Jake Levinson, a 2020 graduate of Denver Academy and son of DA Director of Facilities Jim Levinson, will soon receive his college degree from
Hastings College in Nebraska with a double major in criminology and history. In late April, he received Hastings College's most prestigious award, the
2024 Bronco Award, which recognized Jake for his willingness to ask questions for greater understanding and for demonstrating the courage to expand himself in new areas.
See a video of Jake accepting the award here.
Read on for a Q&A with Jake.
How do you feel DA helped to get you where you are now?
Without Denver Academy, it’s probable that I would not have been able to receive a high school diploma. Denver Academy lifted me out of a really dark place when I first started there in seventh grade back in 2014, as I had been treated rather poorly in the public school system.
What do you love about what you are currently doing?
I have been treated remarkably well at Hastings College, and I have been able to participate a lot in the campus community, including being an RA (resident assistant) for three years.
What is the biggest thing you learned while attending DA?
I learned about the importance of keeping and maintaining a healthy and safe community, which I have definitely kept with me during my time at Hastings College.
Who were your favorite DA teachers?
Joe Senne, Shelby Soto, Gary MacMillan, and Fred Miller.
What was your favorite thing about Denver Academy?
The fact that I was completely safe while I was there from being treated badly for being different from other people.
Want to learn more about Denver Academy alumni? Click here to check out our Alumni Spotlights page.