Baker Middle School eighth-grader Erick Torres is one of 19 DPS students to receive the Metropolitan Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award at the Denver County level. Established in 1986, the award recognizes kids who have overcome personal adversity and created positive change in their environment and for those around them.

All of the recipients will be honored at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2 at the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St. Along with the award, Erick will receive a one-year scholarship to the Community College of Denver.

Erick began school in the United States in fifth-grade. When he moved on to middle school, he began receiving low grades and his discipline record showed many referrals, but he has since turned his life around and wants to improve for his mother. He realizes he is in control of his life and doesn’t want any more problems.

Linda Torres, Baker Middle School principal, said Erick has not only benefited himself and other youth, but also his family. “He helped his cousin get out of a gang, and he is trying to get his older brother to stop drinking,” she said. Torres also said that Erick makes excellent choices for himself by staying home and doing his best to stay away from gangs.

“If someone met this young man now, they would meet a polite, quiet, wonderful artist,” Torres said.

Other recipients are: Cole Middle School eighth-grader Daniel Gonzales; East High School seniors Leeounda Butler, Austin Etumnu and Charmaine Falls; Emily Griffith High School senior Amanda Garcia; George Washington High School senior Faunchi Thompson and sophomore Emmanuel Williams; Abraham Lincoln High School freshman Frank Sisneros; Manual High School senior Liliana Caballero; North High School juniors Tasha Alcon and Jose Arroya and seniors Dequesa Martinez and Lyeela Mason; from P.S. 1 Charter School junior/senior Ashley Cathey; South High School senior Andrew Nguyen; West High School juniors Ruby Castillo and Gaby Hernandez; and GED student Lorenzo Nuanez.

Baker Middle School is located at 574 W. 6th Ave. For more information contact, Nancy Gilder, community relations, Commission on Youth, at 720-913-0913.