The third cohort of students recently graduated from the Richland Two AVID Early College at Ridge View High School. Twenty-two students, who worked diligently over the past four years, have earned Associate’s degrees from district partner, the University of South Carolina-Sumter. Students enrolled in the AVID Early College earn their degree and high school diploma at the same time.
District AVID Coordinator Jeffrey McMicken said this is the largest class of graduates in the history of the AVID Early College.
“It can be said that the ‘third time’s the charm,’ as we are so incredibly proud of this group! There is something truly special about being the biggest cohort of Richland Two AVID Early College students from Ridge View High School,” said McMicken. He added, “They were the first group of students to return to a school campus 100% face-to-face in all of Richland Two in the summer of 2021, and they have more Honors distinctions from the University than any other group we have had come through.”
Seventeen of these graduates proudly earned a golden Honors cord from the University with overall college GPAs ranging between a 3.5 and 4.0, and they each have saved at least $25,376, thus totaling $558,272 in tuition savings for the entire group.
Degrees for the following students were conferred on USC-Sumter’s campus on May 3, 2023 and high school diplomas will be awarded June 2, 2023 at 4 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena:
- Emily Caroline Addy
- Amanda Rebecca Anderson
- Caidyn Saniya Anderson
- Andrew Henry Barkan
- Kaitlin Cherida Bethea
- Terrance Leon Brevard
- Cree Alexandria Campbell
- Edward James Davis
- Deonna Jamari Glover
- Zachary Nicholas Hilliard
- Leila Camille Kelly
- Angel Lathornia Kennedy
- Matthew Paul Maco
- Jalen Robert Mahone
- Andreu Michael Maynard
- Amari Symone McCoy
- Georney Latriece Miller
- Tamara Munoz-Romero
- Vivienne Monet Nelson
- Adrianna Krystelle Pinto Rios
- Rion Laken-Sharell Washington
- Eden Aralyn Zecevich
The Richland Two AVID Early College program is available each year only to rising 8th grade students across the district. There is an application and acceptance process. More information can be found on the district’s website: www.richland2.org.
