Current AVID students join AVID alumni who spoke to five AVID classes on September 4: Issa Augustin-Glave, (junior), Cameron Bonner, (freshman), Jamelle Hamilton, Alexandria Whitner (AVID alumni and guest speakers), La'Quay Ward (junior) and Carlotta Castagnola, (freshman).
Sept. 12, 2018 -- Two 2014 Heights AVID alumni returned to talk to current AVID students about their college experience on September 4. Janelle Hamilton and Alexandria Whitner recently graduated from college and will soon begin jobs in their field of study.
Janelle attended Kent State University and majored in Fashion Merchandising. She currently works for Claire’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories and will begin working as a Costume Production Assistant for a movie. Alexandria attended Howard University and majored in Business Management, she will start a job in Los Angeles with ICM Talent Agency.
The recent college graduates had a little time between jobs to visit Heights High and talk about the transition to college, the difference between HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), the challenge of juggling multiple college course assignments, AP courses, the importance of building a network, internships and several other topics.
They both praised the Heights High AVID program and especially appreciated the college application support and the academic help they received in the AVID tutorials.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a national program that works to prepare students for college and close the achievement gap. The Heights High AVID course is a one period class where students stay with a cohort and teacher during their high school career.
The AVID program is also in Heights Middle School and several elementary schools.