Ava Greiner

Parents: Matt and Angie Greiner

Cumulative GPA & Class Rank: 4.05, Rank No. 2

Activities: FFA - President, Secretary, Reporter, FFA Iowa Degree, Star Greenhand award, and Chapter Leadership award. Student Council - Student Body President and Committee Leader, Class Officer - President and Secretary, National Honor Society - Member, Principal’s Advisory Council - Member, DARE Role Model - Member, State AgriScience Fair - 2nd in the Animal Science Division, Basketball - Team Captain, All Conference Honorable Mention, and All Conference Academic player, Cheerleading - Team Captain, Volleyball - Varsity, Track - Varsity, Golf - Varsity Letter, Speech - Member, two time All State Nominee, Show Choir - Dance Team Co-Captain, Star Performer, Musicals - Cast Member, Fall and Spring Plays - Cast Member

Other clubs: Christian Youth Ministries, County Council 4H - President, Vice President, and Secretary

Future plans: I plan to attend Iowa State University to major in Animal Science and minor in Biology. Someday I hope to work in the field of animal embryology. Agriculture has played a large role in my life, especially the livestock side. Out of all my activities, working with my animals will always be my favorite pastime. Working in my sheep and cattle barns is where I go to decompress after a long day. In the barns is where I discovered animal science was an area I really wanted to pursue. I got to see all of the work that goes into production of livestock, but what caught my attention the most was artificial insemination. I find embryo transplanting and AI an absolutely fascinating subject, which is why I want to pursue this as a future career.

How will your high school experiences help you in coming years? During my time in high school I have gained great real world experience. I have been an involved student and member of my community, through this I have been able to practice skills that will help me in my future endeavors. Accountability, leadership, kindness, determination, and developing a strong work ethic are some of the traits that I will carry throughout my entire life.

Fondest memory of high school? My fondest high school memory is the homecoming festivities. The whole school participates in a pep rally, Eagle Olympics, the Dance, and TeePee night. My favorite part of homecoming week is when the whole school gets a picture together on our school's deck. Another fond memory is getting to be in high school with my sister. She is a freshman and I am a senior, so I really enjoy being able to be her big sister and give her advice.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on you and why? During my time in high school I have grown close to all of my teachers. I will never forget all of the hard work they all put in to help me achieve academic and life success. Along the way, Ms. Kaplan, Mr. Jamison, and Ms. Hobbs has had the biggest impact on me and my future. Mr. Jamison and Ms. Hobb’s significantly helped me in my path towards animal science. Being my Ag and Science teacher I have gained so much valuable knowledge from their classes. My math teacher Ms. Kaplan has also had a big impact on me. Ms. Kaplan is an amazing teacher, and has not only helped me develop my math skills, but has also lent a helping hand in my school endeavors. These teachers have put in so much time outside of school to be there for me and other students. I can say they truly have a passion for educating and creating a successful generation of students. Their dedication has given me confidence and inspired me to accomplish my goals.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you? My role models are my mom and dad. From a young age I have watched both of my parents work hard, never give up, and live a life where they show kindness toward others. I wanted to be just like them and I have tried my best to incorporate these attributes into my daily life. I would not have been able to accomplish everything that I have without them teaching me these qualities. My mom and dad are the kind of parents that have always been supportive, but never overbearing. They have given me the tools to forge my own path in life and I am forever grateful for that.

What is special about your high school? I am convinced that Keota High School is the most special high school in the state of Iowa. We are a small but mighty school, and that is what makes us so special. Keota offers endless opportunities and students have the ability to be a part of anything and everything. As I have said before, the teachers, coaches, and staff all want to see students succeed. They will go the extra mile to ensure students are set up for both academic and life success. Keota High School is like a family to everyone who attends. Everyone supports everyone.

If you go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself? If I could go back and meet freshman Ava, I would tell her to enjoy the ride, because it goes fast. High school holds so many joys and before you know it you’ll be a senior. I would also thank my freshman self and tell her to keep up the good work. I look back on my high school career, proud of how far I have come and all I have been able to accomplish.

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