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Colorado Preparatory Academy Student Dancing Her Way to Nationals 

Stories & Spotlights
A boy and a girl dressed in Scottish kilts and formal wear play bagpipes in front of a decorated wall at what appears to be an indoor event or restaurant in Denver, Colorado.

Meet Cora, a dedicated student at Colorado Preparatory Academy who excels in Geometry and whose talents stretch far beyond the classroom. Cora is not only an exceptional student but also a premier-level Scottish Highland dancer, a journey she’s been on since the age of five. She is grateful that her online education framework allows her to balance her passions with her studies, making it possible to continue important coursework while traveling. 

Cora has been competing since she was young and will soon be traveling to Houston, Texas, to compete in a Scottish Highland Dance contest in hopes of qualifying for nationals. This competition is a significant milestone in her dancing career, and one that she’s worked tirelessly toward through years of lessons, practice, and perseverance. She trains multiple times a week, including private lessons during the school week, and she’s excited to show what she can do on the national stage. 

Her love for Scottish Highland Dance began with a family connection, her older brother started playing the bagpipes, and the rest was history. With guidance from Ms. Cristy Jones and a deep appreciation for traditional music and movement, Cora’s passion has flourished. She’s even performed at the famous Estes Park Scottish Festival.

Two girls and one boy dressed in traditional Highland attire smile for a photo indoors. The girls wear colorful kilts and black jackets, while the boy wears a black jacket, blue kilt, and a beret.

But Cora’s creativity doesn’t stop there. She’s the editor of Colorado Preparatory Academy Magazine Club, helping publish a student-led newsletter every other week. A passionate writer, she recently began working on her own action/adventure novel, with hopes to self-publish on Amazon by the end of the year. Inspired by her sister, who’s also working on a book, Cora finds joy in storytelling and exploring imaginative worlds through her writing. 

A barefoot child in a navy outfit and cap sits on a large rock surrounded by ocean water and other rocks, smiling while enjoying a sunny day at the shore.

Outside of academics and the arts, Cora is involved in Scouting America and is currently working toward her Eagle Project, designing and building cabinets to store uniforms for her community organization. A natural leader and builder, she loves creating with her hands and takes pride in her progress. 

Looking ahead, Cora plans to take Pre-Calculus in high school and pursue college after graduation. She appreciates Colorado Preparatory Academy‘s focus on academics while still offering opportunities for fun and connection, making it a school that supports both her goals and her interests. 

Her trip to Houston is not just a competition, it’s a celebration of everything Cora has worked for. We can’t wait to see what Cora accomplishes next.  

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