Pasadena Independent School District

The Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School continues to be a revolutionary force in the Pasadena Independent School District, creating individual leaders who have different dreams and follow different paths but collectively have something in common. For four consecutive years, CTHS students have not only balanced the rigorous requirements of a Career and Technical Education pathway alongside their core course load, but some have also excelled in AVID.

This honorary organization encompasses so much more than just college readiness, as the curriculum also focuses on building skills and developing behaviors that lead to a journey of remarkable accomplishments. 

This year, CTHS is honoring five incredible individuals for the first time who've excelled in their college and career readiness elective, AVID. This prestigious award doesn't go unnoticed by many; AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, embodies the exceptional commitment to academic success and personal growth in any field. 

Besides guiding them towards a demanding academic program, AVID students receive detailed guidance on recording information, practicing research, enhancing writing abilities in anticipation of current event discussions, and learning how to approach a challenging topic through tutoring or Socratic seminar deliberations. 

Upon completing the program, the CTHS fab five will be honored with a white and blue AVID stole to be worn at graduation as they celebrate every milestone they've achieved over the last four years. 

To be considered for an AVID stole, each student must meet the following requirements: 

• Participate four years in the AVID elective at Career Technical High School 
• Complete AVID Senior Data & CTHS Senior AVID recruitment project/video
• Meet all Pasadena ISD graduation requirements: maintain a 2.6 GPA or higher all four years.
• Apply and be accepted to at least two of the following: community college, university, or the military. 
• Attend all AVID college/university field trips.
• Have no more than five unexcused absences per year.

CTHS seniors Larissa Gonzalez, Evelyn Barcenas, Fatima Ocana, Emily Pacheco, and Miguel Lara Covarrunias are the fab five, as they've excelled through various mediums in their education. 

Here's more insight into all five CTHS seniors' future endeavors upon graduation.

Larissa Gonzalez is currently completing the Criminal Justice pathway, and upon graduation, she will attend the University of Clear Lake to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. 

Evelyn Barcenas is currently in the Patient Care Technician pathway and will be attending San Jacinto Community College with the San Jac Promise, then plans to attend the University of Texas Medical Branch and pursue Nursing.

Fatima Ocanas is in the Education and Training pathway. While attending San Jacinto Community College, she was chosen to participate in their new Early Childhood Education program on their bachelor's degree track. 

Emily Pacheco remains on the Dental pathway as she attends San Jacinto Community College with the San Jac Promise afterward, she plans to enroll at the University of Houston and major in Nursing.

Miguel Lara Covarrubias is currently on the construction pathway, attending San Jacinto Community College with the San Jac Promise and earning an associate degree in electrical technology.