The Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School principal and AVID coordinator are being recognized through the AVID Global Achievement Awards for their impact on students through the school's AVID program.

Principal Randy King was recently named a finalist for the 2026 Secondary Principal of the Year, while AVID coordinator and teacher Sarah Rock was selected as a finalist for the 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year through the AVID Global Achievement Awards. Winners will be announced at the AVID National Conference in Atlanta this December.

The awards recognize educators and leaders from around the world who are helping students succeed through the AVID College and Career Readiness System, which focuses on preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

For King and Rock, the recognition reflects years of rebuilding and expanding Brandenburg's AVID program into a campuswide effort centered on supporting the whole child.

"When I got here four years ago, we had one AVID section, and it was dismal," King said. "I said, 'We're going to revive this.' I looked at my staff and said I need the best teacher for this program, and that was Mrs. Rock."

Over the past three years, Brandenburg's AVID program has expanded from a single class into a program spanning sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.

Rock said the program's success came from creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to think more deeply about their education and future.

"One of the big changes was making it about teaching the whole child and making tasks intellectually worthy for kids," Rock said. "It's about empowerment."

The pair shared another surprise after learning they had both been named finalists: they had secretly nominated each other for the awards.

"It was a high five in the hallway," Rock said with a laugh. "He came to my door and said, 'I have something to tell you.' I said, 'I have something to tell you. I'm a finalist. Then he says, I'M a finalist, too!'"

King said Rock's recognition reflects the dedication and vision she brings to the program every day.

"She's dedicated, she's solution-oriented, and she has a vision like nobody I know," King said.

Rock credited King's support and leadership for helping the program grow.

"He gives us the opportunity to try things, refine systems, and keep building," Rock said.

At Brandenburg, AVID students participate in collaborative learning activities, college visits, inquiry-based projects, presentations, and leadership opportunities designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills.

"The power of AVID is teaching kids how to work through obstacles and approach challenges with confidence," King said. "They begin to realize they can accomplish difficult things."

Rock said some of the most rewarding moments come when students encourage younger siblings and classmates to join the program themselves.

"They're seeing the value, even if they can't fully put it into words yet," Rock said.

Looking ahead, King and Rock said one of their biggest goals for next school year is strengthening family and community engagement through more campus events and opportunities for families to connect with the AVID program.

"If we focus on taking care of people first, the rest will come into place," Rock said. "The standard of excellence lies in the way you treat people."