2026 OC AVID senior standouts earn $431,000 in scholarships

Quick look: A total of $431,000 in scholarships was awarded to 42 graduating seniors during the 2026 OC AVID Senior Standout Recognition and Scholarship Presentation, held April 15 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The event honored 57 students for academic achievement, leadership and perseverance.

At the Irvine Barclay Theatre on April 15, 57 graduating seniors from Orange County high schools were recognized as AVID Senior Standouts, with 42 students awarded a combined $431,000 in scholarships.

Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, the annual event celebrated one senior standout from each participating high school with a senior AVID class. Each honoree was introduced by a teacher or school representative and presented with a certificate and medallion.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally recognized college-readiness program. About 30,000 students across Orange County — including 16,000 at the secondary level — are currently enrolled.

“The caliber of talent from this year’s seniors was extraordinary,” said Dr. Denise Harshman, OCDE’s coordinator of Advancing Learning. “Many of these students are pursuing careers in the healthcare field at top universities, reflecting both their academic preparation and commitment to serving their communities.”

Full-circle moments

Harshman also reflected on a memorable moment during the ceremony, when Estancia High School teacher Luis Gonzalez introduced a student after sharing that he had stood on the same stage 11 years earlier as an AVID scholarship recipient.

“A special moment came when a teacher took the stage to introduce his student and shared that he had stood there 11 years earlier as an AVID scholarship recipient,” Harshman said. “Seeing that kind of impact come full circle was meaningful for everyone in the room.”

Two students were invited to speak during the event, sharing reflections on their AVID journeys.

“AVID led me to become a confident leader, achieving my goals and taking risks,” said Briseyda Cabrera Mejia of Estancia High School. “Through guidance and support, I have become a determined and optimistic person, focused on serving my community and taking on opportunities to become successful.”

Fellow student speaker Delver Camacho of Santiago High School also shared how AVID shaped his perspective and future goals.

“AVID helped me embrace my background and the experiences that make me who I am,” said Delver Camacho of Santiago High School. “It taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work, empowering me to pursue my goals with one thought in mind: ‘Sí se puede!’”

Scholarships support future goals

The event included welcome remarks from Harshman and congratulatory remarks from OCDE Chief of Staff Dennis Cole. Additional presentations were led by OCDE staff and AVID educators, including the recognition of all senior standouts and the presentation of scholarships.

To be eligible for scholarships, students were required to participate in AVID for at least three years, including their senior year, maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and be nominated by an AVID teacher or coordinator. Applications were evaluated based on academic performance, leadership, service, home responsibilities and written responses before being reviewed by donors.

Since 2008, more than $16.9 million in AVID scholarships have been awarded through this initiative, supported by longstanding community and corporate partners committed to expanding opportunities for students.

For those who would like to revisit highlights from the ceremony, including a full list of honorees, the digital event program is available on the Orange County AVID website.