Meet the PW AVID Class of 2026
Meet the PW AVID Class of 2026
Patrick Aloia-Ramos
My name is Patrick Aloia-Ramos, and I have been in AVID for five years. The program has been a great help for me developing a good work ethic that I can use all throughout my life. My family hasn’t had much experience with college preparation and applications, so the support from AVID was much appreciated. In my years at PW, I have volunteered on MLK Day and for Conshohocken Elementary school. I have been on the PW Bowling team for all four years, the Robotics team for three years, and recently, the Fly Fishing Club and Habitat for Humanity Club. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights and also just being outside. I plan on attending a four-year college to study Computer Science.
There are so many different colleges that offer what I want, and initially I felt lost. AVID helped me nail down what I should look for in a college and gave me suggestions of schools that I may like. People I would like to thank for my time here at PW are Ms. Downer, Mr. Blizzard, my AVID peers, and all of my other teachers and counselors that have helped me when I needed it.
Angela Arculeo
My name is Angelina Arculeo, and I’ve been part of the AVID program for five years now. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to have been in a program that has prepared me for my future in so many ways. Before joining AVID, I struggled to confidently advocate for myself, but through the consistent guidance and support of my teachers and classmates, I’ve learned to believe in my own voice. Outside of AVID, I’ve been involved in Student Council since my junior year and have worked at Deli on 4th and Tony & Joe’s since eighth grade, which has helped me build responsibility.
After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year university to study Human Communication and Disorders and later earn my master’s degree to become a Speech Pathologist. My time in AVID has shaped me into a more confident, determined, and positive person. I’m especially thankful for Ms. Downer and Mr. Blizzard for their endless encouragement and for always believing in me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without their support and my AVID classmates. Thank you for helping me grow!
Aniya Baker
My name is Aniyah Baker, and I've been in the AVID program for two years now. The AVID program has helped me in many ways but the most important include: help with preparing for college, staying organized, and trying to stay on top of the important things coming up during senior year. You get so many great resources and help with AVID, whether it’s from your teacher or your counselor. I’ve been on the PW cheerleading team for two years now. Cheerleading plays a major role in my life; it’s part of my everyday routine and motivates me in lots of ways. Over the course of being in high school, I've volunteered on a Type 1 Diabetes walk with cheerleading and a fashion show at The Center at the Hampton House.
After high school I plan to attend a four-year HBCU and major in nursing. I also plan to continue cheerleading in college, as well. I would like to thank Ms. Downer for always helping me with any challenges I face, Mr. Golebiewski for giving me great advice and the motivation to keep going, and Mrs. Procaccino for everything she does. All of you have made my time here at PW amazing!
Alex Bland
Hello! My name is Alex Bland, and I have been in the AVID program for 5 years. AVID has helped me by giving me the opportunity to tour many colleges so I can figure out what I want and don’t want in a college. Outside of the AVID program, I am involved with the PW Bowling team, PW Men’s Soccer, and DECA. Outside of PW, some volunteer programs I‘ve been involved in are: Boys Scouts, where I have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and Colonial Soccer Club’s High School Leadership Program, where I am a founding member and help plan camps and other activities.
After high school, I plan to attend a four-year college and major in Business, hopefully specializing in Sales or Marketing. I would like to thank Mrs. Geare and Ms. Brown for writing my college letters of recommendation. I would also like to thank Ms. Downer and Mr. Blizzard for helping me on my college search journey, getting me across the line to get accepted to multiple colleges, and helping me earn scholarships so I don't have to take out as big of a loan.
Kayla Boakye
My name is Kayla Boakye and I have been in the AVID program for five years! I have served as vice president for the United Minds for Education Club (UME). I have been a part of UME since my junior year when my friend and I started the club. I have also participated in the Black Cultural Awareness Club and Medical Science Career Club as well since my freshman year. The way that AVID has helped me as a student here at PW is by teaching me the importance of staying organized and taking notes for each of my classes. AVID has also allowed me to practice my public speaking skills which are super important when it comes to many classes here at PW. All these great skills that AVID has taught me, I plan to use in my future.
