Aven Osborne, a driven 10th-grade student and athlete from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, embodies what it means to balance dedication, ambition, and service. At Summit Christian Academy, Aven is a multi-sport athlete, competing in cross country, basketball, soccer, track, and competitive dance. Her athletic schedule is only part of her story—Aven is also deeply committed to giving back. She has raised funds for animal shelters like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs and volunteers at Abundant Life Church. With her faith, family, and community as her foundation, Aven pursues her goals with discipline and a heart for others, continually shaping her definition of success through each new challenge and opportunity.
What does success look like to you?
To me, success is less about achieving specific goals and more about the journey of becoming the best version of myself. Of course, winning races or achieving academic milestones are important, but the true feeling of success comes when I know I’ve put in my best effort, stayed true to my values, and helped others along the way. Success is having the resilience to push through challenges, the discipline to keep going, and the compassion to support those around me. I think if I can end each day knowing I’ve done my best and been there for others, then I’m already successful.
Who has influenced your view of success the most?
My family has been my biggest influence, especially my parents. They’ve taught me that hard work, faith, and kindness should always be part of my definition of success. They’re always reminding me that life isn’t just about what you achieve but how you achieve it and the people you impact along the way. I’m also inspired by my coaches and teammates—they’ve shown me that teamwork and supporting each other are just as important as individual accomplishments. Seeing people come together and lift each other up is a big part of what I see as true success.
How do you balance success in academics, sports, and community service?
Balance is something I’m always working on! For me, it’s all about setting priorities and sticking to them. I start by identifying what’s most important for each season or week—sometimes that’s a big race or tournament, other times it’s focusing on school projects or a service event. I try to plan ahead and stay organized, but I also leave some room for flexibility. Success in one area doesn’t mean neglecting another; I think real success is finding a way to grow in all areas of my life while staying true to myself.
What role does failure play in your view of success?
Failure has been one of my biggest teachers. I’ve had setbacks, like not making a team or falling short in a race, and while those moments can be tough, they’ve taught me to stay humble, keep pushing, and learn from my mistakes. Failure helps me see what I need to work on, and it reminds me that success is about growth, not perfection. I’ve come to appreciate failure because it means I’m challenging myself, stepping outside my comfort zone, and building resilience. In my mind, you can’t truly appreciate success without some failure along the way.
How do you handle the pressure that comes with balancing so many commitments?
It can definitely be a lot at times, but I’ve found that focusing on my purpose helps me handle the pressure. I try to remind myself why I’m involved in each activity—whether it’s my love for sports, my commitment to academics, or my desire to give back to the community. When I feel stressed, I take a step back, breathe, and think about the bigger picture. I also lean on my faith and family for support, and that helps me stay grounded. Knowing that I’m not doing it all alone makes a huge difference.
What is one achievement you’re most proud of, and why?
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is raising funds for local animal shelters. My family has always been big on caring for animals, and supporting places like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs has been really meaningful to me. It’s not just about the money raised; it’s knowing that I’ve made a difference in the lives of animals who need help. That feeling of making a positive impact in my community is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it reminds me that success is about more than just personal wins.
What advice would you give someone who’s still figuring out what success means to them?
I would tell them to start by figuring out what truly makes them happy and fulfilled, not just what looks good on paper or what other people expect. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and everyone’s path is different. Focus on things that bring you joy, push you to grow, and allow you to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to change your definition of success as you grow. Remember that success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey, the lessons you learn, and the person you become along the way.
What does the future hold for your journey toward success?
The future is exciting because there’s still so much I want to learn and experience! I hope to continue growing in both athletics and academics, and I’m also interested in a career in physical therapy or sports medicine, where I can help others. My goal is to keep challenging myself while staying connected to the things that matter most—my faith, family, and community. No matter where my path leads, I want to keep making a positive impact and finding new ways to define success for myself.