Silvana Vasquez, a beacon of inspiration and academic excellence from San Bernardino, is set to be honored at the upcoming 28th Annual RIMS AVID Senior Recognition Ceremony. The event, scheduled for May 2nd at the Toyota Arena, will celebrate Vasquez's remarkable journey from a first-generation college student in San Bernardino to her acceptance at Harvard University.
Vasquez, a senior at San Gorgonio High School, has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to her education. With a stellar 4.6 GPA and a four-year tenure in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, Vasquez exemplifies the resilience and determination that characterize AVID graduates. Her achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of educators and communities.
Born and raised in San Bernardino, Vasquez has navigated the educational landscape with unwavering determination. From her early years at Ramona Alessandro Elementary to her current role as one of three Valedictorians of the class of 2024 at San Gorgonio High School, Vasquez has embraced every opportunity for growth and learning.
Vasquez's journey to Harvard, with acceptances from 32 four-year colleges including the University of Pennsylvania and Notre Dame, is a testament to her academic prowess and dedication. She plans to pursue a career in immigration law, fueled by her experiences as a first-generation American citizen and a desire to effect positive change in her community.
Dr. Mike Adams, the AVID program coordinator at San Gorgonio High School, lauded Vasquez's achievements, stating, "Silvana is a shining example of what student dedication, academic support from a community of educators, and the AVID program can achieve."
The RIMS AVID Senior Recognition Ceremony will not only honor Vasquez but also more than 3,000 students from across Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino Counties(RIMS). These students, representing over 20 school districts in the Inland Empire, including Needles Unified School District, Hesperia Unified School District, Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Perris Union High School District, have dedicated years to the AVID program, overcoming obstacles such as virtual learning, immigrant backgrounds, poverty, and foster care.
Nationwide AVID statistics:
- 100% of AVID seniors in California graduate from High School
- Average high school GPA: 3.4
- 76% of AVID seniors are from low socioeconomic backgrounds
- 86% are underrepresented students
- 90% who apply are accepted into 4-year colleges
- 84% who enroll in college persist into the second year
- 44% of first-generation, low-income AVID college students graduate with a four-year degree within six years
The event will feature welcome remarks from County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and AVID Center CEO Thuan Nguyen, along with scholarship presentations from California State University, San Bernardino, and the University of California, Riverside. Hundreds of parents, family members, and educators are expected to attend, celebrating the achievements of these outstanding students.
Vasquez's journey is not just one of personal success but also a symbol of hope and possibility for the entire community. Her dedication, resilience, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to students everywhere, proving that with hard work and support, any dream is within reach. She is just one of the many student's who will be honored. Scholarship recipients will have a brief introduction and will speak on their experiences as AVID students. . Each graduate participating in the recognition ceremony has met the requirements needed to qualify for entrance into public colleges and universities in the state of California.
For more information about the event and Silvana Vasquez's journey, please contact Senior Communications Specialist Victoria Alaniz at (909) 456-9640. Toyota Arena 4000 Ontario Center in Ontario, CA 91764