Murrieta AVID Students Named Regional Winners of Annual Essay Contest

Just four students from Riverside County were selected as regional winners of an essay-writing contest that included more than 500 students from 100 schools.

And Murrieta was represented!

The contest—modeled after the University of California’s Analytical Writing Exam— was organized by AVID, a program that prepares students in every grade for college. The AVID support system strives to raise students’ expectations and help them rise to the challenge of continuing their education after high school.

The four local students were recognized at the 14th Annual AVID Annual Write-Off Ceremony at Ontario High School on Monday, which honored students in Riverside, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties.

This year, students were to write about the Emancipation Proclamation, and what it means to them.

The guest speaker for Monday's ceremony was the accomplished Abraham Lincoln impersonator George Buss, who has entertained at The White House.

Regional grade-level winners representing Riverside County were:

• 12th grade: Miguel Diaz, Lakeside High, Lake Elsinore Unified.

• 11th grade: Elaine Escalona, Vista Murrieta High, Murrieta Valley Unified.

• 9th grade: Tatiana Frazier, Rancho Verde High, Moreno Valley Unified.

• 8th grade: Haylee Avants, Shivela Middle, Murrieta Valley Unified.*

The Murrieta students will be recognized at a May 9 school board meeting.

*Editor's note: Haylee Avants is the daughter of Patch Editor Maggie Avants.