Senior Ava Ann Woods has been named Noon Optimist Student of the Month for October.
A day student who has been enrolled at Darlington since pre-K, Woods has taken 17 Honors and AP classes. She is head day prefect in Thornwood House and is a member of the Student Activities Committee, Y-Cabinet, the Arts Council, National Honor Society, editor-in-chief of The Inkslinger, and social chair for the Concert Choir. She is also a four-year member of the varsity volleyball team and has been involved in two winter musicals with The Darlington Players.
"What most distinguishes Ava Ann is her sustained leadership and heartfelt contributions to campus life," said her advisor, Ivy Brewer, dean of college guidance. "Ava Ann was chosen to lead Thornwood House as day head prefect for both her junior and senior years. It is highly unusual for a junior to be selected, but Ava Ann’s maturity made her the best choice. She leads her house with enthusiasm, organization and empathy, particularly during school traditions like RUMPUS, where house unity is crucial ... Every corner of our campus has benefited from Ava Ann’s attention."
Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts, agreed. "Ava Ann is a talented and well-rounded individual who contributes her creativity across many activities and programs at Darlington," she said. "She is thoughtful and kind, consistently approaching her experiences in theater, music, and visual arts with curiosity and dedication. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the art studio, she brings 100% of her passion and skill to every project."
Last year, Woods received the Kipp-Tillman Award, given in loving memory of the late Anna Kipp and Hannah Tillman, Class of 2007, to the junior girl who best exemplifies the characteristics of an athlete and an artist, and who demonstrates a love for life and a genuine acceptance of the people around her.
"This award recognizes a young woman who embodies the spirit of joy, compassion, and balance—someone who lives life as both an athlete and an artist, who embraces others without pretense, and who genuinely brightens her community," said Brewer. "That is who Ava Ann is."
The daughter of Lindsay and Chad Woods of Rome, Ava Ann will be honored at an Optimist Club luncheon on Oct. 21.