SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Today we are celebrating Ava Cowden, a Speedway senior student-athlete who is a four-year member of the cheerleading squad. For Ava, representing Speedway as a cheerleader is a big deal. Cheerleading helps with “... definitely connecting with the town,” said Cowden. By participating as a cheerleader at SHS, “... there are lots of opportunities to represent the high school and the town.” In July, Ava and her classmate Abigail Bowman also tried out with the UCA (United Cheerleading Association) at an event in Indy. “All-American picks girls from different schools to join a team and travel to compete,” noted Cowden. Currently, Ava spends her mornings at Area 31 where she is studying cosmetology. “It’s always been a thing for me,” said Cowden. “I’ve always liked doing hair. Next year, I will go to PJ’s in Brownsburg to continue my cosmetology studies.” Ava lives with her mother (Laura Minear) and two siblings. Ella is eight and she attends Wheeler and her brother Bowie is a kindergartener at Wheeler. Ava feels like she’s got a lot of support in her life. “My grandma Gigi has just always been there for me ever since I lived with her when I was little,” said Cowden. “She was a big mother figure in my life along with my mother. She’s just always supported me.” And as for the friend group, Ava wants to send a shout-out to her besties Caressa Redd and Rosselyn Zarco for always being there.