OBITUARIES

27J Schools comes in at number six out of the fifteen Denver Metro School Districts in graduation rate for the class of 2021. 27J Schools had the highest 2021 Hispanic graduation rate among the fifteen Denver Metro School Districts at 86.7%

It has been stated often over the last two decades that 27J Schools does more with less. We hope this illustrates just how much more, and with how much less, when compared to other school districts in Adams County and the Denver

Keep McLellan on state board

I strongly encourage your vote to reelect Rebecca McClellan to the Colorado State Board of Education in CD6.

Rebecca McClellan has lived in my neighborhood since 1997, where she and Jim have raised their children, volunteering in our local public schools along the way. We have seen firsthand Rebecca’s commitment to public education from her volunteer work, service as a PTCO secretary, and her service as liaison to the Cherry Creek School District when she served on our Centennial City Council.

On the State Board of Education, Rebecca has worked tirelessly to increase academic excellence and opportunity for every Colorado student. As a board legislative liaison, Rebecca McClellan testified before the legislature to help pass the bipartisan full-day kindergarten bill. She successfully advocated for our state recovery funds to prioritize proven strategies like high-impact tutoring to accelerate academic growth and boost achievement. Rebecca has worked to support the bipartisan READ Act to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction to more Colorado students, including students with dyslexia. When she noticed that on-time graduation rates were getting dinged for districts offering the ASCENT program, she worked with a legislator to fix that. And now the ASCENT program is being expanded so more high school students can earn marketable qualifications and college credits through community colleges.

We truly need Rebecca McClellan’s continued involvement and dedication to support Colorado students’ success.

Please use your vote wisely and cast a vote for Rebecca McClellan for Colorado State Board of Education.

Laura Levorsen Centennial

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AVINA

Joseph “Ralph” Avina

May 10, 1923 - October 18, 2022 Joseph “Ralph” Avina, age 99 died Tuesday October 18, 2022, peacefully at his home in Aurora surrounded by loved ones. He was a beautiful person who spread joy and happiness wherever he went and to whomever he met. Joseph was born May 10,1923 to Jose and Rose (Tarin) Avina in Punta de Aqua, N.M. He was the second of eight siblings. He and his family grew up in Wattenberg, CO. Joseph was a great family-oriented man. On May 18, 1941, he married Ramona (Garcia) Avina and together they had 5 children. ey were happily married for 81 years. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the 2nd Armored Division during World War II. is division played important roles in the invasion of Germany under Colonel George S. Patton. He was a Brigade Tank driver in Normandy’s ‘’Hell on Wheels” and the Rhineland region and believed that was what saved his life. He was the recipient of four distinguished medals, one being the Gold Conduct Medal, recognized for honorable service and given on a selective basis. It exempli es honor, conduct, e ciency, and delity. Words he valued and lived by throughout his life and instilled in his family. He was discharged in 1945, and immediately began working at Rocky Mountain National Arsenal. He was instrumental in implementing the Equal Employment Opportunity rights at the Arsenal. He remained Manager of this division until he retired in November 1978 at 55 years old. Joseph enjoyed reading, dancing, camping, and shing but took the most pride in spending time with family. He spent the rest of his retired life enjoying quality time with them, which he loved and cherished every moment. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, son Kenneth Avina and daughter Diane Morales. Joseph is survived by his wife, Ramona Avina; daughter, Christine and Alfred (Vialpando); daughter, Kathleen “Kitty” and Tony (Abeyta); daughter Joyce Sandoval; 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 8 great, great, grandchildren and one on the way. Funeral Services will be held at 10am Wednesday, October 26,2022 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Brighton, CO. Burial will take place at Fairmont Burial Gardens followed by a reception at the church rectory. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. “ ose we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near still loved, still missed and very dear.”