Paducah Tilghman High School senior Ava Russell has been named a University of Louisville McConnell Scholar. The McConnell Scholars Program is a prestigious leadership and scholarship program for graduating Kentucky high school seniors who demonstrate a strong record of leadership, scholarship, and service. Ten students (one cohort) are added each year with a maximum of 40 McConnell Scholars (four cohorts) in the program at one time.
McConnell Scholars receive four years of enhanced academic experiences outside of the traditional classroom. Programming focuses on the foundations of leadership and political and social thought in America. General opportunities include participating in Socratic-style seminars with UofL faculty and nationally-recognized experts, authors, and leaders on a variety of topics related to American social and political thought. Scholars also take part in domestic and international travel packages designed by the Center and can receive funding for individualized study and internships. They also receive full-tuition and other scholarships.
Ava is an AP Scholar with Honor, graduate of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Youth LEAD program, was named Ms. RYLA and Junior Team Leader at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), is a Rotary Champions of Tomorrow nominee, and a state finalist for the Elk’s National Foundation Scholarship Program. She was selected for and attended the National Youth Summit presented by the National Museum of American History, the Young Leaders Academy at the University of Louisville McConnell Center, and RYLA. She held the position of Research Intern for the U.S. Department of Energy and held a year-long appointment as a contributor to its Annual Site Environmental Report (ASER).
She is the Founder/CEO of the nonprofit “Giving Grace,” a skincare brand funding service trips to El Salvador, organized and facilitated a card collection and distribution for nursing home residents, and led an initiative for a holiday toy drive for local children. She is currently preparing for her sixth service trip to El Salvador with plans to spend the summer there. She’s volunteered extensively in our community, including at the Community Kitchen and Starfish Orphan Ministries, and as a volunteer violin instructor and assistant coach for the Homeschool Volleyball Program.
Ava is President of Tilghman’s Interact Club and Technology Students Association (TSA), Lead Anchor/Writer/Editor of Tilghman’s Media program, Treasurer of Student Council and FBLA, Concert Master of Tilghman’s Orchestra, member of Beta Club, Pep Club, and National Honor Society, and is a PTHS Student Ambassador. She’s also President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (WKCTC). She is a former member of FPS and the Speech Team, and has participated in the Paducah Symphony Academy Honor Orchestra, Quad State Honor Orchestra, and SIU Orchestra.
Ava’s parents are Kimberly Russell and Christopher Russell.