Kyrene School District is already home to one of the nation’s premiere campuses for the college and career readiness program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Now, it is also home to AVID’s Secondary Principal of the Year. Kyrene Aprende Middle School Principal Renee Kory received the award during the AVID Global Achievement Award ceremony at a national conference in San Diego on December 11.

Principal Kory is the first-ever recipient of the Secondary Principal of the Year award, for her work implementing AVID on the Aprende Middle School campus. AVID aims to accelerate under-achieving students who demonstrate potential into more rigorous courses, supporting them with in-class tutors and strong student-teacher relationships. With these supports, students develop a sense of hope and personal achievement that prepares them for success in college and future careers. Under Principal Kory’s leadership, Aprende was named an AVID National Demonstration School, the highest honor an AVID school can achieve.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, but it truly belongs to our entire Aprende community,” Principal Kory said. “Our students, teachers and staff bring AVID to life every day with their hard work and belief in possibility. I’m proud to accept this recognition on their behalf and grateful for the opportunity to support teachers in helping our students grow into confident and empowered learners, leaders, and collaborators.”

The Global Achievement Awards were established to spotlight exceptional individuals and teams whose work exemplifies AVID’s core values: high expectations, rigorous instruction, and unwavering support for all students. 

“AVID’s core values reflect the very foundation of The Kyrene Promise to provide rigorous, responsive learning environments so that students develop knowledge, skills, confidence and a passion for learning,” said Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes. “Principal Kory has shown what it looks like when a school embraces those commitments and ensures every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered. Her leadership has elevated Aprende as a model of what is possible for students today and in the future.”

Learn more about the AVID program at Aprende.