There’s a certain kind of student who shows up, does the work, and goes home. And then there’s Ava Thomas.
Ask anyone at Paducah Tilghman High School to name a standout teen, and her name will inevitably come up quickly—not because she’s chasing recognition, but because she’s genuinely everywhere that matters. Student councils. leadership clubs. The stage. Schoolboard advisory meetings. And somehow, honors and AP classes on top of all of it.
Ava is a sophomore who holds president roles in two organizations, sits on a school advisory board, performs with a step team, and facilitates conversations about the complexities of real life with her peers — all while making it look, if not effortless, at least intentional.
Building a Voice Through SEAC
One of Ava’s most visible roles is with the Student Education Advisory Council, known as SEAC, where student representatives gather peer perspectives and bring them directly to school and district leadership. Every Thursday after school, Ava and her peers plan forums, choose topics, and dig into conversations that most adults would struggle to tackle.
Their very first forum addressed the topic of teen mental health — breakout groups on trauma, self-harm, self-worth, and difficulties of making sense of one’s place in the world. A later session addressed current events and politics, with Ava’s own group exploring questions like where students get their news and whether young people who can’t yet vote should still engage with political issues.
“We’re not just doing things based off of our own beliefs,” Ava explains. “It’s about getting other people’s perspectives and creating a space for respectful dialogue.”
As a member of SEAC, Ava is also training other teens on how to bring this level of student leadership to their schools. When a lackluster conference left the SEAC team disappointed, they designed their own version of what a leadership conference should look like. Schools from around the region sent their own teams of students to learn how to engage their community at a deeper level and leverage their voice to bring change. That kind of response says a lot about who Ava is: someone who sees a gap and moves to fill it.
Community, Culture, and the African American Leadership Club
As president of the African American Leadership Club (ALC), Ava has found what she describes as an instant sense of belonging. “You instantly click with everyone there. You’re not judged.” With a focus on digging deep into African American history and celebrating African American culture, Ava values the way knowledge and community reinforce each other inside the room.
The club has also taken Ava beyond Paducah — to New Orleans for the Battle of the Bands, to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and soon on a multi-day HBCU tour. For Ava, these aren’t just field trips. They’re windows into a wider world.
“It’s important to know our history, but it’s equally meaningful to have a space that affirms who we are,” she says. “At our meetings, we not only learn about others who have made an impact, but we also learn how to value ourselves and believe in our own greatness.”
Since sixth grade, Ava has also been part of step — a performance tradition rooted in African American culture that combines synchronized stomping, clapping, and movement to tell a story. She’s now part of Surge, the high school team, and is the only member with prior step experience. That made her something of an anchor as the group — and their first-year coach — figured things out together.
“We did a lot of growing together,” she says. “I think that bonded us quickly. We can’t wait for our competition.”
Their most recent performance, a Black History Month showcase called Black Excellence, demonstrated just how far the team has come. They’re headed to competition in April.
Paying it Forward
Perhaps the thread running through all of Ava’s involvement is her drive to look out for those coming up behind her, whether the work is in school or not. In the Black Coal and Roses Society (BCRS), where she’s served as president of the nonprofit group for two years, she describes her role as a “big sister” — mentoring younger girls in the community through the same lessons on self-worth, resilience, and leadership she once received.
“If I could make it as easy as possible for others to not learn things the hard way,” she says simply, “I will.”
BCRS, which nearly acts a second family for Ava, promotes sisterhood and service through academic excellence, community service, cultural development, and the fostering of positive peer to peer relationship. The symbolism of coal that is refined over time and eventually emerges as a precious stone is an inspiring one for the young women in this group. Along with building a sense of community, the group is learning about everything from self-esteem to career planning, personal hygiene, mental health, and dealing with stress. “Nothing is off the table,” explains Ava. This is a place to learn about life, learn about ourselves, and grow into the confident women that God meant us to be.”
Ava carries that same instinct into Crown, an all-girl in-school program focused on self-esteem, supporting each other, and self-forgiveness. “It’s kind of like group therapy and a support group, but in the best way,” Ava explains. “Watching girls who once seemed closed-off begin to open up — and then being able to say I see why, and I see you changing — is something I really treasure.”
While adults are great at fearing for the future and, honestly, underestimating the wisdom and determination of teens, Ava is clearly painting a vivid picture of young leadership, passion turned to action, and love through service. Watching her work would lead anyone to believe that maybe the kids really will be alright—at least if they learn to follow examples like hers.
