Student Spotlight: Ezmarae

Ezmarae: A Trailblazer in Leadership and Service at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado 

At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, students have the opportunity to take charge of their education and leadership development in ways that prepare them for the future. One outstanding student who embodies these values is Ezmarae, a dedicated leader, scholar, and role model. 

Ezmarae, or Ez as she is often called, is deeply involved in multiple school organizations, demonstrating her commitment to both academic excellence and community service. As the secretary of the National Honor Society (NHS), Ez plays a vital role in maintaining documentation for all chapter meetings and events. Last semester, NHS collaborated with the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) to host a successful food and toy drive during the annual Veteran’s Day Social. During the event, students participated in various service projects to give back to veterans, showcasing the spirit of gratitude and community engagement. 

Beyond her responsibilities in NHS, Ez completed an impressive 60+ hours of community service with Colorado’s Hands on History program—far exceeding the 10-hour requirement for NHS membership. Lisa Villanueva, the program coordinator, praised Ez’s dedication, noting that she went above and beyond in assisting with the program’s initiatives.  

Ez also serves as the president of the Technology Student Association (TSA), a role she has held for three years. As president, she oversees projects, field trips, guest speakers, and events, ensuring that her fellow students have access to enriching experiences. This past school year, she successfully organized TSA’s participation in the State Conference, coordinated collaborations with other school sectors for volunteer activities, and developed a monthly S.T.E.M. theme with lessons and challenges to keep members engaged. 

As part of that program, she further accumulated 145 volunteer community hours in her hometown of La Junta, where she teaches children essential skills such as gardening, sewing, art, and poetry. With La Junta schools closed on Fridays, she takes advantage of the extra time to expand her knowledge and serve her community in impactful ways. 

In addition to her leadership roles in NHS and TSA, Ez is an active member of HOSA and the school’s Peer Leadership Group. Through these organizations, she continues to support her peers and contributes to the school community in meaningful ways. 

Looking ahead, Ez is excited about her senior year, having already earned all her required credits. She plans to make the most of this time by fully engaging in school activities and leadership opportunities. Her passion for technology and justice has led her to pursue a future career as a forensic computer specialist with a focus on cybersecurity. To prepare for this path, she is currently taking an introductory AI course and exploring IT and criminal justice education opportunities. 

Her enthusiasm for learning and leadership makes Ez a remarkable student at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. Whether organizing service projects, leading TSA initiatives, or inspiring her peers through Peer Leadership, she continues to leave a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in her senior year and beyond!