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Alumni Spotlights

Jenna Conte, ’13: Registered Nurse

Jenna Conte has shown grit and resilience since her graduation from DA in 2013. She attended Fort Lewis College in Durango in the Fall of 2013 until she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, at which time she took a break from school to adjust to her diagnosis. But this health scare did not stop her. Soon she was attending Arapahoe Community College where she earned her Associate of Science in 2020. Recently Jenna earned her BS and RN in Nursing at the Denver College of Nursing. She worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide while attending school.

After taking and passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination for nurses), Jenna’s long-term goal is to work in a hospice setting. Her more immediate goal is to start her nursing career in a hospital setting or a corrections facility.

How did Denver Academy impact your education and life choices?
“DA really gave me the confidence to be comfortable as a student with ADHD. The supportive, fun, and understanding staff gave me a chance to grow as a person and as a student. I couldn’t have done it without the foundation that DA gave me. My favorite thing about DA was the teaching approach. We had more freedom to really learn and grasp concepts because they were taught in incredible ways! The biggest thing I learned at DA was that it was awesome to be who I am. Once I gained some confidence in myself, I believed that I could achieve anything!

Who influenced your time at Denver Academy?
I loved everyone from my senior class teachers to my coaches! Some of the most influential were Leah Koliha and Bobby Duhamel.

Why did you choose a nursing career?
I love being able to help others. I also love the different adventures and challenges that nursing offers every day.
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