2024 Senior Spotlight: Ava Bernatz
Posted on 05/17/2024
In honor of the Farmington High School 2024 graduating class, we are highlighting a few of our outstanding seniors. These students have been nominated by Farmington Area Public Schools staff members for exhibiting hard work and pursuing their spark with passion during their time at FHS. Today’s Senior Spotlight is: Ava Bernatz!
Ava was nominated for intelligence and independence. One of her teachers, Beth Breiland, shared about Ava: “She is curious about her world, loves her family, and works to develop her skills in all her classes. Ava is passionate about theater, and she has practiced diligently to make herself into the best performer she can be. Ava embraces academic work and practicing her singing and acting tirelessly. Senior slide is a stranger to her. Ava is friendly, insightful, and talented.”
During her time at FHS, Ava has been an A Honor Roll student throughout high school, lettering in Academics and Choir. She has been extensively involved in both the Choir and Theater programs. Ava shared about her activities: “I’m a vocalist in both Concert Choir, which is an auditioned in-school choir open to Juniors and Seniors, and New Dimension, which is the elite auditioned extracurricular ensemble offered at Farmington. I was also a section leader both my Sophomore and Senior years of high school. I absolutely love the choir program and am so grateful for the numerous opportunities and friendships I have gained through it.
“I have been in nearly every high school show since my freshman year beginning with “12 Angry Jurors” directed by Ms. Breiland in which I played Juror #6. Currently I’m a playing the Narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” directed by Mr. Mariska, alongside Ms. Dimich and Ms. Kienberger. I am absolutely thrilled to open that show. In between I have also performed in “The Little Mermaid” (Adella), “The Perfect Score” (Ivy), “Radium Girls” (Nancy), “All’s Well in Roswell” (Eileen), “Little Shop of Horrors” (Angel), “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” (Fawning Lady), and “The Medicine Show” (Lucinda).”
Outside of school, Ava has two part-time jobs. One at the restaurant Barley & Vine in Lakeville and another as an assistant wedding planner for Jenna Cullen Events in Minneapolis. “I love getting to be a part of the most magical day in many people's lives,” she said. Ava also enjoys volunteering with her church. “I am a Worship Leader at Hosanna in Lakeville. I also lead a middle school small-group with my best friend. I attend a small group for young women as well. I am deeply grateful for the connectivity within my church,” she shared.
Here’s a little more about Ava and her time at FHS:
Favorite High School Memory
“I have so many beautiful memories from the last four years, between friendships, performances, meaningful conversations and experiences. However I would have to say that the school exchange trip I took to Belize my sophomore year is a win in many ways. Belize was my first time leaving the country, and I would not trade the experience for the world. From my time in Belize, I definitely would highlight tubing in the Caribbean, and ziplining through the jungle canopy on the mainland.”
High School Accomplishments
“My proudest accomplishment during my high school career is definitely earning the role of Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Theater is my passion, and I have given it every ounce of myself for the last four years. I am so excited to take to the stage for this final production of my high school career, and I could not be more grateful to the casting directors for this opportunity.”
Future Plans
“After graduation I will be attending a four-year university to earn my BFA in Theatre Arts. I am still in the process of narrowing down my choices and making a commitment, but I am really excited to study my life’s passion and begin my performing career.”
Advice for Future Seniors
“Learn to be as honest as you can. Senior year is going to go by faster than you can even imagine, and after that is the big vast chunk of life called adulthood. Don’t lose sleep over the bad parts of the now. There won’t be a better time to clear the slates, stay true to who you are, and give yourself and others some grace. It’s a stressful time for everyone, so focus on appreciating the little moments.”