Key Largo School eighth grade graduates Kamal Al-Hamid, Christopher Calatayud, Sabrina Martinez and Mariam Yzaguirre received special awards from Learning for Success Inc.(LFS) through its Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW program) during a virtual ceremony on May 28.
The presentation was the first one done virtually by LFS, rather than during the school’s traditional live graduation event, due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic
The student awardees were chosen based on essays they submitted describing their experience with the KLS Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.
“Ever since enrolling in AVID, I have learned ways to improve valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, organization, time management, inquiry, note taking, and public speaking that can be applied to various situations in real life be that in school or a future,” said award winner Chris Calatayud in his essay.
The special awards were sponsored by grants from Bank of America Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities.
“We’re thankful for the support we get from the KAPOW program and the generous contributions from Bank of America and Publix Charities for our outstanding students,” said Tiffany Zepeda, 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. AVID teaches skills and behaviors for academic success; provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships; creates a positive peer group for students; and develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination
More information about Learning for Success, Inc. and its KAPOW program is available from John Casbarro at (786) 877-0334, or at https://kapowlfs.com/. More information about the AVID program is available from Zepeda at Tiffany.Zepeda@KeysSchools.com.
