AVID not only describes an academically-challenging program but also the fervor of the first four students who will graduate from Apache Junction’s High School’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.
This year marks the first year of AVID graduates from Apache Junction Unified School District. A special banquet funded by the AJ Elks Lodge will be held May 1to celebrate Ezme Miranda Garcia, Hannah Compton, Gicel Ayon Beltran and Giselle Soto Dominguez who will be the first Prospectors to graduate from the rigorous program.
The four young women started AVID in 8th grade when it was first introduced to AJUSD and have continued their diligent efforts throughout junior high and high school.
“These students have been through COVID, online learning, and instructor changes altogether,” said Liz Savolt, who along with Richard Barner serve as AVID instructors at the high school. “Ezme', Gisele, Hannah, and Gicel will be our first success stories! Gisele is part of EVIT and will be headed to a community college to pursue her passion to become a traveling Radiology Tech. Ezme' has accepted enrollment at Mesa Community College. Gicel and Hannah will both attend Central Arizona College in the Fall.”
AVID encourages inquiry-based learning and helps students understand the importance of becoming college and career ready right now. The curriculum covers writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. AVID students also receive extensive help in preparing college applications and financial aid forms.
Elks Lodge 2349 in Apache Junction donated $2,500 for AVID students, their families, as well as the AVID instructors to enjoy a celebratory dinner to commemorate the first AVID graduation in the school district. It is a first for both the students and many of their instructors.
“As an AVID family we want to recognize the hard work the seniors accomplished to reach their goal of graduating and heading out on a post-secondary educational path,” said Barner. “We also want to thank the AJ Elks Lodge for their generous support.”
Both Barner and Savolt praised the efforts of the graduating seniors.
“I have enjoyed getting to know these four young ladies over the past two years as their AVID instructor. Each one of them has so many special skills that they have developed throughout their high school AVID experience. I see the passion in each one, and I know that each one of them has a bright future ahead of them,” said Savolt.