Celebrating Orioles - February, 2026

The Avon Board of School Trustees begins every regular meeting with a celebration of a sampling of the wonderful things happening in and around Avon Schools. 

At the February, 2026, meeting, the Board celebrated two special groups of students from Avon Middle School West and one overachieving Orchestra educator at Avon High School.

Three students, Stella, Lucy, and Molly, shared some of the work they've been doing during their time in Genius Hour, under the oversight of AMS West Teacher Michelle Howard. Stella and Lucy started a mobile snack cart program where AMS West's special education students can work, developing their functional, social, and job-related skills. Molly is using her time in Genius Hour to write her first graphic novel. These students are getting excellent, hands-on experiences and opportunities to develop their leadership gifts.

Six additional students, Fareedah, Ella, Maysen, Madison, Evelyn, and Helen, are six of the 40 members of AMS Wests' Junior National Honor Society. Under AMS West Teacher Lori Taylor's leadership, they are setting a positive tone for their fellow students. From volunteering in the concession stand to taking on other exciting leadership challenges, these students' positivity and dedication is shaping the culture at AMS West.

Finally, the Board issued a Resolution of Commendation to Avon High School Associate Director of Orchestras and Director of String Activities Joel Powell who was recently named the Indiana High School Orchestra Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. In addition to this exciting honor, the Board was able to celebrate news that Mr. Powell will become Director of Orchestras this summer upon the retirement of founding Director Dean Westman.

There are so many excellent things happening in and around Avon Schools and it's exciting to be able to celebrate Orioles!