By Mary-Justine Lanyon (Photos by Mary-Justine Lanyon)
“These students are the embodiment of individually determined people.”
Those were the words of Jessica Erlanger, the coordinator of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Rim of the World High School, at the seniors’ celebration on May 17.
The 18 seniors shared a PowerPoint presentation documenting the colleges they applied to, the ones they were accepted at and the schools of their choice.
But, prior to that presentation, Jo Bonita Rains, president of the Rim of the World Educational Foundation, presented Erlanger with a check for $77,400 to support the AVID programs at both Rim High and Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School.
“Rim Ed makes it possible for us to run this program and take students on the five-day college field trip,” Erlanger said. That field trip cements for many of the students the idea of pursuing higher education.
“These students are incredible,” Erlanger said. “It has been a pleasure to teach them and grow a relationship with them. I admire each and every one of these young men and women.”
After Erlanger – who teaches the 12th-grade AVID class – spoke, Patricia Lee – who teaches the juniors – echoed her words in Spanish.
The majority of the students applied to multiple schools and then had to make a choice as they were accepted at many of them.
Some chose a school because a sibling was already studying there. Others liked the diversity of the school’s population. While some students will live on their campuses, others will commute from their mountain homes. Financial aid figured into some students’ decisions.
Their areas of study vary from business administration to political science, with an eye toward law school. Several students will be going into the medical field: kinesiology, physical therapy, nursing, dental hygienist.
After the PowerPoint presentation, each student was called forward and presented with their AVID sash, which they will wear at graduation. They were also given duffle bags – a gift chosen by the junior class – emblazoned with their names and “AVID Class of 2022.”
Kathy Dubois, the counselor who guides students into the AVID program, told them that “you guys are amazing. I am so proud of your accomplishments and what you’ll go on to do in this world.”
As the program drew to a close, Erlanger addressed the parents in the audience: “Your children will be successful adults due to your hard work, guiding them to be the adults they are becoming.”
Jessica Erlanger, Kathy Dubois and Patricia Lee present Kayla Carroll and Israel Lucero with their sashes and duffle bags. 
The AVID seniors decked out with their sashes and duffle bags.
