Through leadership, performing, and family inspiration, Ava makes a lasting impact at Redwood High School
By: Jordyn Fierro
Ava Dodson, ’28, is a dedicated Ranger at Redwood High School, she is known for her strong involvement across campus, from serving as Associated Student Body (ASB) president to performing in chamber choir, musicals, and playing golf.
Behind all of Dodson’s involvement and her hard work is the influence of a family member who pushes her to succeed, her Aunt Dee. She says, “A lot of people told me that we were very similar and so I want to continue her legacy, make her proud, and be just like her.”
Inspired by her Aunt’s motivation, Dodson hopes to continue growing as a leader and performer throughout high school, while inspiring others just like her aunt inspired her.
Dodson shares her musical experience, she says, “I’ve been doing musicals for ten years, my favorite role I played was Flounder last year in the Little Mermaid because I feel like I relate to him so much with my bubbly personality and a lot of people told me we are so similar and it was such a fun character to play.”
She also says, “Performing on stage makes me feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and that this is like what I’m meant to do.”
Dodson’s love for performing continues to grow with passion in every show she’s a part of where she can be herself.
Ava is the ASB sophomore president, when asked what made you want to become sophomore president she says, “So I’ve been in ASB for a really long time now and I wanted to be a leader and show how much I value our school environment and our classmates.”
Dodson has been doing ASB since elementary and middle school.
Dodson says, “I hope to make a difference this year as a leader by setting examples for others to follow,”
Dodosn drives make a difference everyday.
Dodson’s involvement doesn’t stop at ASB and performing in musicals, she also shines as a member in Chamber Choir. Dodson says, “It’s just very fun to be a part of that class, because its not as big as Ranger choir, Ranger choir has like ninety people in it where Chamber just has thirty and that’s the advanced class.”
Not only does Dodson like being a part of Chamber choir she also mentions how grateful she is for the relationships she’s made. She says, “What’s so special is all the friendships that have come out of that class, it feels like I’m a part of this growing family. This choir is one of the best choirs I’ve been in and I’m so happy I get to sing along with these amazing people.”
Her close bonds in choir reflect how supportive and positive she is towards her class members.
Dodson is also a part of the Redwood golf team.
When asked what made her want to join the golf team, Dodson says, “I have been playing golf for a little while now, just as a hobby but I want to further expand my knowledge and get better at the sport.”
Joining the golf team was a next step for Dodson to get better at a sport she’s been doing for a while. She loves being involved and staying busy.
Dodson’s parents are proud of the effort she puts into everything she does, especially when it comes to getting involved.
Her mother, Nani Dodson says, “Ava is kind I think she has a generous spirit, shes empathetic. She’s also incredibly dramatic but also the biggest cheerleader for all the people that she loves so I think all those things together make her a really incredible person.”
Together, they define who Dodson is not just at home, but everywhere she goes.
Dodson’s mom also says, “I also think it’s great that shes having all these experiences because you only regret the things that you never do. So I think her high school journey is going to be great, and I think she’ll walk away from all of this feeling really proud of herself.”
Dodson’s involvement is a highlight at Redwood, and how she puts herself out there.
When asked what performance that their daughter did that stood out to you, her father, LeRohn Dodson says, “I would probably say Annie, just because that was her first main role where she had to learn a lot of lines, and she was only 10 years old and did a really good job, she surprised me for sure.”
It was a moment that reflected Dodson’s dedication in performing.
Elliott Dodson, Ava’s brother shares how much he looks up to her, he says, “I admire Ava for how she is not afraid to speak her mind, and just tell the truth. She influenced me on how to just be a good person and showing me what it takes to be somebody that can affect the world in a good way.”
Dodson’s influence is seen in the way she approaches everything she’s part of at Redwood.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed at home. As her parents say, “I would let her know that I’m really proud of the fact that she continues to stay true to who she is. I hope that we have taught her well and have given her good guidance for her to do this whatever she does in life with integrity, with passion. And just appreciate her blessings.”
Dodson’s dad says, “Definitely proud of the person that she’s becoming proud of her skills continue to develop and most importantly glad that she is happy and she enjoys what shes doing.”
She says, “With God all things are possible, Matthew 19:26. I feel like with God on your side, you can literally do anything that you hope and desire, and I always live by this and so that’s why I have it as a daily reminder.”
Jordyn Fierro
Tags: chamber choir, feature story, golf, musicals, profile, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood gignatea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, visalia ca
