News - “The evidence that hard work pays”

As friends, family members, teachers, and principals cheered them on, 117 high school seniors, led by Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston, donned multicolored silken cords around their necks to symbolize their completion of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.

Through AVID, these high-potential students – many of whom have been underachieving or come from low-income families – have received services designed to accelerate their academic progress and prepare them for college.

The 2007 AVID Senior Celebration, held on May 16 in the Chesapeake Room of Towson University’s University Union, honored seniors completing the AVID program at eight BCPS high schools: Dundalk, Kenwood, Milford Mill Academy, Owings Mills, Parkville, Pikesville, Randallstown, and Woodlawn.

Scholarships pouring in

Thus far, the first 40 students to report the scholarships they have received have amassed more than $1.28 million in scholarships, including one student, Dwight P. of Woodlawn High School, who has secured scholarships totaling $276,000. Among the other scholarship recipients, Brittany L., a senior at Dundalk High School, has been awarded a coveted $20,000 Dell Scholarship. Brittany is the first BCPS AVID student to receive this scholarship from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and one of only 147 students nationwide to receive this honor this year. Brittany also received a four-year scholarship to Villa Julie College totaling $60,000.00.

In his remarks to the seniors, Superintendent Hairston said, “The real fiber and consciousness of this country are ordinary people….like you, who earn success the old-fashioned way – by working for it. You become the evidence that hard work pays. I am extremely proud of you.”

Superintendent Hairston added, “There are moments in life that each and every one of us will never forget. They become inspiration for us later in life.” He asked the students to think about where they were four years ago and asked, “Did you imagine that you would be going to college, winning scholarships, or being recognized this way? This is living proof and evidence of your potential and what you can accomplish.”

Students stand to place red, blue, and gold cords around their necks, symbolizing their successful completion of the AVID program.

Academics and empowerment

During much of the program, students thanked Superintendent Hairston, the Board of Education, AVID administrators, principals, teachers, and parents for their unwavering support.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Sonia Diaz commented in her remarks about the way that students were expressing their appreciation. “AVID,” she noted, “is not just about academics. It is also about changing attitudes and perspectives. It is about empowerment. In the way that you are expressing care to parents, teachers, and the Superintendent, I see a level of care and deference that demonstrates that there is a level of sophistication to how you have evolved.”

She asked the graduating seniors to keep in touch with the school system. “You are about to become someone you thought you would never be,” she concluded.

Lasting impact as students enter college

The event also featured remarks from AVID/College Board District Coordinator Dr. Jessie L. Douglas and from Jason Dailey, a member of AVID’s first graduating class in 2006 and now a rising sophomore at Lincoln University. Jason participated in AVID at Milford Mill Academy after enduring a family tragedy.

“AVID was like my second family,” he said. “Their support reignited my desire to succeed.” Jason specifically noted that the program instilled in him organizational and leadership skills, confidence to participate in class discussions, and an understanding of the importance of being well-rounded. “AVID gives you a taste of the real world,” Jason noted, “and it all falls into place once you step onto a college campus.” With a 3.1 GPA, Jason is doing well in classes and is an active part of the school community, particularly as the host of a sports show on the college’s radio station.

AVID/College Board District Coordinator Dr. Jessie Douglas offers concluding remarks.

More about AVID in Baltimore County schools

According to Superintendent Hairston, “AVID enhances the performance of students and school staff and raises the level of expectation for all students in a school. AVID provides structure, a format, a platform, that reinforces what every good school should do: identify student potential and shine light on it; nurture positive relationships between teachers and students; enhance teachers through professional development; challenge students to take on increasingly rigorous coursework, and introduce all students to a world of greater opportunity and possibility.”

“The success of our AVID students,” Dr. Hairston continued, “proves yet again that all children can excel when they are challenged and given sufficient supports. AVID is completely aligned with our Blueprint for Progress and our commitment to increased academic rigor and expanded opportunities for all students.”

The key components of AVID in BCPS are: a daily AVID elective class focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading; rigorous courses and critical thinking skills; focus on organizational and management skills (Cornell Notes and organized notebooks); college preparation and tours; PSAT/SAT training and practice; paid AVID-trained college tutors from Civic Works, an AmeriCorps program; continuous professional development for school staff; and career goal planning.

Data shows that in Baltimore County schools AVID improves attendance, increases student participation in highly rigorous courses (such as Gifted and Talented, Honors, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement), increases PSAT participation, and increases High School Assessment pass rates – in algebra, biology, government, and English.

Before the event begins, Board of Education Member Fran Harris, Ombudsman Dr. Carol Batoff, Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Sonia Diaz, and Randallstown High School Principal Tom Evans gather to discuss AVID successes.

Raising student achievement, changing lives

Before and throughout the event, AVID students shared their personal stories of the impact the program has had on their lives.

Brittany G., an AVID senior at Owings Mills High School, said, “Although there were times when I questioned the purpose of AVID, I soon realized that it was because I was not using it to its fullest, like a pen when no one is writing with it. After that, I can honestly say that AVID has helped me to get through high school, and what I learned in AVID will take me through the rest of my educational career.” She credits the program with providing stability for her throughout high school, exposing her to various colleges, and providing her with opportunities to travel and participate in cultural activities.

Toma B., another AVID student at Owings Mills High School, moved to the United States just one year ago and found that AVID eased the transition. “It seemed to me that the world was passing me by,” she said, “and I was not even moving. Suddenly, I realized that I must wake up and do something. It was the end of the midterm exams when everyone was doing class schedules for next year. It was at that time when my AVID teacher really helped me. I talked with her and discussed all the requirements for colleges and the advantages of rigorous classes. She gave me some real life examples that helped me make my decisions. Even if I groaned about how difficult everything was for me, the AVID teacher pushed me a little bit harder because she saw that I can handle it.” Toma, an Honors Roll and Principal’s List student, plans to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture.

Eric C., an AVID senior from Parkville High School, said, "AVID has been my kickstand in life. When I am struggling I can always lean back on AVID and gather my thoughts. Without AVID in my life, I don’t know what I would have become.” Through AVID, Eric discovered Baltimore International College where he plans to study restaurant management and hospitality.

“AVID has helped me immensely in becoming a more successful person,” Eric concluded. “It has opened doors that may have stayed closed. If I did not join this wonderful program, then my future may not be as promising.”

Story by Diana L. Spencer, communications officer. Photos by Rita Leiby and Tedd Wilson, multimedia communications teachers, Pikesville High School.

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