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Avery Ross is paying it forward in her community and was recently recognized for all her contributions!
Avery was nominated for a Niagara Falls Youth Volunteer of the Year Award by Father Greg Schmidt of Our Lady of the Scapular Roman Catholic Church. This award is presented to a youth who demonstrates commitment to the volunteer work. The service they provide goes well above and beyond any volunteer service required by their school.
Avery is a vibrant young person with the OLOS parish community. As a student at St. John Henry Newman Catholic Elementary School and now at Saint Paul Catholic High School, Avery beautifully weaves together her commitment to her school, her church, and to the community of Niagara Falls.
Avery's involvement in the parish community is admirable. She has taken on the role of youth lector/reader by proclaiming the Word of God at Sunday Mass celebrations. She has risen to the challenge of volunteering to lead the Children's Liturgy of the Word, bringing alive the teachings of the bible to the children entrusted to her care. She does this with a smile while engaging the children who look up to her.
Perhaps Avery's greatest accomplishment is spearheading a stuffed animal fundraiser for the benefit of a future youth ministry. Avery and her team brought their vision to life, selling stuffies at elementary schools, and exclusive stuffies at the parish, raising more than $3,000 over the past two years. Avery has wonderful leadership qualities and is a worthy recipient for the Youth of the Year award.
Representatives of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee were on hand for the award presentation, including Mayor Jim Diodati who presented Avery with the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year award at a ceremony held at The Exchange on Wednesday, November 26.
Congratulations, Avery! You’ve made your school and the Niagara Catholic family very proud!