4 Coronado students named for ‘Mayor’s 100 Teens’ list

       The recently announced Mayor's 100 Teens for 2009 includes four Coronado High School students.
       The annual program seeks nominees each spring from 9th to 11th grades who have records of service and achievement, have overcome obstacles, been good role models and have otherwise not been highly recognized. A committee of community members makes the final selections.
       “Your support of this extraordinary program not only gives teens a boost of confidence, but gives them even more opportunities to get involved in the community, continue to develop as leaders and meet other successful teens in the Pikes Peak region,” states Mayor Lionel Rivera on the city website.
       Below are capsules on the Coronado selectees, along with the life philosophy and number-one goal that each provided for the 100 Teens document that's at www.springsgov.com.
  • Senior Krista Albers overcame a relatively late (after fourth grade) diagnosis of dyslexia, and is now a solid student at Coronado, where she is a member of the girls softball team and plays cello in the school's Chamber Orchestra.
           She helps serve holiday dinners at the Salvation Army and also volunteers for Children of Promise, a non-profit teen-help organization.
           Life Philosophy: “Service to others is the greatest service to yourself.”
           #1 Goal: “To follow my dream and become an engineer.”
  • Senior Corrin Baker is involved in music, acting and volunteering. She plays the flute in the Coronado Wind Ensemble and at church. She also tutors middle school flutists, serves as a junior docent at Rock Ledge Ranch and is active in her church.
           The most recent school drama production she acted in was "The Importance of Being Earnest."
           Other activities include the National Honor Society and the El Pomar Youth in Community Service.
           Life Philosophy: “This is our wisdom, to be learners to the end.” - John Calvin
           #1 Goal: “To glorify God in all that I do.”
  • The oldest of five girls, Deanna Griesan was already a help to her mother Jean when her 6-year-old sister Lily was hit by a car and severely injured a year and a half ago. Since then, Deanna has been trained by nurses and physical therapists at Children's Hospital so that she could help with Lily's home care. She is also becoming a Junior Volunteer at Memorial Hospital. In addition to good academics, Deanna plays several instruments in the Coronado Wind Ensemble and Jazz bands.
           Life Philosophy: “Life is only as good as you make it.”
           #1 Goal: “To bring happiness to others.”
  • Sophomore Emily Ransom suffers from Alopecia Universalis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by severe hair loss. Undeterred, she takes honors classes and has a high grade-point average. She is on the school's volleyball, soccer, and swim teams and plays club volleyball too. She volunteers for Christmas Unlimited, her church, the welcome center and the soup kitchen. When she goes to Trinidad to visit her grandmother, she volunteers at its senior center.
           Life Philosophy: “No matter what happened in the past, you should always look forward to the future and what you make of it.”
           #1 Goal: “To be able to help people through rough times in their lives.”

    Westside Pioneer/press release