This summer, Ava Z. Smith of Fort Worth will join outstanding elementary school students from across the state to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM taking place in Dallas.

National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM is one of the Envision by WorldStrides family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Ava, the daughter of Andy and Jessica Smith, is a 5th grader at River Trails Elementary School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD and was nominated for the program by her elementary school principal Keri Bartlett and QUEST/Gifted & Talented teacher Lindsey Villagomez. Ava is a member of the Art Club, Choir and Ensemble, and will be the lead in this year’s school play. Her artwork and writing have made it to the District level in the PTA Reflections competition twice. In addition, she has been selected as the recipient of both the Principal’s Award and the Good Citizenship Award several times in her elementary school years. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Hurst. Ava is currently in Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) in Pack 907, and will be among the first class of girls from the Pack to cross over to a Scout BSA Troop with the rank of Arrow of Light. She is excited about attending the program because she feels that it is a special honor and she is looking forward to expanding her knowledge. Ava aspires to be a scientist; possibly an entomologist or veterinarian.

For over 35 years, Envision by WorldStrides has empowered extraordinary students to become their best selves through programs that enable them to discover their passion, explore a career, and positively impact their world. In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family. The largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, WorldStrides works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world—and themselves—in new ways.

Submitted by: Anonymous
Posted: Mar 28, 2023