Here's Why Ava Was Shouted Out As A North Canton Star Student

North Canton, OH — 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.

This submission comes from Mary Lynne Zahler who nominated Ava of North Canton, Ohio.

Star local student’s nameAva

What grade is your star local student in?

Tenth Grade

How do you know the star local student?

She is my daughter.

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Because she has the biggest heart for a teenager! Even though she has severe learning disabilities and often struggles herself, she still wants to help others all the time. She helped her disabled 92 year old Grandma every single day after school for years until her grandmother died last month. Ava also has done all kinds of pet rescues including wildlife, asked friends to bring gifts for local animal rescue groups instead of birthday gifts at her birthday parties, was a top walker and fund raiser for the American Heart Association Heart Walk, created an audiobooks section at her school library for special needs students, applied for and got a grant to help the local Dyslexia Center buy special workbooks for their students, donated her long cut hair to Locks of Love to make wigs for kids with cancer, danced in show that was held to raise money for St. Baldrick's, and she helped her dance studio purchase dance wheelchairs. These are just some of the many service projects she has worked on. In addition, she assists with a weekly special needs hip hop dance class and she also is a volunteer ice skating teacher for kids at our local ice rink.

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

That kids [with] disabilities can do anything they set their mind to, including helping others.

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

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Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.