2019 Seniors
Francis Almanza
Mapleton School of Expeditionary Learning, Class of 2019
Community College of Denver, Class of 2021
What are you proud of in this last year of high school? I'm proud of the knowledge I've been able to gain through the research I've done for my senior projects such as Latinx queer identity and mental health.What will you miss about ArtLab? I am going to miss the freedom I feel here. Knowing I'm not going to be judged I can just freely express myself through my art.Something you love about yourself? I love that I've been able ti accept myself as an artist.If you could shape shift into something what would it be? If I could shapeshift into something I'd want to shape shift into a rocket ship so that I can see the start closer.Sweetest thing? Listening to music on blast with earbuds in while drawing is the sweetest thing.What is your hope for your generation? I hope that my generation continues to rise up and resist against the issues affecting us.Where do you see yourself in the future?I see myself owning my own punk/resistance themed ice cream shop where badass people can meet and plan for their next protest/lobbying mission.What do you hope your 80 year old self will say about life? Hell yeah, I just did that!Famous last words? Down with the patriarchy, Resist! 
Jailyn Franco
Academy of Urban Learning, Class of 2019
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, Class of 2023
What are you proud of in this last year of high school? Finishing high school a year early and starting school at CCD.What will you miss about ArtLab? The people, the projects, environment of rad people and sourdough bread.Something you love about yourself? Everything I guess, but more of the caring part of myself.If you could shape shift into something what would it be? Water, mist in the air.Sweetest thing? Chocolate! I love chocolate.What is your hope for your generation? A calm, non-violent, diverse community.Where do you see yourself in the future?Traveling the world, making art.What do you hope your 80 year old self will say about life? It was a good life.Famous last words? Be great and do great :). 
Axel Leonhardt
Golden High School Class of 2019
University of Colorado-Denver, Class of 2023
What are you proud of in this last year of high school? Winning multiple awards for my art, getting into college!, completing most of my AP pieces on time and Coffee with Gen Z!What will you miss about ArtLab? I'll miss Amanda and Rebecca, my estranged parents. I'll miss all the creative, wonderful souls that are the interns here. Most importantly, I'll miss the opportunity to meet a cool new artist every few weeks.Something you love about yourself? I love how charismatic and energetic I am. I'm full of ideas and I'm passionate about every single one of them.If you could shape shift into something what would it be? A bear. Because no one fucks with bears.Sweetest thing? My girlfriend! Rebecca's bread! Hot tea in the morning! (As you can see, I'm quite indecisive).What is your hope for your generation? My hope is that we can grow together and learn to take the blame for our mistakes through that. My hope is that America can adapt more socialist ideas.Where do you see yourself in the future?I would love to be in a tattoo shop, learning the trade and meeting a ton of artists. I'd like to live in the city with my dogs.What do you hope your 80 year old self will say about life? I hope I can say with confidence that I had loved hard, I was bold and I never stopped creating.Famous last words? "It'll be fine, dude." 
Jose Robles
Rise Up Community School, Class of 2019
What are you proud of in this last year of high school? I'm proud that I actually graduated this last year after dropping out 3 years ago. I didn't think I was going to be able to, but the Rise Up Community School gave me the opportunity.What will you miss about ArtLab? The people in ArtLab. Lots of different personalities but all great hearts. I talked to people I would have never though I would and grew to like them as friends.Something you love about yourself? I love that I have a lot of compassion and sympathy, I just have a good heart and I love that.If you could shape shift into something what would it be? If I could shape shift into it would be a goat! I love goats, they're cute and funny.Sweetest thing? Sugar? I don't know, but when it comes to sweets, I LOVE DONUTS!What is your hope for your generation? I hope people become more accepting, enough with the segregation, just love on another and accept people for who they are.Where do you see yourself in the future?I imagine myself either continuing school and getting more art training, to become a tattoo artist or become an electrician.What do you hope your 80 year old self will say about life? Life was good, every bad and good choice I made led me here and it was worth it!Famous last words? Satanic crow!
Isnino Salat
Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning, Class of 2019
Front Range Community College Class of 2021
What are you proud of in this last year of high school? I am proud of my work ethic this year. My ability to be persistent was really amazing.What will you miss about ArtLab? I will miss the close community and the opportunity to discuss world issues with this group.Something you love about yourself? My humor.If you could shape shift into something what would it be? A bird.Sweetest thing? love?What is your hope for your generation? I would like better opportunities to be accessible to everyone no matter race, gender, class, anything!Where do you see yourself in the future?As a nurse traveling the world.What do you hope your 80 year old self will say about life? That I lived with little to no regrets.Famous last words? Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
