In order to encourage future students to join AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), senior Amani Richardson spoke to Icenhower’s sixth graders about how he wished he had joined the program.

“I went for my brother’s Meet The Teacher night and I was talking to my past teachers about high school,” Richardson said. “I told them my only regret was not joining AVID.”

A few days later, the principal of Icenhower, Imelda Little asked if Armani could come speak to sixth graders.

“I am also glad that he realizes the difference that AVID strategies can make in a student’s success,” AVID teacher Dequita Fisher said. “His willingness to share this with younger students and encourage them to join the AVID program is wonderful.”

Richardson enjoyed speaking to the students, and even his own sibling, about his high school experience.

“I talked to them about choices in high school and how to manage your time,” he said. “(It’s) not easy but you can do it.”