Find the original article by AY Magazine at https://aymag.com/ay-trailblazers-of-tomorrow-avery-evans/

Avery Evans has been involved in EAST — education accelerated by service and technology — since seventh grade. The self-directed classroom environment has allowed her to develop valuable leadership, project management and communication skills while serving the wider community. This year, Avery is co-leading a group of 26 students as part of the 2025 EAST Conference Ambassador Team — a feat that might have seemed all but impossible to her freshman self. Thanks to the steadfast support of EAST facilitator Kelly Martin, Avery has developed a love of public speaking and an excitement for expanding her comfort zone. “Every time I have grown throughout my high school career, it only happened because I explored something new,” Avery said. “Even if it doesn’t end up being something you love, you learn from each one. I am grateful for every new experience I have had, even the bad ones.”

School: Searcy High School

Extracurriculars: EAST, Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Youth Advisory Council, choir, student pilot

Awards and recognitions: A Honor Roll, 1st at FBLA District in Business Ethics, Mixed Choir All Region, EAST Ambassador Team Co-Leader

Best subject: AP U.S. Government and Politics

What lessons have you learned from extracurriculars that you would never have gotten in a classroom?

As a student pilot, I have learned so many things that would not be possible in a classroom. One of the biggest changes I have seen in myself since the beginning of my flying journey is how much my confidence has improved. My first solo flight was a turning point where I realized how much I can actually do compared to what I think. The idea that my abilities surpass my expectations has seeped into every aspect of my life. It not only makes me a better pilot but a better student and leader.

What causes are close to your heart?

Through EAST, I have been able to meet and network with amazing students throughout Arkansas. It has been incredibly eye-opening to see what these students can do when they are given resources and enough room to create. This has caused me to advocate for self-directed classes. I found it in EAST, but there are so many ways to create this space in schools. Students have a curiosity and drive that is so unique, and it is incredibly important to foster that. School gives us a safe space to explore our interests and try new things without the fear of failure, but once we leave school, the consequences of failure loom over us. Exploring new interests in a safe environment when you are supported provides a confidence every student should have.

How do you balance your school, extracurricular and personal responsibilities?

One thing that has helped me maintain a good school-life balance is making sure I am doing things I love. Every extracurricular I join is something I am excited to be doing, and this makes my workload a lot more fun. I also have a fantastic support system. Being sure that I love the things I am putting my time into and having supportive friends and family make my life not only easier but more enjoyable.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

I love finding new places to fly. Arkansas is known for having some of the best back-country flying in the United States, and this makes my flying adventures that much more amazing. I love to spend my weekends flying to new places across the state with my friends and family. I have been able to meet so many amazing people in the aviation community. As a student pilot, I am always learning new things and meeting new people, even when I’m just flying somewhere for fun.

What is your favorite high school memory so far?

Every year, our EAST program gets to network with other programs and show off our projects. Meeting new people every year and learning about what students are doing to better their communities is such an amazing experience.

Photography by Sarah Parsons