Post-high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university with a strong medical program and major in Health Sciences, where I plan on becoming a Trauma or Orthopedic Surgeon. As a result of all the amazing skills that AVID has taught me I've been able to get real world experience within the hospital setting. Without AVID, I don't think I would've had the confidence to completely step into something out of my comfort zone. Lastly, I would like to thank Ms. Downer for not only her encouragement, but also her guidance through these past four years and for truly making our class feel like a family.
Grant Cardenas
Hey y’all! My name is Grant Cardenas, and I have been part of AVID for three years now. Prior to joining, I had no idea what I wanted to do after PW; I knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know how to apply or what to major in. I was part of the History Club from Freshman year to Junior year where I was a step in president and ran a handful of meetings. Outside of school, I have been a counselor at the Richie Ashburn Harry Kalas Foundation for the past five years where I coach baseball for kids ages 5-12 years old.
This year, I’m attending Central Montco Technical High School for their Secondary Education Academy where I am part of Educators Rising. I played baseball my Freshman and Sophomore year before having a terrible shoulder injury that took me out of the sport and I was part of the wrestling program the same years. I will be attending Kutztown University to get my Bachelors in Secondary Education to teach History and Social Studies. I would like to thank Ms. Downer, Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. Culp, and Mr. Carr who have supported me throughout my time here.
Jais Charleston
My name is Jais Charleston, and I’ve been a part of AVID for four years. Since sophomore year, I have been in Colonial Players which is the drama club and I have been a part of United Minds of Education club since Junior year and I served as the secretary where we fundraise for schools in Africa. I am committed to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for my bachelors in Medical Imaging with a focus on Echocardiography. AVID has helped me grow so much academically and socially.
When I had first entered AVID as a freshman I was a part of modified classes, my motivation was low, and my study habits were subpar. Now as a Senior, I have taken Dual Enrollment classes and Honors which helped boost my GPA and make me more confident in my academics. My studying habits have grown so much since then and I know it’ll stick with me for my time in college too. I would like to thank my friends Maddie Bland, Grant Cardenas, and Kennedy Dingle and everyone in Colonial Players for making my senior year amazing and something to never forget!
AJ DeBlasio
My name is AJ DeBlasio, and I have been a part of the AVID program since 8th grade. Throughout these years, AVID has served as a foundation to support my education. Note taking strategies, study strategies, and time management lessons will continue to help me throughout college. Throughout my time at PW, I have played for and been the captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team.
Outside of school, I have competed in the Ultimate Frisbee Youth National Championships, as well as racing BMX across the nation. For college, I plan go somewhere southern and to major in Aerospace Engineering, hopefully pursuing a career in Aviation. I'd like to thank Ms. Downer, Mr. Blizzard, and Mrs. Lynch for their generous support over the past 4 years.
Bailey Dzwil
My name is Bailey Dzwil, and I’ve been in the AVID program since 8th grade. AVID has made me feel more confident and prepared for college especially since we have teachers there to help us. It taught me how to take effective notes and manage my time. I will still use the techniques I learned in the program in college and in my future career. I plan to attend a 4-year college and major in Marketing and possibly go back to school to get my Masters.
I would like to thank Ms. Downer and Mr. Blizzard for devoting their time to the AVID program and making sure we were all on the right track. I would also like to thank Mrs. Lynch for coming to our class everyday during the fall of our senior year to help us with the college process.
Kevin Flannery
Hi, I'm Kevin Flannery. I am part of the senior AVID Class of 2026 and have been in the AVID program for 5 years, dating back to 8th grade. By being in the AVID program, I have been able to understand how to maximize my time during class and at Bonus Blocks with extra help. As for activities in school, I work as the lead play-by-play broadcaster of the PWHS sports teams for CITV, including the PW sports of Girl’s Soccer, Boy’s Basketball, Girl’s Basketball, Baseball and Softball. I have been on the PW Bowling team for two years as a Junior Varsity bowler. Out of school, I work every Sunday morning as the “cart guy” at Giant. For the past 8 years, I have volunteered my time at Spay & Save and Brier Bush Nature center each month. While working at Brier Bush, my mom and I were the winners of the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award.
