Key Largo School (KLS) eighth-grade graduates Emily Hurt and David Connor recently received special awards from Learning for Success Inc. (LFS) during the school’s promotion ceremony on May 23. The students participated in the KLS Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. The student awardees were chosen based on essays they submitted addressing “Perseverance and Power.”
“Even the most well-known individuals, such as athletes, actors or successful business people, struggle with everyday issues,” said David Connor in his essay. “These individuals have become stronger as a result of all of these issues, becoming the most prosperous versions of themselves.”
“My experiences with struggle and perseverance have influenced me positively as a person,” said co-award winner Emily Hurt. “Because of my struggles, I will always surround myself with people who care about me, and I will always recognize the struggles that others go through are just as important as mine, maybe even more important than mine.”
The special awards were sponsored by a grant from Publix Super Markets Charities.
In addition to winners Connor and Hurt, finalists Kayla Abate, Chloe Kessler, Grace Roulliard and Jaquelyn Sanchez were recognized for their writing.
“We’re thankful for the support we get from Learning For Success and the generous contributions from Publix Charities for our outstanding students,” said Allysa Lund, AVID teacher at KLS.
AVID is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. More information about Learning for Success Inc. is available from John Casbarro, LFS president, at 786-877-0334, or kapowlfs.com. More information about the AVID program is available from Lund at allysa.lund@keysschools.com.
