For over a decade, Sarah Elmore has encouraged students at Madison’s East High School to reach for the stars as a counselor for AVID, a college and career readiness program that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
The AVID framework is used at thousands of schools across the country to help close opportunity gaps for students after high school. The program provides students support services and mentorship to help them pursue academically rigorous courses and prepare for college or the workforce.
Elmore works with about 350 students at East High, helping them connect with opportunities outside of the classroom and navigate their post-graduation options. This school year, she was recognized for that work in being named the inaugural recipient of Counselor of the Year for AVID’s Global Achievement Awards. AVID launched the awards this year in honor of its 45th anniversary.
“Sarah’s work shows exactly why AVID matters,” Mary Jankovich, the Madison school district’s executive director of college, career and community readiness, said in an announcementabout the award. “She helps students build the skills, confidence and vision they need for life after high school, and she does it with such heart. This award reflects the difference she makes every day.”