EAST BEND, N.C. — Ava Small is a champion on the tennis court and off. The senior helped lead Forbush to a 2A Foothills conference championship this season and led them to the 2A NCHSAA state championships.

    What You Need To Know

  • This week's Spectrum News High School Scholar is a champ, on and off the tennis court

  • She is involved in many community service activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Junior Civic Club

  • State Rep. Julia Howard presented her with $1,000 scholarship and state flag

She served up aces on the court, and off the court she continued to win in the classroom. Small is ranked No. 1 in her class with a 4.5208 GPA, and she is involved in numerous community service activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Junior Civic Club.

Part of Small's day is spent off the campus of Forbush, because she interns at Courtney Elementary School as a teacher assistant. Her plan after high school is to attend Appalachian State University and major in education as she plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Small's success in the classroom, community and tennis court made her an easy selection as Spectrum News 1's High School Scholar.

State Rep. Julia Howard presented her with $1,000 scholarship. Howard also presented Small with the state flag that was flown at half staff to honor the Forbush senior at the capital.