CUSD AVID students shine in county celebrations

Over the last week, AVID students in Capistrano Unified have taken center stage in country celebrations as they move on to the next stages of their academic careers.

On April 18, the AVID Senior Standout Recognition and Scholarship Presentation was held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The Orange County Department of Education recognized senior AVID students from across the county, with six coming from CUSD- Mia Sanchez (Aliso Niguel), Narissa Levenstein (Capistrano Valley), Kayla Gomez (Dana Hills), Jonathan Salcedo (Dana Hills), Brandon Sotelo (San Juan Hills), Sofia Esquivel (San Clemente). Gomez and Salcedo were named recipients of the Beatrice Levin Scholarship, contributing $5,000 towards their educations. Esquivel was one of the keynote speakers at the event, and received a $5,000 renewable award from the Draper Family Scholar Awards program.

CUSD AVID Senior Standouts Mia Sanchez, Narissa Levenstein, Kayla Gomez, Sofia Ezquivel and Brendan Salcedo (April 18, 2023)

San Clemente AVID senior Sofia Ezquivel delivers the keynote speech at the AVID Senior Recognition ceremony (April 18, 2023)

Dana HIlls AVID seniors Kayla Gomez and Jonathan Salcedo received the Beatrice Levin Scholarship at the AVID Senior Recognition ceremony (April 18, 2023)

Dana HIlls AVID seniors Kayla Gomez and Jonathan Salcedo received the Beatrice Levin Scholarship at the AVID Senior Recognition ceremony, pictured with AVID coordinator Erin Dollar (April 18, 2023)

San Clemente AVID senior Sofia Ezquivel with her family at the AVID Senior Recognition ceremony (April 18, 2023)

On May 3, the AVID 8th Grade Standout event was held at Angel Stadium, hosted by the Angels Baseball Foundation. Students from across Orange County were recognized for their outstanding achievements, including five from CUSD- Aiden Nicholson (Don Juan Avila), Lizette Vergara (Marco Forster), Sophie Cobb (Niguel Hills), Mariana Garcia-Tapia (Shorecliffs), Emma Nelson (Vista Del Mar). Every honoree received a computer and souvenirs from the Angels. Nelson was named an Angels Scholar, receiving an annual $10,000 renewal scholarship that will be held in a trust until she graduates and a personalize Angels jersey.

Outstanding 8th graders in the AVID program were honored in a ceremony at Angel Stadium on May 3.

Emma Nelson, Mariana Garcia-Tapia, Sophie Cobb, Aiden Nicholson, and Lizette Vergara received their certificates at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

Aiden Nicholson honored at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

Sophie Cobb honored at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

Lizette Vergara honored at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

Mariana Garcia-Tapia honored at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

Emma Nelson honored at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

VDM student Emma Nelson receives her custom Angels jersey as an Angels Scholar at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

VDM student Emma Nelson receives a custom Angels jersey after being named an Angels Scholar at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

VDM student Emma Nelson (second from left) was honored as one of the 8 Angels Scholars at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

VDM student Emma Nelson receives a custom Angels jersey after being named an Angels Scholar at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angels Stadium (May 3, 2023).

VDM teacher Jenny Contant, Emma Nelson and AVID Coordinator Margaret Dubel celebrate Emma's Angel Scholar award at the AVID 8th Grade Standout Recognition ceremony at Angel Stadium (May 3, 2023).