Denver school risks right-wing ire in seeking Obama commencement visit

Some Coloradans were sent into a fury over fears of socialist indoctrination when Pres. Obama recorded a video to be shown at public schools encouraging kids to study. Catholics showed up at the University of Notre Dame bearing posters of aborted fetuses when Obama gave a graduation commencement speech there. Now comes Gov. Bill Ritter, unabashed, asking Coloradans to support the top flight Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) in its drive to win a contest that would see Obama give the commencement speech at this year’s graduation.

“The Denver School of Science and Technology represents the very best in academic success in Colorado,” Gov. Ritter said. “I encourage all Coloradans to vote for DSST so we can showcase for the rest of the nation how the school is delivering a world-class education and allowing all of its student to achieve their full potential.”

DSST is one of six finalists in the contest, up against schools from California, Florida, Kansas, Michigan and Ohio. Coloradans can vote for the school online.

DSST submitted a video earlier this year to the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. The school pitched itself as an urban-open-enrollment public school that challenges students to compete with the best students in the nation.

“We try to create a culture here that says we affirm who you are,” School CEO Bill Kurtz said about the students. “You have an important place in our community and you have important gifts that we want to develop in you. Yet we are going to challenge and hold you accountable to be extraordinary.”

DSST is the only high school in Colorado that is ranked “distinguished” in the state. One hundred percent of its students are accepted to college. The school has enjoyed the fastest median growth in the state over the last three years.

“We try to provide access for all kids to the American dream. They become the next great innovator,” Kurtz said.

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