SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

2680 West County Road 476

Bushnell, Florida  33513

352-793-2315

Press Release

Date:                     May 4, 2023

Contact:               Jessica Christian, K-12 Curriculum Supervisor

Re:  Sumter AVID Student Wins Speaking Spot at Summer Institute

Wildwood Middle High School eighth grade student, Abby Lacayo, was selected to deliver her inspirational AVID speech at the Orlando AVID Summer Institute. The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program is a nonprofit organization that provides educators with proven, real-world strategies to accelerate the performance of underrepresented students so that these students and all students across the entire campus succeed in college, career, and life. She will be one of two featured student speakers at this event. She will proudly share her story with thousands of educators in attendance this June.

The goal of the AVID Speaker Contest is to capture authentic student and educator voices that demonstrate their personal resilience, determination, and self-discovery.   Abby will have all travel accommodations taken care of and will receive a $500 honorarium. In addition, some winners will have their story highlighted at other AVID Summer Professional Learning events.

Sumter County is proud of Abby, of her accomplishments, and of her representing the district at this national institute. It is certainly a distinguished honor.