Councilman Larry Beer and Deputy City Manager Tom Nicholas have presented preliminary plans for the 2009 Aurora Scholars Program, a city initiative that would recognize scholastic achievements in the Aurora Public School District, the Cherry Creek School District in Aurora, charter schools and private and parochial schools.
Modeled loosely on the Denver Mile High Scholars program, the Aurora equivalent would seek to recognize a host of scholarly achievements, not just in terms of academic. Leadership, character and other contributions would all be considered viable criteria.
"What the students and families get is principally the recognition of their accomplishments," Beer said. "There aren't big prizes."
Superintendents of both APS and Cherry Creek have so far expressed support, and the program has earned financial commitments from Lend Lease Communities and the Aurora Sentinel as a media sponsor.
Cost for the program has been estimated at $8,000 to $12,000, including staff time.
Councilwoman Molly Markert posed specific questions regarding process, and how the program would function with the districts' current asset programs.
Similarly, Councilman Steve Hogan stressed the need to include all students in Aurora in the program, including children from Douglas County schools and Brighton schools that fall within the boundaries of Aurora.
Hogan also said the program should be added to the 2009 budget if it required funds.
Beer said that the program would cast a wide net, recognizing achievements across categories and age ranges.
"Just the way that it has worked for DPS, it is for kids that are overcoming obstacles that are great citizens of the school that are making contributions in lots of ways," Beer said. "I would ask that it not be limited, because the younger kids need as much encouragement to achieve and to stay in school as the high school kids."
Mayor Ed Tauer voiced his own tempered support.
"I know there's a lot of details to work out, but I'm a huge fan," Tauer said. "Please just keep council informed."
The measure passed by an overwhelming majority.
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