Denver Academy Track Athletes Make School History and Set Records at 1A State 2023 Track & Field Championships

DENVER (June 2, 2023) — Denver Academy (DA), an independent school serving students with diverse learning profiles in grades 2-12, is proud to announce its first-ever student-athlete state champions!

 

Denver Academy juniors DJ Harris and Bodin Bichon made school history at the Colorado Track & Field 1A State Meet in May. With a time of 11.15 seconds in the 100-meter dash, Denver Academy junior DJ Harris shattered the previous state record set in 2019 and claimed first place. DJ also placed first in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.7 seconds, coming close to the state record set in 2014. Bodin Bichon claimed third place in the 400-meter dash, achieving a new personal best of 51.84 seconds. 

 

DJ Harris has been at Denver Academy since 6th Grade and qualified for the High School 1A Colorado Track & Field State Championships in the long jump last year as a sophomore. This is Bodin Bichon’s first year at DA and on the school’s High School Track & Field Team. A ceremony celebrating the athletes was held at Denver Academy’s annual Yearbook Signing and BBQ on Monday, May 22.

 

As stated by Denver Academy’s Athletic Director Elijah Bonner, “This story goes far beyond mere athletic achievements. What makes this triumphant moment extraordinary is the backdrop against which it unfolded. Both DJ and Bodin have experienced the unprecedented challenges and heartaches of the global pandemic that plagued us all in 2020. In the face of adversity, they persevered, refusing to let their dreams of becoming track athletes and state champions disappear.”

 

With this victory, DJ Harris becomes the second Colorado State Track & Field champion in his family. DJ’s mother, Stephanie Newson, won first place in the 5A Colorado State Track & Field girls' long jump competition in 1998! DJ Harris’ grandparents, Leonard and Sally Newson, also have a history as track and field champions having both been on the Track and Field Teams at Western Illinois University and earning the honor of becoming All-American athletes. Leonard Newson has been coaching his grandson since DJ started running at the age of 6.   

 

Founded in 1972, Denver Academy believes that students thrive when taught in the way they learn best. DA is one of the top schools in the nation dedicated to teaching a diverse group of learners, including those with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. DA’s innovative, proven learning model is based on the balanced application of classroom management, information processing, and academic literacy. Small class sizes of 12-14 students facilitate student-centered differentiated instruction. Flexible placement and several academic levels within each core subject, including honors classes and advanced coursework, allow faculty to teach to each student’s optimal level. For more information, visit www.denveracademy.org.

 

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(Additional photos and video available upon request.)