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Ava is a bright, social, and determined 17-year-old with a big heart and a love for animals, art, and sports. Born in Bulgaria, Ava was adopted into her forever family just two months before turning eight. She arrived in the U.S. without knowing English and has since made incredible progress—learning the language, adjusting to a new culture, and thriving despite the many challenges she’s faced.
Ava lives with an intellectual disability, which means she processes information at a different pace than many of her peers. However, she has an incredible long-term memory, a creative mind, and a determined spirit. She is part of the Learning for Independence program (LFI) at Walter Johnson High School, and is entering her junior year this fall. Ava is on the Step team and the Bocce team at WJ, and has played basketball and soccer with Open Door Sports (ODS) for the last several years. Recently, she started volunteering at the Wheaton Horse Stables through the Cura Personalis program and has found a passion for horses. A true animal lover, Ava has also become a pet sitter and dog walker for two families in her neighborhood.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Ava. She spent several years in an orphanage before being adopted, and those early experiences still impact her today, especially when it comes to trust and emotional security. But Ava continues to grow, persevere, and inspire those around her with her strength, kindness, and joyful spirit.
Ava’s dream is to spend time with the George Washington University gymnastics and cheer teams. With her love of movement, school spirit, and being part of a team, this experience would be a meaningful and unforgettable celebration of how far she’s come!
