THROUGH EVERY CHALLENGE, SHE ROSE. Ava Jaylee Smith was born on September 5, 2007 to Kelly and Eddie Smith. She has two older siblings, Elijah and Kayla, that grew up alongside her in Blue Rapids. “Treat people how you want to be treated” is senior Ava’s favorite quote because her dad constantly reminds her of this. She claims this has given her a strong personality, as well as boosting her confidence. Ava considers her dad her biggest supporter because he’s always consistent and pushes her to do her best, whether in sports, academics, or just life in general.
Something Ava is known for is definitely her competitiveness and talent in sports. She was even named the 2A State Player of the Year in Volleyball her junior year! She is only the second person in Valley Heights history to have earned this title. “Volleyball is something that I truly value and put a lot of time and effort into. I work on my skills during the season and the off season. I just love to be on the court; so to know that it had paid off meant everything to me,” says the senior.
Ava plans to continue playing volleyball in college along with majoring in sports broadcasting or journalism. Ava stated, “I eventually want to get paid to play at a high level, and I would like to play for as long as my body will let me.”
Other activities Ava has participated in are Basketball, KAY, FACS for four years; Art Club, Journalism, All School Play for three years; and NHS, StuCo, and Forensics for one year. Some of Ava’s leadership roles include Art Club StuCo Representative and Class Secretary her junior and senior year. A talent that Ava’s always wanted to learn is the ability to make a delicious latte. Ava says, “I am still practicing getting the flavor right so I hope one day I can make any type of coffee.”
Ava’s dream job is to have a stable career as either a reporter or to work somewhere behind the scenes of a news casting channel. Looking ahead, in 10 years, Ava plans to be married, living in a decent-sized home, and pursuing a successful career. When asked how she wants to be remembered at Valley Heights, Ava shared that she wants people to remember her as a good student, but more importantly she wants them to remember the mark she has made on Valley Heights athletics before she plays at the next level.
Article by Chad Bargdill