The Colorado Department of Education recently selected Martinez Elementary School for the second year in a row to receive the “Colorado Centers of Excellence Award” for demonstrating high rates of academic growth.

The Centers of Excellence program was authorized by the Colorado Legislature in 2009 to recognize and reward the success of schools that produce outstanding longitudinal academic growth while enrolling a student body that is at least 75 percent at-risk. 18 schools across Colorado, including Martinez, were among this year’s honorees.

“I have had the privilege of serving the community of Billie Martinez for the past 17 years,” said Principal Monica Draper. “To be honored two years in a row with this Center of Excellence award lets me know that all the hard work we do here matters in such big ways. Our students deserve the very best we can give them! Working with our school community, we, together, have been able to provide high quality instruction over time that is making a lifetime difference. I am honored to just be a small part of the work that happens here at Billie Martinez.” 

State Board of Education members Lisa Escárcega, Kathy Gebhardt, and Kathy Plomer, along with Colorado Education Commissioner Dr. Susana Córdova, presented the award to Monica Draper, principal of Martinez Elementary, and Wes Tuttle, assistant superintendent of elementary leadership, at the Denver Art Museum.