AVID at Lecanto High School Prepares Students for College Success
All AVID sit together for their club photo (Photo: Hollie Dutcher).
Harlan Riley Smith, Student Writer- Lecanto High School has embraced a college readiness program that’s significantly impacting its students: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Known for helping students unlock their potential, AVID provides tools and strategies to prepare them for higher education success. This initiative has sparked enthusiasm among students, parents, and faculty alike as more young people commit to advancing their education after high school. This year, AVID expanded with a new program, AVID-4-Athletes, which focuses on aiding student-athletes headed to all levels of college, ranging from Junior Colleges and Division 3 to NAIA schools and Division 1 Universities. AVID-4-Athletes was created by Coach Peter Rausch, Activities Director at Lecanto, and is instructed by Mr. Reed Henson and Mrs. Lisa Grannon.
AVID focuses on students in the academic “middle”—those who have the potential to succeed in rigorous courses but need extra guidance and support. The program allows these students to challenge themselves, enroll in advanced courses, and develop skills crucial for college and life.
“We have learned how to make resumes, which was fun and will help with college and job applications. We also learned the basics of different essays and some ways to take notes and point things out when we read them,” Caitlynn LeTourneau, junior, said
One of the core components of AVID is teaching organizational skills, critical thinking, and academic habits through a curriculum centered around writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR). Students learn to take detailed notes, manage their time, and develop collaborative learning skills. They transition their AVID elective coursework not only to their other classes but also to the incredible College and Career Center offered at LHS. The College and Career Center was created for students 3 years ago in response to their need for additional help with post-secondary goals. The College and Career Center has assisted students in earning their way into first-choice colleges and financial assistance. Today, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition (CCCCC), led by Patrick Simon, utilize the center to meet and assist students regularly with the same objectives.
“One of the biggest skills I learned was time management. Being able to manage your time well between all your classes and extracurriculars is very important. My first-year AVID teacher really helped me learn that,” John Sandifer, a sophomore, said
AVID’s reach extends beyond the classroom. The program emphasizes exposing students to college life through field trips to universities, career talks, and financial aid workshops. Through its close-knit learning community, the program also provides a support system. Students enrolled in AVID work together in small groups to review material, solve academic challenges, and motivate each other. This supportive environment has had a noticeable effect on academic performance. AVID focuses on student-led instructions and activities. Lecanto’s AVID leadership council sets the pace for many afterschool activities, such as the anticipated EPCOT – Walt Disney World Trip led by instructor Hollie Dutcher.
“The skills I have learned from AVID are setting up my common app, setting up Self-Reported Student Academic Record [SSAR], and having better test-taking skills for tests like the SAT and ACT. Learning these things has helped my academic success because it has allowed me to become prepared for applying for colleges,” Lilian Johnson, senior, said. Students will transition these skills.
As the AVID program grows at Lecanto High School, its impact becomes increasingly evident. More students are enrolling in advanced classes and planning for post-secondary education than ever before.
“AVID measures success as growth. Are students getting better? Are test scores improving, are grades going up, and is attendance getting better? Ultimately, by senior year, AVID will measure success by the number of students who enroll in college, enlist in the military, or pursue a vocational certificate. Lecanto measures success by the number of students who enter and continue with the program, the teachers using AVID strategies in their classroom, enrollment in college, scholarship awards, and so many other metrics. With the help of the AVID Site Team (teachers, administrators, general staff), AVID tracks all this information and determines our success. AVID lists Lecanto High School as a Schoolwide Site of Distinction, and we are honored to be one,” Jason Worsham, AVID teacher.