ExxonMobil Chemical Plant Manager Joe Blommaert presented a $20,000 donation to Goose Creek CISD for its AVID programs on Feb. 29. In the front row, from left, are ExxonMobil representative Kristine Hamilton, teacher Donna Hall, Briana Ayala, Miesha Frank, Miguel Davila, Taron Green, and teacher Lori Yarbrough. In the back row are Zane Edward, Mr. Blommaert, Taralyn Hortman, Superintendent Dr. Toby York, Goose Creek Memorial Principal Al Richard, and ExxonMobil representative Stephen Rivers. All the students were chosen because they have been accepted into college.

ExxonMobil donates $20,000 to GCCISD AVID programs

ExxonMobil Chemical Plant Manager Joe Blommaert and a host of company representatives presented a $20,000 donation to Goose Creek CISD for its AVID programs on Feb. 29 at Goose Creek Memorial High School.
AVID — Advancement Via Individual Determination — is a preparatory program offered at Sterling, Lee and Goose Creek Memorial high schools to help students enhance their chances of going to college by improving their academic focus and organizational skills.

The AVID elective seeks out students who are academically in the middle but have hidden potential that rarely surfaces on its own.
Before the check presentation, Mr. Blommaert spoke to some AVID students, emphasizing the importance of education and determination no matter what obstacles stand in their way.
Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Toby York was in attendance as well along with Goose Creek Memorial Principal Al Richard and the two AVID teachers –Lori Yarbrough and Donna Hall.
Although the check was presented at GCM, the donation is for the entire AVID program. “Goose Creek is extremely pleased to be partners with ExxonMobil,” said Goose Creek Superintendent Dr. Toby York.“The donation in support of the district’s AVID programs is a wonderful addition this year. Our continued partnership with ExxonMobil has been a tremendous asset to student learning in our schools.”

AVID students must take at least one advanced level course (pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement), but many take more. AVID then provides the necessary extra tutoring during the AVID class.
AVID is not extracurricular. Its classes are part of the school day, taught by pre-AP and AP teachers who stay with the students through their years of high school, giving continuity to personal and academic relationships.
To help the students, a site team for every level of AVID is made up of administrators, counselors, teachers from each advanced level core course and the AVID elective teacher. Students are selected based on recommendations, grades, TAKS scores, self-determination, and other qualifications stipulated by the AVID program.
ExxonMobil’s donation will go to support scholarships for the district’s AVID seniors and will help to support the AVID end-of-year banquets as well. ExxonMobil also donated $20,000 to the Goose Creek CISD AVID program last year.