RC Chatter

The Senior Spotlight winner for the month of October is Ava Van Duyne. Ava is the daughter of Kris and Alicia Van Duyne. During her high school career, Ava was involved in Cheerleading, FCCLA, RAD (Reed-Custer Against Drugs), Madrigals, Choir, Band, POPS, Solo and Ensemble, Pep Band, Marching Band, Science Club, Broadway Revue, Fall Plays, Spring Musicals, Summer Musical, the RC Chatter, World Language Club, Theatre Club, and Book Club. She was also a Student of the Month, in SSA, on the High Honor Roll, was President of the NHS, and was President of Student Council. She also participated in the ICE Leadership Conference, the ICE Choir, and the ICE Band.

Her future plans are to attend a 4-year university to become a high school teacher.

Here are a few thoughts from Ava’s teachers.

Mr. Reinbacher thinks that Ava is “an exemplary performer and an incredible human. I’ve been lucky enough to have Ava in my program all 4 years, and she has quickly become a leader in all that she is involved with at RCHS. From her unmatched work ethic to her natural comedic timing, I can confidently say I’ve never met anyone like Ava, and I’m not sure I ever will again. She gives 1000% to everything, and she defines the term “bleed Black and Gold”. She has always been quick to pull the younger students under her wing, and I’m lucky I get to see and feel the impact she makes on this building every day. My favorite moments this school year have been filming the chatter with her and Mark, where we cackle 80% and film 20%. Ava is so deserving of the Senior Spotlight, and I’m glad to see her recognized.” Mr. Gleixner is thankful he “had the privilege of having Ava in class since 8^th grade. She has been a great student, theater kid, and person throughout. She is the epitome of what a Reed-Custer student should be: well rounded, kind, outgoing, and studious. She will go far in life.” Mr. Welsh believes that Ava is “a wonder of intellect, organization and energy. She is a young woman who knows what she wants to happen, knows how to get it done, and has the charisma to inspire others to join her.” Ms. Mountain says that Ava “brings a lot of positivity to every class she is in. She is determined to do well and works hard to make that happen. She gives up her free time to do things to make our school better, like being a great host for our talent show!” Mrs. Dennis acknowledges that Ava is “always polite, works hard and holds herself to a high standard.” Mr. Kristofer appreciates that Ava is “a go-getter who works diligently and invests herself into making the school a better place. Ava is also admirable in the way that she consistently pushes herself in order to maximize achievement and success.” Mr. Mangan is “extremely proud of Ava! Ava is a testament to the idea that hard work can get you wherever you want to go. Not only does she put maximum effort into what she does, but she puts her soul into it as well. She truly cares and wants to leave a positive impact. Ava is extremely talented but also very coachable and self-aware. It’s been an honor to watch these aspects of Ava grow, along with her confidence, and I can’t wait to see where it takes her in the future.” Mrs. Arseneau thinks that Ava “lately is the Face of Reed-Custer, between all the Chatter newscasts, theater productions, and Homecoming MC opportunities 🙂. She is a natural leader and a positive spirit when working with fellow classmates and peers. She surely has a bright future ahead, and I am eager to see where life takes her!” Ms. Chinski says that Ava is “amazing in the school theater productions; so fun to watch! She stays active in school activities and always has a positive attitude. She is hard-working and dependable.” Mrs. Rankin believes that Ava is a “fantastic student and human being. She is bright, kind, energetic, and a definite leader. She gives her all to everything she undertakes, and always does it with a smile on her face.  She has a super bright future ahead of her!”  Mr. Wolf appreciates that Ava “always has a smile on her face and tries her very best at everything she does.” Mrs. Bain acknowledges that Ava is “an amazing and mature young lady. She is thoughtful, reflective and so creative.  I love seeing her creativity shine in her projects – she is so deserving of this!” Mr. Randall appreciates that Ava is “is always upbeat and gives 100% in every one of her many activities. She’s the kind of girl I could see dating my son.”

As a final thought, Ava’s advice to younger students is, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. At the end of each day, be proud that you did your best. Mistakes will never define who you are as a person; only your work ethic and dreams will. In the words of Laufey, ‘Keep on going with your silly dream, life is prettier than it may seem.’”

On behalf of the teachers and staff at RCHS, we would like to congratulate Ava Van Duyne as the October winner of the Senior Spotlight.