Meet the PW AVID Class of 2024
Alycia Boone
My name is Alycia Boone, I'm an AVID senior and I've been in AVID for 5 years. I am currently in 3 clubs, Apoyamos A Mexico, which I joined my sophomore year, and Black Culture Awareness and Habitat for Humanity, which I joined my junior year. I also have a part time job as well. When I was first introduced to the idea of AVID I wasn't sure what it was. I knew it could potentially benefit me not only for the year and grades, but when taking challenges in my future. As a student, AVID helped me grow, become more responsible, helped me get outside of my comfort zone, and challenge myself. As an AVID student, I have learned how to push myself. Being in AVID has helped me learn myself as a student and as a person. I've been able to learn what studying habits I like more than others and what tactics help me more than others. I have made many friendships that I wouldn't have if it wasn't for AVID. The friendships made in this class have also helped me grow. I've become more able to speak in bigger crowds of people. I'm more able to be myself around people that I don't know. Over the years I've grown as a student with better grades. But I've also grown mentally and emotionally with the help of my peers here. I'm so thankful for the people I've met in this program, Mrs. Gohl and Mr. Grourke for pushing me to reach my goals and potential.
Milanj Brown
My name is Milanj Brown. I’ve been enrolled into AVID since my sophomore year of high school. Before entering this program I knew nothing about it, especially the purpose of it. After meeting with my counselor to switch a class, he recommended AVID to me and gave me the rundown about it all. I can honestly say this slight shift in my schedule changed my entire school career and outside life, being that before I joined I was certain that college wasn’t for me. I now think of AVID as the main thing in my life that shaped me and elevated my character by making me focus on my life and pouring more into myself. This gave me the courage to join clubs like Apoyamos a Mexico, Medical Science Careers Club, and Habitat for Humanities which helped me in various ways. I now plan to seek a higher education after high school specifically enrolling into a four year university, major in nursing, and also use everything I learned in this program to elevate my life further.
Jazmin Cooper
I have been in the AVID program for five years. I have been in Habitat for Humanity since my sophomore year and have joined the National Honor Society, Apoyamos a México, PW Pals Tutoring, Future Educators of America, and Cancer Awareness my junior year. I am a retail team member at Panera Bread. I am interning at Colonial Elementary with my fourth-grade teacher, which gives me field experience. As for my academic future, I plan to go to a four-year university and major in elementary education and hopefully become an elementary school teacher. AVID has helped me become a better student and strive to be the best. It has taught me organization skills that I can use for the rest of my life and how to deliver a speech in front of an audience. The AVID program has not only helped me as a student, but it has provided me with a second family that I can learn and grow with. I want to thank Mrs. Gohl, Mr. Grourke, and my AVID people. Thank you so much for everything!
Sophia Coughlin
“alis volat propriis”
My name is Sophia Coughlin and I am a senior that has been in the AVID program since my freshman year. AVID was recommended to me by one of my 8th grade teachers because I learn differently than my peers and he thought I would benefit from the course. I’m so glad he did because I learned many useful skills through my years.
One of the most helpful skills I learned was how to self-advocate. I always struggled to let teachers know when I needed help or to communicate my problems. In my first couple of semesters, we were assigned to introduce ourselves to our new teachers. I was horrified, but it wasn’t so bad once I actually went through with it. I felt so much more comfortable reaching out after talking to my new teachers.
AVID has also helped me with the college process. We started exploring schools and careers early, even just getting a general idea of what we were looking to do after high school. We went on many college tours and trips that were informative yet memorable as well as so much fun!
AVID has helped me step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and meet new people. I am so happy that I had this amazing opportunity to take this class. I am very thankful to Ms. Gohl and Mr. Grourke for all of their support and guidance.
Jennifer Cruz-Delossantos
My name is Jennifer Cruz Delossantos, I have been a student of AVID for 5 years now. AVID will forever live with me wherever I go because of all the new experiences and life skills it has taught me. I am the president of a club who helps kids in Mexico. I am a member of a club who makes and sells different items to then donate the money to families in need. I would have never thought to be confident enough to make a club and join clubs. Like the Medical and science careers club. I now am determined to get through school, hopefully into Harcum to become an ultrasound technician in the area. With all these things in mind I would love to give a big thank you to Avid for teaching me that it's okay to fail only if you are willing to get up again and try. As a student I don't feel hidden anymore because I know how to communicate with people and be amicable. Most importantly Avid has taught me that you don't always have to set yourself a big goal and do everything in your power to reach it. Start small, start somewhere, and start realistically. Without AVID I wouldn't be willing to give some harder classes a try. Words can't explain how much this community has impacted me, there aren't enough words to describe the amount of joy and sadness it is to move on. For the people in my class I will always care for them. We all grew up together since freshman year, it's been 4 long years of laughter, anger, sadness, and excitement. From being in class to visiting colleges, to fun Fridays, and now on our way to finalize this last step. Walking that stage together.
