Seniors awarded over $110,000 through AVID program

   There are many hurdles that students encounter when it comes to college. After clearing the hurdle of admission, students must find a way to pay for their education. Recently, several students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program from the Sweetwater District found a way to make the financial hurdle seem a little more manageable.

   At a recent ceremony, 15 Sweetwater District seniors were awarded 23 different scholarships totaling over $110,000 to continue their education. Among the winners from Sweetwater was Jessica Aguilar from San Ysidro High who was named the “AVID Senior Standout” from San Diego County — an honor given to the top student in the region. She will be receiving over $35,000 in scholarships.

   Other standouts were Southwest High students Jaziel Pichardo and Melissa Maher who were each awarded the Dell Scholarship worth $20,000 and San Ysidro High senior Christian Vigil received the University Club “Lamp of Learning” Scholarship for $10,000.

   AVID is a national college-readiness system designed to help underachieving middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college.

   “The accomplishments of these students are a source of great pride for the Sweetwater District,” said Board President Arlie N. Ricasa. “It’s exciting to see so many students recognized for their hard work and dedication.”

   Additional scholarships were given to the following students: Nour Nona (Bonita Vista High); Jesus Martinez (Castle Park High); Melissa Bañuelos (Chula Vista High); Megan Turner (Eastlake High); Paola Arroyo (Hilltop High); Valeria Garcia de Alba (Mar Vista High); Oscar Montiel (Montgomery High); Cesar Yuriar (Otay Ranch High); Emma Barcenas, Ruben Lopez (San Ysidro High); Karina Esparza (Southwest High).