I am planning to attend West Chester University next year and will major in Media and Culture. I would like to thank a few teachers for what they have done for me over my 4 years in PWHS: Ms. Downer for being an amazing support person in all categories; Mrs. Joy for being there to talk to each and every day after school; Mr. Duncan for helping with media and other things; and Mrs. Crea for helping me get through math successfully. Last, but certainly not least, I need to thank my Mom. She is the reason I am alive. She battled with the doctors and knew what was right. I have always loved my mom, and she is my number one person to go to with issues when I want to talk. Love you, Mom!
Erisa Kastrati
My name is Erisa Kastrati, and I have been part of the AVID program for four years. The AVID program has helped me improve in areas that I lacked-in at the beginning of my high school career, such as being afraid to ask for help when I need it and how to organize myself so that I stay on top of my school work. While at PW, I participated in distinctive clubs like Oceanography Club and Hope for the Homeless, both of which allowed me to assist in fundraising and raising awareness of certain issues. Outside of PW, I intern and work at a property management firm to strengthen my knowledge about what it takes to successfully manage a business.
After graduating, I plan on attending a four-year college where I’ll major in Finance and International Business and later on, I’ll hopefully achieve an MBA. I would like to thank Ms. Downer and Mrs. Lynch because they have both been strong supports in helping me, as a first generation student in America, to apply to colleges and, overall, giving me great and useful information.
Patrick McBride
My name is Patrick McBride, and I am a senior in the AVID program. It has been an amazing journey being a part of this program for the past five years. Outside of academics, I have a passion for playing basketball and playing 2k. I am currently a member of PW’s Music Appreciation Club where I have met a lot of new people and friends and also widened my musical tastes. Some moments that I will always remember are our AVID college trips, especially the overnight trips, and when we raised money through GravityWater.org for a school in Vietnam to install a clean, fresh water tank.
I plan on majoring in psychology. I hope to get accepted by West Chester where I'll also joining the ROTC program. After college, I will serve a term in the military and gain more knowledge on becoming a good leader. AVID has played a crucial role in shaping me into a better student and leader. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my AVID teachers, Ms. Downer and Mr. Blizzard, and my amazing AVID classmates, who have become like family to me. Thank you for helping me grow and succeed!
Morgan Neville
My name is Morgan Neville, and I've been in the AVID program for five years. The AVID program has helped me in a multitude of ways. The program has helped me explore my college options, find the perfect fit for college, and assisted me during the college application process. AVID also helped me find many productive ways to take notes and organize everything within school, as well as outside of school life. I fully expect to put everything I’ve learned from AVID in my future career, staying organized, writing everything down, and taking notes.
Throughout my four years attending Plymouth Whitemarsh, I’ve been involved with not only AVID, but also as an active member of the Black Cultural Awareness (BCA) Club, as well as an active team member on the PW Girls Basketball team. Outside of PW, I participated in many community service opportunities. I had the privilege of working beside my mother at her school events, assisting at church events, and even volunteering at a close family member's charity sports event. After high school, I intend on going to a four-year college and, hopefully, majoring in pre-law or business. Throughout my high school career, I had the ability to make close friendships and connections with teachers and staff. Most notably would be Ms. Downer, Mrs. Ajemian, and Mr. Blizzard. My closest friends also made a huge impact on my time here at Plymouth Whitemarsh. Being part of AVID gave me lifelong connections that I will forever cherish.
Jake Piersol
My name is Jake Piersol, and I have been in AVID for five years. I have played on the PWHS Bowling and Men’s Lacrosse teams since my freshman year. Throughout my high school athletic career, I was able to improve my skills and performance by trying to become one percent better each time I am played, whether in a game or practice. AVID and sports allow me to bond with my teammates and build friendships outside of school, which is really important to me. After I graduate from PWHS, I plan to attend a four-year college to study Forensic Science, and I hope to become an FBI Federal Agent.
