Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Every day at Denver Public Schools, the DPS experience comes to life through students, educators, families, and community. Through passionate learning, personalized support, powerful impact, prestigious achievement and being proud of who they are, each individual at DPS helps shape it vibrant community. You can see many of these powerful stories here, but read on for this feature on one DPS student: Olivia.

Olivia Viola is a key example of the passion that blooms among DPS students. As a fifth grader, the world is full of possibilities. For Olivia, reflecting on her formative years at Cory Elementary is not just about academics; it’s about the journey of self-discovery. Exploring her passions in volunteering, community, and service led her to realize a school can be more than just classrooms.

At Cory, Olivia found a community built on support and opportunity. Her love for the arts blossomed — she even wrote a historical-fantasy chapter book, now proudly displayed in the Cory Library for generations to read. 

She is a part of a theatre company, which develops important life skills.

"Theatre really gives her the confidence to work with different types of people," said her teacher, Ms. Miller, who notices Olivia's natural leadership during group projects.

“Her drive for learning is infused in everything she does,” Ms. Miller said.

Olivia is a positive light shining throughout Cory. You might find her volunteering weekly with first-grade students in Ms. Keldin's class, a former teacher so beloved by Olivia that she named one of the Cory chickens after her! Olivia helps sell eggs from these chickens at local farmers' markets, alongside other handcrafted items from the school community. She exists in every corner of the school, whether she's running errands for Secretary Ms. Debbie or bringing joy to younger students with special needs, with whom she plays and supports social-emotional learning twice a week.

“Seeing the look on those students' faces when you help them is a really fulfilling feeling,” Olivia said.

Principal Wieser beams when speaking of Olivia: "She always wants to ensure our kids are thriving, they feel connected and supported. She is just a gift to our school,” Principal Wieser said.

Olivia's journey at Cory has been one of growth, service and individuality. She hopes to attend Denver School of the Arts, one of DPS's most prestigious arts education programs.

Olivia's story is a powerful reminder of the power of giving back to your community.

“Doing things that are helpful to your community is something that everyone can do," she said.

Olivia’s journey at Cory Elementary exemplifies how Denver Public Schools fosters not just academic excellence but also compassionate leaders and determined individuals ready to explore their passions. To learn more about enrolling your student at DPS, fill out the SchoolChoice information form, call the SchoolChoice Hotline at 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org. 

The DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 application window for the 2026-27 school year opens at 10 am on December 2, 2025 and runs through Jan. 20, 2026 at 4 pm. Maybe your child will be a featured DPS student success story in the years to come! 

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

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