Lakeside High School Student Wins Prestigious Essay-Writing Contest

Just four students from Riverside County were selected as regional winners of an essay-writing contest that included more than 500 students from 100 schools.

And Lake Elsinore was represented!

The contest—modeled after the University of California’s Analytical Writing Exam— was organized by AVID, a program that prepares students in every grade for college. The AVID support system strives to raise students’ expectations and help them rise to the challenge of continuing their education after high school.

The four local students were recognized at the 14th Annual AVID Annual Write-Off Ceremony at Ontario High School on Monday, which honored students in Riverside, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties.

Representing Riverside County were:

• 12th grade: Miguel Diaz, Lakeside High, Lake Elsinore Unified.

• 11th grade: Elaine Escalona, Vista Murrieta High, Murrieta Valley Unified.

• 9th grade: Tatiana Frazier, Rancho Verde High, Moreno Valley Unified.

• 8th grade: Haylee Avants, Shivela Middle, Murrieta Valley Unified.*

*Editor's note: Haylee Avants is the daughter of Patch Editor Maggie Avants.