Guaranteed Success?

Clearly we are in the time of year when we are in a flat-out race to graduation in June. Last night was no exception with the Annual Senior Recognition Ceremony for our AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) students. The experience is somewhat like attending a rock concert (with overflow chairs outside that were in use) with these 2000+ students that are excited by their accomplishments, school spirit, future ahead of them, and well just their excitement. It was exuberant noise, jumping up and down happy, and when requested the “quietest hand clapping” you can imagine. These students were representative of Riverside County only and 46 of the 50 high schools in the county.


These predominantly first-time college attendees had received 1,624 acceptance letters to date with more arriving every day. Ultimately 90% will have letters of acceptance. Many (most) will have multiple acceptances with consistent scholarship opportunities. 25% of the crowd had been accepted and were anticipating attending UCR which might explain why we were on the UCR campus with Chancellor White hosting us.

Our flagship AVID program at Ramona HS, which is 22 years old, is a good example of the kind of experience most of the AVID students receive across the county including our other high schools. The AVID class at Ramona is the largest in the nation (and the history of AVID) at 113 strong (exceeding last year’s record class of 104). To date they had received 395 letters of acceptance (averaging over 3 acceptances per student) and $1.5 million in scholarships (on the way to $2 million).

What a great program and the focus is all about learning and achievement. Where else can you sign up for a class and have 90+% chance of being accepted to college with a scholarship (or two) and the keys to a bright future? However, I must say that the biggest applause and recognition for the evening was reserved for the AVID teachers and counselors that continue to lead the way. Well-done!!