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Ava Thompson

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Finalist

Bio

My life goal would be to pursue a degree in vocal music education with a minor in biblical study. I have been a part of my worship team at church since the fifth grade and led the youth worship team for two years during high school. Singing is a strong passion of mine as I have been singing since I was three years old. Music is my happy place. Sadly, as a child I was bullied for many years and had to move schools in junior high. As you can imagine, those were some difficult years but I wouldn’t change it. Those years of hard times shaped me into I am today. The teachers that I remember the most were my choir teachers. It was during those classes that I felt like I could truly be myself. I gradually gained my confidence back through staying involved in my church, singing, cheering and this past year theatre. I am excited to share that I will be attending my dream college in the fall. A music education teacher, I plan to give back to other kids who are going through hard times in their lives and maybe just struggling to fit in. Because you never know what may be going on in a child’s life.

Education

Wichita Falls High School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Music
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Music

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Cheerleading

      Varsity
      2021 – 20254 years

      Awards

      • uca all american cheerleader

      Arts

      • School

        Theatre
        2025 – 2025

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        First Baptist church — Student leader
        2018 – Present
      Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. Through music, I learned to love what I once thought was dull in myself, and I found the courage to stand up for who I am. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice. It has given a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change. I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.
      Lydia Fray Music Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. Through music, I learned to love what I once thought was dull in myself, and I found the courage to stand up for who I am. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice. It has given a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change. I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.
      Be A Vanessa Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. Through music, I learned to love what I once thought was dull in myself, and I found the courage to stand up for who I am. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice. It has given a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change. I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.
      Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. But that wasn't the end of my trials. During my last two years of high school years, I struggled with my cheer instructors that consistently pushed me down with harsh words reeking of failure. Those moments first brought lots of feeling I had once felt as a kid. However, this made me want to work harder to prove everyone wrong about me by doing the thing that makes me fulfilled, so I chose to deep dive into my music. I joined every music event I physically could, so I could do music all the time and grow. As I put in more work and learned to ask for help, I was blessed and felt every fine art teacher give me the courage to fight for the music I had inside. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
      Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. Through music, I learned to love what I once thought was dull in myself, and I found the courage to stand up for who I am. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice. It has given a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change. I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.
      Sammy Ochoa Memorial Scholarship
      Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder’s words capture the heart of why music means so much to me. Music is not just sound to me; it is a language that reaches into the soul, connecting people no matter where they come from or what they have faced. My journey with music began when I was young, during a time when I felt the sting of being different. I was bullied for my kindness, for reaching out to those who others ignored. The pain of those years left me questioning my worth, wondering if I mattered at all. Every harsh word and cruel laugh chipped away at my spirit, and I often hid my pain from my family, especially my mom, because I did not want her to carry my sadness. I wore a mask of strength, even as I felt lost inside. Eventually, the truth came out, and I changed schools, but the shadows of my old life followed me. Even then, music was my shelter, the place where I could breathe and feel whole. It was my quiet friend, my hope, and my way to speak when words failed me. Artists like Stevie Wonder, who faced their own struggles and still became beacons of hope, inspired me to keep going. Through music, I learned to love what I once thought was dull in myself, and I found the courage to stand up for who I am. Now, I dream of guiding others through music, helping them find their own strength and kindness, just as I have tried to do for myself. As I look to the future, I carry with me the hope that my love for music can be a bridge between people, a light that brings warmth and understanding. My dream is to become a music educator who does more than teach notes and rhythms. I want to help students find their voices, to see the beauty in their own stories, and to know that they belong. Music is a place where we can be ourselves, where creativity and kindness grow. In every group I lead, I want each person to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice. It has given a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change. I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.
      Vision of Music Scholarship
      “Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” This quote from Stevie Wonder perfectly encapsulates why I am so passionate about music. For me, music is more than just sound—it’s a universal language that connects people across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. My love for music began at a young age, when I was bullied. I felt as if being myself wasn’t good enough, but music was my oasis, my home. It has always served as both an escape and a source of inspiration. Especially from performers like Stevie Wonder, who had challenging experiences like being blind and rose above it to be a source of hope for others. Through music, I find a way to express emotions that my words alone cannot convey. This is why I aspire to be in the music education world. I hope to inspire students to be themselves and grow to be strong, kind individuals. Looking ahead, I aim to use my passion for music to connect people and create a positive impact. My dream is to become a music educator who not only teaches the fundamentals of music but also helps students discover their own voices and stories. I believe that music is not just about mastering an instrument or hitting the right notes—it's about self-expression, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging. In every classroom or ensemble I hope to lead, I want to create a safe, encouraging environment where students of all backgrounds feel valued. Furthermore, I want to use music as a tool for social change. Throughout history, music has played an extremely important role in movements for equality and justice, giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I am inspired by artists who have used their platforms to advocate for positive change, and I hope to follow in their footsteps by using my own talents to raise awareness about important issues. Whether it’s through performing, composing, or teaching, I hope to be remembered for sharing the beauty and power of music with others. Ultimately, my goal is to create moments where the people I meet can feel understood and connected through the language of music, just as I have throughout my own life. By dedicating myself to music and its ability to unite, heal, and inspire, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that reflects the profound impact music has had on me.