BISHOP, CYNTHIA Sept. 15, 1950 to June 10, 2009 Most will remember Cynthia Bishop for her amazing smile, infectious laugh and passionate advocacy for students. In 1988, Cyndy initiated the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program for Vista Unified Schools. She then went on to the San Diego County Office of Education as an AVID coordinator, eventually becoming its Senior Director. In this role, Cyndy shaped the course of countless teachers' and students' lives. She helped initiate AVID Summer Institutes, training teachers from San Diego, Imperial and Orange Counties. During her tenure, she was the heart of this program, which provided a college education to literally thousands of students. She was a true champion for education. Born and raised in San Diego, she moved her senior year to Oklahoma and received her BA from OU. She began teaching in 1972. She moved frequently as a military wife and impacted lives as she taught in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Florida. Cyndy returned to California with her daughter, Amanda Andrew (nee Stebbens) in 1986. She married Bill Bishop in 1989. Upon her recurrence of cancer, she left her position at SDCOE to focus on family, golf, swimming and friends. Cyndy is survived by husband, Bill Bishop; mother Hazel Faul; daughter, Amanda Andrew; son-in-law, Adam Andrew; grandson Cooper (born June 14, 2009); and brother, James Faul. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 20th, 11 a.m. at Seaside Presbyterian Church, 367 La Veta Avenue, Encinitas. A scholarship fund in Cyndy's name has been established. Donations may be sent to SDCOE AVID 321 S. 6401 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA 92111-7399. Checks payable to AVID Dollars for Scholars with memo "Cyndy Bishop Memorial Fund." Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 6/19/2009