AVID

Minors who come under protection of the court system are called wards of the court. As a law student and former ward of the court, Anthony Winbush is very familiar with this definition.

At the age of nine, Anthony was placed in foster care and separated from his siblings. “It is a lonely situation because your family is not there for you and there are no real goals for you after the age of 18,” Anthony said. “Joining the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program provided me with a second family and allowed me to go above and beyond what was expected of me.”

Anthony became part of AVID during his sophomore year at East Union High School and quickly transitioned from being an average student to taking rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses in preparation for college.

Michele Badovinac, former AVID instructor and current Regional AVID coordinator, shared that, “Anthony is a shining example of what AVID can do for a student who has the determination and a willingness to work hard. By providing him with structure and support, we gave him the tools to overcome his hardships in life and become successful.”

Anthony attributes his academic success to the requirements and expectations of AVID. Like all other AVID students, he was required to keep good notes, sit in the front of the class, stay organized, and complete homework assignments.

Overall, Anthony believes that being held accountable made him become a better person. In addition, AVID not only encouraged Anthony to succeed, but also offered him a support system.

“Going from freshman to senior year with the same group of students was like having an extended family,” said Anthony. “You knew they were right there with you and could help you, so you weren’t alone.”

After graduating from East Union High in 2000, Anthony joined the Air Force Reserves and attended Fresno State University where he utilized the skills that AVID taught him. “AVID really played a key role in my life,” says Anthony. “It allowed me to become a successful member of society.”

Anthony is currently attending University of West Los Angeles Law School while also working as a paralegal at a law fi rm. In addition to school, work, and spending time with his wife and newborn daughter, Anthony also serves as a reserve at Travis Air Force Base. He plans to further serve his country in the courtroom, where he feels he can make a difference in the world.

“Anthony knew that he wanted a better life for himself, and through his own determination he now has one,” said Michele. “I’m so proud of him.”