Connor Dougherty
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present” - Master Oogway
My name is Connor Dougherty, I’ve been in the AVID program for four years. I joined AVID after my brother, who was part of the program, told me it was an opportunity to improve as a student and was a chance to get ahead. I took that chance, and because of that, I was pushed to do more and improve. With AVID I’ve improved in managing my schoolwork, schedule, note-taking, and being a better me. I’ve been part of the Bowling club and team for the past two years, I’ve been studying Muay Thai since the spring of my junior year, and I’ve been working at Giant for nearly a year. I plan on doing more in the future as I improve my skills. A few things I plan on doing after high school are going to college for Cybersecurity and maybe Game Design. I want a safety net job while I do what I’m really passionate about. I plan on making a few passion project games while making a salary that can support that. With one of them being more personal, connecting to my medical struggles. But what I really want to say is thank you, to those who kept the AVID program going.
Ciara Frederic
My name is Ciara Frederic and I am a 12th grade AVID student. I have been in the AVID program for 5 years, ever since 8th grade. At the end of 7th grade, I had a meeting with my counselor about joining this program the following year. I was told it was going to help me with different strategies to help improve, and manage, my grades. My grades weren’t bad, but they could have used some improvement, so I decided to join. Joining AVID was one of the best academic decisions I’ve ever made. I learned how to manage my time, organize better, use different study habits, and stop bad habits I had in the past. AVID also was a huge help when it came to everything college related. I would have had no idea where to start if it wasn’t for this program. All of the college search projects and college visits helped me realize everything I either need, or want, in a college. I originally thought I wanted to attend a small university, but after visiting smaller colleges, I realized that I didn’t feel the full university experience there. I was also right on track with setting up my common app, asking teachers for letters of recommendation, and applying early action for college applications. Outside of AVID, I am involved in a few clubs. I am a member of BCA, Apoyamos a México, and Cancer Awareness as well as the secretary in Habitat for Humanity. I currently have an internship at a vet clinic and I also have been running track in high school ever since sophomore year. All of this has definitely been hard to handle but the skills I learned from AVID have helped me prioritize certain things and balance my time between them.
Angelia Gallegos Rendon
Over the past three years, my journey in the AVID program began because of my guidance counselor, who revealed an opportunity that has profoundly shaped my high school experience. Since embracing AVID, I've learned indispensable strategies for success, creating a secure environment that facilitated personal growth and meaningful connections. This transformative experience helped me break out of my shell, fostering increased social engagement. The class introduced me to significant individuals who have become cherished people to this day. AVID trips remain etched as enduring highlights of my high school memories.
My passion for the arts led me to actively participate in the National Art Honors Society and Photo Club, contributing to the overall enjoyment of my time at PW. Looking ahead, my academic journey involves starting at a two-year college, with aspirations to transfer to another institution for the fulfillment of my dream to become an art therapist.
Kaiden Gonzalez
My name is Kaiden Gonzalez and I have been an AVID student for 3 years. I joined in my sophomore year because I knew someone who was in AVID and I thought that the things they did would be very helpful for me. After 3 years, I can definitely say that I was right. AVID helped me stay accountable for my grades and taught me so much about life after high school. Staying in this program has definitely helped me maintain good grades and not get overwhelmed with everything that comes with the progression towards graduation. Being in AVID has also shaped my life in a positive way. I've formed new relationships and I feel close with my classmates who I've been with for 3 years. Something I am looking forward to in senior year is preparing for college and making the most of my last year as a kid. I have joined the oceanography club and the medical science and careers club, and they have been very enjoyable. I have also been making more time for my social life to avoid burnout and "senioritis". After graduation, I plan to attend a 4 year school to major in Marine Science.
