Local visitors guide Beacon AVID students toward success

Beacon Middle School’s  Advancement Via Individual Determination curriculum extends far beyond the school wallsl. It is built on the belief that college and career readiness are best understood through the lived experiences of those who have already walked the path. Recently, students hosted two guest speakers who transitioned from the world of academia to the local workforce, offering a real-world blueprint for success.

They welcomed Alissa Silva, a Cape graduate and former Beacon AVID student (2017-18) to the classroom Jan. 8. Now a third-year student at West Virginia University, Silva gave students a clear message: Success is built on communication. She emphasized the vital roles of networking and inquiry, encouraging students to master the art of talking to the adults and educators in their lives. By sharing details of her own rigorous college course load, she provided a visual testament to the power of time management, emphasizing that prioritizing tasks and sticking to a schedule are non-negotiable skills for the next level of education.

The inspiration continued Feb. 4 with a visit from Melissa "Missy" Jones of the Lewes Dental Group. While her background is in the dental industry, her presentation delved much deeper than clinical practice. Jones focused on the essential "soft skills,” specifically multitasking and effective communication, that allow a professional to thrive in any environment. Her parting advice was a call to action, as she said students today hold a wealth of opportunity in their hands. Jones urged them to embrace every chance to learn and to say yes to the learning experiences that come their way.

“These visits underscore a core pillar of the AVID program,” said Nichole Hughes, Beacon AVID teacher. “Opportunities like these help our students gain career awareness through the stories of others. The classroom is more than fortunate to have local professionals and Cape grads who are invested in paying it forward. By sharing their journeys, Alissa and Missy have provided these students with more than just advice; they have provided a road map for the future.”