Ava High School, Ava Victory Academy and Great Southern Bank recognized Students of the Month for December at the monthly luncheon meeting of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
The December luncheon was hosted by Mike and Connie Roberts at Subway of Ava. Mike and Connie own Subway and Mansfield Home Center which has locations in Ava, Mansfield and Gainesville, with a fourth under construction in Seymour.
Guest speaker at the meeting was Nick Penka, advertising account executive for KOLR which has handled the advertising package for Mansfield Home Center.
Judy Shields, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, introduced new members of the Chamber and reviewed winners of the Ava Christmas Parade and related contests/activities.
Students of the Month from Ava for December are Destany Russell and Jeff Smalley. Student of the Month from Victory Academy is Hunter Scoville. Each was presented a savings bond by Tessa Brooke of Great Southern.
Destany Russell is the daughter of Kevin and Ranita Russell.
She is a member of FFA, Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s, cross country (qualifying for state), and track, and is a member of Cross Point Church.
Destany loves to work with her church through community outreach, such as free garage sales, foster kids’ Christmas, collecting prom dresses for girls who cannot afford them, and donating to Wright County Children’s Home.
After high school, Destany wants to become a radiolo-gist/ultrasound technician.
Destany is a student who is very polite and helpful. She has a great attitude and personality. Destany always works hard and does her best, which is reflected in her good grades and great attendance.
Jeff Smalley is the son of Paula and Travis Sweeney.
He is involved in football, Future Business Leaders of America and Pep Club.
Jeff is involved in the Leadership Class, which does several community activities – Backpacks for Kids (a program which sends food home for elementary students who are on free lunch), several nursing home activities, and school service projects.
After high school, Jeff plans on attending Missouri S&T at Rolla and getting a degree in mechanical engineering.
Jeff has demonstrated outstanding leadership and academic focus in all of his activities, exceeding classroom expectations. He is a very caring and considerate young man.
December’s Student of the Month at Ava Victory Academy is senior Hunter Scoville.
Hunter is an active member of the student body at the Academy. He is a member of Ava Victory Academy Council where he currently holds the office of class vice-president.
Hunter is also a member of Future Christian Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Missions. Club. He has been an asset to Crusader athletics, participating in basketball, soccer and track. Throughout his athletic career, Hunter has been a leader serving as team captain, a strong player and been awarded the Most Valuable Player in tournament play.
He has been a varsity starter for four years, team captain two years, OACS conference team MVP three years and two times national team MVP.
During the summer he has worked as a lifeguard at the Mansfield pool for several years and plays the drums in the praise band at his church.
After graduation Hunter plans to apprentice as a hairdresser with Trim Salon in Springfield