Taylor Matthews
I have been in the AVID program for two amazing years. Over the past 4 years of being in PW, I have been involved in clubs like Best Buddies, Habitat for Humanity, Black Cultural Awareness, and Letters for Rose. My favorite club that I'm a part of is Apoyamos a Mexico where we raised over $700+ last school year for Jardin de Ninos, a school in Mexico. All the money we raise goes to paying for better school supplies for them. I dedicated all my high school summers into being a camp counselor at the Greater Plymouth Community Center. Being a Camp Counselor has played a huge role in my life and career because it led me down the path of wanting to work with kids in the future. As for my academic future, I plan to attend a 4 year college to study Nursing and hopefully become a pediatrician. AVID has been a blessing in my life. I have fully embraced the AVID program and took advantage of the resources it offers me with. I am able to stand in a room full of people and hold conversations, I'm able to set goals for myself and my future, I know how to actively participate in all of my classes, and lastly I know how to talk in front of a big audience. I'd like to say Thanks to the friends I now call family in my AVID class and also Mrs. Gohl and Mr. Grourke for allowing me to express myself, grow, and believe in me.
Kendall Mitchell
“Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal.” - Ava DuVernay
My name is Kendall Mitchell and I’ve been part of AVID for four years. My 8th grade math teacher recommended me for this program and I’m still very grateful. I joined my freshman year and because of AVID, I’ve grown tremendously. I had the courage to take challenging classes, spend time on my college applications, and create special bonds with my teachers. I even had the opportunity to do a job shadow as a junior. My class created so many memories on field trips and Fun Fridays in the classroom. I’ve been part of the leadership committee for the Black Cultural Awareness Club since my sophomore year. Other clubs I’m part of include Letters for Rose, and Apoyamos A México. Through the National Honors Society, I volunteered at many events for the community. Last but not least, I’m on the track team at PW and the Live N’ Direct step team. As for my future, I plan to go to a four year university to study Business. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do but there’s many careers in the business field. I would like to thank Mrs. Gohl, Mr. Grourke, and Mrs. Lynch for supporting me on my academic journey as well as my classmates.
Rylee O’Kane
My name is Rylee O’Kane and I have been part of AVID for two years now. My sister took avid from 8th grade to 12th and said it helped her immensely, so she told me I should join. During my AVID interview, I knew this program was the place for me. Without it, I would have been completely lost with the college application process. The college trips we took were extremely beneficial, and helped me learn a lot. Without AVID, I would have put off all of my college application work till the last minute and have been completely lost. But this program helped me prepare months in advance. Presenting was something I used to have a lot of trouble with, but overtime, this class helped me get over that and strengthen my presenting skills. During my time at PW, I have been a part of the Art Club, as well as Letters for Rose. Out of school I worked as a server at Waverly Heights which is a retirement home. After high school, I plan on going to a 4 year college and studying psychology. I would like to thank Mr. Grourke and Mrs. Gohl for this amazing experience and for the help I have received.
Paige Sarro
My name is Paige Sarro, and I have been in the AVID program for 5 years, since 8th grade. AVID has helped me significantly throughout high school and I've always been grateful to be a part of something that adds so much value to my life and overall it is an amazing program. It has helped me stay motivated and given me drive to succeed throughout high school. I don't know where I would be if I didn't have the support of the AVID program. Mrs. Gohl and Mr. Grourke have made this an unforgettable experience, and they have truly given us a safe space and family in PW. Outside of the AVID classroom, I'm involved in Colonial Players, CITV, The PLC, and more. Being highly involved at PW has made school so much more fulfilling, and given me many amazing opportunities. I'm a very busy person and I used to struggle with time management a lot. The AVID program has given me the skills I need to advance and balance my schedule. After high school, I want to go to a 4 year school and major in the field of Digital Marketing/Communications. My dream career path is something that allows me to be creative through my work. I am so grateful for the impact that this program has had on my life, I truly am better as a person because of it. I will always remember AVID class every other day in B-22. To the AVID class of 2024, Mrs. Gohl and Mr Grourke, thank you!
Lucius Yoblick
I have been in the AVID program for 5 years and have participated in the chess club, astrophotography club/astronomy club, math club, guitar club, and robotics club. I also represented both the guitar club and H computer math during student expos. I plan to do 2 years at community college to earn my associates degree, before transferring to another school to attain my bachelors degree. My ideal career involves engineering, more specifically robotics. AVID has impacted me greatly by showing me what path is best for me after high school. I now have a set plan as to what I will do, whereas without AVID I would not have. I would also like to thank Mrs. Gohl and Mr. Grourke for their guidance and constant support.