November Students of the Month Recognized
November Students of the Month were recognized at the luncheon meeting of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
This month’s meeting was hosted by Bethany Baptist Church and the program featured the Ozark Medieval Fortress, a castle in the making at Lead Hill, Ark.
Jacob Adkins and Annette Horton, along with Luke Sorensen of Ava, who are working on the 13th century project, told about the ongoing construction and answered questions about the project that is being built entirely without modern tools and equipment.
Those attending the luncheon were given complimentary tickets to visit the castle.
Introduced as Students of the Month at Ava High School were Lucas Tabor and Reagan Taylor. Student of the Month at Ava Victory Academy is Ethan Potter.
Each of the students was presented a savings bond by Tessa Brooke of Great Southern Bank.
Lucas Tabor is the son of Jeff and Debbie Tabor. He is very involved in National Honor Society having served as historian and secretary, Student Council (served as vice-president), Pep Club, Link Crew, Key Club, and Leadership Class.
Lucas is very active in these organizations. He also coaches swim team at the Ava City Pool.
After high school, Lucas plans on attending Mizzou for a 4-year degree in political science. He would eventually like to run for Missouri House of Representatives and later run for Senator.
Lucas does very well in academics and has great attendance. He has great leadership skills that he utilizes in various clubs and also in class discussions.
Reagan Taylor is the daughter of Rena and Trampus Taylor.
She is involved in Anchor Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Speech & Debate, Pep Club, Spanish Club, TREND, and Student Council.
Reagan is very involved in these clubs and also has served in the community through working at various children’s camps, Salvation Army, food drives, Joplin storm damage, Relay for Life, and has raised money for missions.
After high school, Reagan plans on attending Missouri College of Cosmetology and getting a degree in esthetics, then transfer to College of the Ozarks and double major in psychology and history with a minor in teaching.
Reagan is very focused on academics and has great attendance.
She has a beaming personality and is very caring of her peers and teachers.
November’s Student of the Month at Ava Victory Academy is senior Ethan Potter. He is the son of Jayma and the late Jeff Potter.
Ethan is a dedicated student who gives his best effort in everything he undertakes. He takes a full class load and is also taking an online college class.
Ethan is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Missions Club. He is the Lady Crusaders volleyball team manager.
For the last year he has participated in Medical Explorers, a program for students interested in pursuing a career in the health field. He has volunteered almost 200 hours at Cox Hospital and as a counselor at Cross Point Camp. He also works at his church and volunteers with the younger children there.
Ethan was the 2011 recipient of the Will McFarlin Youth Award.
Since the loss of his father in 2010, Ethan has been involved with the Lost & Found Grief Center in Springfield. In order to raise public knowledge of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, which is Nov. 17 this year, Ethan decided to design a T-shirt for himself. After sharing his design with some friends, over 130 shirts were sold. This effort led to an interview with the Springfield News-Leader and to the mayor of Springfield signing a proclamation recognizing Children’s Grief Awareness Day in the Springfield community.
One of his teacher said, “Ethan is a compassionate young man who strives to make a difference in our world.”
Ethan has already been accepted at Cox College, where he plans to pursue a nursing degree.
