AVID stands for Advancement via Individual Determination. It’s a fourth through 12th grade system to prepare students in the academic middle (B, C or even D students) for four-year college eligibility. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low income or minority families.Some of the SPHS seniors in AVID commented on their experience. AVID has helped encourage me to attend a four-year university,” said Kathleen Salas. “I would probably be stressing with all the university requirements and deadlines if it wasn’t for AVID.” Vanessa Sandoval said AVID has helped her see what is out there in the real world. “If it wasn’t for AVID I would be going into the Navy, but AVID has changed my mind,” she said. “AVID has made going to college easier.” “In my opinion the best aspect of AVID is the care the AVID coordinators have for each student,” said Joshua Mendoza. “They help each one of us and make sure we are on track.” Nancy Morales said that, thanks to AVID she stands where she does today. “I thank my AVID teachers for encouraging me and strengthening my desire to attend a four-year university,” she said.For more information on joining the AVID program at SPHS contact Melissa Binder at 525-4406, ext. 2432 or Bianca Lopez, counselor at ext. 2011.
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Seniors in the SPHS AVID program pose for the camera. (Bottom row, left to right): Melissa Binder, Teacher and Coordinator, Bertha Chavez, Miriam Magana, Yesenia Rosas, Veronica Esparza, Yanet Magana, Nancy Morales, Dulce Salazar, and Elzi Bobadilla. (Middle row, left to right): Karina Alferez, Robert Rocha, Joanna Cardenas, Barbara Oliva, Josh Mendoza, Jesus Medina, Jose Rios, Arlene Perez, Victoria Oliva, Lorena Chaidez, Mayra Mendez, Kathleen Salas, Tatiana Lugo, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Jose Estebes. (Back row, left to right): Juan Carlos Magana, Misael Ramirez, Leroy Contreras, Manuel Jimenez, Ruth Benitez, Vanessa Sandoval, Christian Berumen, Julie Cordova, Yoselin Mateo, Mauro Avila, and Jonathan Calderon. (Photo by Brian D. Wilson) |
SPHS AVID seniors apply to four-year universities
February 20, 2009
Santa Paula High School
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula TimesSeniors in the Santa Paula High School AVID program have all applied to four-year universities this year.There are 34 seniors in the program and, so far, 30 have received acceptance letters from both Cal State and University of California schools. AVID coordinator Melissa Binder says they expect a 100 percent acceptance rate. All AVID seniors are required to apply for scholarships each month.Last year 19 seniors applied to universities and all were accepted. There were 11 who attended four-year universities, while 10 others decided to take advantage of the Ventura College promise of free tuition for the first year. At the end of last year, 22 seniors in the 2008 AVID class had won over $66,000 in scholarships. “We are hoping to surpass that number this year,” Binder said.There are a total of 123 students in the AVID program at SPHS, one AVID class for each grade level. They hope to expand the program to two classes in each grade level next year. “All students are currently enrolled in an academic program that leads to the completion of four-year university eligibility requirements,” Binder added.
