Happy New Year from Avalon High School!

Students hard at work at Avalon.I always love the beginning of a new year. There is so much promise hanging in the crisp January air as one chapter of our lives draws to a close and new milestones surface on the horizon. Though New Years resolutions are often lofty and (unfortunately) unmet, I still enjoy the practice of resolving to be a better me. My resolutions this year are simple but life altering—the way I wish all of my goals were—and I am thankful for the gift of a fresh start.

This past week, as my fellow tutors and I exchanged New Years resolutions with the students of our Tuesday class, I was moved by the value of these students’ goals. Among many, these included becoming better daughters to their mothers, improving their work ethic, graduating high school, and for some, even focusing on the steps for getting into college. The effectiveness of Sharefest’s partnership with Avalon High School speaks for itself in these students’ aspirations for educational success and self-improvement in the upcoming year. From hearing their resolutions and working with them for the past month, I am certain that these individuals will Tutor Michelle helps start the year off right.uphold their commitment to obtain an education and rise above their circumstances throughout the year ahead. Milestones may be more frequent for some and fewer in between for others, but I personally hope to continue creating opportunities for success, to be more verbally affirming towards my students, to build real relationships with them, and to give more selflessly of my time, resources, and energy to make their second chance worthwhile. In the midst of the New Year season, I am realizing that Sharefest and Avalon—and all of us involved—are in the business of fresh starts and second chances. The spirit of renewal and restoration are the very hallmark of what we do.

I hope the New Year has found all of you well—that you are in good health, good spirits, and good places in your lives. With all the blessings of 2012, let us teach a little more passionately, paint a little more brightly, give a little more generously, work a little more freely, and hope a little more joyfully. May we commit to another wonderful year for Sharefest and its many programs…may we support our students in becoming better daughters to their mothers, improving their work ethics, graduating high school, and entering college to become individuals that make an impact on their communities.

Written by Donna Sohn // YDA Tutor

State Farm's "Slice of Life" presentation encourages Avalon students to think about their financial future

This past Thursday, January 12^th, I had the pleasure of sitting in on State Farm agent Frank Leon’s “Slice of Life” presentation given to a select group of Avalon Continuation High School seniors. The presentation came as an honor to the Avalon campus, as it was chosen by State Farm’s corporate offices as the most compelling human interest story that was part of their “Make it Possible” workshops. State Farm Public Affairs Specialist, Priscilla Orozco, informed me that Sharefest and State Farm’s partnership has made Avalon a winner amongst projects from Texas, Florida, and all over California.

Frank Leon continues to invest in the students of Avalon HighIt was perhaps because of all of this prestige that we were also thrilled to have been visited by Education Editor of online magazine GOOD (www.good.is), Liz Dwyer, who was quite impressed with the frankness and attentiveness with which the Avalon students participated throughout the presentation.

The talk consisted of several practical lessons in finances and advice that greatly benefitted the students who were present, and could have taught many adults a lesson or two as well. Frank outlined a step by step process in which the students could create and manage realistic financial goals for their future.

The presentation was interspersed with anecdotes from a few students who had experience with savings, and even one student who worked closely with Frank at State Farm over the summer. What I found impressive was the fervor and passion with which Frank spoke to the students. They related well with him because he, too, grew up in Wilmington. He understands what it is that these students are not often exposed to, and is dedicated to finding ways to provide real life lessons to Avalon’s small community of students.

I could tell how involved students were by the level Priscilla Orozco equips students for life beyond graduationand seriousness of the questions they asked. Many inquiries were made about accountability of banks and the safety of the public’s deposits, which showed that these students – far from the popular belief that America’s youth is apathetic and inattentive in general – really paid attention to the financial environment that they are essentially inheriting once they’ve graduated high school.

Perhaps the most poignant moment was when Frank urged students to think about the simple expenses people often pay, and to thank those who are covering their necessities in life. Young adults are thought to rarely stop and think about how expensive it is to get by in life. In a conversation with Liz Dwyer after the presentation ended, she remarked that one of her favorite parts of the talk was near the beginning, when Frank and the students were estimating the basic cost of living for a single adult in L.A. All of the students were audibly surprised by exactly how much money it costs just to live in a standard studio apartment, and clothe and feed oneself. One girl shouted out, “I’m never leaving home,” which drew laughter from everyone in the classroom, but really spoke to how difficult it is for someone to make it on their own without certain resources. Frank then took the opportunity to link education with income. There was a slide that listed the difference in income from those with differing degrees, from high school diploma through to doctorates.

Ultimately, I saw that many students were affected positively by the talk. They were humbled by the information that they received, and seemed to take the advice that Frank, and State Farm, was giving them and really ruminated on it. These types of presentations would benefit all students in American high schools, especially in the hard economic times this country has been facing lately. Avalon students were truly lucky to have had a passionate and caring community member come to talk to them.

Frank’s final piece of advice was simple and direct: “Live within your means.”

Additional photos can be viewed here.

Written by Rosie Parra // YDA tutor

 

A Few Steps Closer to Graduation in 21st Century Style

The prospect of graduating next June just got a little easier for Avalon High School seniors. After three months of CAHSEE tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays, the tutors and I have collaborated with Dr. Mike Ernst and Principal Awtry to create a brand new Tuesday class titled “21^st Century Communication/Writing.” The course has two creative focal points – video/documentary production and a printed newsletter (an Avalon High School first!). All 28 students will participate in both projects and learn effective, modern concepts of communicating their ideas in a scholarly fashion. But most importantly, the collaborators for this course have one, simple objective in mind – to urge the students to write, write, and WRITE!

