Niles Township High Schools
![Photo of Luciano winning the AVID Speaker award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1775146261/kg1hgpebhgxamkwomc8b/DSC_23032.jpg","width":2200}])
Niles North Student Selected as Speaker at National AVID Event
Niles Township High School District 219 is proud to announce that Luciano Diaz, an AVID student, has been selected as a speaker for AVID Summer Institute 2026 in Kansas City, MO. The Summer Institute is a national professional learning event focused on advancing student success and strengthening educator practice.
Diaz, a senior at Niles North High School, is one of the winners of the AVID Speaker Contest. He will share a personal story that highlights the impact of AVID on his growth. In his talk, Diaz will reflect on how AVID has supported the development of skills such as confidence, collaboration, critical thinking, and students’ ownership of their learning. These skills prepare students for future opportunities in the classroom and beyond.
“Luciano is surrounded by an incredible AVID community at Niles North that has strengthened his skills and confidence,” said Marlon Felton, Niles North Principal. “We celebrate Luciano for taking this national stage which will elevate his path and future even further.”
Luciano Diaz (left) learned that he will represent D219 at the AVID Summer Institute 2026. Brent Anderson, AVID Implementation Strategist, visited Niles North High School in March to surprise Diaz with the news.
This recognition also reflects the collective work of educators, families, and peers who create learning environments where every student is seen, supported, and encouraged to pursue their goals. By representing D219 on a national stage, Diaz helps amplify the importance of access and opportunity in education.
For more information about Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and its mission, visit www.AVID.org. You can also learn more about AVID Summer Institute 2026 online.