While others spend time on their phones, senior Ava Leonardis aces an opponent, travels to Italy as an exchange student and tirelessly pushes herself to reach maximum potential.
Leonardis was born in New Jersey but came to Grand Rapids, Michigan when she was two. She has attended Northview since kindergarten. Leonardis has two siblings, freshman Olivia Leonardis and seventh grader Gabe Leonardis. Leonardis is second singles on the varsity tennis team, a member of the Green Team. She is the president of NHS and Student Council.
Leonardis’ involvement in multiple things has made her well-rounded and more understanding towards others.
“I get to interact with very different people, so I really enjoy that, and then meeting new people,” Leonardis said. “I feel like it’s fun to see everything that happens around Northview and you kind of get to know a lot more about people.”
Spanish teacher Debra Rodegeher was eager to finally have her in her class. Throughout the year, Leonardis has gone to Rodegher with anything she needs, helping her navigate through life.
“This is the first year I’ve actually had her in Spanish Class, and I’m so glad I got the chance to have her because she’s fantastic,” Rodegher said. “I would have missed out on knowing a great kid, so I’m glad she ended up taking Spanish four and is in my class.”
Leonardis has many different qualities that stand out and make her an outstanding person.
“She’s always doing her best and giving her all, she’s hardworking, she is a motivated person, so it doesn’t take a lot for the teacher to have to motivate her because she automatically wants to always do her best,” Rodegher said. “She comes prepared all the time, and she has a lot of great life skills that help her be successful in all that she does all the time.”
She has many people who adore and like to spend time with her, ranging from teachers and coaches to friends and family such as her best friend, senior Lily Hoogenstyn. They have known each other since Kindergarten and have been best friends since.
“She’s always been there for me during the hardest parts of my life; she’s always a shoulder to lean on,” Hoogenstyn said. “[Also ] anytime I’m having a problem with something, she’s always there to help me and gives really good advice.”
Another friend of Leonardis is senior Anna Martin. They are in the National Honor Society (NHS and are varsity teammates). Martin and Leonardis have been friends since eighth grade and continue to grow their friendship. They often work together both in and out of the classroom.
“A lot of time she takes more of a head role [In NHS] and sends me out to do some of the little tasks she needs to put stuff together, where we work together to make something work,” Martin said.
North Oakview teacher and varsity tennis coach Seth Howe has a relationship with Leonardis that has grown over the years. Howe has been her coach for three years and taught her in fourth grade. Among that, she also babysits his kids. Between all these things, Howe has witnessed many different qualities of Leonardis that make her a reliable person.
“Ava works hard at practice, making the most of her time on the court. She is punctual, eager to learn, and a natural leader,” Howe said. “She is very coachable. She speaks up when it comes to team communication and acts in a leadership role.”
Leonardis is a kind, caring person who tries to include everyone. She plans on going to Michigan State University, studying Urban Planning. She is Wildcat Strong, she will do amazing things in the future.
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