Sixty-two Orange County eighth-graders have been honored for their outstanding work in a program that prepares students for college. And seven of those students earned a $10,000 college scholarship to be remitted upon enrollment in a four-year college or university.
The recognition is part of the annual AVID 8th Grade Standout program organized by the Orange County Department of Education and supported by the Angels Baseball Foundation.
Like many events, the annual awards ceremony — which usually takes place in front of a packed crowd at Angel Stadium — took place virtually this year. But that did not stop organizers from celebrating the honorees.
During a drive-through, pick-up event, OCDE Advanced Learning team staff members distributed Angels bags to students that included a Trout MVP Bobblehead, personalized certificate, recognition program, special medallion and a brand new laptop as a reward for their academic success.
Each spring, middle schools across Orange County are asked to select one eighth-grade student that epitomizes AVID. These students must then complete a rigorous application process that includes an essay, a teacher recommendation and a summary of academic and community achievements.
Below are the seven standout students who earned the honorable title of “Angels 8th Grade AVID Scholar” along with a $10,000 college scholarship.
- Scarlett Valentin, Brookhurst Jr. High School, Anaheim Union High School District
- Annaree Phath, Orangeview Jr. High School, Anaheim Union High School District
- Nghi Hoang, Alamitos Intermediate School, Garden Grove Unified School District
- Gia Le, Walton Intermediate School, Garden Grove Unified School District
- Yesenia Cipriano Morales, TeWinkle Middle School, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- Edwin Sanchez, Contreras Kraemer Middle School, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
- Fatima Rivadeneyra, Columbus Tustin Middle School, Tustin Unified School District
AVID is a college-readiness program designed to increase students’ learning and performance. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
AVID in Orange County currently serves approximately 30,000 K-12 students by providing the resources needed to close the opportunity gap, thereby making the dream of college attainable for all students. For more information, visit the Orange County Department of Education AVID website.