Lake Middle School student Benjamin Gonzales will spend "A Day With the Avs" as a result of his nomination through the Colorado UpLIFT Program.

Gonzalez earned the gift based on his good grades and citizenship, said Lake principal Tom Bauman, and for an essay the student submitted about peer pressure. The essay discussed how education was more important than fighting.

Gonzalez will attend the game Tuesday, Feb. 10 between the Colorado Avalanche and the New York Islanders. He will also attend the Avalanche practice in the afternoon, enjoy dinner with his family on the club level and receive an Avalanche jersey signed by the entire team.

The mission of Colorado UpLIFT is to empower urban youth to capture new dreams through leadership, character, career and college. The program organizes mentors to guide urban youth from the earliest years of elementary school and through middle school, high school and college. The objective is to stay with the student through his or her entire school career and assist in finding a meaningful role in society.

Lake Middle School is located at 1820 Lowell Blvd. The school’s telephone number is 303-575-4260.