Erika Cerna. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has recognized the abilities of two Santa Maria High School AVID students with $20,000 scholarships.
Erika Cerna Arroyo and Isabel Alfaro will receive the funds to help them next year at four-year colleges or universities, according to Saint College and Career Center Specialist Kimberley Washington.
“Since I was little, I have had two goals in mind,’’ Arroyo said. “I wanted to go to college, and I wanted to keep my parents from going into debt for paying for my education. I can now say I have achieved both.’’
School Counselor Margarita Guillen-Franco described Arroyo as a “stellar student who showed grit and determination to succeed academically no matter what circumstances she was faced with.’’
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness program that closes the achievement gap for all students.