Woodard Jr. High celebrates national recognition for college readiness

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Woodard Junior High School in Yuma is celebrating a major academic milestone, retaining its status as an AVID National Demonstration School, a recognition given to only about 2% of AVID campuses nationwide.

Students and staff marched around the school Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the honor, with the Yuma Police Department on hand to assist with traffic and safety during the event.

AVID, short for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a national academic support program aimed at helping students reach college eligibility and success.

Woodard's recognition highlights its commitment to creating a college-going culture and delivering consistent, high-quality instruction.

"That shows our community it's not just, you know, pat yourself on the back," said AVID teacher Chris Franey. "It is tons of outside agencies that recognize what’s going on. It validates those kids...when they know they come from Woodard, they are coming from greatness because they are greatness."

The school has spent the past year working toward the goal and plans to continue building on that success.