Hamilton High School’s inaugural class of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students took a big step toward their college dreams on Friday, September 20. Twenty-eight sophomore students signed pledges that symbolize their determination to pursue higher education and lifelong learning during the ceremony held at Hamilton High School.
“This ceremony is a celebration of our students’ hard work, resilience and future aspirations,” said Hamilton High School Counselor and AVID Site Member Tricia Rigg. “We are incredibly proud of these students for taking this important step toward achieving their academic and career goals.”
“The things you’ll be working on are really towards your long term goals for after you’re done with high school,” Hamilton High School Principal Dominic Bauer told students and family members attending the ceremony. Bauer went on to say that the first group of AVID students will always be celebrated.
“The AVID college and career readiness framework relies on high quality instruction, dedicated leadership, intentional systems and a positive and safe culture for students and staff,” explains Hamilton High School Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist and AVID Site Coordinator Kaitlin Schumaker.
AVID supports students in developing skills like communicating, collaborating and thinking critically to gain the confidence and resilience they’ll need to become successful after high school. Students enrolled in the AVID Elective Course receive additional academic, social and emotional support to help them succeed in their most rigorous courses. AVID can affect an entire school by providing classroom activities, teaching practices and academic behaviors that can be incorporated into any classroom to improve engagement and success for all students.
“Our students have shown so much dedication and drive,” said Hamilton High School Communication Arts and AVID Elective Teacher Dana Marklund. “Today we’re celebrating their commitment to their futures.”