Kyrene Aprende Middle School Principal Renee Kory has been named the first-ever Secondary Principal of the Year by Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a national college and career readiness program. The award was presented at the AVID Global Achievement Award ceremony during a national conference in San Diego on December 11.
Principal Kory received recognition for her efforts in implementing AVID at Aprende Middle School. The AVID program is designed to help under-achieving students with academic potential succeed in more challenging courses, providing support through classroom tutors and strong student-teacher relationships. Under Kory’s leadership, Aprende was designated an AVID National Demonstration School, which is the highest distinction given to an AVID campus.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, but it truly belongs to our entire Aprende community,” Principal Kory said. “Our students, teachers and staff bring AVID to life every day with their hard work and belief in possibility. I’m proud to accept this recognition on their behalf and grateful for the opportunity to support teachers in helping our students grow into confident and empowered learners, leaders, and collaborators.”
The Global Achievement Awards were created to highlight individuals and teams who represent AVID’s values of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and consistent support for all students.
Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes commented on the significance of the award: “AVID’s core values reflect the very foundation of The Kyrene Promise to provide rigorous, responsive learning environments so that students develop knowledge, skills, confidence and a passion for learning. Principal Kory has shown what it looks like when a school embraces those commitments and ensures every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered. Her leadership has elevated Aprende as a model of what is possible for students today and in the future.”
More information about the AVID program at Aprende can be found on their website.
