A Heart Full of HOPE
Kristin with HOPE staff and Diozanne or “D” from Hope at Tetra Academy at the 2014 HOPE Talent Show
By Amanda Kalina, Communications Manager, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op
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ince 2012, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op has annually recognized one of their staff members “who enthusiastically brings hope, commitment and a sense of team to every relationship, task and activity.” This year’s recipient of the Heart of HOPE, honored at HOPE’s graduation ceremony on May 22 at Metro State’s PE Event Center, was Kristin Angelos, who serves as HOPE’s student services administrator. Angelos started with HOPE in the summer of 2010. Her first role was helping with vision and hearing screenings. Since that time she has served in many roles from a substitute mentor at Front Range Academy – Elmira, a HOPE Learning Center in Aurora, to a HOPE Admissions representative. But the biggest asset Angelos brings to HOPE is her willingness to jump in and help with any HOPE department or Learning Center assignment. In fact, last year she volunteered her own time to help with many of the HOPE student activities. “I like the people, love the students and enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from working at HOPE,” said Angelos. One of her favorite activities at HOPE is the basketball league. She particularly enjoys the annual HOPE Court of Dreams basketball event for high school boys held at the Pepsi Center. Another project favorite is developing physical education curriculum for HOPE. Sports is a passion of Angelos. One of her long-term goals is to start a sports-focused non-profit that works with at-risk kids. Currently she is pursuing a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Northern Colorado, a program she remotely attends on the weekends from a satellite campus in Colorado Springs. “I’m inspired through making a positive impact on the futures of atrisk kids,” she said. Besides her work at HOPE, Kristin also volunteers for the Denver Dream Center, which provides programming for children in need throughout the Denver area. “I’m getting a lot of great experience (working at HOPE),” she said. “I
Heather O'Mara awarding Kristin Angelos the Heart of HOPE 2014
was surprised to get the (Heart of HOPE) award, but very honored. There are so many deserving people of this award at HOPE.” Prior to joining HOPE, Angelos spent time with AmeriCorps, University of Dreams (now called Dream Careers) and in customer service for a heating/plumbing company. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver in communications. But, from her early days, according to her mother, she has “always had an amazing amount of strength and determination.” “From as far back as I can remember, you have always had such love and compassion for others, especially those not as fortunate as you were. I can’t even put in to words how proud I am of you. Not only for all that you have accomplished but for who you are,” said Angelos mother, Patty. By her colleagues, she is described as thoughtful, loyal, determined, selfless, generous, joyful, creative, glowing and flawless. “She already has the heart of HOPE. She is already appreciated and loved by so many of the HOPE family,” said one of her nominators, Melanie Stone, HOPE’s director of activities and athletics. “I put my heart in to what I do. It comes natural. I really enjoy what I do (at HOPE),” she said. Angelos’ supervisor, Susan McAlonan, Ph.D., director of student of services for HOPE, describes her as an “anchor of the student services team.” “Kristin exemplifies teamwork. I love her work ethic of no job is too big or too small for her to invest her time,” said McAlonan. “She is rare individual and true treasure to HOPE.” Kristin Angelos is just one example of the dedicated and passionate
employees who put a lot of heart in to their work at HOPE Online Learning Academy. “HOPE is truly a special place to work. I am blessed to have a great staff who work day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of children in Colorado,” said Heather O’Mara, CEO/founder of HOPE. Now Enrolling for 2014-2015 School Year It’s enrollment season for HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op. You are invited to learn more about how HOPE’s unique blended online/offline educational model with individualized learning plans can help your k-12 child reach academic success. HOPE is a free education option for children throughout Colorado. HOPE Learning Centers are operated from Fort Collins to Greeley, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. In addition to education offerings, HOPE students participate in extra-curricular activities from competitive sports to music, specialty clubs and school dances. For more information on how HOPE can make a difference for your family, visit hopeonline.org or call 720-4023000.
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FRI. A AUG. UG. 29 - MON. SEP SEP.. 1 CIVIC CENTER PPARK ARK DO DOWNTOWN WNT OWN DENVER OVER O VER 50 RES RESTAURANTS TAURANTS KIDS’ ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES & MUSIC MAIN SSTAGE TAGE W WITH ITH NATIONAL NATIONAL ACTS ACTS & CULINARY CULINARY DEMONSTRATIONS DEMONSTRA TRATIONS TIONS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT ON 5 SSTAGES TAGES EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL & INTERACTIVE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS OVER OVER 250 AR ARTS TS & CRAFTS CARNIVAL CARNIV ARNIVAL AL RIDES & MORE MARK ETPLACE BOOTHS BOOTHS MARKETPLACE FRI 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM S SAT-SUN AT-SUN 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM MON 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
STAGE SHOW ALTH COLORADO MAIN HE SS CE AC E TH R TE AF FIREWORKS FRIDAY A T A S T E O F C O L O R A D O . C O M
Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – August 2014
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