We’re proud to celebrate our high school AVID seniors who were honored at the 2026 AVID Senior Standout Recognition & Scholarship Presentation! Falak Kumari from Irvine High School and Milana Pinchuk from San Joaquin High School were recognized by the Orange County Department of Education at the Irvine Barclay Theater on April 15 for their resilience, grit and heart that define our AVID program.
As they embark on their respective journeys beyond high school, their impact will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those around them, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and service.
Falak Kumari, Irvine High School
“AVID strengthened my confidence, organization, and determination to pursue higher education. It taught me how to advocate for myself, manage challenges, and stay focused on long-term goals. AVID didn't just prepare me for college—it prepared me for life.”
- Falak Kumari
"Falak is a highly motivated student with a clear focus on her future success. She consistently demonstrates academic dedication while actively participating in extracurricular pursuits such as dance and community service through campus leadership clubs. Falak reliably meets all deadlines and approaches challenges with resilience and determination, seeking thoughtful solutions rather than allowing setbacks to deter her progress. Her strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to growth make her a deserving candidate for scholarship support."
- Morgan Rosser, AVID Teacher
Milana Pinchuk, San Joaquin High School
“AVID has strengthened my communication and collaboration skills, helping me adapt to any situation I face. Most importantly, it has given me lasting confidence both academically and socially, shaping my path for the future.”
- Milana Pinchuk
"Milana exemplifies perseverance, integrity, and quiet strength. She is deeply hardworking and relentlessly determined to succeed, approaching every challenge with focus and resilience. When faced with obstacles, Milana never gives up: she tries again and again, thoughtfully adjusting her approach until she finds a solution, even when the path forward seems unclear. What truly sets her apart is the grace with which she does this work. Milana leads with respect, humility, and a calm, steady spirit that positively impacts those around her. Her perseverance is inspiring, and her presence elevates every space she enters."
- Donbi Chung, AVID Teacher
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college prep and career and life readiness elective course designed for students in grades 6-12 to develop the skills and mindset necessary for success in post-secondary education and beyond. AVID empowers students by equipping them with essential strategies for academic, career and life success, such as collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, organization, and time management. AVID's college and career readiness program promotes a college-going culture, preparing students for higher education and challenging coursework like Honors, AP and Dual Enrollment.
To learn more about AVID, visit the AVID College and Career Readiness webpage.
