Baldwin's Ava Cited As Star Student: Here’s Why

BALDWIN, PA — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

Star local student’s name

Ava

Star local student’s home state

Pennsylvania

For obvious reasons, I cannot profess to be unbiased! However, after living in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District for 20 years and seeing four sons and one other daughter graduate from the district, I see a special something in my sixth grade daughter, Ava. A talented visual artist and swimmer, a strong student despite health challenges that have resulted in missing more than her fair share of in-person school days, Ava is also a quietly active advocate for ethics and doing what is right.

In the face of exclusion and teasing, she continues to speak up for those who may not fit into the typical model of "who one is supposed to be". Respectful, while also articulate, Ava has spoken up and supported friends and peers through difficult interpersonal situations that seem to be more and more common as social media has changed the dynamic of human interactions.

As a former educator and a current people manager, I believe it will be those children who remember what it means to be kind and to be respectful of all of humanity who will be the adults who will be able to be the change we need to see in our world. Being brave enough to be yourself and to speak to reciprocity at 11 years old is an inspiration and gives me hope for a better future.

Ava is an aspiring business owner and entrepreneur who plans to have a Cat Cafe where all people are welcome. In elementary school she started working on upcycled cat toys that she creates, as well as visual art that will be a part of of business.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Ava has inspired many to be brave and to just be yourself even when that may not seem like the popular thing.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Ava Jenkins!

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