Students of the Month Recognized for January, February, March
The Ava Area Chamber of Commerce and Great Southern Bank made up for lost time Tuesday, presenting Student of the Month awards for January, February and March.
January and February presentations were postponed due to bad weather and students’ being out of school with the Chamber luncheon meetings were held.
Tuesday’s noon meeting was hosted by Ava High School and was held in the Decker Library. The noon meal of spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread and desserts, was prepared by students of the family and consumer science classes.
Dr. Brian Wilson was the guest speaker. His topic was School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS).
Dr. Wilson talked about providing students with a safe and predictable environment, and pointed out the various challenges facing schools today.
In closing, he presented a program that will be introduced to the community next school year.
He said the school will be implementing a Character Word of the Month program in grades K-12 and would like public input for the selection of the eight character education words.
Parents and community members can go to the school website, click on the link at the right side of the page and access the survey to rank and provide input on the words that will be celebrated next school year.
Character education is one component of School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS). SW-PBS is a process for creating safer and more effective schools by structuring the learning environment to support academic and social success of all students.
Students of the month for January at Ava High School were Jacob Madche and Amanda Ray. Ava Victory Academy’s student of the month for January was Tyler LeClear.
February’s students of the month were Garrett Baird and Christina Wedemeyer, from Ava High, and Emily Tredway from Ava Victory.
Ava High’s students of the month for March are Nicole Rieken and Cody Heriford; and from Ava Victory Academy, Nike Walker.
Each student received a savings bond from Great Southern Bank.
Jacob Madche is the son of Ray and Anita Madche. He is involved in Link Crew, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Club, cheerleading, drama, football, basketball and track.
After high school Jacob plans to pursue a registered nurse degree.
Teacher comments: Jacob is a great representative of AHS. He keeps up with his assignments, is active in clubs and organizations, and works hard in class. He participates well and works with his team cooperatively.
Amanda Ray is the daughter of Darin and Monica Ray. She is involved in community service projects, church youth group where she serves on a committee to increase youth group members. She participates in and assists with hayrides, cookouts, and Vacation Bible School
After graduating from high school she plans to attend College of the Ozarks and obtain a bachelor’s degree in child psychology and social work.
Amanda is a great student. She has been honored several times with the Principal’s Triple A Award, no grade below an A-, perfect attendance and no office referrals.
Tyler LeClear is a senior at Ava Victory Academy. He joined Ava Victory Academy as a sophomore and is a highly motivated student who is dedicated to his academic studies, maintaining a 3.7 GPA while carrying a rigorous course load.
Tyler participates and takes a leadership role in many school activities. He is the president of AVAC (Student Council) and Beta Club, and is co-captain of the Crusaders basketball team. He is also a member of CHART and Smokebusters, organizations aimed at increasing student involvement in the improvement of Douglas County. He is involved in his church and attends youth group regularly. During the summers Tyler has had a job as a lifeguard at the pool and worked as a soccer referee.
Tyler is currently enrolled in the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program and is planning on attending Nuclear Power School after graduation. Tyler is the son of Theresa Walker and David LeClear; and grandson of Lew and Freda Tyler.
Garrett Baird is the son of Ray and Billi Baird. He is involved in football, baseball, FFA Trend, and Pep Club.
His community service projects have included various benefit volleyball and softball tournaments.
After graduation Garrett plans to attend Missouri State University where he will major in history education. One day he would like to teach history and coach football.
Teacher comments: Garrett is a great all-around student. He studies hard and serves as a role model for other students.
Christina Wedemeyer is the daughter of Keith and Melantha Wedemeyer. She is involved in Chess Club, FCCLA serving as president, and National Honor Society.
After graduation she plans on attending college and pursuing a degree as a veterinarian.
Teacher comments: Christina is taking a very rigorous schedule her senior year as she prepares for college. She studies hard and maintains a great GPA.
Emily Tredway is the daughter of Troy and Jeannie Tredway.
She is a dedicated and motivated student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, and consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of her class. She completes assignments in a timely manner and always gives 110 percent.
Along with being an excellent student, Emily is very involved in extra-curricular activities. She is a member of Beta Club serving as vice president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCBLA and AVAC, where she also holds the office of vice president.
Emily has been a member of the Dance Team, runs cross country and also plays volleyball with the Lady Crusaders.
Emily won first place in the VFW Voice for Democracy essay contest at the local level and placed second in the district.
She is an accomplished musician, playing several instruments.
She is actively working toward the goal of pursuing a career in the medical profession as a nurse or physician at Southwest Baptist University or College of the Ozarks.
Nicole Rieken is the daughter of Larry and Shiela Rieken. She is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Leaders in Community Service, Anchor Club, Link Crew, Pep Club, volleyball, and cross country.
After high school, Nikki plans on attending MSU-WP for two years then transferring to University of Missouri. Once there, she wants to major in law and become a lawyer with hopes of becoming a judge.
Teacher comments: Nicole is taking a rigorous schedule during her senior year. She is a very good student who takes academics seriously. She is always very friendly and strives to help others when they are struggling in class.
Cody Heriford is the son of Randy and Leigh Heriford.
He is involved in Student Council, FFA, Leadership Class, Future Business Leaders of America, Pep Club, Link Crew, and A+ Tutoring.
After high school, Cody plans on attending MSU-West Plains to major in law enforcement then apply to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Cody was nominated for his school spirit! Cody has been the #1 fan of the basketball teams throughout SCA Conference and Districts. Cody works very hard at school and does an excellent job at mentoring and tutoring students in the elementary.
March’s Student of the Month for Ava Victory Academy is junior Nike Walker. Nike is an excellent student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, and consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of her class. She takes a full load of classes including dual-credit Computer Information Science.
Along with being a dedicated student, Nike is involved in many extra-curricular activities. She is a member of Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Engineering Club, FCBLA and AVAC, where she also holds the office of secretary.
As an active Missions Club member, Nike has been on two mission trips to Nicaragua. She is also a dedicated Lady Crusader! She has been a member of the Dance Team and runs cross country. She also plays basketball serving as team co-captain and plays volleyball.
In the community, Nike is a student representative on Douglas County’s Community Health Assistance Resource Team and is a member of the Smokebusters, a student-led organization that educates the public on the dangers of smoking.
Nike has already achieved an ACT score of 29. She is actively working toward the goal of pursuing a career in the field of computer software engineering at Southwest Baptist University.
Judy Shields, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, reminded those in attendance of the annual Membership Banquet that will be held Saturday, April 2, at Ava Victory Academy.
