AVID Seniors Receive Prestigious Dell Scholarships

Three SoWashCo Schools Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) seniors, Faridat Bakare and Abud Mohamed from Park High School and Miles Michelson from Woodbury High School have been selected as recipients of the Dell Scholars program. 

The Dell Scholars program focuses on providing support for students as they pursue a higher education degree, awarding students nationwide each year. 

Faridat, Abud, and Miles will each be awarded $20,000, a new laptop, $500 for textbooks and a Scholars Resource Network to help provide support at school. 

Congratulations to our SoWashCo Dell Scholars!

Learn more about the Dell Scholars

Faridat Bakare  This fall, I will be attending Minnesota State University, Mankato. While I am still undecided on my major, I am leaning towards a career in health care because I want to help others and make a meaningful impact. AVID has been a major part of my high school journey, shaping me into a more organized, focused, and determined student. Over the past four years, the program has helped me develop important skills like time management and collaboration. It has also helped me approach my studies more effectively, allowing me to strengthen my understanding of difficult subjects. Additionally, AVID has provided me with valuable guidance and opportunities when it comes to college and scholarships. Looking ahead, my goal is to find a career that allows me to make a difference in people's lives, whether in healthcare or another field that aligns with my strengths and passions. No matter what path I choose, I know that the lessons I learned through AVID will continue to guide me. I am incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities AVID has given me. This program has played a huge role in my success, and I know it will continue to positively impact my future.

“Faridat has her eyes set on her future goals and works hard to achieve them,” said AVID teacher Tracy Caponigri.

Miles Michelson  I have been in AVID since 7th grade, so this is my 6th year with the program. I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to Minnesota about 11 years ago. In the past few years, I have participated in the AVID Summer Institute for 2023 and 2024 summers, I have been an AVID tutor for the past 2 years now, I have spoken at various educator events where I shared my story and how educators in my life have helped me succeed. I am committed to Iowa State University for a double major in Electrical and Environmental Engineering. I have maintained a 3.75 GPA all throughout my education, I scored a 27 on my ACT, and I have been a part-time PSEO student for my junior and senior years of high school. Once I graduate, I will have accrued a total of 37 college credits! AVID has given me a group of people to fall back on for support whenever I need it. The teachers have been amazing, and I can't wait to graduate with the classmates whom I have been next to ever since middle school! AVID has put me in the position to succeed and become the best version of myself possible. 

“Miles is a dedicated leader and mentor who consistently supports and uplifts those around him. His kindness and commitment to helping others create a positive and inspiring environment for students and staff,” said Avid Coordinator Julie Onken.

Abud  Mohamed I’m proud of how my note taking, of how my listening, of how my work ethic have improved since freshman year.  I’m also proud of my CIS Intro to Business and how I’ve been taking notes every day and how I’ve reviewed the notes and went back to them before test days. My grades show that work; I have an A in this class.  A future goal is to hopefully get into a good college that I want to get into and if I get into business, I want to go as far as I can. I also want to become the best version of myself I can be.  I’ve been in AVID for four years.  I feel like AVID has helped me get way better with note taking, listening, and being a better teammate in studies and group work.  It’s helped me also be way more focused and organized with my work. AVID has also helped me be a better talker.  All of this will help me with my future goals because it’s going to help me what I want to do in college with my major to a whole other level-I’ve learned it in high school through AVID and what I can do in college will just help me improve and hone it to where I want to be. 

“Abud is the kind of student who is always up for a good laugh and has worked hard to grow and achieve his dreams,” said AVID teacher Tracy Caponigri.