College student recognized for outstanding achievements
Dakota Nack (left) with the President of Colorado Mesa University Tim Foster. Nack, an exceptional student, was pinned with the Presidential Scholar award for the spring term 2016 by earning a 4.0 GPA.
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Denise Kelley
Congratulations to Castle Pines resident Dakota Nack who received the Presidential Scholar award for the spring 2016 term by earning a 4.0 GPA at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). He was also awarded the Presidential Scholar honor in fall 2014. Nack, a very motivated college student, made the Dean’s List at the university for his fall and spring terms in 2015.
Nack is a 2014 graduate of Legend High School in Parker. His parents are Denise Kelley of Castle Pines and Dr. Steven Nack of Denver. His mother resides in the Forest Park neighborhood and is very proud of her son. “Our buttons are popping open at chest level from his excellent school work,” she exclaimed. “He has really applied himself in college and now has the confidence he needs to excel. We are all thrilled for him.”
“It felt amazing to be recognized for my hard work,” stated Nack. “I never thought I would be able to achieve my new goal in college to study hard and get good grades. I have no exact idea what my future career will be, but I do know I want to make a positive impact on the people around me in some way. I do want to attend law school; it seems like the right route for me.”
Nack is transferring to Arizona State University beginning fall quarter of 2016 after completing two years with honors at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction where he earned an associate of arts degree. He plans to major in philosophy, with emphasis on law, morality and politics. He intends to pursue a law degree. “Dakota will have many choices in his life, and as his mother,” noted Kelley, “I could not be more excited for his future.”
“One very important thing I would like to pass on to future college students is to GO TO CLASS,” emphasized Nack. “It seriously does wonders when you attend class.” A lesson well-learned by him. 
Proud mom Denise Kelley took a selfie with her son Dakota.
