Key Largo School eighth grade graduates Sasha Gadea and Connor Dixon received special awards from Learning for Success, Inc. (LFS) through its Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program during a virtual ceremony on June 1.
The presentation was 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.
“Even after we feel like we’ve messed up, we are not individuals alone in those moments, but part of the whole,” said award winner Sasha Gadea in her essay. “We are something bigger.”
“We can help lead each other to success and inspire one another to keep moving and to always hold our heads up high,” said co-winner Connor Dixon. “AVID showed me how to use notes, apply for college, be interested in careers and even how to just be a better person.”
The special awards were sponsored by a grant from Publix Super Markets Charities.
Attending the virtual awards ceremony in addition to Gadea and Dixon were KLS AVID teacher Tiffany Zepeda, and KLS assistant principal Darren Pais.
“We’re thankful for the support we get from the KAPOW program and the generous contributions from Publix Charities for our outstanding students,” Zepeda said.
AVID is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. It 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 kapowlfs.com/. More information about the AVID program is available from Zepeda at Tiffany.Zepeda@KeysSchools.com.
