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Armando Ascencio

Armando was born in Compton, California. He, his mother and their three sisters moved to Commerce City Colorado when he was ten years old. He is a 2008 graduate of Adams City High School now working at Fed Ex in Commerce City. Armando is also a graduate of Marine corps boot camp. He is an extremely hard worker and very determined young man. He reaches youth who come off as tough and macho and is adept at encouraging them to not be afraid to reach out for help.

“Alfredo and I were like brothers. We always had fun together and even though he has been gone seven years there isn’t a day that goes by that I do not still miss him. I want to especially tell other males to never be too proud to ask for help. We all fall down in life sometimes and when you do there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help so you can get back on your feet again”.

~Armando Ascencio

 

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Isiah Maestas

Isiah was born and raised In Commerce City Colorado. He is known for his unique ability to maintain a positive perspective in the face of adversity. Despite many episodes of homelessness and disruption in his life he is able to constantly look at the bright side of life and continue to move forward. He was a 2010 graduate of Prairie View High School. He is currently a teaching assistant at Adams City Middle School.

“The reason I do what I do is because I want to help inspire the youth and help prevent suicide in the teenage population. I have lost many friends to suicide and it still happens to this day. I get motivated after every workshop because I know I have helped someone with their problem, and I know I’m helping spread the word to stop suicide. It’s the best feeling when people come up to me and thank me for what I do. Just want everyone to know that…YOU are important in life and are here for a reason. It’s never too late to start the day over.”

~Isiah Maestas

 

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Vanessa Mogollon

Vanessa was born and raised in Thornton, CO and is also a 2008 graduate of Adams School District 14. She is a strong and sensitive young woman who is passionate about talking to young girls about healthy assertiveness and esteem. She is currently working as a dental assistant in Thornton Colorado.

Hi, my names Vanessa and I lost my best friend in 2007 to suicide we were 15 years old my life has never been the same since. I never thought I would lose my best friend to suicide the pain, heartache and loneliness I deal with to this day is so unreal there is never a day goes by that I don’t miss him or think about him I would never want anybody to feel this way EVER I do this because life is so precious and worth living I may not be able to save everyone but if I can save just one person then that is enough for me. Rest in Peace Alfredo Melendez, Timmy Duran, Rael Gutierrez and anybody who has passed due to suicide.

~Vanessa Mogollon

 

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Kyle Kelly

Kyle has devoted the past nine years of his life working as a therapist serving children, adolescents and their families. For the past five years he has been in private practice. His continued areas of passion include treating childhood trauma, working with adopted children, and suicide prevention among children and teens.

“Alfredo was a vibrant, charismatic, and intelligent young man. When he took his own life he left us far too early. It makes me very sad to think of all he could have accomplished if he were still with us. We want to honor his memory by trying to help prevent youth suicide and we want to send the message that any young person who is a positive influence in their community is helping to be part of the solution to this tragic problem of youth suicide.”

~Kyle Kelly

 

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