Honig Honors S.D. High Schools

Fifteen high schools across San Diego County were recognized Friday for their work in preparing more nonwhite students for college.

State schools Supt. Bill Honig honored the schools for their success with the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program. In the past five years, high schools using the AVID program have substantially increased the number of graduates meeting University of California requirements for academic preparation as well as the number of nonwhite students attending college.

The AVID program uses specially trained tutors to help students make the transition from low-level academic courses in math, science, history and English into more challenging classes meeting the UC requirements. The tutors not only work with students on subject matter but also give them assistance in improving study skills and organization. The program takes students on a regular basis to meet with college representatives and to acquaint them with college life.

The high schools winning awards Friday were: Crawford, La Jolla, Madison, Mira Mesa, Mission Bay, Patrick Henry, Point Loma, San Diego, the School of Creative and Performing Arts, and Serra in the San Diego Unified School District; Oceanside High School; Helix High School in La Mesa; Mar Vista, Sweetwater, and Southwest in the South Bay.