The AVID program has helped me in so many ways, such as giving a presentation or ways to send the best email possible—life skills that will help me go far. Also, the AVID program has been a huge support system for me and is always there to help me with whatever I may need, along with helping me find schools that best fit my interests and teaching me skills to help me succeed. I would like to thank Ms. Downer, Mr. Blizzard, Mrs. Lynch, and my AVID peers who helped build and create a classroom community that shaped me into the best version of myself.
Zora Seiders
My name is Zora Seiders, and I became a member of the AVID program in sophomore year. AVID has been of tremendous help to me regarding my academic success and navigating the college application process! I often find myself imagining how difficult it must be for other students who are not enrolled in AVID or do not have family members educated about college to know the steps they need to take in order to get accepted into schools. It is incredible to be blessed with a support system of individuals (Ms. Downer, Mr. Blizzard, Mrs. Lynch) who go above and beyond to gurantee that our needs are met and that we are taking the initiative to be productive, competent students.
Thanks to AVID, I have equipped myself with fundamental skills such as note-taking, self advocating, creating agendas, email communication, and many more important strengths. After graduation, I intend to study Clinical Psychology at LaSalle University, which offers a speedy program to obtain a bachelors and masters in the span of 5 years.
Ava Spicer
Hi! My name is Ava Spicer, and I have been part of the AVID program for four years. Through AVID, I have learned how to manage my time and how to make sure my homework is done well and on time. I also have learned how to take better notes, which I will for sure be using in college. In school, I have been a part of mini-THON, a club that raises money for kids with cancer at Hershey Medical Center, for all four years at PW. Outside of school, I have participated in multiple musicals at Plymouth Performing Arts Center (PPAC). I have taken on many different roles that have helped me work on memorizing lines and gaining more confidence when speaking in front of a crowd. I have also been volunteering at my religious school on Sundays in a classroom with kids, ages 7-11.
Starting this year, I have been interning at Plymouth Elementary in different classrooms through Central Montgomery Technical High School. At the Tech School, I am part of the Early Childhood Education program. I would like to thank Ms. Downer, Mr. Blizzard, and Mrs. Lynch for helping me throughout my high school years and for always answering my questions, no matter how silly. Next year, I will be attending West Chester University for Early Education, and will be participating in their honors program.
Gian Villafañe
My name is Gian Villafañe, and I have been part of the AVID program for five years. During that time, AVID has given me structure, motivation, and the support I needed to stay on track. It helped me push myself to do better and gave me a reason to keep improving, both in school and personally. Without AVID, I don’t think I would have been as focused or confident in my abilities. The program taught me how to manage my time, stay organized, and set goals, which I know will help me succeed in college and in the future.
At PW, I have been a member of the Hispanic Student Union for two years, serving as an officer for one of those years, and I have also been part of the International Cultural Awareness Club for four years. These groups helped me meet new people and appreciate different cultures. I plan to major in Computer Science or Cybersecurity at a four-year college and, later, to work toward a Master’s Degree. I would like to thank Mr. Carr, Mrs. Fagan, Ms. Downer, and Mrs. Lynch for all their support and encouragement during my time at PW.
Giavanna Yoblick
My name is Giavanna Yoblick, and I have been in the AVID program for 4 years. The AVID program has helped me make decisions in the best interest of my future. I volunteer as an assistant teacher at Conshohocken Elementary while working as a cashier at Panera. I also helped to plan and execute our AVID class’s “Hot Chocolate and Donuts” fundraiser, which raised money for GravityWater.org to install a clean water drinking tank at a school in Bac Ha District Vocational Boarding School in Vietnam.
I plan to attend a 4-year college, majoring in Biology and minoring in Political Science. I'd like to thank Ms. Downer and Mr. Blizzard for teaching me how to advocate for myself.