Luckily for the students, however, the tutors and I are not assigning 15-page essays on the discovery of America. Instead, “21^st Century Communication/Writing” is geared towards empowering student voices. And luckily for the tutors, every student has a different voice, a different story to tell. Whether we’re reading about one senior’s instructional essay on how to play the electric guitar, or another senior’s opinion on teenage dating, we all get to learn and glean from their individuality.

 Through my participation in this course, I have Dr. Ernst works alongside tutors to further strengthen our programming.observed a noteworthy trait found in Avalon High School that is difficult to find in most places. The spirit of community and oneness is strong and continues to flourish as teachers, administrators, students, and tutors alike invest into each other. When literally every student believes in the success and brightness of his/her peers, I am inspired to share in that same hope. When Principal Awtry opens up new pathways for students to earn credits so that she can see her seniors walk in June, I am encouraged by the combined effort to maximize student success. It is truly an honor to work with such an amazing people. Much thanks to the entire faculty at Avalon, Sharefest, Dr. Ernst, and my fellow tutors. Through this team of people, I am truly witnessing “creative collaboration for positive change.” 

Written by Michelle Lee // YDA Tutor

The Enduring Legacy of the Annual Fundraiser

// Blog written by Donna Sohn

The 2011 Annual Fundraiser was spectacular for several reasons: the auction prizes were extravagant, the guests glowed in their suits and cocktail dresses, and the dinner was, from what I could see, delectable. From a volunteer’s standpoint, it was a privilege to participate in the execution of such an amazing event and to see it unfold like an expertly orchestrated symphony. For Sharefest’s benefactors, the fundraiser was undoubtedly the perfect night to give to an outstanding organization, and for its beneficiaries, a chance to highlight the wonderful outcomes of such generous support. Above all, “Legacy” far outreached its purpose, raising an exceptional amount of money for Sharefest and its many programs. For me, however, the evening left a “legacy” for vastly different reasons.

Behind the glamour of this black tie affair, the true achievements of Sharefest sparkled even brighter: the building friendships and the fostering of hope. What made this evening truly extraordinary for me was the opportunity to spend time with the five Avalon High School students that my fellow tutor-mentors and I hand picked to volunteer at this event. The night was a succession of fleeting, yet utterly unforgettable, moments—those that nearly elapse by the time the weight of them sink in and leave a permanent impression on one’s heart. Though they may not seem particularly profound, in the context of these students’ situations and the reality of their being “at-risk,” such moments instill meaning and purpose to the work that we do. They bring to life Sharefest’s vision of creating positive and lasting change in our communities. 

So what exactly were these moments that struck such a reverberating chord in me?

It was the glimpse of their lives I caught from car ride conversations about life in Wilmington, growing up in Mexican or Mexican-American families, and their decisions to commit to graduating high school. It was the rawness of one student’s voice as he shared his passion for art, creativity, and his desire to “change the world.” It was the transformation of one young lady’s nervousness into relaxed radiance as she stepped into her element and spoke to guests with the perfect balance of professionalism and charm. It was the full-bellied laughter we shared over one jokester’s facetious remarks as we ate our Chick-fil-A sandwiches and warmed up by the fire outside. It was providing the backdrop for these students to discover their dreams and articulate their aspirations. It was a chance for self-reflection, for asking questions, for sharing what was on their hearts, and for building friendships. For me, it was the open door to sharing my faith in the One who loves abundantly, steadfastly, and unfailingly—the One for whom we truly leave a legacy.

Eventually, the image of the Marriott in all its decorated grandeur, brimming with elegantly dressed people, fancy table settings, and the melody of tinkling laughter, will fade into a hazy memory, but the moments I shared with these students will not. Now embedded into my own heart, these moments have already begun transforming me. In practical terms, I think I can speak for all the tutors when I say that we are realizing that our roles go far beyond tutoring CAHSEE material twice a week. We are not merely helping these students succeed on the high school exit exam: we are encouraging them to succeed in life. We are serving as mentors and role models to cheer these students on to becoming the very people that society tells them they can’t. We are providing resources for jobs (and perhaps a ride to get them there), a creative outlet, a space to dream, an ear to hear, a hand to hold…whatever they may need on any given day. These are the reasons I relish being a part of the movement; these are the moments that leave Sharefest’s lasting legacy. 

An Interview with the principal of Avalon High School

// A blog by Sergio Centeno

This week I had the honor of sitting down with the one and only Regina Awtry, Principal of Avalon High School. We chatted about many things, but mostly about her journey to becoming the principal at Avalon High School and the influential role of Sharefest in the success in her school.

Although Ms. Awtry currently resides in sunny southern California, she is originally from New York. Before she arrived here in California, she made a stop in Texas where she received her education. Following in her father’s footsteps she decided to become an educator.

Regina Awtry has worked in the position of dean at various high schools in Los Angeles. In her job, she began to pick up on commonalities in the students that often showed up in her office. She noticed that these students needed a different atmosphere to thrive. As a result they oftentimes transferred to continuation high schools. Eventually she decided to become a direct part of the solution by becoming the principal of a continuation high school.

According to Ms. Awtry Sharefest has helped support the overall instructional program at Avalon High School, and has helped fill the gaps that often arise when working with at-risk youth. These areas that often go overlooked include mentoring, tutoring, and quality afterschool programs that keep kids mentally engaged and off the streets and out of trouble. The types of programs that Sharefest has provided give these students a reason to come to school, and give them a voice. The students have since asked for additional programs such as art, mural painting, and career readiness. Sharefest has played an instrumental role in helping students build relationships with caring adults and community members. Sharefest has also engaged the kids and given them opportunities to be involved in giving back to the community. Ms. Awtry believes Sharefest has done an amazing job hopes that in the future the organization will be able to reach out to even more students.

We are really lucky to have Regina Awtry as the principal of Avalon High School and as a terrific citizen of our community.