The eight recipients of the 2026 Angels Scholar awards pose for a photo at Angel Stadium. Each student received a $10,000 college scholarship through the Angels Baseball Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
The video board at Angel Stadium displays the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony held May 13, in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and the Angels Baseball Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball, presents an Angels jersey to a student during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
AVID medallions are displayed during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball, poses with students recognized during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean delivers remarks during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Dr. Denise Harshman, coordinator of Advancing Learning at the Orange County Department of Education, delivers remarks during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
An attendee holds a program during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball, delivers remarks during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
An AVID 8th Grade Standout is recognized during a ceremony held May 13 at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
Joseph Bui, a 2022 Angels Scholar recipient and student at Bolsa Grande High School, speaks during the 2026 AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels) 
A congratulatory message for AVID 8th Grade Standouts is displayed on the video board at Angel Stadium during the May 13 recognition ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels)
Quick look: Sixty-eight AVID 8th Grade Standouts representing schools across 15 Orange County districts were recognized May 13 at Angel Stadium. Eight students were also named 2026 Angels Scholars, earning $10,000 college scholarships through the Angels Baseball Foundation.
At Angel Stadium on May 13, 68 students from schools across 15 Orange County districts were recognized as AVID 8th Grade Standouts for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to success.
Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education in partnership with Angels Baseball and the Angels Baseball Foundation, the annual recognition event celebrated standout AVID students as they prepared to complete middle school and begin their high school journeys.
All 68 students received a certificate, commemorative medallion and laptop computer. Eight students were also selected as 2026 Angels Scholars, earning $10,000 college scholarships through the Angels Baseball Foundation.
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally recognized college-readiness system that helps students develop the skills needed to succeed in rigorous coursework while preparing for college and careers.
“The students earned this recognition through their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Denise Harshman, OCDE’s coordinator of Advancing Learning. “I hope they find their passion and purpose as they move on to high school AVID, challenge themselves with their classes while exploring college and career options. My greatest hope is they continue to work hard and help others along the way. This is what I love about AVID — it becomes a family that strives to help everyone succeed.”
The ceremony featured welcome remarks from Harshman, congratulatory remarks from Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and Angels Baseball Chairman Dennis Kuhl, recognition of all AVID 8th Grade Standouts and the presentation of Angels Scholar awards.
Joseph Bui, a 2022 Angels Scholar recipient and student at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, served as the student speaker, sharing his experiences with the program and encouraging students as they prepare for high school.
Scholarships support future goals
The eight Angels Scholars each received a $10,000 college scholarship that will be held in trust until they graduate from high school and enroll in a four-year university. To remain eligible, students must continue participating in AVID throughout high school if their school offers the program.
The Angels Baseball Foundation has supported the AVID 8th Grade Angels Scholar program since 2006. Since then, 145 students have been named AVID 8th Grade Angels Scholars, reflecting a longstanding investment in students’ future educational opportunities.
Harshman said one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is seeing students continue their AVID journeys through high school, with some eventually returning as AVID Senior Standouts or scholarship recipients.
“It is always exciting to see some of our eighth grade standouts return as senior standouts or scholarship recipients,” Harshman said. “I try to remind them that this is the beginning of their career. They should be honored they were the one student chosen to represent their school, and many more opportunities will come their way.”
For those who would like to revisit highlights from the ceremony, including a full list of honorees and scholarship recipients, the digital event program is available on the Orange County AVID website.