Jolynn Montiel

Junior Jeremy Piacenza reads a novel during his IB English class.

Jeremy Piacenza is a junior at Greeley West who keeps up in his IB classes while also helping out around the school.

As a freshman, Piacenza started to help in a sport not a lot of people tend to think about: Unified Bowling. He was long-time friends with Nevaeh White which encouraged him more to participate in the sport. “I’ve had a friend since kindergarten that’s a part of the Unified Program. Her mom wanted me to be her partner for the program. It’s more of an experience for her and I just help her,” Piacenza expressed. 

With IB and theater, he was influenced by his parents and friends to join. “I started IB to be in a lot of classes with my friends, and my parents wanted me to,” Piacenza explained. 

“I don’t really like doing stuff alone. I wouldn’t be involved in theater or anything else if it weren’t for my friends,” Piacenza stated. 

In his situation, communication is key. “I manage my time by communicating with everyone. I communicate with Frem, my boss, and my coaches for Unified Bowling,” Piacenza said. 

English teacher Ms. Whitney Upshaw spoke highly of Piacenza. “I love his energy and enthusiasm. He is always very compassionate with other kids and he is a joy to be around.”

Upshaw said that she’s really noticed a change in Piacenza since his freshman year.  “Freshman year, he was struggling to find his place. But I think he’s done a good job finding his footing and his voice at West,” Upshaw said. “I think he is very fortunate to have a strong support system between his friends, family, and others he associates with, and he’s done a good job advocating for himself.”