Congratulations to Ava Ladner and Benjamin Watson who have been named WAPT Scholar Athletes!
The baseball and football athlete Benjamin Watson is proud that he can succeed in both academics and athletics, and he is honored to be recognized for this award. Throughout his athletic career, he has learned to let go of bad performances and focus on the good ones. “I manage a full class load and sports by reducing daily free time. Some days I have more time than others, but it’s all about the drive to succeed,” said Benjamin.
The MAIS Volleyball All-Star Ava Ladner is very grateful for her teachers and coaches, who constantly encourage and support her. Ava is also on the JA Accents and plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall and major in pre-med. She said, “I have learned the importance of working as a team and constantly encouraging each other.” She said having coaches who prioritize academics makes juggling athletics and academics much easier.
Volleyball Coach Melissa Denson weighed in, “I’ve enjoyed watching Ava grow over the past five years. She put in so many hours and was always willing to do whatever I asked of her.” Ava ended up being one of the top players in her position in our state. Denson says it has been fun to see Ava’s growth and hard work pay off.
