Kellie Goforth, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) site coordinator at North County High School, has been named one of four finalists for National AVID Site Coordinator of the Year, the organization has announced.
The AVID program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting college and career readiness throughout the school and aims to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness in a global society. AVID focuses on academic support, skill development, and fostering a college-going culture to empower students to reach their full potential.
“It is a joy to be able to apply the things I learn in places where others – both leaders and educators – want to learn and grow together,” said Goforth, who has served as North County’s AVID site coordinator for the past eight years and has worked in AACPS since 2012. “I am incredibly proud of the work North County High School has done, and I am humbled by the celebration and acknowledgement I have received.”
Anne Arundel County Public Schools has offered the AVID program in all middle and high schools since 2003. In recent years, AVID has been expanded to include 13 elementary schools and the AVID Excel program, which focuses on AVID strategies for multilingual learners, is in place at eight middle schools. Nationwide, AVID is in place at more than 7,400 schools.
Goforth’s honor is part of AVID’s annual Global Achievement Awards. The national recognitions pay tribute to outstanding educators and leaders who are advancing student success through the AVID College and Career Readiness system. The awards were established to spotlight exceptional individuals and teams whose work exemplifies AVID’s core values of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and unwavering support for all students.
“Kellie’s work is extraordinary and reflects the commitment she and everyone on our AVID team have to inspire leaders across our school district to make a lasting impact every day,” AACPS AVID Coordinator Dot Arida said. “We are so proud that Kellie and our AVID program are being recognized on the national stage.”
The national winner will be announced at AVID’s national conference in December.