San Marino Elementary School proudly hosted the third annual AVID Kick-Off Pep Rally. The theme of this year’s rally was “Superheroes.” Guest speakers and student performances highlighted how AVID helps scholars develop their “Super” college and career readiness skills.
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is an educational nonprofit that was established in 1980 and is currently implemented in approximately 7,000+ schools in 47 states across the country, as well as internationally. AVID’s College Readiness System is designed to provide academic and social support in order to increase rigor and raise student achievement levels. AVID also supports the creation of a college-going culture school wide.
San Marino Elementary in the Centralia Elementary School District is proud to be the only PK-6th AVID Elementary school in Buena Park and one of only a few AVID Elementary Showcase Schools in the state. All San Marino teachers have been trained in AVID’s classroom best practices to help guide scholars on their path to college and career success.
The crowd was welcomed to the pep rally by Principal Dr. Omaira Lee, who shared how AVID has positively impacted the scholars at San Marino. Centralia Elementary School Superintendent Norma E. Martinez spoke to all in attendance about the great work being done at San Marino through dedicated and well-trained staff. Also in attendance was Centralia Board President Elizabeth A. Gonzalez, Board Clark Jerry Flores, and Claudia Pena from Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s Office, Buena Park City Councilmember Connor Traut, Buena Park City Commissioner Benjamin Gonzalez, AVID Program Manager Traci Grove, AVID Southern California State Director Cristine Goens, Savanna School District Board Member Tina Karanick, and Orangeview Principal Chuck Hernandez.
This year San Marino was excited to host La Palma’s John F. Kennedy High School Band, under the direction of Dr. Joshua Parsons. This was the first year the 75-member high school band joined the celebration. The band performed “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as the Notre Dame Fight Song, to the delight of the San Marino scholars.
The rally included presentations by six Orangeview Jr. High student speakers. One presenter was former San Marino student Isaiah Hughes. In his speech, Hughes shared how prior to AVID he was shy, but is now a leader in his school because of the confidence AVID has instilled in him. “AVID makes you a leader who can take a stand. Now I stand tall,” he stated.
San Marino second grade scholars performed the Jason Mraz song, “Have It All,” while the third and fourth grade scholars performed a school binder and readiness skit. The program ended with the entire sixth grade class reciting their Binder Creed, under the direction of Student Council Spirit Leader Ben Jimenez.
The Centralia Elementary School District is located in the northern part of Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Centralia Elementary School District was established in 1875 and today, the District’s eight elementary schools are located in the cities of Buena Park, Anaheim and La Palma, serving approximately 4,500 students.
