JPS-TV and the Jeffco Schools Foundation are partnering to present this special series, honoring Jeffco Public Schools students and teachers of extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
Meet 2016 Jeffco Hero Award honoree Dante Potter who is one of five Jeffco Public Schools students being recognized by the Jeffco Schools Foundation for their extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
For most seniors in Jeffco, high school is a time to finish up the studies, and start on a path of independence, new growth, and new responsibility. For Green Mountain High School’s Dante Potter, it’s a path he’s already walked. Because of an unstable and painful family background, this 18-year-old made the difficult decision to strike out on his own, and support himself.
“I just decided it wasn’t for me, and it wasn’t best for my education and my health at home. So I had to move out. So for the last four years I’ve been on my own,” explained Potter
In addition to a full class load at Green Mountain, Dante is paying the bills to keep a roof over his head and all that comes with it, not only for himself, but for his younger brother who lives with him.
“I mean, I’m trying to balance work and school and trying to raise a little guy,” he said.
To make ends meet, he works full time after school at the Molly Brown Summer House in Lakewood.
“I go to school, you know, 7:45 a.m. usually every day. I get out at about 2:45 p.m., depending on my day and my schedule. And then from there I go to work at 3:00 p.m., and I usually get off anytime from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.. So managing homework after that is kind of difficult, trying to make sure that the younger brother does his homework as well, make sure he has a clean pair of clothes in the morning, and has something to eat,” said Potter.
“I feel alone sometimes, just because of the fact that I’m doing all these different things and everybody kind of looks towards me for help,” said Potter.
Dante is laser focused on creating a strong, stable and successful future. For that reason, he’s set his sights on the military, with hopes of one day becoming a Navy SEAL.
“And I knew I didn’t just want to go into the military and be an average person,” said Potter
His principal, Colleen Owens, thinks the character, self-reliance and hard work he’s already shown, especially in his role as caregiver, makes that a very real possibility.
“He has been incredibly impressive. He has been such a strong self-advocate. That tenacity, that drive, that motivation in him is truly who he is,” said Owens.
His affection and respect for those who serve extends to his involvement in the Wounded Warrior project, and a Senior Capstone project to provide care packages to homeless vets. He may not be an officer yet, but Dante already leads, by example.
“You will do whatever you set out to do because that’s who you are,” said Owens.
Watch the JPS-TV version of this story here.