Ava Harman from Putnam Valley, New York

Ava Harman graduated from Putnam Valley High School June 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. She has enjoyed playing and leading three varsity sports: Field Hockey, Basketball and Lacrosse, while also competing in Irish Dance on the National level. She is enrolled at SUNY Geneseo majoring in Neuroscience and continuing to play Field Hockey at the collegiate level. Ava grew up volunteering for Veteran organizations including United for the Troops, Wreaths Across America, and her family’s nonprofit: HERoes In Deed. HID was created in memory of her Aunt/Godmother, LTC Jaimie Leonard, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013. Ava dedicated her time since then to research and volunteer in Jaimie’s honor.  Ava’s written two Science Research Papers and competed on the regional level focusing on PTSD, a common mental health disorder affecting veterans. She intends to continue her research into mental health on the pre-med path. Ava is honored to have received the Major Lucas Gruenther Family of a Fallen Hero Scholarship, drawing so many parallels between her Aunt Jaimie and Major Gruenther. The way they devoted their lives to something greater while leaving space for their families is admirable.