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Teenager Finds Confidence, Creativity, and Leadership at Colorado Preparatory Academy  

Stories & Spotlights
Person standing barefoot in a black martial arts uniform with a black belt, arms crossed, against a gray studio background.

 Janelle is a talented 10th-grade student at Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) who brings passion, creativity, and leadership to everything she does. From acting and Taekwondo to academics and student government, Janelle is proving that with motivation and flexibility, students can achieve anything they set their minds to. Janelle has been with CPA for four years, joining in sixth grade after transitioning from a traditional school. Her family first learned about this high-quality, tuition-free K-12 online education option through a friend Janelle met while filming a short movie. 

When the pandemic hit, CPA gave Janelle and her family the structure they needed to thrive. 

“CPA has really helped me find balance,” Janelle shared. “I can focus on my academics while still pursuing the things I love.”     That balance has allowed Janelle to explore her interests, take on leadership roles, and make space for personal growth both in and out of the classroom. 

Person wearing a martial arts uniform holding multiple championship medals with a congratulatory backdrop and balloons.

Taking the Spotlight 

Acting has been one of Janelle’s greatest passions. She takes classes, films self-tapes, and auditions for commercials. Through CPA’s Ambassador Mentor Program (AMP), she’s experienced a hands-on learning experience where students mentor each other and explore STEM and career-focused pathways together. She attended camp in 2024 and 2025 and enjoyed honing a variety of skills through hands-on initiatives which helped her gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.  

At CPA, Janelle serves as President of the National Honor Society (NHS) and Secretary of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) while also participating in the Gifted and Talented program. She’s advanced in math (working a full grade ahead) and may even graduate early, slated to wrap up her high school credits by the end of her 11th-grade year. 

Indoor barn setting with two people near large bins and a person filming with a camera on a tripod.

Janelle also competes in LifeSmarts and FBLA at the district and national levels, where she applies her problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in real-world situations. 

Balancing Strength, Creativity, and Leadership 

Outside of school, Janelle is a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo and teaches classes to younger students. Her role as both a student and instructor has taught her the value of patience, perseverance, and mentorship. 

Craft fair booth with pink table covers displaying handmade items, labeled “Janie’s Joys and Jewels,” with a person seated at the center.

She also runs a small crochet business, handmaking stuffed animals like bunnies and turtles. When she’s not crocheting, you might find her writing poetry, strumming her guitar, or attending concerts with friends. 

“I love expressing myself in creative ways,” Janelle said. “Whether it’s acting, writing, or making something by hand, it all helps me feel connected to who I am.” 

Family, Fun, and a Love for Learning 

At home in Aurora, Colorado, Janelle enjoys spending time with her younger sister, who’s in eighth grade and one of her biggest fans. Their house is full of energy, thanks to four dogs, two boxers and two Shih Tzu–Bichon Frise mixes, and one cat. 

Whether she’s leading a student organization, performing on camera, or mentoring others, she brings passion and purpose to every goal she pursues. 

“Colorado Preparatory Academy’s structure has given me the freedom to grow and explore who I want to be,” she said. 

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Janelle as she continues to learn, lead, and shine! 

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