Bayshore Elementary School recently welcomed a group of special guests, with some familiar faces returning to their former school. 12 AVID students from Bayshore High School came to share their inspiring success stories with eager 4th and 5th graders. The high school students were thrilled to engage in an open dialogue about their experiences.
The high school panel spoke passionately about the ups and downs of their academic journeys. They shared how AVID had equipped them with essential skills like critical thinking, organization, and collaboration. The elementary students listened intently.
The forum was designed to ignite a spark in the younger students, encouraging them to strive for success and exceed expectations. The high schoolers shared their perspectives on the impact AVID had on their academic careers, discussing topics such as grades, GPAs, extracurricular activities, careers, and future goals. They emphasized the importance of taking focused notes, staying organized, seeking help when needed, making friends, and most importantly, never giving up on themselves.
As the session progressed, the room was filled with a sense of camaraderie and inspiration. The elementary students asked questions, eager to learn more about the high schoolers' experiences. The high school students responded with enthusiasm, offering advice and encouragement.
The 4th graders, including Paisley, Hunter, Yliana, Ahlayah, Landon, and Jefferson, thought the forum was cool and loved learning more about what AVID is and how it can help them in middle and high school.
The 5th graders, including Caasi, Aylin, Genesis, Abbigail, Emily, and Naomi, were excited to hear about each student's percentile ranking in their graduating class. They liked hearing about early college (dual enrollment) and are excited to take part in AVID electives when they go to middle and high school. They also enjoyed speaking to the Bayshore High School panelists individually and appreciated how nice they were.
Three of the high school panelists were Bayshore Elementary School alumni. This opportunity was one of their favorites and had an impact on each of their hearts. They remembered being at that age and how they felt about going into middle school or even being asked about the future. To be able to help the next generation dream and know a little about what is to come meant a great deal to each of them. They wished they had something like that when they were in elementary school.
The alumni students were ecstatic to return to their elementary school and talk to students about the impact AVID has had on them since 5th grade. "It was surreal to think we were visiting the place where our AVID journey first began. Now we are seniors about to graduate in a few months and speaking to elementary school students who will one day be where we are. What an amazing and humbling opportunity,” one student said.
Angel Calcorzi, a 5th grade teacher at Bayshore Elementary, stated that “the forum was awesome and informative. It was beneficial to hear from three Bayshore Elementary alumni students who were a part of the inaugural class of AVID."
Karise Karasiewicz, an AVID Teacher and Co-Coordinator at Bayshore High School, said, "I enjoyed seeing the partnership between both our schools and how the AVID program can be inspiring no matter what age.”
By the end of the day, the elementary students left the forum with a newfound determination to succeed. The high school students, too, walked away with a sense of fulfillment, knowing they had made a positive impact on the younger students' lives.
This engaging exchange of stories and experiences not only highlighted the benefits of the AVID program but also fostered a sense of community and support among the students. It was a day filled with inspiration, motivation, and the promise of a bright future for all.
Principal Melinda Lundy may have had the most heartwarming moment of the day. She and the teacher who brought the teens to visit Bayshore Elementary experienced a full-circle moment. As it turns out, Dr. Lundy was Karise’s second and third grade teacher at Moody Elementary School. Mrs. Karasiewicz told her, “You truly touched my heart as a child, and inspired me to be the teacher I am today.”
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness program which helps students in grades 4 through 12 prepare for college.
AVID helps students develop skills like time management, note-taking, and organization.
It also helps students learn about the college application process.
AVID is offered at the following Manatee County schools:
Bayshore Elementary
Palm View K-8
Buffalo Creek Middle
Braden River Middle
Lee Middle
Bayshore High
Braden River High
Palmetto High
Southeast High
