ACC Alumni Spotlight: Jesse Penton

ACC Alum Jesse Penton (left) | "Shadowlight: The Celestial Hunters" book cover (right)

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) alumnus Jesse Penton recently published his first science fiction fantasy novel titled Shadowlight: The Celestial Hunters.

We caught up with Jesse to talk about his novel, his time in the Elevate at ACC program, and how his education at ACC has Moved Mountains for his personal and professional development.

Tell us about Shadowlight: The Celestial Hunters

The book, which is dedicated to Elevate, combines action, emotion, music-driven energy systems, and cosmic mythology into a unique story centered on identity, resilience, and hope. The story was developed through extensive worldbuilding and character design, creating an original universe filled with Sky Guardians, Celestial Hunters, and the mysterious force known as the Veil.

It's available on Amazon (paperback or Kindle) and is well-suited for readers who enjoy character-driven science fiction fantasy, slow-burn emotional connections, immersive worldbuilding, cosmic mystery, and anime-inspired storytelling with novel-style depth.

What does it mean to you to be a published author?

Lots of dedication, editing, and creative development. Becoming a published author is an exciting milestone in my creative journey as a storyteller, and it has really helped my confidence.

Take us back to your time at ACC

I was a third-generation ACC student in my family, and I began the Elevate program during COVID. I earned my Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate (focus on Photography) through Elevate in May 2024. ACC helped pave the way for building my confidence, advocating for myself, workforce skills, and personal development.

Jesse Penton – 2026 update

My passions are creative writing and photography. I work as a freelance photographer (Galactic Lens Studios, LLC) and plan to author more books in the near future. Shadowlight: The Celestial Hunters is just the first novel in what will be a series.

Elevate at ACC is an inclusive post-secondary transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Elevate students collaborate with program coordinators to draft and implement an individualized plan of study. Specific courses are determined based on skills and competencies necessary for students to achieve identified academic and employment goals.

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