Aven Osborne, a 10th-grade student from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is the epitome of resilience and ambition. A multi-sport athlete at Summit Christian Academy, Aven balances a packed schedule. Beyond her athletic pursuits, she excels academically and dedicates herself to giving back through volunteering. Aven supports local animal shelters and serves at her church. Known for her discipline, positive outlook, and unwavering commitment to making a difference, Aven is a role model for those seeking to balance life’s challenges with purpose and grace.
How has your experience as a multi-sport athlete influenced your approach to challenges in other areas of life?
Sports have taught me that every challenge has a solution if you’re willing to put in the work. Whether it’s perfecting my shot in basketball or pushing through the final stretch in track, I’ve learned that persistence pays off. That mindset has carried over to academics and volunteering. When I face a tough test or a complicated project, I approach it the same way I would a game: one step at a time, focusing on the effort rather than the fear of failure. Challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to grow stronger and smarter.
What drives your passion for community service, especially working with animal shelters?
My love for animals started early. We adopted a pet from a local shelter when I was younger, and it opened my eyes to how many animals need help. Supporting shelters like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs is my way of giving back to a cause I care about deeply. Community service is about more than helping others—it’s about connecting with something bigger than yourself. Seeing the difference we can make, even through small acts, is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me why I started in the first place.
What’s one life lesson you’ve learned from volunteering?
One of the biggest lessons is that even small efforts matter. You don’t have to organize a massive fundraiser or spend hours every day to make a difference. Sometimes, just showing up and being consistent can have a huge impact. Volunteering has taught me that it’s not about being perfect or doing everything—it’s about doing something with intention and heart.
How do you handle setbacks, and what advice would you give to someone struggling with failure?
Setbacks can be really discouraging, especially when you put in effort and things don’t go the way you hoped. I remember studying really hard for a math test and still getting a bad grade. I felt frustrated and embarrassed, like I wasn’t smart enough. But instead of letting it define me, I asked my teacher for help, changed the way I studied, and did way better on the next test. My advice to anyone struggling with failure is to see it as a learning opportunity. One bad grade doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it just means you might need to adjust your approach. Keep going, ask for help if you need it, and don’t let one setback stop you from improving.
How do you stay motivated when life feels overwhelming?
I stay motivated by focusing on my “why.” Whether it’s the joy of competing in sports, the satisfaction of learning something new in school, or the impact of helping my community, keeping my purpose in mind helps me push through. I also make time for small joys, like hanging out with friends, reading, or taking a quiet moment for myself. When things feel overwhelming, those little moments of joy remind me why it’s all worth it.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you stay balanced?
Staying organized is key for me. I use a planner to map out my days, prioritizing what needs to get done and leaving room for flexibility. This habit keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and helps me stay on top of my commitments. I also make sure to carve out time for self-care, even if it’s just 10 minutes to stretch or reflect. Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding what works for you.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment so far, and why?
One of my proudest moments was organizing a collection drive for a local animal shelter. Seeing the items we collected and knowing it would directly help animals in need was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about the material things—it was about bringing people together for a common cause and seeing the positive impact we could create. That experience reminded me that even as a teenager, I can make a difference.
What’s next for you, and how do you plan to keep growing?
I’m excited to keep challenging myself in both sports and academics while also finding new ways to give back to my community. I’m still figuring out what I want to pursue in the future, but I’m learning a lot and staying open to new opportunities. My goal is to continue growing as a person, stepping outside my comfort zone, and making a positive impact wherever I can.
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