AVID Recognition Night provides opportunity for students to share success stories

AVID Recognition Night provides opportunity for students to share success stories
Walla Walla High School, in coordination with WSU Gear Up, recently presented the AVID Recognition Night dinner and awards ceremony at the school's Commons. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an elementary through post-secondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. Learn more at: http://www.avid.org.

Many of the nearly 100 students participating in the AVID program will be the first in their families to attend college. This structured academic and social enrichment program is an elective class based on best practices for teaching and learning.

AVID offers students an opportunity to participate in college visits, listen to local and regional guest speakers, learn skills to improve note taking and study habits and get involved in school projects to enhance their leadership development.

"AVID is not a Hispanic program, but we tend to have a number of Hispanic students participating, so it's a great way to connect with students and their families," said Mike Gobel, Walla Walla High School Math and AVID teacher. "This program allows students to see the hope and dream of going to college is a reality and something they can accomplish."

Students talked openly how the AVID program and teachers have enhanced their high school experience and opened doors to a brighter future. Student speakers said AVID is about hope, self determination and people who care.

AVID Recognition Night Program Agenda:
Dinner - Provided by Gear Up Program
Guitar music - Juan Villegas
Welcome - Berenice Salazar and Dakota Vails
AVID Student Speakers - Brittani Stocke, Viviana Castillo, Yvonne Segovia, Rubi Villegas
Introduction of Guest Speaker - Chelsea Moss and Janella Bermudez
Guest Speaker - Veronica Sandau
Presentation of Academic Certificates - Pete Peterson, Principal; Mira Gobel, Assistant Principal; Jason Knittel, Alicia Knotts, Jaspreet Gill, and Matt Ozuna (AVID Elective Tutors)
Closing Comments - Jose Beleche and Juan Villegas