Walla Walla High School AVID Seniors celebrate during recognition evening

Walla Walla High School AVID Seniors celebrate during recognition evening
Thursday night 15 Walla Walla High School seniors involved in the AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, program were honored for their accomplishments during a Senior Recognition Night celebration at the school's commons.

These students represent the first class of seniors who have been involved in the program since it began during their sophomore year. The AVID program supports students by providing them with skills necessary to be successful in college. All 15 seniors plan to continue their education in college or the military.

Currently there are 100 students involved in the program at Walla Walla High School with plans to expand to 125 students next year. AVID students are expected to access rigorous curriculum and the elective class is an avenue for students to acquire the skills in communication, critical thinking, note-taking, peer-tutoring, organization and time-management. In addition, the AVID elective class becomes a family. Students stay together for four years with the same group of peers and teachers where deep relationships are nurtured. AVID is also offered at Garrison and Pioneer Middle Schools.

"AVID helped give me the vision to become the great student I am today," said Senior Janella Bermudez, who is also one of the school's four Valedictorians with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. "The support I received in AVID from teachers and my classmates allowed me to focus on making a college education more than just a dream."

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Linda Boggs, Walla Walla High School Principal Pete Peterson and Walla Walla High School Associate Principal Mira Gobel presented the awards to the students during the event. Teachers Sherry McConn, Mike Gobel and Mary Matau are the school's AVID teachers this year.

Next year, teachers Carina Stillman and Vivian Glaeser will join the AVID team. AVID students praised their parents and family members for their support. They also said the support they received from their teachers and AVID support staff made the evening possible.

"These students mean everything to me," said teacher Sherry McConn. "I am so proud of them for all their hard work and determination."

The Walla Walla High School Culinary Arts students, under the leadership of teacher Barbara Buttice, served a delicious dessert to those in attendance. Mireya Vargas offered translation services and the Wa-Hi Floriculture students, under the direction of teacher Arch McHie, made beautiful flower arrangements. Students in the Computer/Media Technology program in Dennis DeBroeck's class made a inspirational video set to music highlighting the messages the students wanted to share.

Class of 2011 AVID Seniors: Jose Beleche, Janella Bermudez, Jahaira Chavez, Beatriz Fuentes, Lizzette Gomez, Zitlalli Lopez, Sarai Luna, Angelica Meza, Chelsea Moss, Berenice Salazar, Dakota Vails, Juan Villegas, Rubi Villegas, Lucy Zamora and Nancy Zamora.