nothing but good things to say about Ramirez, as well.  “She is an outgoing and hard-working student, and always maintains a positive attitude in class.  She has a great work ethic and has high standards for herself.  Leanna is the type of person who will frequently check with somebody to see if she is on track with her learning.  She is patient and can take criticism very well,” said Almond, who also said that he sees a lot of potential in Ramirez’s life because of the way she carries herself, and because of her self confidence.  Outside of the classroom, Almond is impressed with the way Ramirez carries herself.  “She has a great personality and gets along with most people.  She is not intimidated by anybody and handles herself in a mature manner around adults.  Leanna is a proud person and I think she has a bright future ahead of her,” said Almond.

One thing that has helped Ramirez excel in her life is being a part of the Denver Kids program, which is a mentor program that works with children to help them succeed in their lives.  “I like the program.  My mentor, Christa Lyons, helps me out with a lot of things and she makes sure I’m staying on top of my priorities.   She helps me out with scholarships and I am glad to have her as a mentor,” said Ramirez, who also said that she would recommend anybody to this program.  “This is a great program.  It has helped me stay on the right track throughout my life.  The mentors are great and are great friends to have in your life.  Even if you already have support in your life, I would still recommend this program to you,” said Ramirez.

After high school, Ramirez hopes to attend CU Boulder, but isn’t sure of what she wants to major in.  “CU has a really good medical program that I am interested in, and I want to be a doctor when I finish college,” said Ramirez.

As with many great leaders in the world, Ramirez has an inspiration in her life that help keeps her on track with her goals and priorities, and that is God.  “Whenever I have a problem or I’m feeling down, I always look to God to help solve my problems.  I believe that anything is possible through Him, and without believing in God, I would not be who I am today, or in the position I am in,” said Ramirez.

Over this upcoming summer, Ramirez is going to Guatemala to visit a child named Evelyn (6-years-old), who she is sponsoring.  While she is there, Ramirez also plans to help build houses for those who are less fortunate.  “I’m glad to have this opportunity to spend time with Evelyn, and to help those in need.  I’m excited to travel the country this year, because it’s going to be a fun, new experience for me,” said Ramirez.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Spartan Andrew Craig’s ascent into greatness was amplified by his can-do attitude and his confidence in his abilities that is helping him achieve his dreams. “I’m driven by ambition – achieving and beating the odds and being the best I can be. I’m also really competitive,” said Craig.

From his acceptance to Yale University – which is the result of years of hard work – to his involvement in the TJ community, to his AP and Honors classes along with running track and playing soccer his freshmen year, Craig has become a symbol of what can be achieved at Thomas Jefferson High School.

“I attended a Yale prospective students meeting and fell in love with the college,” said Craig. “I’m looking forward to studying either biology or theater, increasing my knowledge, learning more about the world and meeting new people.” Craig also had plans to apply to Columbia University (another Ivy League school) in New York, but Yale’s early decision is restrictive; applicants have to commit to the school until a decision is made about their admittance.

Craig got another opportunity to visit the Yale campus in early January and took another tour of the town and visited nearby New York. “Yale has a beautiful campus; I was extremely excited. It has all these old buildings and the architecture is just beautiful,” Craig said. “New York is where my heart is. Denver lacks the culture that New York City has – it’s a magnificent city and there are many job opportunities and internships there. You just feed off the energy of the people and the culture.”

Even though Craig is the All School Student Class President he also lends his leadership qualities to Peace Panel, Black Student Alliance, Gay Straight Alliance and RENT – TJ’s school musical, which is an opportunity for him to show off his voice talent while portraying Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker.

“My favorite part about being involved is knowing that I am helping to make a difference in TJ’s community through participating in these clubs,” said Craig. “I have developed great time management skills over the last couple of years.”