Students Help Superintendent Deliver State of Schools Message

Avon Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham delivered a State of the Schools message to a large crowd of community and business leaders at this month's Greater Avon Chamber luncheon. He didn't do it alone. He had the help of seven awesome students from Avon High School.

After mixing it up with community leaders before, during, and after lunch, each student joined Dr. Wyndham at the front of the room and told community members about a different and unique aspect their experience at AHS.

• Senior Mercy Oluwole became an Oriole during her sophomore year. She described her love for AHS's growing Orchestra program. A member of ASCAP, Speech & Debate, and NHS, she plans to attend University of Chicago or Purdue to major in pre-medical studies.
• Kaleb Rasheed, a junior, has attended Avon Schools since kindergarten. He spoke about how he's grown as a track and field athlete and an individual at AHS, especially since the opening of the Physical Fitness Classroom.
• A senior who has been an Avon student for nearly four years, Anahi Santos spoke about how her involvement in the Building Trades program has cemented her plans to attend Ball State University to major in Architecture. 
• Avon Academy senior Kaleigh Alexander began in Avon Schools in kindergarten. She described how she overcame obstacles on her journey toward an incredibly bright future. She plans to attend IU Indy, Ball State, or DePauw to major in business.
• Sean Smith, a senior who began attending Avon Schools in kindergarten, described how his experiences in the AHS Work Study program are helping him gain the job skills he'll need to thrive. A talented artist and video creator, he plans to continue working in the restaurant industry while finding ways to use his talents in film and video.
• Calleigh Neal is a senior who has attended Avon Schools for eight years. She spoke about how her experience in Avon Schools — her areas of involvement include serving as Student Body President, DECA Vice President, Distinguished Young Woman of Avon, and golf — have helped prepare her for her plans to attend to study public policy and economics in college.
• A senior and Avon student since kindergarten, Matthew Vetter talked about how the rigorous academics at AHS are preparing him to succeed in college and beyond. He recently found out he's a National Merit Semifinalist due to scoring in the top 1% on his PSAT. He's a member of the tennis team, DECA, student government, and more.

Certainly, Dr. Wyndham could have talked about each of these program and shared examples of what some of our incredible students are accomplishing. However, having the students talk about their own experiences was much more powerful. 

We are grateful for the work happening across all grade levels and in every school in our corporation, and we're thankful to have such a supportive community. These students are great examples of the outstanding young people who are launching into life from our schools.