When people think of an online high school experience, they may picture someone working quietly behind a screen. They may also envision an experience that could feel isolating and lonely, but Denver Online senior Brandt Finch has completely redefined the online narrative. Brandt not only attended Denver Online, but he actively built a community and personalized his experience from the ground up.
Creating Community and Thriving Academically
Brandt’s online academic journey started in Denver Online in the eighth grade. He chose Denver Online because he liked the flexibility of an online model and how it supported accelerated learning. Recognizing the unique challenges of building community in a digital environment, he knew he still craved the need for connection and made it his mission to blend the traditional school spirit with his online school experience, for both himself and his peers.
"I wanted to build something here that is bigger than myself," Brandt reflected.
According to Denver Online Dean of Culture, Ms. Sigala, his impact is undeniable: "He’s doing stuff that adults should be doing."
Even Brandt’s family got involved, frequently volunteering alongside him to support school events.
When Denver Online held a contest to create a new mascot, Finch not only submitted an idea, but he also offered to become the character of the Denver Online Lynx mascot! Originating ideas from Adobe AI tools coupled with his personal innovation and creativity, he designed an online personality bringing the Denver Online Lynx to life. Finch posted messages and announcements communicating to and encouraging students and staff as the lynx throughout the year.
Academically, Brandt took full advantage of Denver Online’s concurrent enrollment and flexible scheduling — including "May Mester" asynchronous blocks in May to accelerate his learning. Starting his college journey early as a sophomore, Brandt’s perseverance and drive allowed him to take classes at the Auraria campus and he has graduated just two credits short of earning his Associate’s degree.
Brandt also found a way to get involved in student leadership and extracurricular opportunities, including:
Student Council and Spirit Weeks: Brandt joined the student council to spearhead engagement initiatives, including school-wide spirit weeks.
Clubs and Mentorship: He founded and joined the online Chess Club and Speed Rubik's Cube Club, all while taking time to mentor younger middle school students navigating the online transition.
Debate Club: Brandt enjoyed attending debate club, where he and his peers would pick a topic, get assigned a side and develop an argument supporting or challenging the stance of a topic or issue. Debate club topics ranging from pop culture to mandatory historical vaccines taught Brandt how to see the world from entirely new perspectives.
Finding His Passions and the Future
Finch took advantage of the flexibility of his Denver Online schedule and was able to utilize the offerings of additional extracurricular activities through traditional school settings. He was an active member of the National Honor Society and also joined an esports team through a partnership with North High School. Brandt became the team captain, leading his team to a dominant top four finish in the state for Mario Kart, and led the team in earning several district championships. This passion for gaming ultimately unlocked his future career path, sparking a passion for technology, software and how systems work.
A Balanced View on AI
As a coder, Brandt sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a futuristic, forward-looking lens. While he acknowledges valid criticisms, such as the massive environmental footprint of data centers and the fear of losing the "human aspect," he also sees its immense value as a developer. He loves to utilize AI platforms for debugging complex C++ code.
"I believe AI is a tool that will be used in the future and is revolutionary," Brandt said. "Once you get to a place where you understand how to use it, and it is used responsibly, it can be a tool to change the world."
Brandt’s academic and career focus is directed toward pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in either game design or cybersecurity. He wants to study and better understand online viruses and the mechanics of malware strains. He also wants to continue prioritizing building and giving back to the community. This pursuit was inspired by a paid internship with APEX Leadership he worked from February to May 2026. There, he helped raise funds for local elementary school needs. His work has been so impactful in his role that he accepted a paid summer position returning to APEX before heading to college.
This fall, Brandt plans to attend Metro State University of Denver to pursue his Bachelor’s degree on campus.
Mentorship and Giving Back
Looking back on his journey, Brandt credits much of his growth to the supportive environment at Denver Online, particularly teachers like Troy Valentine. Meeting in Mr. Valentine’s room during Connection Days for the Geography and Debate Club provided a safe space to grow and develop a solid group of friends.
When speaking to Finch about incoming freshmen who might be feeling overwhelmed or who are traditionally quiet, Brandt shared some parting words of wisdom:
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. "In the beginning of high school, I was shy. But, when you attend online in high school, it is important to make new friends. You will only go to high school once. If you are making memories, it will set you up well for the future."
Show up in person. Attend in-person Connection Days and additional school activities. These opportunities allow a place to make real-world friends.
Find your favorite communication space. For Brandt and his close-knit group of friends, Discord became the ultimate hub for staying connected, collaborating and continuing to build community outside of class hours.
Brandt Finch proves that online learning doesn’t mean you have to miss out on in-person experiences. It means you can have more freedom and flexibility to create your own experience, determine your own pace and leave a powerful legacy that will inspire online students for years to come. Brandt shows us that you can choose to make your high school experience as connected and fulfilling as you want it to be in any learning environment. Thank you, Brandt, for creating community and leaving a legacy at DPS!